cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 1440: Metabolic therapy reduces expression of PECAM-1/CD31 and decreases peritumoral edema in a mouse model of malignant glioma

Patients with malignant brain tumors have a median survival of approximately one year following diagnosis, regardless of currently available treatments which include surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy. Improvement in the survival of brain cancer patients requires the design of new therapeutic modalities that take advantage of common phenotypes. One such phenotype is the metabolic dysregulation that is a hallmark of cancer cells. It has therefore been postulated that one approach to treating brain tumors may be by metabolic alteration such as that which occurs through the use of the ketogenic diet (KD). The KD is high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that induces ketosis and has been utilized for the non-pharmacologic treatment of refractory epilepsy. We and others have shown that this diet enhances survival and potentiates standard therapy in mouse models of malignant gliomas, yet the anti-tumor mechanisms are not fully understood. It has been previously shown that caloric restriction, which induces ketosis, reduces microvessel density in mouse and human brain tumor models, suggesting an anti-angiogenic effect. We now report that in animals fed KetoCal® (KC) (4:1 fat:protein/carbohydrates) ad libitum, peritumoral edema is significantly reduced early in tumor progression when compared to those fed a standard rodent diet (SD). Western blot analysis showed a reduction of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM1/CD31) in tumors from animals maintained on KC. These results were supported by immunohistochemical staining for CD31 which also revealed abnormal vessel structure in the tumors from animals fed SD but not in those fed KC, suggesting a normalizing effect by the KC. Furthermore gene expression profiling demonstrated that KC decreases expression of a group of genes involved in angiogenesis and vessel structuring including the genes encoding vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB) and angiopoetin 1 receptor (TEK), integrin beta 1 (ITGB1), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases 1 (TIMP1). Taken together our data suggests that KC alters the angiogenic processes involved in malignant progression of gliomas. A greater understanding of the effects of the ketogenic diet as an adjuvant therapy will allow for a more rational approach to its clinical use. Citation Format: Eric C. Woolf, Julie A. Charlton, Qingwei Liu, Gregory Turner, Mark C. Preul, Adrienne C. Scheck. Metabolic therapy reduces expression of PECAM-1/CD31 and decreases peritumoral edema in a mouse model of malignant glioma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1440. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1440
Lingual sebaceous glands and a possible thyroglossal duct

Abstract Since sebaceous glands have been reported occurring on the lips, buccal and labial mucosa, alveolar gingiva, frenum, retromolar region, palate, parotid, and tongue in almost 80 per cent of the population, they should not be regarded as ectopic glandular tissue but, rather, should be considered as sebaceous nevi.
TEXTURE IMPROVEMENT OF FRESH-PACK DILL PICKLES BY ADDITION OF LACTOSE AND SUCROSE

The influence of small amounts of lactose or sucrose on texture of fresh-pack dill pickles was evaluated by Instron texture profile analysis (TPA). Pickles were prepared with 0, 2, 4 and 6% by weight of either lactose or sucrose in a commerical brine. After equilibration of pickles with brine (30, 64 and 77 days), TPA values were obtained for brittleness, hardness, elasticity and total work of compression. Analysis of variance for the linear regression showed significant relationships between TPA values and sugar concentration. A minimum of 6% sugar is considered necessary for meaningful texture improvement. Sensory evaluation showed that sweetness may be detectable at the 4% and 6% sucrose levels. The presence of lactose was not objectionable at these levels.
A theory of the omega transformation

Abstract The free energy change associated with the omega transformation is described using a Born-von Karman anharmonic planar lattice model. It is shown that a dual-phase long period structure consisting of omega and beta (b.c.c.) can be developed immediately below the transformation temperature, Tω. This structure is stabilized by the “competition” in κ-space between second and third-order interplanar force constants. The third-order free energy, which drives the reaction, favors a displacement modulation having the omega wave vector kω, whereas the second-order (harmonic) energy favors a slightly larger wave vector Km. The spacing (dω) of the omega particles in the dual-phase structure is shown as the result of a “phonon flipping” mechanism to be given by d ω = π (k m − k ω ) . As the temperature (T) is decreased below (Tω) the volume fraction of omega increases and the wave vector of the omega peak shifts gradually from km to kω. On reaching kω, the stable structure is single phase omega. A number of the features predicted by this model for the transformation are in agreement with reported experimental observations; 1. (i) the first-order nature of the reaction, 2. (ii) the static-phonon structure above the transformation temperature, 3. (iii) the offset of the diffuse omega peak and its shift on cooling, 4. (iv) the 25 A particle spacing, and 5. (v) the athermal characteristics of the transformation.
Using IM and SMS for emergency text communications

Currently, text communication cannot be used to ask for help in emergency situations. Even in the Next Generation 9-1-1 system, an IP/SIP-based emergency communication system, there has been no investigation into how text communications such as Instant Messaging (IM) and Short Message Service (SMS) can be integrated. We identify the technical challenges in the integration of IM and SMS networks with the NG9-1-1 system, and propose a solution for each challenge. We also describe a working prototype system using our approach.
Spiritual Narratives in Beethoven’s Quartet, Op. 132

