cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms: Preoperative and intraoperative factors determining immediate and long-term results of operations in 605 patients

Abstract Graft inclusion and vessel reattachment to openings made in the graft were employed in the treatment of 605 patients with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. These patients were divided into four groups on the basis of the extent of aneurysm. Group I consisted of those patients with involvement of most of the descending thoracic and upper abdominal aorta; group II involved most of the descending thoracic aorta and most or all of the abdominal aorta; group III involved the distal descending thoracic aorta and varying segments of abdominal aorta; and group IV involved most or all of the abdominal aorta including the segment from which the visceral vessels arose. The cause of aneurysm formation was medial degenerative disease in 80%, and dissection in 17%; other causes were responsible in the remaining 3%. The median age was 65 years and associated diseases including aneurysms involving other segments, atherosclerotic occlusive disease, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, and renal insufficiency were frequent. The aneurym was symptomatic in 70% of cases and rupture had occurred in 4% of cases. There were 54 (8.9%) early (30-day) deaths and 151 late deaths; 400 (66%) patients were still alive 3 months to 20 years after operation, including 60% at 5 years. Statistically significant pre- and intraoperative variables by univariate analysis that were predictive of increased risk of early death were advancing age, associated diseases that included COPD, renal artery occlusive disease, atherosclerotic heart disease, renal insufficiency, and long aortic clamp time. Three of these (age, clamp time, and the presence of COPD) retained significance by multivariate analysis. Variables predictive of risk of late death were age, dissection, extent of aneurysm, rupture, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, COPD, hypertension, and poor renal function. Age, rupture, renal dysfunction, extent of aneurysm, and dissection retained their significance by multivariate analysis. Variable predictive of neurologic disturbances of the lower extremities included rupture, reattachment of intercostal and lumbar arteries, clamp time, dissection, extent of aneurysm, and age. Rupture, reattachment of vessels, dissection, and extent of aneurysm retained significance by multivariate analysis. Thus, the risk of this complication was greatest in patients with extensive lesions (group II) with aortic dissection. The greatest risk of renal failure after operation that required dialysis was in patients who had impaired renal function before operation. Methods employed did not prevent these complications.
SIGACT News Complexity Theory Column 12

Please don't be shy about sending even vague pointers to people who may have complete or partial resolutions of the problems mentioned in any of the open questions columns that have appeared as earlier complexity theory columns. Though I don't give a dollar for each solved problem (what do you expect on a theoretician's salary!), I'll be delighted to report in this space on resolutions (such as the thrilling resolution by Cai and Sivakumar that was mentioned in the previous column). Without further delay, here is this issue's guest column, by Mihir Bellare.
Visualization of Bacteriophage T3 Capsids with DNA Incompletely Packaged In Vivo

The tightly packaged double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genome in the mature particles of many tailed bacteriophages has been shown to form multiple concentric rings when reconstructed from cryo-electron micrographs. However, recent single-particle DNA packaging force measurements have suggested that incompletely packaged DNA (ipDNA) is less ordered when it is shorter than approximately 25% of the full genome length. The study presented here initially achieves both the isolation and the ipDNA length-based fractionation of ipDNA-containing T3 phage capsids (ipDNA-capsids) produced by DNA packaging in vivo; some ipDNA has quantized lengths, as judged by high-resolution gel electrophoresis of expelled DNA. This is the first isolation of such particles among the tailed dsDNA bacteriophages. The ipDNA-capsids are a minor component (containing approximately 10(-4) of packaged DNA in all particles) and are initially detected by nondenaturing gel electrophoresis after partial purification by buoyant density centrifugation. The primary contaminants are aggregates of phage particles and empty capsids. This study then investigates ipDNA conformations by the first cryo-electron microscopy of ipDNA-capsids produced in vivo. The 3-D structures of DNA-free capsids, ipDNA-capsids with various lengths of ipDNA, and mature bacteriophage are reconstructed, which reveals the typical T=7l icosahedral shell of many tailed dsDNA bacteriophages. Though the icosahedral shell structures of these capsids are indistinguishable at the current resolution for the protein shell (approximately 15 A), the conformations of the DNA inside the shell are drastically different. T3 ipDNA-capsids with 10.6 kb or shorter dsDNA (<28% of total genome) have an ipDNA conformation indistinguishable from random. However, T3 ipDNA-capsids with 22 kb DNA (58% of total genome) form a single DNA ring next to the inner surface of the capsid shell. In contrast, dsDNA fully packaged (38.2 kb) in mature T3 phage particles forms multiple concentric rings such as those seen in other tailed dsDNA bacteriophages. The distance between the icosahedral shell and the outermost DNA ring decreases in the mature, fully packaged phage structure. These results suggest that, in the early stage of DNA packaging, the dsDNA genome is randomly distributed inside the capsid, not preferentially packaged against the inner surface of the capsid shell, and that the multiple concentric dsDNA rings seen later are the results of pressure-driven close-packing.
Hypomagnesemia in Adolescents With Eating Disorders Hospitalized for Medical Instability

