cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FLUORESCENT IMAGES OF MITOCHONDRIAL REDOX STATES IN IN SITU MOUSE HYPOXIC ISCHEMIC INTESTINES

We have imaged mitochondrial oxidation–reduction states by taking a ratio of mitochondrial fluorophores: NADH (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) to Fp (oxidized flavoprotein). Although NADH has been investigated for tissue metabolic state in cancer and in oxygen deprived tissues, it alone is not an adequate measure of mitochondrial metabolic state since the NADH signal is altered by dependence on the number of mitochondria and by blood absorption. The redox ratio, NADH/(Fp + NADH), gives a more accurate measure of steady-state tissue metabolism since it is less dependent on mitochondrial number and it compensates effectively for hemodynamic changes. This ratio provides important diagnostic information in living tissues. In this study, the emitted fluorescence of mouse colon in situ is passed through an emission filter wheel and imaged on a CCD camera. Redox ratio images of the healthy and hypoxic mouse intestines clearly showed significant differences. Furthermore, the corrected redox ratio indicated an increase from an average value of 0.51 ± 0.10 in the healthy state to 0.92 ± 0.03 in dead tissue due to severe ischemia (N = 5). We show that the CCD imaging system is capable of displaying the metabolic differences in normal and ischemic tissues as well as quantifying the redox ratio in vivo as a marker of these changes.
Bone disease in burn patients

Burn patients are at risk for bone disease due to aluminum (Al) exposure from use of antacids and albumin, partial immobilization, and increased production of endogenous glucocorticoids. Moreover, severely burned children are growth impaired up to 3 years after the burn. To determine the extent of bone disease, we studied nine men and three women, ages 18-41 years, with greater than 50% body surface area burn. Seven patients underwent iliac crest bone biopsy following double tetracycline labeling, one additional patient expired after a single label, and three others had postmortem specimens obtained for quantitative Al only. Serial serum and urine samples were obtained weekly until biopsy or death. All biopsied patients had reduced bone formation and osteoid area, surface, and width, with mineral apposition rate, osteoblast surface, and osteoclast number with normal eroded surfaces compared to age- and sex-matched normal ambulatory volunteers. Burn patients also had reduced bone formation, mineral apposition rate, osteoid area, and surface compared to age-matched volunteers at short-term bed rest. Serum levels of osteocalcin were low. Most patients had mild hypercalcemia but only a third had hypercalciuria. All patients had elevated Al in blood or urine; urine Al correlated inversely with serum osteocalcin. In 60% significant bone Al was detectable by stain or quantitation. Our data are compatible with burn patients having markedly reduced bone turnover. Al loading, partial immobilization, endogenous corticosteroids, and cytokine production may be among the etiologic factors.
Modelling computational requirements of mobile robotic systems using zones and processing windows

Mobile robotic systems must sense constraints imposed by a dynamically changing environment and predictably react to those changes in real-time. Complexity arises in mobile robotic systems because the computing platform travels through the environment with which the system is interacting. These systems have spatio-temporal requirements in the sense that correct behavior is defined in terms of both space and time. The focus of this paper is mobile robotic platforms that must sense their environment and avoid obstacles as they navigate from one point to another. We present a design and analysis methodology for these platforms that integrates spatio-temporal attributes with fixed priority real-time scheduling through the use of zone and processing window abstractions.
Using MIMO transmissions in free-space optical communications in presence of clouds and turbulence

Free Space Optical (FSO) communications is the only viable solution for creating a three-dimensional global communications grid of inter-connected ground and airborne nodes. The high amount of data exchange between satellites and ground stations demands enormous capacity that can not be provided by strictly regulated, scarce resources of the Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum. Free Space Optical (FSO) communications, on the other hand, has the potential for providing virtually unlimited bandwidth. Furthermore, due to the spatial confinement of laser beams, such links are very secure. In other words, security is guaranteed at the physical layer. However, the promised enormous data rates are only available under clear weather conditions, and atmospheric phenomena such as clouds, fog, and even turbulence can degrade the performance, dramatically. While scattering media such as clouds and aerosols cause pulse broadening in space and time, turbulence presents itself as scintillation and fading. Hence, to exploit the great potential of FSO at its best under all weather conditions, prudent measures must be taken in the design of transmitter and receiver. More specifically, multiple transmitters and receivers can be used to de-correlate the turbulence induced fading and to compensate for pulse attenuation and broadening caused by scattering. In this paper, Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) transmitter and receiver designs in FSO communications are investigated and the achievable performance improvements are discussed.
Antecedents of mentoring support: a meta-analysis of individual, relational, and structural or organizational factors