This paper, taking its cue from the movement’s heading, reads the “Heiliger Dankgesang” from Beethoven’s String Quartet, op. 132, in terms of spirituality, divinity, and death, following a formal narrative understood in terms of Eastern-influenced conceptions of death and afterlife found in Beethoven’s Tagebuch. It has often been noted that the movements of op. 132 present extremely strong contrasts with one another, and this paper draws connections between the narrative shapes of the various movements and several of the quite varied spiritual perspectives explored by Beethoven. Viewed in this way, op. 132 synthesizes two of the areas in which Maynard Solomon has argued that Beethoven was open to multiple contrasting and even contradictory possibilities—the musical and the spiritual. The contrasts and conflicts among the movements and among the spiritual narratives that they suggest add new dimensions to inter-opus connections as well, giving new depth to the intertextual relationship between the String Quartet, op. 132, and the Ninth Symphony.
The Removal of Mixtures of Metals by an Adsorbing Colloid Foam Flotation Pilot Plant

Abstract An adsorbing colloid foam flotation pilot plant was used to remove Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cr (III) from aqueous mixtures of these ions. The simulated wastewater contained 20 mg/L of each of these ions; residual concentrated ions were less than 0.1 mg/L (Cu), 0.5 mg/L (Zn), and 0.2 mg/L (Cr) under optimal conditions. Sodium dodecyl sulfate was used as the collector; and Fe(OH)3, Al(OH)3, and mixtures of the two were used as the carrier floc.
Temperature Dependence of Wing Abnormality in Tribolium confusum.

When Tribolium confusum pupae were exposed continuously to temperatures from 10°C to 40°C, the adults which finally emerged exhibited wing abnormalities typical of those obtained with x-irradiation. The data indicate the implication of two processes. Two mathematical models are suggested to account for this phenomenon.
Political strategy, business strategy, and the academic medical center: linking theory and practice.

The purpose of this paper is to link external political strategy theory to a specific health care setting-that of the academic medical center (AMC). Political strategy encompasses those activities undertaken by AMCs to acquire, develop, and use power (clout, influence, and credibility) to gain an advantage in situations of conflict. It should be differentiated from internal politics, a topic that will not be dealt with in this review. Political strategy should also be distinguished from but not divorced from competitive strategy. As political and social action can change the competitive landscape and the rules of competition, AMCs must become adept in issues management and stakeholder management. The focus on political strategy is a reflection of the enormous changes in the external environment that have impacted AMCs in recent years. These changes have often emerged out of political and social action and they impact significantly on the organization's more traditional business strategies. We suggest that a tighter alignment between political and business strategies in the future will help ensure organizational survival and success. This article reviews the literature and theory in corporate political strategy and illustrates the application of political strategy with examples of issues and problems faced by AMCs. Models of political strategy are well crafted, and this article concludes with succinct observations on the use of political strategies to enhance the business-based strategies of AMCs. Although the focus is on AMCs, the use of political strategies is applicable to any health care institution.
Evaluation and Management of Outlet Obstruction in Women Without Anatomical Abnormalities on Physical Exam or Cystoscopy

Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in women can be either anatomic or functional. Anatomic causes for BOO are often readily apparent by history and physical exam. On the other hand, causes for functional obstruction, including dysfunctional voiding, primary bladder neck obstruction, and detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia, are more difficult to establish. Because the appropriate treatment for functional obstruction drastically varies according to etiology, making an accurate diagnosis is paramount. Videourodynamics, interpreted in the context of individual clinical symptoms, remains the diagnostic gold standard in women with functional obstruction.
Predictors of inadequate bowel preparation for colonoscopy.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Inadequate preparation of the bowel for colonoscopy can result in both missed pathological lesions and cancelled procedures. We looked prospectively at the quality of colonic preparation and evaluated potential associations between specific patient characteristics and inadequate colonic preparation. METHODS: Data were gathered on consecutive patients presenting for colonoscopy who received either a polyethylene glycol lavage or oral sodium phosphate bowel preparation. Patient demographic and medical history information was gathered before scheduled colonoscopy. The endoscopist evaluated the preparation quality during the procedure. Complete data were gathered on 649 of 714 eligible patients (90.8%). Possible predictors of inadequate colonic preparation were analyzed using univariate statistics and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: An inadequate colonic preparation was reported in 21.7% of observed colonoscopies. Only 18% of patients with an inadequate colonic preparation reported a failure to adequately follow preparation instructions. A later colonoscopy starting time, a reported failure to follow preparation instructions, inpatient status, a procedural indication of constipation, taking tricyclic antidepressants, male gender, and a history of cirrhosis, stroke or dementia were all independent predictors of an inadequate colon preparation (all p p CONCLUSION: Several patient characteristics were significantly associated with colonic preparation quality independent of preparation type, compliance with preparation instructions, and procedure starting time. This information may help to identify patients at an increased risk for inadequate colonic preparation for whom alternative preparation protocols would be appropriate.
Management of Frontline Financial Sales Personnel