Background: Hypomagnesemia in patients with eating disorders is poorly characterized, particularly among adolescents. Methods: To determine the prevalence of hypomagnesemia (Mg ≤1.7 mg/dL) and clinical characteristics of adolescents hospitalized with a DSM-IV-diagnosed eating disorder who developed hypomagnesemia, a retrospective chart review was conducted on all adolescents aged 10–21 years with an eating disorder were hospitalized at a tertiary care children’s hospital from 2007 to 2010. Patients were refed orally with standard nutrition and high-energy liquid supplements. Serum magnesium and phosphorus were obtained on admission, every 24–48 hours for the first week, and thereafter as clinically indicated. Clinical characteristics of patients with hypomagnesemia were compared with those of individuals with normal magnesium levels and those with hypophosphatemia. Results: Eighty-six of 541 eligible participants (15.9%) developed hypomagnesemia. Forty (47%) with hypomagnesemia admitted to purging in the ...
Suppressor factor from tumor-allosensitized spleen cells—Its effect on in vitro proliferation of tumor cells and in vivo skin allograft survival

Abstract C57BL/6 mice are sensitized ip with allogeneic P-815 mastocytoma cells. Fifteen days later the spleen cells of the sensitized mice are used in the production of suppressor factor or treated with mitomycin and used as suppressor cells. Sensitized spleen cells incubated with the specific alloantigen (DBA/2 m-treated spleen cells) release suppressor factor (SF) 2 which inhibits cell proliferation in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) as well as the in vitro generation of cytotoxic cells (CML). SF is most effective when added eary during MLC. SF also inhibits mitogen responsiveness of normal spleen cells. In addition to inhibiting lymphocyte function in vitro, suppressor cells as well as SF inhibit the in vitro proliferation of tumor cells. This inhibition is specific for the tumor to which the suppressor cells are induced. The inhibition of tumor cell proliferation is not due to the presence of cytotoxic cells in the spleen of the tumor-allosensitized mice. Suppressor cells from neonatal mice do not inhibit the in vitro proliferation of tumor cells. SF injected iv into C57BL/6 mice decreases the mixed lymphocyte reactivity of the host spleen cells and decreases the ability of the host to reject skin allografts. We interpret these data to suggest that tumor-allosensitized spleen cells, and the SF they produce, not only affect lymphocyte function but also inhibit tumor cell proliferation. This dual effect of suppressor cells could be an important part of the immune surveillance against tumors.
Analytical modeling of flutter derivatives as finite elements

Abstract This paper presents the development of two elements for finite element modeling of cable-suspended bridge flutter derivatives. The first element, a consistent formulation, utilizes the assumed-modes approach in its development with shape functions being identical to those used for a three-dimensional space frame element. The second element, a lumped formulation, simply assigns one-half of the overall load to each member end. To ascertain the effectiveness of the two elements, each is used to analyze a cable-suspended bridge with various flutter derivatives for the lowest wind velocity that initiates flutter. Results indicate that both elements are accurate and computationally cost effective, with the lumped formulation producing lower wind velocities at flutter.
Eliciting Renal Failure in Mosquitoes with a Small-Molecule Inhibitor of Inward-Rectifying Potassium Channels

Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever take a large toll on global health. The primary chemical agents used for controlling mosquitoes are insecticides that target the nervous system. However, the emergence of resistance in mosquito populations is reducing the efficacy of available insecticides. The development of new insecticides is therefore urgent. Here we show that VU573, a small-molecule inhibitor of mammalian inward-rectifying potassium (Kir) channels, inhibits a Kir channel cloned from the renal (Malpighian) tubules of Aedes aegypti (AeKir1). Injection of VU573 into the hemolymph of adult female mosquitoes (Ae. aegypti) disrupts the production and excretion of urine in a manner consistent with channel block of AeKir1 and renders the mosquitoes incapacitated (flightless or dead) within 24 hours. Moreover, the toxicity of VU573 in mosquitoes (Ae. aegypti) is exacerbated when hemolymph potassium levels are elevated, suggesting that Kir channels are essential for maintenance of whole-animal potassium homeostasis. Our study demonstrates that renal failure is a promising mechanism of action for killing mosquitoes, and motivates the discovery of selective small-molecule inhibitors of mosquito Kir channels for use as insecticides.
Achieving TeraCUPS on Longest Common Subsequence Problem Using GPGPUs

In this paper, we describe a novel technique to optimize longest common subsequence (LCS) algorithm for one-to-many matching problem on GPUs by transforming the computation into bit-wise operations and a post-processing step. The former can be highly optimized and achieves more than a trillion operations (cell updates) per second (CUPS)-a first for LCS algorithms. The latter is more efficiently done on CPUs, in a fraction of the bit-wise computation time. The bit-wise step promises to be a foundational step and a fundamentally new approach to developing algorithms for increasingly popular heterogeneous environments that could dramatically increase the applicability of hybrid CPU-GPU environments.
A borate column for the separation of ribo and deoxyribonucleosides.