Abstract The value of mentoring is growing substantially as organizations take a renewed interest in employee development to better survive in the dynamic and competitive market today. In the wake of this renewed interest, this meta-analysis was conducted to quantitatively review the multi-level antecedents (e.g., individual, relational, and structural/organizational) of different kinds of mentoring support (e.g., career, psychosocial, role modeling) in organizational settings and to revisit the theoretical underpinnings of each antecedent. Results indicated some key antecedents of mentoring support at individual (e.g., protege's proactivity, protege's learning goal orientation, mentor's transformational leadership), relational (e.g., affect based trust, perceived similarity), and structural/organizational levels (e.g., organizational support for mentoring, supervisory mentoring). Recommendations for future research and organizational practice of mentoring are presented.
LaRouge and LaChipper two new potato varieties released by Louisiana

LaRouge (L42-4S) is a smooth very attractive velvety red potato and has some scab resistance. This variety is about ten days earlier than Red LaSoda when grown in the North, and is well adapted both in the North and the South. This clone has also been the most outstanding entry in our fall yield trials.
LOPATCH - A Real-Time Panoramic Sensor For Low Light Level And Low Contrast Imaging Applications

AbstractA panoramic scanner using Time Delay and Integration Charge Coupled Device (TDI -CCD)technology that is presently directed towards a submarine periscope mission scenariois discussed. The system utilizes a large format TDI device coupled with real -timevideo processing techniques, i.e., dark signature removal, response non -uniformitycorrection, on -chip exposure control and background subtraction. This data processing,in combination with a real -time, digital falling raster display, produces a man -machinesystem capable of detecting and recognizing target silhouettes against the horizonunder starlight illumination. The background subtraction techniques also provide thecapability for achieving low contrast image enhancement under daylight illuminationconditions. System details and experimental performance data are presented.IntroductionCCD image detectors have evolved over the past few years into mature devices withextensive, flexible capability. Coupling these devices with advanced microprocessorshas made the design of integrated imaging systems which exhibit "smart" characteristicsboth possible and practical. Using a new CCD sensor of the Time Delay and Integration(TDI) type, Fairchild is building such a sensor / "brain" combination in a system calledLOPATCH.LOPATCH is the acronym for a Navy- sponsored program which, amongst others, is directedat developing new sensors for naval- related applications. The acronym stands for LOwlight level, PAnoramic, Time delay and integrating, CHarge coupled imager. This presentprogram is an outgrowth of an earlier study effort which demonstrated the capabilityof TDI sensors to detect ship silhouettes under starlight illumination in a typicalsubmarine periscope scenario. The LOPATCH system is a more general panoramic scannerwith capabilities including self adjusting operation and target cueing. The system in-cludes a TDI detector, a brassboard scanner controller and a display system compatiblewith various shipboard, submarine or other installations. The complete stand -alonescanner system is scheduled for operational test and evaluation in January, 1980.The various operational characteristics that have guided design of the LOPATCH system
Time development of field‐aligned currents, potential drops, and plasma associated with an auroral poleward boundary intensification

[1] We present a detailed case study of the plasma and fields measured by the Cluster spacecraft fleet at the high-altitude auroral zone (-3.5 R E ) across the plasma sheet boundary layer and into the polar cap. This event, which occurred during quiet geomagnetic conditions (Kp = 1 + , AE = 50 nT), is of particular interest in that Cluster provides measurements at key instances during the time development of a new large-scale auroral arc system. Central to the formation of the arc system is the depletion of ionospheric plasma through a region of small-scale, field-aligned currents having the properties of Alfven waves. This depletion occurred prior to the growth of and ultimately bounded a well-defined equatorward moving, upward and downward current sheet pair. In association with the transverse scales approaching the electron inertial scale, the Alfvenic currents have amplitudes that appear to be attenuated subsequent to the formation of the cavity. Potential structures essentially time invariant over particle transit times (quasi-static) associated with the current pair are identified and observed to drive a poleward boundary intensification (PBI) identified in coincident IMAGE satellite far ultraviolet measurements. The PBI formed in association with a local thickening of the plasma sheet via the injection of new magnetospheric plasma, which may be the result of a bursty, patchy reconnection process. Estimates of the ionospheric equatorward velocity and thickness of the PBI are consistent with their ionospheric mapped cavity counterparts, suggesting that the motion and thickness are controlled by the plasma and electrodynamic features at or above the altitude sampled by Cluster. The magnitude of the upward and downward current region parallel potentials is correlated with the temperature of the newly injected electrons suggesting that the electron temperature is an important controlling factor. These novel observations indicate that quasi-static systems of field-aligned currents do form out of the highly dynamic Alfvenic region at the plasma sheet boundary layer, and perhaps suggest that the Alfvenic region can be the initial stage in the development of quasi-static systems. The observed time sequence of the currents is qualitatively similar to the expectations of transient response models of magnetospheric-ionospheric coupling, however, such models may need to be modified to account for the attenuation of electron inertial scale currents/Alfven waves.
Clinical and Humanistic Training as a Foundation for Effective Administration