The employee turnover rate within the financial services industry is one of the highest among all industries. Studies demonstrate that a salesperson’s organizational commitment and propensity to leave are impacted by job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion. This study examines the relationships among emotional exhaustion, organizational commitment, propensity to leave and the facets of job satisfaction. Findings support that: (i) financial services salespeople’s propensity to leave is influenced by emotional exhaustion, (ii) emotional exhaustion is mediated by multi-faceted job satisfaction in predicting organizational commitment and (iii) the facets of job satisfaction are, in part, mediated by organizational commitment in predicting propensity to leave.
PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF GAS TRANSPORT MECHANISM IN A H+ IRRADIATED POLYIMIDE-CERAMIC COMPOSITE MEMBRANE

Abstract Recent research by our group indicated that ion beam irradiation can simultaneously increase the gas permeability and permselectivity of polymeric membrane materials. The temperature dependence of the gas permeation properties of a H+ ion irradiated polyimide-ceramic composite membrane was investigated to address issues of changes in the gas transport mechanism in irradiated polymers. As was seen for glassy polymers, the temperature dependence of the permeation properties of the irradiated membrane followed an Arrhenius type relationship. Both the activation energy (Ep) for gas permeation and the pre-exponential factor (P0) of the irradiated polymer were greater than the values of the unmodified bulk polymer. Large increases in the pre-exponential factor of the irradiated sample for small size gas molecules (He, O2 and CO2) combined with the dominant contribution of the pre-exponential factor to the permselectivity for several gas pairs (He/CH4, O2/N2, and CO2/CH4) implied that the irradiated sample had a different permeation mechanism than the bulk material.
ROBO4-Mediated Vascular Integrity Regulates the Directionality of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Trafficking

Despite the use of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in clinical therapy for over half a century, the mechanisms that regulate HSC trafficking, engraftment, and life-long persistence after transplantation are unclear. Here, we show that the vascular endothelium regulates HSC trafficking into and out of bone marrow (BM) niches. Surprisingly, we found that instead of acting as barriers to cellular entry, vascular endothelial cells, via the guidance molecule ROBO4, actively promote HSC translocation across vessel walls into the BM space. In contrast, we found that the vasculature inhibits the reverse process, as induced vascular permeability led to a rapid increase in HSCs in the blood stream. Thus, the vascular endothelium reinforces HSC localization to BM niches both by promoting HSC extravasation from blood-to-BM and by forming vascular barriers that prevent BM-to-blood escape. Our results uncouple the mechanisms that regulate the directionality of HSC trafficking and show that the vasculature can be targeted to improve hematopoietic transplantation therapies.
Atmospheric corrosion tests of several delta phase alloys of plutonium

A study of the oxidation of delta-phase, binary plutonium alloys containing small additions of aluminum, cerium, hafnium, zinc, and zirconium was conducted. The oxidation rates at 75 deg C in moist air are all lower than the oxidation rate of unalloyed plutonium under the same conditions. The results do not appear to be in accord with the simple theory of the influence of solute additions on the oxidation rate as proposed by Wagner and Hauffe. A size rule was suggested for deciding a priori whether a solid-solution miscibility gap betwesn oxids phases might occur. This rule was only partially successful in predicting which oxide phases would be observed to form separate layers. It is interesting that the zirconium and hafnium alloys were found to form ZrO/sub 2/ and HfO/sub 2/ as separate phases in the oxide layer. These separate oxide phases are to be expected on the basis of the size-factor rule discussed above. There is no evidence, however, that Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ or ZnO, in which smaller metal-oxygen distances occur, were present as separate phases in the oxidation products. For thermodynamic reasons, ZnO should not appear in the products. The special reasons that Ce/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and Al/sub 2/O/submore » 3/ might not be detected were discussed. The analyses of Wagner concerned with the formation of single or duplex oxide films were discussed and it is shown that the formation of HfO/sub 2/ and ZrO/sub 2/ as well as Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and Ce/sub 2/O/sub 3/ i should occur. The apparent reduction in rates can be rationally interpreted on this basis. (auth)« less
Convectively Driven High Wind Events

On a day when the potential instability is sufficient, it is possible to initiate storms from rising air parcels. One estimate of the intensity of these buoyant plumes (also an indicator of the severity of the storm) is based on parcel theory (Bluestein et al. 1988, 1989; Holton 1992). These rising parcels of air rapidly cool until saturation occurs. Further lifting results in condensation and, in a short period of time, precipitation develops. It is often at this stage that another fundamental element of a storm commonly forms: the convective downdraft.
Biochemical and Crystallographic Analyses of a Portal Mutant of the Adipocyte Lipid-binding Protein