Abstract A method is described for the separation of mixtures of the naturally occurring ribo- and deoxyribonucleosides by chromatography on columns of Dowex 50 eluted with ammonium borate. Nucleotides, ribonucleosides, and nucleotide-containing complex sugars are not retained on the column under these conditions, permitting unambiguous separation of these compounds from the deoxyribonucleosides, which are easily separated from each other by this chromatography. The elution positions of the nucleic acid bases allow partial to complete resolution from the corresponding deoxynucleosides. This column has either preparative or analytical utility for the procurement of nucleoside fractions free of the common contaminants.
Adeno-associated virus mediated gene transfer into primary rat brain neuronal and glial cultures: enhancement with the pH-sensitive surfactant dodecyl 2-(1'-imidazolyl) propionate.

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of a novel, pH-sensitive surfactant, dodecyl 2-(1′-imidazolyl) propionate (DIP), on cationic lipid mediated transfection in primary rat brain neuronal and glial cultures. The cationic lipid complex DOTAP/DOPE (1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propionate and dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine, respectively) was added over a range of concentrations (0–120 μg/ml) with DNA concentration kept constant (1.6 μg/ml). The neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoters were found to drive green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in neuron-enriched and glial cultures, respectively, using adeno-associated virus (AAV) derived constructs. NSE-driven GFP expression was not observed in glial cultures. Addition of DOTAP/DOPE increased transfection efficiency over a wide range of lipid concentrations (5–50 μg/ml) keeping DNA concentration constant (1.6 μg/ml). Addition of DIP to the lipid/DNA complex increased maximum transfection efficiencies in glial and neuronal cultures 2–3-fold. Transfection efficiencies were at their maximum with a similar total lipid concentration (50 μg/ml) in both cell-types in the presence of DIP. Neuronal cultures were more sensitive than glia to the toxic actions of DOTAP/DOPE, with or without DIP. These results indicate that AAV-mediated gene-transfer to neurons and glia can be facilitated by addition of a pH-sensitive surfactant to cationic liposome/DNA complexes and that endosomal escape could be a limiting factor in transgene expression.
Enamel hypoplasias related to famine stress in living Chinese.

The relationship between linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) and nutritional stress caused by a grave historical famine (1959-1961) was investigated among contemporary Chinese. Based on dental observations in a sample of 3,014 subjects from rural and urban China, and data on famine stress from a variety of historical sources, hypotheses regarding the relation between LEH and nutritional stress were tested. Famine stress raised LEH prevalence significantly in the birth cohorts having their teeth developing during famine years; therefore, a correlation between nutritional stress and formation of LEH as suggested by previous studies was indicated. Rural subjects had significantly higher LEH prevalence than urban subjects, and this was attributed to poorer nutritional and living conditions in rural areas. Males had a slightly higher LEH prevalence than females, so that female biological buffering to environmental stress appears to have outweighed possible cultural practice of daughter neglect in this difference. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 10:723-733, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Restriction fragment length polymorphism of PCR amplifiedpapE gene products is correlated with complete serotype among uropathogenicEscherichia coliisolates

Using whole bacteria, rather than extracted, purified DNA samples, we amplified thepapE gene sequences from 63Escherichia coliisolates belonging to O serogroups O1, O2 and O6. These isolates were from collections separated temporally as well as geographically: from four cities in the US and one in Sweden. PCR amplifiedpapE products were digested with restriction endonucleases and the relative sizes of the fragments compared for each strain. For 41 of the strains, we found a correlation between thepapE restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and the complete serotype. Furthermore, we were able to detect the presence of duplicate copies of the gene in 14 of the isolates; these 14 isolates were among the 22 that did not exhibit a correlation between the RFLP of their amplifiedpapE sequences and their complete serotype. We conclude that RFLP analysis of PCR products is a rapid and relatively simple method for examining the DNA ofE. colicontaining thepapgene sequence.
Novel asymmetric MOSFET structures for low power applications

As MOSFET is scaled below 90 nm, many daunting challenges arise. Short channel effects (DIBL and VTH roll-off), off-state and gate leakage, parasitic capacitance and resistance severely limit the performance of these transistors. These, in addition to VDD scaling limitation and high sub-threshold swing (>60 mv/dec) give rise to high IOFF and make power dissipation an enormous challenge, especially for low power/low current applications. New device innovations are essential to achieve low IOFF and high gm with high ROUT for digital and analog applications respectively. Towards this end, novel asymmetric Tunneling Source MOSFETs are proposed in this paper. The main feature of these devices is the concept of gate controlled carrier injection through tunneling at the source junction. The tunneling source MOSFETs can be fabricated using conventional CMOS processes. These novel devices have the potential for steep sub-threshold behavior, improved ION/IOFF, high ROUT and gain (gm times ROUT) at low bias currents. They also possess excellent immunity against short channel effects which improves scalability into sub-50 nm regime and makes them an attractive candidate for low power digital and analog operations.
Useful Landmarks in Arytenoid Adduction and Laryngeal Reinnervation Surgery