The change from the “mechanistic” to the “behavioural” view of the administration process is discussed and the point emphasized that the work of the administrator is essentially concerned with the relationship between organizational and personal needs. It is argued that the implications of this for the training of administrators are the necessity for (1) a broadly based liberal education, (2) training in the technologies of the organization he is to administer, (3) some intensive work in the area of the social sciences, and (4) at least a year spent in the study of administration as an applied science.
Determination of amphotericin B in PLA-PEG blend nanoparticles by HPLC-PDA

In this work, we developed and validated an effective reversed-phase HPLC method with photodiode array (PDA) detection for the quantitative analysis of amphotericin B (AmB) in poly(lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) blend nanoparticles. Chromatographic runs were performed on a reverse phase C18 column using a mobile phase comprising a 9% acetic acid and acetonitrile mixture (40:60, v/v) under isocratic elution with a flow rate of 1 mL/min. AmB was detected at a wavelength of 408 nm. The validation process was performed considering the selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the method. A concentration range of 1-20 µg/mL was used to construct a linear calibration curve. The LOQ and LOD were 55 and 18 ng/mL, respectively. The mean recovery of AmB from the samples was 99.92% (relative standard deviation (RSD) = 0.34%, n=9), and the method was robust for changes in the flow rate of the mobile phase (maximum RSD=4.82%). The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were less than 0.59%. The method was successfully used to determine the entrapment efficiency of AmB in PLA-PEG blend nanoparticles.
Virtual Inorganic Pedagogical Electronic Resource Learning Objects in Organometallic Chemistry

Four Virtual Inorganic Pedagogical Electronic Resource (VIPEr) learning objects featuring organometallic chemistry are highlighted.
The funds of knowledge for teaching project

Although multicultural education has been bandied about in policy arenas for decades, substantive contributions by anthropologists have been limited. Yet anthropologists, above all other social researchers, have insights to offer on cultural phenomena, the processes of social change, and the educational implications of ethnic diversity.
EFFECT OF SOIL SATURATION ON DEVELOPMENT AND 15N-NITRATE UPTAKE EFFICIENCY OF TWO WARM SEASON GRASSES EMERGING FROM DORMANCY

Use of effluent on turfgrass is increasing due to population growth and limited water supplies. Because effluent is generated continuously, turf managers may be forced to over-irrigate, leading to soil saturation. Although the nutrients in effluent are readily absorbed by turf, the effects of prolonged soil saturation on uptake are unknown. This research examined the impact of soil saturation on plant development and nitrate uptake of two warm-season turfgrasses emerging from dormancy. Dormant grass/soil cores of hybrid bermudagrass and common centipedegrass were treated to stimulate regrowth, with soil moisture controlled at saturation (∼0.36 cm3 cm−3) or field capacity (0.13 cm3 cm−3). Soil saturation reduced canopy development in both species, but shoot biomass was affected only in bermudagrass. Nitrate uptake by both species was generally unaffected by soil saturation. While extended periods of soil saturation may alter plant development, they do not impair the ability of these turfgrasses to absorb n...
vuv fluorescence from selective high-order multiphoton excitation of N 2