Abstract A number of crystallographic studies of the adipocyte lipid-binding protein have established that the fatty acid-binding site is within an internalized water-filled cavity. The same studies have also suggested the existence of a region physically distinct from the fatty acid-binding site which connects the cavity of the protein with the external solvent, hereafter referred to as the portal. In an effort to examine the portal region, we have used site-directed mutagenesis to introduce the mutations V32D/F57H into the murine ALBP cDNA. Mutant protein has been isolated, crystallized, and its stability and binding properties studied by biochemical methods. As assessed by guanidine-HCl denaturation, the mutant form exhibited a slight overall destabilization relative to the wild-type protein under both acid and alkaline conditions. Accessibility to the cavity in both the mutant and wild-type proteins was observed by stopped-flow analysis of the modification of a cavity residue, Cys117, by the sulfhydryl reactive agent 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) at pH 8.5. Cys117 of V32D/F57H ALBP was modified 7-fold faster than the wild-type protein. The ligand binding properties of both the V32D/F57H mutant and wild-type proteins were analyzed using a fluorescent probe at pH 6.0 and 8.0. The apparent dissociation constants for 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid were approximately 9-10-fold greater than the wild-type protein, independent of pH. In addition, there is a 6-fold increase in the Kd for oleic acid for the portal mutant relative to the wild-type at pH 8.0. To study the effect of pH on the double mutant, it was crystallized and analyzed in two distinct space groups at pH 4.5 and 6.4. While in general the differences in the overall main chain conformations are negligible, changes were observed in the crystallographic structures near the site of the mutations. At both pH values, the mutant side chains are positioned somewhat differently than in wild-type protein. To ensure that the mutations had not altered ionic conditions near the binding site, the crystallographic coordinates were used to monitor the electrostatic potentials from the head group site to the positions near the portal region. The differences in the electrostatic potentials were small in all regions, and did not explain the differences in ligand affinity. We present these results within the context of fatty acid binding and suggest lipid association is more complex than that described within a single equilibrium event.
Subjective Sleep Disturbance in Veterans Receiving Care in the Veterans Affairs Polytrauma System Following Blast-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

ABSTRACTObjectives: This investigation sought to characterize prevalence and factors associated with subjective sleep disturbance (SSD) in a clinical sample of veterans with blast-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Methods: Adult veterans with history of blast-related mTBI were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Data on demographics, injury, and current symptoms, including SSD, were obtained. Descriptive and univariate analyses investigated prevalence of SSD and associated factors. Results: Participants were 114 veterans with blast-related mTBI (96% male; mean age = 31 years, SD = 8; mean number of days since injury =1,044, SD = 538). 78% screened positive for post-traumatic stress disorder and 77% reported SSD. Loss of consciousness at time of injury, current nightmares, depression, headache, fatigue, and positive screen for post-traumatic stress disorder were significantly associated with SSD (p < 0.05). Conclusions: SSD was pervasive in this clinical sample and was significantly associated w...
Defying De-Stalinization: Albania's 1956

Drawing on recently declassified Albanian, Soviet, East German, and Western archival sources, as well as a rich historiography on Nikita Khrushchev's secret speech and the Hungarian revolution of 1956, this article investigates the little-known events of 1956 in Albania. Rejecting de-Stalinization, the Albanian Communist leader Enver Hoxha was able to vindicate his position against Yugoslavia's brand of socialism abroad, fortify his rule at home, and claim more aid from Moscow, Beijing, and the Soviet bloc. This article discusses the Tirana Party Conference of April 1956, treating the Albanian Party of Labor (the Communist party) as an “information society.” The article assesses deliberations over security and ideology at the highest levels and demonstrates how tiny Albania came to embody, in exaggerated form, both the promises and the perils of socialist exchange, in addition to mirroring the profound inconsistencies of Khrushchev's de-Stalinization campaign.
Multiple Disease Resistance to Four Leaf Spot Diseases in Winter Wheat Accessions from the USDA National Small Grains Collection

Tan spot (TS, caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis), Stagonospora nodorum blotch (SNB, caused by Phaeosphaeria nodorum), spot blotch (SB, caused by Cochliobolus sativus), and Septoria tritici blotch (STB, caused by Mycosphaerella graminicola) are important leaf spot diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. subsp. aestivum) worldwide. Most commercial wheat cultivars are often resistant to one pathogen but susceptible to the others. Our objective was to identify resistance to multiple leaf spot diseases in a subset of winter wheat accessions from the core collection of the National Small Grains Collection of the USDA-ARS. In total, 633 winter wheat accessions were evaluated for resistance in a greenhouse and 205, 278, 146, and 68 accessions were resistant to TS, SNB, SB, and STB, respectively. Resistance to STB, SNB, and SB were positively associated, but resistance to TS was positively associated only with STB. Except for STB, resistance was more common among accessions from Europe than accessions from Asia. Cultivars and breeding lines were more likely to be resistant to SNB and STB compared with landraces. Fifty-six accessions were resistant to three or more diseases, and of these, fi ve (CItr16595, PI 278612, PI 351330, PI 361858, and PI 351983) were resistant to all four diseases. On the basis of Germplasm Resources Information Network data, 17 of the 56 wheat accessions were resistant to at least two additional diseases. These multiple disease resistance sources will be useful in wheat breeding programs.
Institutional screening for the fragile X syndrome.