Objective: Knowledge of the location of the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage and the recurrent laryngeal nerve is essential to performing a successful arytenoid adduction and laryngeal reinnervation surgery. We describe external landmarks useful in locating these structures. Study Design: Cadaveric laryngeal dissection. Methods: Posterior laryngeal dissection was performed in 16 human larynges. The position of the muscular process of the arytenoid was measured bilaterally relative to the inferior and superior borders of the thyroid lamina. The recurrent laryngeal nerve was followed distally from slightly below the level of the cricothyroid joint to its genu where its vertical course changes to an oblique intralaryngeal course. Results: The muscular process of the arytenoid was usually found halfway between the roots of the superior and inferior cornu of the thyroid lamina. The recurrent laryngeal nerve was found just deep to the cricothyroid joint and lateral to the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle. There were no other nerves in this area. Conclusions: This study finds that the superior and inferior borders of the thyroid lamina are useful intraoperative landmarks to locate the muscular process of the arytenoid. The cricothyroid joint provides a good starting point to locate the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which can be identified slightly deeper between it and the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle.
Trichomanes resinosum (Hymenophyllaceae), a new species from southern Venezuela and adjacent Guyana

A new species,Trichomanes resinosum, is described and compared to two similar species,T. elegans Rich. andT. rigidum Sw., with which it has been confused.
Minimising postoperative incontinence following radical prostatectomy: considerations and evidence.

Abstract Objectives To review evidence regarding perioperative predictors of incontinence after radical prostatectomy (RP), related anatomic and patient factors, and surgical techniques used to minimise incontinence. Methods A search of the Pubmed, Cancerlit, Cochrane, and ISI Web of Science databases was performed for the key words prostatectomy, incontinence, and continence. Relevant articles were reviewed, summarised, and analysed. Results Enhanced understanding of pelvic anatomy applied to surgical approaches has improved continence rates following RP; however, incontinence remains a potential adverse outcome. Evidence suggests that increasing patient body weight and prostate volume are not associated with continence outcomes, but increasing patient age may be predictive. Behavioural therapy may aid in early return to continence although the timing of therapy and benefit of biofeedback assistance are unclear. Various surgical techniques are used to improve continence, but no evidence overwhelmingly supports any specific technique. At best, evidence supports early return to continence with some techniques. No technique significantly increased margin positivity solely at the experimental anatomic site. Conclusions Despite enhanced knowledge of anatomy and improved surgical approach, incontinence persists as a potential adverse outcome of RP. Urologists may not find an evidence-based rationalisation for any particular surgical technique due to the nature of surgical series, variability in the definition of incontinence, and individual surgical skills, preferences, and techniques. Giving careful consideration to the trial design can potentially improve the resulting level of evidence.
The Risks and Benefits of Searching for Incidental Findings in MRI Research Scans

We weigh the presumed benefits of routinely searching all research scans for incidental findings (IFs) against its substantial risks, including false-positive and false-negative findings, and the possibility of triggering unnecessary, costly evaluations and perhaps harmful treatments. We argue that routinely searching for IFs may not maximize benefits and minimize risks to participants.
Characterization and regulation of the expression of FatB, an iron transport protein encoded by the pJM1 virulence plasmid

The pJM1-encoded genes fatDCBA are essential for iron acquisition via the siderophore anguibactin. Sequence analysis indicated that the open reading frame corresponding to the fatB gene possesses domains that are characteristic of periplasmic proteins that bind the ferric siderophore. In this work, a monospecific antiserum against an oligopeptide containing the last 27 amino acids of the carboxy-terminal region from this open reading frame was used to demonstrate that fatB encodes a 35 kDa protein that is essential for iron transport. By using this antibody we were able to demonstrate that expression of the fatB gene is negatively regulated by the Fur protein at high iron concentrations. Conversely, its expression was positively regulated by the combined action of the AngR protein and products of the TAF region. FatB, the product of the fatB gene, is isolated with the membrane fraction. In accordance with these findings is the fact that the first 23 amino acid residues of this protein have the properties of a lipoprotein signal sequence. The lipoprotein nature of FatB is supported by the fact that treatment of Vibrio anguillarum cells with globomycin, an inhibitor of the lipoprotein signal peptidase, results in the accumulation of a 38 kDa proFatB precursor protein.
Learning to think systemically: what does it take?