Recent fluorescence studies suggest that ultrashort pulse laser excitation may be highly selective. Selective high-intensity laser excitation holds important consequences for the physics of multiphoton processes. To establish the extent of this selectivity, we performed a detailed comparative study of the vacuum ultraviolet fluorescence resulting from the interaction of ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ and $\text{Ar}$ with high-intensity infrared ultrashort laser pulses. Both ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ and $\text{Ar}$ reveal two classes of transitions, inner-valence $ns\ensuremath{\leftarrow}np$ and Rydberg $np\ensuremath{\leftarrow}{n}^{\ensuremath{'}}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$. From their pressure dependence, we associate each transition with either plasma or direct laser excitation. Furthermore, we qualitatively confirm such associations with the time dependence of the fluorescence signal. Remarkably, only ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ presents evidence of direct laser excitation. This direct excitation produces ionic nitrogen fragments with inner-valence $(2s)$ holes, two unidentified transitions, and one molecular transition, the $\mathrm{N}_{2}{}^{+}:X\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}^{2}\ensuremath{\Sigma}_{g}^{+}\ensuremath{\leftarrow}\mathrm{C}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}^{2}\ensuremath{\Sigma}_{u}^{+}$. We discuss these results in the light of a recently proposed model for multiphoton excitation.
Influence of dietary fat type on benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] biotransformation in a B(a)P-induced mouse model of colon cancer.

In the US alone, around 60,000 lives/year are lost due to colon cancer. Diet and environment have been implicated in the development of sporadic colon tumors. The objective of this study was to determine how dietary fat potentiates the development of colon tumors through altered B(a)P biotransformation, using the Adenomatous polyposis coli with Multiple intestinal neoplasia mouse model. Benzo(a)pyrene was administered to mice through tricaprylin, and unsaturated (USF; peanut oil) and saturated (SF; coconut oil) fats at doses of 50 and 100 μg/kg via oral gavage over a 60-day period. Blood, colon, and liver were collected at the end of exposure period. The expression of B(a)P biotransformation enzymes [cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A1, CYP1B1 and glutathione-S-transferase] in liver and colon were assayed at the level of protein, mRNA and activities. Plasma and tissue samples were analyzed by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography for B(a)P metabolites. Additionally, DNA isolated from colon and liver tissues was analyzed for B(a)P-induced DNA adducts by the 32P-postlabeling method using a thin-layer chromatography system. Benzo(a)pyrene exposure through dietary fat altered its metabolic fate in a dose-dependent manner, with 100 μg/kg dose group registering an elevated expression of B(a)P biotransformation enzymes, and greater concentration of B(a)P metabolites, compared to the 50 μg/kg dose group (P<.05). This effect was more pronounced for SF group compared to USF group (P<.05). These findings establish that SF causes sustained induction of B(a)P biotransformation enzymes and extensive metabolism of this toxicant. As a consequence, B(a)P metabolites were generated to a greater extent in colon and liver, whose concentrations also registered a dose-dependent increase. These metabolites were found to bind with DNA and form B(a)P-DNA adducts, which may have contributed to colon tumors in a subchronic exposure regimen.
Epidemiology of Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease

In contrast to the adult population, in whom a variety of registries have confirmed the incidence, prevalence, and diagnoses associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the epidemiological information on pediatric CKD is currently imprecise and flawed by methodological differences between the various data sources. Obstructive uropathy and congenital aplasia/hypoplasia/dysplasia are responsible for almost one half of all cases of CKD in children, underscoring the fact that a substantial percentage of the pediatric CKD population develops renal insufficiency very early in life. However, there are distinct geographic differences in the reported causes of CKD, in part because of environmental, racial, genetic, and cultural (consanguinity) differences. Furthermore, despite apparently comparable incidence rates, high mortality in countries that lack health care resources results in a low prevalence of CKD in those locations. In countries where renal replacement therapy is readily available, the most favored treatment modality is renal transplantation in all pediatric age groups. Additional efforts to define the epidemiology of pediatric CKD worldwide in a more uniform manner are necessary if a better understanding of the full extent of the problem, areas for study, and the potential impact of intervention is desired.
A characterization on n -critical economical generalized tic-tac-toe games

Abstract There is a so called generalized tic-tac-toe game playing on a finite set X with winning sets A 1 , A 2 ,…, A m . Two players, F and S , take in turn a previous untaken vertex of X , with F going first. The one who takes all the vertices of some winning set first wins the game. Erdos and Selfridge proved that if | A 1 |=| A 2 |=⋯=| A m |= n and m n −1 , then the game is a draw. This result is best possible in the sense that once m =2 n −1 , then there is a family A 1 , A 2 ,…, A m so that F can win. In this paper we characterize all those sets A 1 ,…, A 2 n −1 so that F can win in exactly n moves. We also get similar result in the biased games.
Differential transcription of bacteriophage φX174 genes at 37 °C and 42 °C.