• Cytogenetic screening of mentally retarded patients for the fragile X (fra[X]) chromosome is helpful in identifying individuals who could benefit from genetic counseling and treatment. Previous studies have demonstrated a prevalence of the fra(X) syndrome as high as 6% in institutionalized retarded males. The physical and behavioral predictors of positive findings from cytogenetic testing have not been clarified, since many features of the fra(X) syndrome are found in other retarded populations. We performed physical and cytogenetic examinations on 440 patients at the Wheat Ridge (Colo) Regional Center. Twenty-eight (6.3%) demonstrated abnormal karyotypes. Seventeen of these were autosomal abnormalities or sex chromosome aneuploidies and 11 demonstrated the fra(X) chromosome (seven males, four females). In males, the physical features that were predictive of the fra(X) syndrome included the combination of ear lengths of 7.0 cm or greater, macroorchidism of 30 mL or greater, and the presence of hand calluses or lesions secondary to hand biting. The fra(X) chromosome was not seen in spastic quadriplegic patients. All seven males with the fra(X) syndrome were detected among the 141 ambulatory males who resided in the highest functioning units at this institution. ( AJDC 1988;142:1216-1221)
Object-oriented and conventional analysis and design methodologies

Three object-oriented analysis methodologies and three object-oriented design methodologies are reviewed and compared to one another. The authors' intent is to answer the question of whether emerging object-oriented analysis and design methodologies require incremental or radical changes on the part of prospective adopters. The evolution of conventional development methodologies is discussed, and three areas-system partitioning, end-to-end process modeling, and harvesting reuse-that appear to be strong candidates for further development work are presented. >
Influence of microwave irradiation on the mass-transfer kinetics of propylbenzene in reversed-phase liquid chromatography

The effect of microwave irradiation on the kinetics of mass transfer in reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) was studied by measuring its influence on the band profile of propylbenzene in a C18-silica column eluted with an aqueous solution of methanol and placed inside a microwave oven. The elution peaks were measured by the pulse-response method, under linear conditions. The amount of microwave energy induced into the column was varied based on the microwave input power. The experimental data were analyzed using the conventional method of moment analysis and the lumped pore diffusion model. With input powers of 15 and 30 W, the effluent temperatures were 25 ± 1 and 30 ± 1 °C, respectively. The effect of microwave irradiation on the mass transfer of the studied solute was determined by comparing the band profiles obtained under the same experimental conditions, at the same temperature, with and without irradiation. The values of the intraparticle diffusion coefficient, De, measured with microwave i...
Estimating the Public Water Supply Protection Value of Forests

We developed a methodology to assess the economic value of forested watersheds to improve water quality for public supplies. The interdisciplinary approach required collaboration between economists, municipal water managers, regional growth planners, hydrologic and water quality modelers. Data used in this project were derived from federal, state and local entities. We used regional growth projections with linked watershed and reservoir simulation models and cost-based valuation economics. Additional treatment cost to comply with Safe Drinking Water Act regulations was calculated using volume treated and simulated total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations. Simulated base TOC concentrations (3 percent urban) were compared with TOC concentrations predicted by 2020 (22 percent urban). Mean increase in daily treatment costs ranged from $91 to $95 per km2 per day. The developed methodology is applicable to other watersheds to estimate water purification ecosystem services and is recommended for use in future interdisciplinary modeling courses.
Equational classes of Boolean functions via the HSP Theorem

A variant of a theorem of Ekin, Foldes, Hammer and Hellerstein concerning equational characterizations of Boolean function classes is proved using methods of universal algebra. The proof is not constructive but establishes a direct connection with the Birkhoff-Tarski HSP Theorem and the theory of equational classes of universal algebras.
Simple Preparation Strategy and One-Dimensional Energy Transfer in CdTe Nanoparticle Chains

One-dimensional aggregates of CdTe nanoparticles were prepared by an exceptionally simple method of self-assembly initiated by partial removal of the stabilizing shell. The driving force of the particle self-organization is likely to be the dipole−dipole attraction between the nanoparticle cores. The obtained nanoparticle chains can be easily transferred on any substrate. Steady-state and time-resolved luminescent spectroscopes revealed strong Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the particles, which led to the migration of excitation along the chain similarly to the waveguiding of light observed for chains of metal nanoparticles. The efficiency of FRET quenching in this one-dimensional system is comparable to that in three-dimensional packed nanoparticle solids despite a substantially smaller number of adjacent particles. The strong coupling of the donor and acceptor excited states is likely due to short inter-nanoparticle distances and partial ground-state dipole alignment taking place durin...
Principles of organization of the vertebrate olfactory glomerulus: an hypothesis.