Purpose – The purpose of this action research is to gain insight into how people learn to think systemically. An examination of the themes that emerged from this action research will be undertaken.Design/methodology/approach – An action research approach was adopted which involved the collection and reading of 120 journals that were kept by graduate students in their systems thinking course.Findings – A theory of practice identified and supported three significant areas in systems thinking: how the structure of the system influences the behavior of its members; the consequences of decisions on other parts of the system and a shift from blaming to seeing how one is contributing to the situation; and insights gleaned from actually learning to think systemically: meta‐learning of systems thinking.Research limitations/implications – The positive implications that emerged from this action research indicate that, once students are introduced to systems thinking theory, tools and application, they are able to li...
Periodic boundary value problems for integro-differential equations of Volterra type

On etudie l'existence des solutions pour un probleme aux valeurs limites periodique pour l'equation integrodifferentielle u'=f(t, u, Tu), u(0)=u(2π), f∈C([0,2π]×R×R,R), [Tu](t)=∫ 0 t k(t,s)u(s)ds et k∈C([0,2π]×[0,2π], R + )
Global positioning system accuracy under varying ionospheric conditions for surface Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast applications

New flight deck-based applications of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) offer the potential to meet improved critical safety and economic targets for airport surface operations. Specifically, standards for ADS-B applications have been developed [1] to reduce and prevent runway collisions between aircraft on the airport surface using flight deck equipment. Such applications require surveillance information with position accuracy ranging between 10 to 30 meters 95 percent of the time. Global Positioning System (GPS) information without Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) provides sufficient position accuracy under most conditions; however, significant solar flare activities can change the ionization characteristics of the upper layers of the atmosphere which alters GPS signal propagation resulting in decreased position accuracy, potentially making the information unusable for ADS-B surface applications. This paper describes the results of an analysis of the impact of ionospheric disturbances on the position accuracy of a single frequency GPS receiver under a range of assumed operational conditions. The results are expected to be useful for an assessment of single frequency GPS technology for ADS-B surface applications and to help identify mitigations. The analysis assumes a nominal GPS constellation as defined in the GPS Standard Positioning Service (SPS) Performance Standards (PS) and a set of GPS receiver errors models. These include tropospheric, multi-path, and receiver noise error models, which are either adopted by the GPS WAAS aviation receiver performance standard or shown in open literature as representative of actual GPS receiver errors. Interference errors are assumed to be zero and interference risks are assumed to have been mitigated by airport operation authorities. The ionospheric errors are modeled based on the errors in actual GPS Navigation Message broadcast values under minimum, maximum, and average solar cycle activity conditions. Results show the impact of these activities on various position accuracy parameters and horizontal position, and include worst case conditions. Given the assumed models, the accuracy requirements for ADS-B surface applications were always exceeded for modern GPS receivers operating in all-in-view mode, suggesting feasibility of non-WAAS, single frequency GPS for ADS-B surface applications. The paper concludes with an outline of research needs and proposed next steps.
Architectures for Java‐based bioinformatics applications

Bioinformatics projects are currently under way at numerous universities and in industry. These projects typically involve processing large amounts of biological data and comparison of biological signals or sequences. Much of the existing work in bioinformatics software is based on such languages and platforms as Perl and Unix. This paper, proposes software architectures in Java to support biological applications allowing access of biological data using server‐side Java programs on the Internet. The architecture follows the standards of unified modeling language (UML). UML architecture diagrams are presented for the Java‐based bioinformatics applications. In addition, an overview of the Bio‐Soft project under way at The Biomedical Research Institute (BRI) of the University of Wisconsin‐Parkside is provided, which includes research and instructional software for bioinformatics applications.
ANALYSIS OF ROCK STRESS AROUND A LIQUID WASTE INJECTION SYSTEM IN ILLINOIS

: The danger to the environment associated with the injection of liquid industrial wastes into a deep, confined, subsurface rock formation may arise from the transport of the waste laterally or vertically in the formation. The pattern of lateral transport, which can take place as a result of convection as well as dispersion and diffusion, can be determined by an approximate analytical solution to the mass transport equation. Vertical transport may take place through both natural fractures and fractures created by hydrostatic stresses generated around the well during injection. To determine the stresses, we used the finite element method to get a numerical solution of the flow equation. We applied a solution of the flow equation to calculate the stress buildup and decay for the Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation's injection well near Hennepin in Putnam County, Illinois. According to our computations, the stress buildup due to injection is about 0.16 pounds per square inch per foot - psi - (0.362 Newton per square centimeter per meter), which, added to normal pressure, makes an estimated total stress of 0.60 psi/ft (1.36 Newton/cm2/m). That pressure is insufficient to cause fracturing of the Cambrian Eau Claire aquitard, the confining bed for the disposal zone.
Intravenous and oral loading versus oral loading alone with amiodarone for chronic refractory ventricular arrhythmias