To investigate how high temperature affects viral transcription, the absolute amounts of mRNA for six bacteriophage φX174 genes were compared at 37°C and 42°C using Q-PCR. At 37°C, mRNA levels for all genes were consistent with previous studies, but at 42°C mRNA levels for four genes were significantly different from levels at 37°C. Transcript levels were higher for genes B and D; the promoter before gene B appears to be up-regulated at high temperature. Levels for genes F and G were reduced at high temperature, possibly due to increased efficiency of the transcription termination signal immediately upstream of gene F. These functional changes in φX174 gene regulation at high temperature have not been described previously. Studies of phage evolution at high temperatures indicate that this difference in transcript levels is subject to adaptation.
Pitfalls or promise in prostate cancer immunotherapy-which is winning?

Purpose: Immunotherapy with vaccines, cytokines, and monoclonal antibodies against checkpoint molecules has been introduced into the clinical arena. Although all have demonstrated safety in clinical trials in patients with castrate metastatic prostate cancer, no one approach has been able to provide improved overall survival. This article is a review of the current issues and potential resolutions as to how we might go forward in developing and interpreting immunologic trials. Design: Phase I, II, and III trials showed that immunologic tolerance can be abrogated against specific tumor-associated antigens, but the immunologic readouts are suboptimal in determining whether a trial can go forward in its development. Results: Combinatorial approaches appear to be necessary for inducing immunogenicity and antitumor effects. Strategies include irradiated tumor cells lines, costimulatory molecules, or immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are in trials and are under intense scrutiny as to their impact on clinical end points such as time to disease progression and survival. Discussion: Strategies to enhance immunogenicity of vaccines and reassess how to effectively establish interpretable immunologic end points are under development and appear to be successful in affecting how these trials go forward.
On the nonlocal effects in an elastic layer subject to gravity and compression

Abstract An elastic infinite layer resting on a rigid foundation and subject to the gravity force and compression is examined in the context of a linear nonlocal theory. Eringen's solution of an auxiliary problem, involving plane-wave propagation in an infinite elastic space ([1]–[3]), furnishes the formula for the nonlocal moduli in their Fourier transform form. The latter, inverted and combined with the equation of equilibrium of the layer and the equation of nonlocal stress in the form of Kroener-Eringen, leads to a difference equation of the second order with N constituent second differences. Its solution for the nearest atom interactions reduces to the trivial traditional solution, but differs from the latter if the interactions of more distant atoms are considered. Numerical examples involving aluminum and lead show a satisfactory agreement of the theory with experiment.
Chemical characterization of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) by Curie-point pyrolysis-gas chromatography-pattern recognition

Abstract Curie-point pyrolysis-gas chromatography coupled with multivariate pattern recognition methodology was used to develop a viable method for characterizing accessions of leafy spurge ( Euphorbia esula L.) based on chemical constitution of plant latex. Both hierarchical cluster analysis and Fuzzy c-Varieties (FCV) principal component analysis correctly classified the resulting pyrograms as either E. esula or E. cyparissias . FCV was further able to subcluster (classify) the different accessions of E. esula corresponding to three different populations: Mandan, ND; Cambridge, ID; and Baker, OR. The chemical features (pyrogram peaks) responsible for each differentiation/classification were determined using the output from the FCV algorithm.
The Impact of Unintended Consequences of the 1996 U.S. Immigration Reform Act on Women

This spiritual, performed by the Fisk University Jubilee singers during the 1870s, has its origins in the days of slavery when the children of African slaves were sold and separated from their mothers. This lyrical lament can be applied to the current plight of women, mothers, and grandmothers, who experience the trauma and emotional distress of forced return migration from the United States to their ‘‘homelands,’’ while their U.S.-born children, being citizens, remain in the United States. Uprootment from the United States and forcible return to the country of birth by deportation is a highly traumatic and life-altering experience. Women who are deported, many of whom left their countries of birth as infants, are placed in untenable situations of being separated from their children who were born in the United States. One of the unintended consequences of the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA), also known as the 1996 Immigration Reform Act, which was designed to address the issues of illegal immigration in the United States, is the fracturing of families. For some female deportees who have lived in the United States since infancy, deportation is a case of double despair because they are sent away from both the country to which they have been socialized and their families and are exiled to their countries of birth, where they are strangers.
Thermal effects of acceleration for a classical spinning magnetic dipole in classical electromagnetic zero-point radiation