Tandis que les glomerules olfactifs, dans des bulbes olfactifs normaux, peuvent etre decrits comme une structure discrete de terminaisons formee pour les terminaisons axoniques formant un contact synaptique avec les dendrites des cellules periglomerulaires et nitrates, ces experiences montrent que les terminaisons axoniques olfactives sont essentielles a la formation des glomerules mais la specificite du profil dendritique ne l'est pas
Diffusion within a developing boundary layer — a mathematical solution for arbitrary velocity distribution

Abstract A solution is presented for the diffusion of heat or mass within a developing laminar boundary layer in which the velocity is described in terms of directional components, each raised to an arbitrary power. Reduction of the general solution to specific cases is demonstrated. The Schmidt or Prandtl number exponent must be between values of 1 2 and 2 3 depending on the ratio of the concentration to hydrodynamic boundary layer thickness.
Effect of Phosphorothioated Oligonucleotides on Neointima Formation in the Rat Carotid Artery: Dissecting the Mechanism of Action

Several studies have shown that single-dose administration of agents that inhibit medial cell replication, such as antisense oligonucleotides to cell replication genes, can inhibit neointima formation after arterial injury. However, the precise mechanism of action of these agents is unknown. We analyzed the effect of phosphorothioated oligonucleotides delivered periadventitially on the response to injury in the balloon-injured rat carotid artery. Antisense oligonucleotides to c-myc suppressed medial replication 2 days after injury, but this effect was not present at 4 or 14 days. Endothelial cell proliferation was not affected by antisense oligonucleotides. There was, however, a significant suppression of intimal area and intima/media ratio at 14 days and an increase in lumen area in the antisense-treated group. Indeed, an increase in the number of medial cells at 14 days in the antisense group indicated that most of the effect of the agent was due to the suppression that most of the effect of the agent was due to the suppression of cell migration. No effect was noted on expression of two genes, osteopontin and tropoelastin, used as markers of modulation of smooth muscle cells to a "neonatal" phenotype at 4 days after injury. Because no effect on cell proliferation could be demonstrated after 2 days, our data indicate that an early effect of the antisense agent mediates its longer-term effects. We suggest that this effect may be due to the suppression of migration of medial smooth muscle cells rather than the suppression of medial or intimal cell proliferation.
Preoperative calcium-channel blockade in cardiac surgery: the good, the bad, the issues.

622 The Journal of Thoracic and Cardio F or years, cardiothoracic surgeons have focused on care factors that affect outcomes. These efforts have directly resulted in documented declines in mortality and morbidity from major cardiac surgical interventions with time, despite an increase in severity of the risk profile of patients coming to surgical intervention. Part of this focus has been to recognize pharmacologic agents that could affect outcomes, mostly in an adverse manner. At one time, preoperative aspirin, -blocker, and clopidogrel therapies were relative contraindications to surgical intervention. Now most patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are on aspirin therapy before the operation, there are compelling data documenting the benefits of preoperative -blocker therapy and perioperative aspirin therapy in patients undergoing CABG, and many surgeons administer clopidogrel before off-pump CABG. This reversal in our thinking about -blockers and to some extent aspirin therapy was inspired by large, multicenter observational studies rather than randomized clinical trials. These observational studies have provided scientific data to reevaluate previous practices in light of newer information. By using sufficiently large patient populations, controlling for such confounding factors as site and provider effects, and using statistical techniques such as propensity score analyses, important information has been obtained that has improved the quality of care. In the case of -blocker therapy, these findings challenged surgical providers to change not only their own practice but also the practice of their referring cardiologists. In this issue of the Journal, Wijeysundera and colleagues have done just such a reevaluation of the role of calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) as preoperative pharmacologic therapy in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Through the years, CCBs have been investigated in cardiac surgery as cardioplegia additives, as antiarrhythmic agents, and as additives to ameliorate vasospasm in radial artery grafts. Wijeysundera and colleagues raise the question of whether CCBs might convey a mortality and morbidity benefit in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The primary pharmacologic effects of CCBs addressed here are the antianginal and potentially myoprotective effect of CCBs in patients undergoing the stress of surgical intervention. This important study is of interest because it highlights both the good and the bad related to calcium-channel blockade.
How Stable is the Forecasting Performance of the Yield Curve for Output Growth

We provide an extensive evaluation of the predictive performance of the US yield curve for US gross domestic product growth by using new tests for forecast breakdown, in addition to a variety of in-sample and out-of-sample evaluation procedures. Empirical research over the past decades has uncovered a strong predictive relationship between the yield curve and output growth, whose stability has recently been questioned. We document the existence of a forecast breakdown during the Burns–Miller and Volker monetary policy regimes, whereas during the early part of the Greenspan era the yield curve emerged as a more reliable model to predict future economic activity. I. Introduction
A century of temperature variability in Lake Superior

A 100-yr-long time series of water temperature measured just downstream of Lake Superior is used to produce proxy time series of open-lake temperature. This analysis suggests that open-water Lake Superior summer temperatures have increased by roughly 3.5°C over the last century, most of that warming occurring in the last three decades. Correspondingly, the length of the positively stratified season has increased from 145 d to 170 d. The observed amount of warming is greater than the observed change in regional temperature over the same time period by roughly a factor of two. The discrepancy can be understood in the context of reduced winter ice cover, and implies that spatially and temporally averaged ice cover in Lake Superior has decreased from 23% to 12% over the last century.
Evaluation of BBL CHROMagar VanRE for Detection of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in Rectal Swab Specimens