To determine whether combined intravenous (i.v.) and oral loading with amiodarone can shorten its onset of action, a comparative study was conducted. Twenty patients with refractory ventricular arrhythmias were treated with amiodarone. All patients had frequent (greater than or equal to 30/hour) and complex (repetitive) ventricular premature beats on a 48-hour baseline Holter recording. Ten patients (group A) received oral loading alone: 800 mg/day for 7 days, 600 mg/day for 3 days, then a maintenance dose 200 to 400 mg/day. Ten patients (group B) received i.v. and oral loading: 5 mg/kg i.v., and then the same regimen as for group A. Follow-up 24-hour Holter recordings were obtained daily for 7 days, weekly for 1 month, and then monthly. Arrhythmia control was defined as at least a 70% reduction in ventricular premature beats, a 90% or greater reduction in couplets and abolition of ventricular tachycardia. The time to optimal ventricular arrhythmia control was shorter for group B (20 +/- 18 vs 105 +/- 83 days, p less than 0.05) and the cumulative amiodarone dose at the time of control was smaller for group B (10 +/- 8 vs 48 +/- 39 g, p less than 0.05). No complications were encountered with i.v. amiodarone. Thus, initial loading with i.v. amiodarone can shorten the time to optimal ventricular arrhythmia control and lower the cumulative dose required.
Impact of recombinant baculovirus field applications on a nontarget heliothine parasitoid, Microplitis croceipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).

The kill times of two viruses infectious to the heliothine pest complex indigenous to Texas cotton have been significantly reduced by expressing a scorpion toxin gene. Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) and Helicoverpa zea NPV express the toxin only in permissive lepidopteran hosts. The toxin, however, could indirectly harm members of upper trophic levels that feed upon and parasitize infected larvae producing the toxin. In this study, the effects of recombinant and wild-type viruses on Microplitis croceipes (Cresson) were studied in cotton using Heliothis virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) as hosts. Two recombinant viruses, their two wild-type progenitor viruses, and untreated cotton served as the five treatments of study. Larvae were previously parasitized 2 and 4 d before being confined for 72 h to cotton terminals treated with field rates of virus or left untreated. The sexes of adult M. croceipes that emerged from the recovered H. virescens larvae were determined and their head capsule widths were measured. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) searched their extracts for virus DNA. There were no differences in percentage emergence and sex ratios of parasitoids among recombinant, wild-type, and control treatments. Significantly more wasps emerged from the 4-d cohort, but these wasps were significantly smaller than wasps from the 2-d cohort regardless of treatment. Finally, PCR found only 15–25% of the recovered H. virescens larvae and none of the emergent M. croceipes had detectable levels of viral DNA. Recombinant and wild-type viruses had a similar, minimal impact on emergent wasps, and the probability of virus dispersal via parasitoids is low in the system tested.
The effects of gastrectomy in animals

The observations on the effect of total gastrectomy in animals show that the stomach in the strict sense is not an essential organ. Other than serving as a reservoir, the stomach performs no essentially specific function that cannot be dispensed with. The rat may prove to be an exception to this generalization. The removal of the stomach, however, reduces the factor of safety in digestion and places a strain on the motor, digestive and absorptive activities of the intestine. The “acid tide” that occurs after eating in gastrectomized and achlorhydric animals or patients places a strain on calcium storage by the body. In addition gastrectomy places a strain on the mechanism concerned in the absorption of iron, and predisposes to enteritis. It cannot be stated that total gastrectomy causes pernicious anemia, combined degeneration of the spinal cord, stomatitis and glossitis, in the rat (6 months to 1 year), dog (1 year to 12 years), pig (1 year to 3 years), or monkey (1 year to 2.6 years). The stomach is more important in the economy of the growing than the adult mammal. It is more important in the pregnant female than in the male (dog). Proper nutritional care is indispensable in maintaining health in animals without a stomach and very probably in men and women similarly handicapped. Subtotal gastrectomy handicaps the patient only to the extent that it reduces the factors of safety in digestion and absorption and that the reduction is not in time compensated for by hypertrophy of the gastric remnant and by favorable changes in the upper intestine. The extent to which acid is secreted post-operatively depends on the amount of acid secreting mucosa removed and the degree of the hypertrophy of the remnant.
The Role of Marketing in Politics: Ten Years Later

Ten years ago, volume 1, issue 1 of Journal of Political Marketing was published. In this tenth anniversary issue, Christine B. Williams, Managing Editor, North America, has edited an issue that re...
The reactivity of o-quinones which do not isomerize to quinone methides correlates with alkylcatechol-induced toxicity in human melanoma cells