A classical spinning magnetic dipole undergoing uniform acceleration through classical electromagnetic zero-point radiation is shown to behave at equilibrium as though immersed in a thermal bath at the Unruh-Davies temperature $T=\frac{\ensuremath{\hbar}a}{2\ensuremath{\pi}\mathrm{ck}}$. Although the electromagnetic field correlation functions seen by the uniformly accelerating dipole do not correspond to Planck's thermal radiation spectrum, the departure from Planckian form is canceled by additional terms arising in the relativistic radiation damping for the accelerating dipole. Thus the accelerating dipole behaves at equilibrium as though in an inertial frame bathed by exactly Planck's spectrum including zero-point radiation. An analogous result was reported recently for a classical harmonic oscillator undergoing uniform acceleration through classical electromagnetic zero-point radiation.
This Old Text: An Analogy for Biblical Interpretation:

The PBS program “This Old House” provides a useful analogy for envisioning and understanding contemporary, critical, responsible interpretation of Scripture. Thus if we are renovating a house we live in (i.e., working with the biblical text which we inhabit) we will need to make extensive investigations into its many past features and study its aesthetics as well (historical and literary study of the text). However, our current, particular, and situated existence as a family will be the major driver in our choices for renovating, and those will need study and consultation as well (ideology and pragmatic studies). The essay reviews how the Bible has been approached as Scripture across three main periods of pre-critical appropriation and then explains, with consistent reference to the analogy, what changes in Modernity and beyond as well as what remains stable. It concludes with a consideration of the interface between biblical studies and biblical spirituality.
Potentiostatic testing of thin film aluminum corrosion propagation under plasma-enhanced chemically vapor deposited silicon nitride protective films

Abstract A potentiostatic method has been developed for use in studying the corrosion of aluminum metallization under inorganic thin protective films. Metallized silicon substrate test articles were coated with 200–10 000 A of plasma-enhanced chemically vapor deposited silicon nitride and then immersed in a solution of 0.02 M NaCl and 0.1 M Na 2 SO 4 at a constant electrical potential. The resulting anodic corrosion current was measured as a function of time. Artificial defects were made in the protective films by mechanical scratching in order to observe the propagation of corrosion from these sites. The extent of corrosion calculated from the current passed agreed well with the observed amount of missing metal. The results suggest that changes in the protective film's mechanical properties as a function of thickness are a major factor in the corrosion rate of the underlying metal film.
Therapeutic role of lymphadenectomy for cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND. Despite the diagnostic value of lymphadenectomy for early-stage cervical cancer, its therapeutic role is unknown. We examined the therapeutic potential of extensive lymphadenectomy in women with early-stage cervical cancer. METHODS. Women with stage IA2-IIA cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were analyzed. Patients were stratified according to the number of nodes removed. The effect of the extent of lymphadenectomy on overall and cancer-specific survival was examined using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Separate analyses were performed for node positive and node negative patients. RESULTS. Among 5522 women, 893 (16%) had 30 nodes removed. Black women, those >65 years of age and those diagnosed later in the study, were less likely to have 10 or more nodes removed (P 30 nodes removed were 37% (HR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.43-0.96) less likely to die from their tumors. CONCLUSIONS. Node negative, early-stage cervical cancer patients who undergo a more extensive lymphadenectomy have an improved survival. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Efficacy and Safety of Cefepime in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives We systematically reviewed clinical trials on the safety and efficacy of cefepime in pediatric patients in view of recent reports, which suggested that cefepime is associated with increased 30-day all-cause mortality rates. Study design We searched the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and other published and unpublished sources. Randomized clinical trials of cefepime in patients Results Sixteeen clinical trials were included. All-cause mortality rates did not differ between cefepime and comparator groups (risk difference, 0.00; 95% CI, -0.01-0.02). The risks of overall clinical failure (relative risk, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.82-1.04; P > .05) and failure in microbiologically confirmed infections (relative risk, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.68-1.22; P > .05) were not greater in subjects treated with cefepime. Rates of adverse events were similar in each group in all trials except 1. All studies had significant methodological flaws. Conclusions Comparisons of the safety and efficacy of cefepime relative with other antimicrobial agents in pediatric patients are limited by small numbers of trials and enrolled subjects and poor study methodology. This review, however, suggests that cefepime therapy in pediatric patients is not associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes.
Mutagen formation in browning model systems.