A study was performed on 517 surveillance rectal swabs to evaluate a selective and differential chromogenic medium, the BBL CHROMagar VanRE (CVRE), which enables recovery and identification of VanA- and VanB-containing Enterococcus faecium (ENFM) and Enterococcus faecalis (ENFS) isolates. Compared to BBL Enterococcosel agar, a bile-esculin-azide-vancomycin (BEAV) agar, the initial overall sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of CVRE for the detection of vancomycin-resistant ENFM and ENFS were 99.1% and 94.8% and 84.2% and 99.7%, respectively. Among our patient population, more vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) were recovered with CVRE than BEAV.
Micro magnetic silicone elastomer membrane actuator

We present results of the design, fabrication, and testing of a microfabricated, membrane-type magnetic actuator. Magnetic pieces made of electroplated Permalloy (Ni80Fe20) are embedded in a thin flexible membrane made of silicone elastomer. When an external magnetic field is applied, a torque generated on the magnetic pieces produces membrane displacement. Permalloy pieces that are 100-mm-wide, 870mm-long, and 22-mm-thick are strategically positioned in a 2-mm-square, 40-mm-thick polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane (Sylgard 184). This design, produced through numerical simulations, is optimized to realize large membrane displacements. Tests performed on this membrane actuator showed displacements >80 mm in the presence of a 2:85 10 5 A/m external magnetic field. Larger displacements are possible with greater magnetization fields. This type of membrane actuator can be applied to the fabrication of tetherless micropumps for use in microfluidic systems. # 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Distributed fault tolerance in optimal interpolative nets

The recursive training algorithm for the optimal interpolative (OI) classification network is extended to include distributed fault tolerance. The conventional OI Net learning algorithm leads to network weights that are nonoptimally distributed (in the sense of fault tolerance). Fault tolerance is becoming an increasingly important factor in hardware implementations of neural networks. But fault tolerance is often taken for granted in neural networks rather than being explicitly accounted for in the architecture or learning algorithm. In addition, when fault tolerance is considered, it is often accounted for using an unrealistic fault model (e.g., neurons that are stuck on or off rather than small weight perturbations). Realistic fault tolerance can be achieved through a smooth distribution of weights, resulting in low weight salience and distributed computation. Results of trained OI Nets on the Iris classification problem show that fault tolerance can be increased with the algorithm presented in this paper.
Activation of Slo2.1 channels by niflumic acid

Slo2.1 channels conduct an outwardly rectifying K+ current when activated by high [Na+]i. Here, we show that gating of these channels can also be activated by fenamates such as niflumic acid (NFA), even in the absence of intracellular Na+. In Xenopus oocytes injected with <10 ng cRNA, heterologously expressed human Slo2.1 current was negligible, but rapidly activated by extracellular application of NFA (EC50 = 2.1 mM) or flufenamic acid (EC50 = 1.4 mM). Slo2.1 channels activated by 1 mM NFA exhibited weak voltage dependence. In high [K+]e, the conductance–voltage (G-V) relationship had a V1/2 of +95 mV and an effective valence, z, of 0.48 e. Higher concentrations of NFA shifted V1/2 to more negative potentials (EC50 = 2.1 mM) and increased the minimum value of G/Gmax (EC50 = 2.4 mM); at 6 mM NFA, Slo2.1 channel activation was voltage independent. In contrast, V1/2 of the G-V relationship was shifted to more positive potentials when [K+]e was elevated from 1 to 300 mM (EC50 = 21.2 mM). The slope conductance measured at the reversal potential exhibited the same [K+]e dependency (EC50 = 23.5 mM). Conductance was also [Na+]e dependent. Outward currents were reduced when Na+ was replaced with choline or mannitol, but unaffected by substitution with Rb+ or Li+. Neutralization of charged residues in the S1–S4 domains did not appreciably alter the voltage dependence of Slo2.1 activation. Thus, the weak voltage dependence of Slo2.1 channel activation is independent of charged residues in the S1–S4 segments. In contrast, mutation of R190 located in the adjacent S4–S5 linker to a neutral (Ala or Gln) or acidic (Glu) residue induced constitutive channel activity that was reduced by high [K+]e. Collectively, these findings indicate that Slo2.1 channel gating is modulated by [K+]e and [Na+]e, and that NFA uncouples channel activation from its modulation by transmembrane voltage and intracellular Na+.
Trends in surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease: the effect of laparoscopic surgery on utilization.