Catechols are widespread in the environment, especially as constituents of edible plants. A number of these catechols may undergo oxidative metabolism to electrophilic o-quinones (3,5-cyclohexadien-1,2-dione) by oxidative enzymes such as cytochrome P450 and peroxidases. Alkylation of cellular nucleophiles by these intermediates and the formation of reactive oxygen species, especially through redox cycling of o-quinones, could contribute to the cytotoxic properties of the parent catechols. In contrast, isomerization of the o-quinones to electrophilic quinone methides (4-methylene-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-one, QM) could cause cellular damage primarily through alkylation. In this investigation, we treated human melanoma cells with two groups of catechols. These cells have high levels of tyrosinase required to oxidize catechols to quinoids. For catechols which are oxidized to o-quinones that cannot isomerize to quinone methides or form unstable quinone methides, plots of the cytotoxicity data (ED50) versus the reactivity of the o-quinones gave an excellent linear correlation; decreasing o-quinone reactivity led to a decrease in the cytotoxic potency of the catechol. In contrast, catechols which are metabolized by the o-quinone/p-quinone methide bioactivation pathway were equally cytotoxic but showed no correlation between the reactivity of the o-quinones and the cytotoxic potency of the catechols. The most likely explanation for this effect is a change in cytotoxic mechanism from o-quinone-mediated inhibition of cell growth to a bioactivation pathway based on both o-quinone and p-QM formation. These results substantiate the conclusion that the involvement of the o-quinone/ QM pathway in catechol toxicity depends on a combination between the rate of enzymatic formation of the o-quinone, the rate of isomerization to the more electrophilic QM, and the chemical reactivity of the quinoids.
Precision farming: environmental legitimation, commodification of information, and industrial coordination

Precision farming—use of digital geographically referenced data in farming operations—is the leading example of a cluster of emerging information technologies in agriculture. To date, the vast majority of academic and promotional literature addressing precision farming has focused on the field and farm-level economic and environmental benefits of site-specific allocation of crop inputs (fertilizer, pesticides, and seeds). In this paper, we question popular perceptions of the technology and pursue a sociological analysis through identification of consistencies between precision farming and the political and economic requirements of an industrializing agriculture. Through promotion of a public commitment and a technical mechanism to mitigate farm chemical pollution, precision farming legitimates chemically-based agriculture in an era of rising environmentalism. Further, precision farming is based on, and will advance, the commodification of agricultural information—appropriation of field and farm-level decision processes through substitution of capital for local knowledge. By automating farm-level data collection and information management and by reducing agriculturalists' reliance on public sector agricultural research and extension, precision farming supports further integration of on-farm activity into a coordinated system of industrial manufacture.
Materials science: zero-expansion plan.

Some materials don't expand or contract as they are heated. A new example is a metallic compound, for which the movement of electrons between atoms is the likely explanation for its 'zero thermal expansion'.
Evidence of separate hypothalamic centers controlling corticotropin and thyrotropin secretion by the pituitary.

PREVIOUS investigations have indicated that the hypothalamus controls the secretion of various pituitary hormones, including thyrotropin and corticotropin (Bogdanove and Halmi, 1953; Greer, 1952; Harris and Jacobsohn, 1952; Hume, 1952; McCann, 1953). Amphenone (1,2 bis- (p-aminophenyl)-2-methyl-propanone-l-dihydrochloride) has been shown by Hertz, et al. to cause marked adrenal and thyroid hypertrophy (Hertz, Allen and Tullner, 1950). They have also shown that adrenal hypertrophy can be selectively prevented by cortisone administration without impairing the goitrogenic effect and that thyroid hypertrophy can be prevented by thyroxin administration without impairing adrenal enlargement in the amphenone-treated animals (Hertz, Tullner and Allen, 1951). Both effects are lacking in the hypophysectomized animal (Hertz, Allen and Tullner, 1950). It is presumed that amphenone causes adrenal and thyroid hypertrophy by inhibiting the formation or secretion of their respective hormones, thus causing increased secre...
Supporting Informed Consent in Human-Machine Collaboration: The Role of Conflict Type, Time Pressure, and Display Design

This study examined factors affecting the effectiveness of human-machine coordination under a management-by-consent approach where the automation cannot act without explicit operator consent. The context for this study was a proposed aviation system for digital air-ground communication, data link, which may allow system goals to be automatically translated and transferred (“gated”) to other automated cockpit systems. Gating, conflict type, time pressure, and display design were manipulated within a set of simulated flight scenarios which required airline pilots to detect the presence of potential conflicts inherent in the clearance or its implementation. Conflict detection, and thus the operator's ability to provide informed consent, was influenced primarily by conflict type, time pressure, and gating. It was particularly poor for conflicts arising from the implementation methods chosen by automated systems, especially when these systems did more than expected. These results suggest that automated systems...
Identifying the value of HR certification: Clarification and more complex models required

Abstract Congratulations are due to the authors on their attempt to write a balanced article that shows the value of certification. They have attempted to be thorough in their approach and inclusive in their literature review. It is clear that the authors care about the HR profession and that their desire is to make the profession better by raising important, yet difficult, questions. However, some clarification is needed. In their manuscript the authors have driven home a valid point but committed errors in arriving at the clear need for further research, especially criterion validation, around HR certification. This commentary will first address some of the factual errors and errors of logic stated in the manuscript and will then offer some suggestions as to how to bridge the science–practice gap they identify.
A risk and Incidence Based Atrial Fibrillation Detection Scheme for wearable healthcare computing devices