A browning model system, consisting of diacetyl and ammonia, produced frameshift and base-pair substitution mutagens when the system was heated over 20 min and 120 min, respectively. The major product was 2,4,5- trimethylimidazole , which showed no mutagenicity toward Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 with or without metabolic activation. When furfural was reacted with nitrate under mild conditions (for 30 min to 3 h at 0-25 degrees C and pH 2-7), it did not produce mutagenic nitrofuran derivatives. However, the ethyl ether extract obtained from the reaction mixture of furfural and nitrate with hydrochloric acid exhibited strong mutagenic activities toward S. typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 in the presence of metabolic activation. The major product of this reaction mixture, 4- nitrofurfural , exhibited no mutagenicity toward tester strains TA98 and TA100 with or without metabolic activation. Pure active mutagen(s) was (were) not, however, identified in either system.
Hormonal control of hemolymph lipoprotein ice nucleators in overwintering freeze-susceptible larvae of the stag beetle Ceruchus piceus: adipokinetic hormone and juvenile hormone

Freeze-resistant overwintering larvae of the stag beetle Ceruchus piceus do not produce antifreezes in winter, but instead lower their supercooling points by seasonal removal of lipoprotein ice nucleators (LPINs) from the hemolymph. The normal lipid transport function of these lipoproteins becomes less essential during winter because of the low temperatures and the diapause state of the larvae. Adipokinetic hormone (AKH) and juvenile hormone (JH) were shown to be involved in the control of supercooling abilities and LPIN levels. Treatment of midwinter larvae with AKH resulted in an increase in ice nucleator activity within 2 h, associated with elevated levels of LPINs, as demonstrated by Western blots derived from native PAGE gels probed with polyclonal antibodies to the LPINs. AKH also stimulated the release of LPIN in vitro from cultured fat bodies. In contrast, JH treatments of larvae with high hemolymph ice nucleator contents (either autumn or spring larvae) caused a decrease in ice nucleator activity and supercooling points. However, Western blots showed increased LPIN levels in these JH treated larvae. Apparently, this JH-induced, inactive form of LPIN lacks some component(s) essential for ice nucleator activity.
One Day of Mixed Meal Overfeeding Reduces Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity and Increases VLDL Particle But Not VLDL-Triglyceride Secretion in Overweight and Obese Men

Context: The exact mechanisms responsible for increased plasma triglyceride (TG) concentration in obese people are unclear, and it is not known whether excess energy intake per se is involved in the pathophysiology of this abnormality. Objective: The purpose of our study was to examine how excess energy intake from a balanced diet for 1 day affects very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-TG kinetics and its putative regulators hepatic insulin sensitivity and plasma free fatty acid availability. Subjects and Design: We used stable isotope-labeled tracer methods to evaluate glucose and lipid kinetics in 8 overweight and obese men (age, 38 ± 3 years; body mass index, 33.7 ± 1.7 kg/m2; means ± SEM) on 2 occasions (randomized crossover design): once, the day after they consumed a balanced diet that provided an amount of energy that matched their energy expenditure, and another time, the day after they consumed a balanced diet that provided 30% excess calories. Eight healthy, lean men (34 ± 1 years; 22.5 ± 0.6 kg/m...
Replication of West Nile virus in equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells

A cell model of primary monocytes and other mononuclear cells isolated from equine blood was used to study the kinetics of West Nile virus (WNV) replication in a natural host. West Nile virus has emerged on the North American continent as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in a wide range of avian and mammalian species. While other flaviviruses are known to infect monocytes and lymphocytes, the ability of WNV to productively replicate in specific immune cells of peripheral blood has not been assessed. In this study, enriched populations of monocytes and lymphocytes as well as purified monocytes, CD4+, CD8+ and B lymphocytes were obtained from equine blood. Productive WNV replication was demonstrated by viral growth curves, quantitative RT-PCR for WNV RNA, and indirect immunofluorescence detection of a non-structural WNV protein. Enriched and purified monocytes consistently supported productive viral replication in blood from nine of nine horses tested while a minor subset of CD4+ lymphocytes supported productive replication in cells from three of the nine horses tested. Peak viral titers of 3.2-6.6 log10 PFU/ml were reached at 6 days post-inoculation (p.i.) and titers were maintained through 10-15 days p.i. Activation of monocytes with bacterial lipopolysaccharide, which resulted in activation of nuclear transcription factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) plus elevation of nitric oxide and type I interferon levels, reduced or eliminated WNV replication. These results suggest that immune cells of the peripheral blood may serve as target cells for initial replication of WNV and may play a role in subsequent viral dissemination. Furthermore, primary equine immune cell cultures represent a potentially useful model of a natural WNV host when testing compounds such as antivirals for use in WNV treatment.
PARAMAGNETIC RESONANCE OF THE COBALT ION IN RUTILE SINGLE CRYSTAL