Abstract Background. In addition to substituting for open surgery, minimally invasive surgery may lower thresholds for intervention and thus increase overall utilization rates. The degree to which laparoscopy may have lowered the threshold for elective anti-reflux surgery is unknown. Methods. Using the Uniform Hospital Discharge Dataset and ICD-9 procedure and diagnosis codes, we identified all laparoscopic and open anti-reflux procedures performed on adults in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont for each year from 1993 to 1998. We then examined secular trends and regional variation in the use of laparoscopic and open anti-reflux surgery. Results. The population-based rate of anti-reflux surgery more than doubled between 1993 (4.8 per 100,000) and 1998 (11.7 per 100,000). Laparoscopic anti-reflux procedures increased more than 6-fold between 1993 and 1998, from 1.2 to 8.9 procedures per 100,000 adults, with accompanying declines in overall length of stay and mortality. However, the number of open anti-reflux procedures decreased only modestly (22%) over this time period. In the year hospitals performed their first laparoscopic anti-reflux operation, procedure rates nearly tripled, on average, and then increased slowly in subsequent years. In 1997 and 1998, rates of anti-reflux surgery varied nearly 5-fold across hospital referral regions, ranging from 5.4 to 24.5 per 100,000. Conclusions. With the growth of minimally invasive surgery, rates of anti-reflux surgery have increased substantially, with wide regional variation in intervention rates. Further research is needed to determine the appropriate threshold for surgical treatment in patients with gastroesophageal reflux. (Surgery 2003;133:147-53.)
Identification of a Protein Biomarker Unique to the Pandemic O3:K6 Clone of Vibrio parahaemolyticus

The present method of characterizing Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains involves serotyping or detection methods based on assessment of the presence or absence of genes thought to be markers of an organism’s pathogenicity. It is unclear whether these assays detect all pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus strains since a clear correlation between the presence of a particular gene and the organism’s pathogenicity has not yet been observed. We have described a proteomics-based method to distinguish individual V. parahaemolyticus strains on the basis of their protein profiles and identified a specific protein that is characteristic of the pandemic O3:K6 strain and its clonal derivatives. In the pandemic clone of V. parahaemolyticus, a histone-like DNA-binding protein, HU-, has a C-terminal amino acid sequence different from those of other strains of V. parahaemolyticus. Upon further study, it was discovered that the gene encoding this protein has a 16-kbp insert at the 3 terminus of the open reading frame for this protein. By using the protein sequence of the unique biomarker for the pandemic clone of V. parahaemolyticus, it was possible to rationally design specific PCR-based probes and assays that permit the rapid and precise identification of pandemic strains of V. parahaemolyticus. Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a gram-negative bacterium that occurs naturally in marine waters and is commonly found in fish and shellfish dwelling in warm coastal waters. As an environmental organism, few strains of V. parahaemolyticus are capable of causing human disease. However, consumption of raw or improperly cooked shellfish and other seafood contaminated with a virulent strain of V. parahaemolyticus can cause chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and in rare instances, death (5).
National survey to measure rates of liver injury, hospitalization, and death associated with rifampin and pyrazinamide for latent tuberculosis infection.

Background. Cases of severe and fatal liver injury were reported after a 2-month course of rifampin-pyrazinamide therapy was recommended in 2000 as an alternative to isoniazid for treatment of latent tuberculosis infection. We estimated rates of rifampin-pyrazinamide-associated liver injury and compared these with historical rates for isoniazid. Methods. We conducted a survey of state and city tuberculosis programs and other health care settings in the United States where rifampin-pyrazinamide was prescribed. The number of rifampin-pyrazinamide therapy initiations was collected, as well as the number of occurrences of (1) asymptomatic aspartate aminotransferase serum concentration >5 times the upper limit of normal, (2) symptomatic hepatitis (in which the patient was not hospitalized), (3) hospitalization for liver injury, (4) death with liver injury, and (5) treatment completion. We also searched a national pharmacy claims database (Verispan). Rates of these events were calculated. Results. Among 139 programs, 110 (79%) responded; 87 (79%) had initiated rifampin-pyrazinamide therapy for a total of 8087 patients between January 2000 and June 2002. Rates per 1000 rifampin-pyrazinamide therapy initiations during this period were 25.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.3-29.3) for asymptomatic aspartate aminotransferase level >5 times the upper limit of normal and 18.7 (95% CI, 15.9-21.9) for hepatitis. Seven fatalities and 23 hospitalizations occurred, with rates of 0.9 (95% CI, 0.4-1.9) and 2.8 (95% CI, 1.8-4.3) per 1000 rifampin-pyrazinamide therapy initiations, respectively. Of 8087 patients, 64% completed rifampin-pyrazinamide therapy. The Verispan search revealed 1 rifampin-pyrazinamide-associated hospitalization (2.9 hospitalizations per 1000 rifampin-pyrazinamide therapy initiations; 95% CI, 0.1-18.4) and no deaths. Articles on the use of isoniazid therapy for latent tuberculosis infection that were published after 1990 reported fatality rates of 0.0-0.3 deaths per 1000 persons. Conclusions. Rates of liver injury, hospitalization, and death associated with rifampin-pyrazinamide therapy exceed rates reported for isoniazid therapy. Because earlier randomized trials of rifampin-pyrazinamide lacked adequate statistical power to detect fatal events, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that rifampin-pyrazinamide generally should not be used for treatment of latent tuberculosis infection.