Today small, battery-operated electrocardiograph devices, known as Ambulatory Event Monitors, are used to monitor the heart's rhythm and activity. These on-body healthcare devices typically require a long battery life and moreover efficient detection algorithms. They need the ability to automatically assess atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) risk, and detect the onset of A-Fib from EKG recordings for further clinical diagnosis and treatment. The focus of this paper is the design of a real-time early detection algorithm cascaded with an A-Fib risk assessment algorithm. We compare accuracy of machine learning schemes such as J48, Naive Bayes, and Logistic Regression and choose the best algorithm to classify A-Fib from EKG medical data. Though all three algorithms have similar accuracy, the Logistic Regression model is selected for its easy portability to mobile devices. A-Fib risk factor is used to determine a monitoring schedule where the detection algorithm is triggered by the age dependent A-Fib incidence rate inside a circadian prevalence window. The design may provide a great public health benefit by predicting A-Fib risk and detecting A-Fib in order to prevent strokes and heart attacks. It also shows promising results in helping meet the needs for energy efficient real-time A-Fib monitoring, detecting and reporting.
Heterogeneous expression of the lipocalin NGAL in primary breast cancers.

We have previously shown that neu oncogene-initiated rat mammary carcinomas uniquely over-express neu-related lipocalin (NRL), a member of the calycin protein superfamily. Here, we characterize the putative human homolog of NRL, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). ngal gene expression was found at moderate levels in only 2 of 17 human tissues examined, breast and lung. When breast cancers were examined for NGAL mRNA and protein levels, they were found to exhibit heterogeneous expression. NGAL levels varied in these tumors from undetectable to exceeding those in normal breast parenchyma. Immuno-histochemical analysis confirmed the presence of NGAL within breast carcinoma cells but detected only low levels of this protein in normal ductal epithelium. In contrast, large amounts of the protein were localized to the lumen of normal breast ducts in the vicinity of NGAL-expressing tumors. Interestingly, unlike NRL in rat mammary carcinomas, no significant association between NGAL expression and HER-2/neu activation was found in human breast tumors. In contrast, a significant correlation between NGAL expression in breast cancer was found with several other markers of poor prognosis, including estrogen and progesterone receptor-negative status and high proliferation (S-phase fraction). NGAL levels were stratified as high or low in breast cancers from a cohort of nodepositive patients with known outcome. No significant association between NGAL expression and disease-free or overall survival was observed. Int. J. Cancer (Pred. Oncol.) 79:565‐572, 1998. r 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Method and Basis Set Analysis of Oxorhenium(V) Complexes for Theoretical Calculations

A variety of method and basis set combinations has been evaluated for monooxorhenium(V) complexes with N, O, P, S, Cl, and Se donor atoms. The geometries and energies obtained are compared to both high-level computations and literature structures. These calculations show that the PBE0 method outperforms the B3LYP method with respect to both structure and energetics. The combination of 6-31G** basis set on the nonmetal atoms and LANL2TZ effective core potential on the rhenium center gives reliable equilibrium structures with minimal computational resources for both model and literature compounds. Single-point energy calculations at the PBE0/LANL2TZ,6-311+G* level of theory are recommended for energetics.
Is glycated hemoglobin level a sensitive indicator of new-onset diabetes after renal transplantation?

Is glycated hemoglobin level a sensitive indicator of new-onset diabetes after renal transplantation?
Observations of shock-loaded tin and zirconium surfaces with single-pulse X-ray diffraction

A single-pulse X-ray diffraction (XRD) diagnostic has been developed for the investigation of shocked material properties on a very short time scale. The diagnostic, which consists of a 37-stage Marx bank high-voltage pulse generator coupled to a needle-and-washer electron beam diode via coaxial cable, produces line-and-bremsstrahlung X-ray emission in a 40 ns pulse. The molybdenum anode produces 0.71 A characteristic Kα lines used for diffraction. The X-ray beam passes through a pinhole collimator and is incident on the sample with an approximately 2 mm×5 mm spot and 1° full width at half maximum angular divergence. Coherent scattering from the sample produces a Debye-Scherrer diffraction pattern on an image plate located at 75 mm from the polycrystalline sample surface. An experimental study of the polycrystalline structures of zirconium and tin under high-pressure shock loading has been conducted with single-pulse XRD. The experimental targets were 0.1-mm-thick foils of zirconium and tin using 0.4-mm-thick vitreous carbon back windows for shock loading, and the shocks were produced by either Detasheet or PBX-9501 high explosives buffered by 1-mm-thick 6061-T6 aluminum. The diffraction patterns from both shocked zirconium and tin indicated a phase transition into a polymorphic mix of amorphous and new solid phases.
Idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia and renal involvement

Idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia is recognized as a rare cause of infantile hypercalcemia. Its renal consequences include nephrocalcinosis with distal tubular dysfunction, nephrolithiasis, and finally renal failure. Herein we report the case of a two-month-old infant presenting with idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia complicated with distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) and nephrocalcinosis. Despite correction of acidosis and dehydration, the persistant hypercalcemia could only be ameliorated with calcitonin treatment. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is life-saving in such cases.