The electron paramagnetic resonance of ${\mathrm{Co}}^{2+}$ in single-crystal rutile (Ti${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$) has been investigated at 3-cm wavelength and 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The angular dependence of the resonance pattern indicates that the ${\mathrm{Co}}^{2+}$ ion enters substantially for the ${\mathrm{Ti}}^{4+}$ ion in the lattice. Strongly anisotropic values of the splitting factor $g$ and hfs constant $A$ are obtained, which may be understood in terms of a fairly large charge transfer to the surrounding ions.
SIGACT news complexity theory column 64

Autoreducibility and mitoticity express weak forms of redundancy of information that a set might possess. We describe many results known about these concepts. Mitoticity always implies autoreducibility, but the converse holds in some situations and fails in others. Among the results we describe are that NP-complete sets are many-one autoreducible and that every many-one autoreducible set is many-one mitotic. In particular, every infinite NPcomplete set splits by a set in P into two disjoint, infinite NP-complete set.
Design of nasoseptal cartilage replacements synthesized from biodegradable polymers and chondrocytes

Reconstructive and aesthetic surgery of the nose is a challenging problem in facial plastic surgery. In this study, biodegradable polymers composed of polyglycolic acid (PGA) and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and their co-polymers were used to produce templates to transplant cells and promote regeneration of structural cartilage. A highly porous anatomically shaped three-dimensional non-woven PGA fibre network was sprayed with a coating polymer solution. Reinforcement of the outer circumference of the 12 nasoseptal constructs using high molecular weight PLLA further stabilized the constructs during the process of neomorphogenesis of cartilage, both during in vitro incubation and in vivo implantation. These cell transplantation devices also proved to be adhesive substrates for dissociated bovine chondrocytes. When implanted subcutaneously into nude mice, the polymer templates guided the reorganization after 8 wk of the bovine chondrocytes into neocartilage in the precisely designed size and shape of the original size and shape of the polymer delivery device. All implants loaded with chondrocytes showed evidence of formation of histologically organized hyaline cartilage. The implantation of nasal scaffolds without cells did not show cartilage formation. The technique of tissue engineered growth of cartilage has potential applications in orthopaedic, plastic and reconstructive, and craniomaxillofacial surgery.
Preparation of purified acylglycerols of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid and their re-esterification with conjugated linoleic acid

Ethanolysis of fish oil catalyzed by Pseudomonas cepacia lipase (lipase PS) was employed for the selective enrichment of omega-3 fatty acid residues in the product acylglycerols. Molecular distillation was used to remove the ethyl esters from the product mixture. Re-esterification of the product acylglycerols with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in the presence of three commercial lipases was then studied. Best results were obtained when lipase PS and a fivefold excess of CLA were employed to produce triacylglycerols containing ca. 55 mole% CLA residues and ca. 18 mole% 4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic (DHA) and 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic (EPA) residues.
Liver transplantation for alcoholic liver disease: Bias, beliefs, 6‐month rule, and relapse—but where are the data?

Two articles in this issue of Liver Transplantation address issues surrounding liver transplantation for patients with alcoholic liver disease and attempt to define factors predictive of posttransplantation relapse to alcohol use. Pereira et al examined quality of life after transplantation and identified several factors that appear to correlate with the risk for posttransplantation relapse to alcohol use. Weinrieb et al surveyed the published literature to examine whether use of the 6-month rule was effective in preventing alcohol use either before or after transplantation.
Reduction in common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) occurrence in Iowa cropland from 1999 to 2009

Abstract The role of common milkweed in the lifecycle of the monarch butterfly has increased interest in the presence of this weed in the north central United States. An initial survey conducted in 1999 found that low densities of common milkweed occurred in approximately 50% of Iowa corn and soybean fields. In 2009, common milkweed was present in only 8% of surveyed fields, and the area within infested fields occupied by common milkweed was reduced by approximately 90% compared to 1999. The widespread adoption of glyphosate resistant corn and soybean cultivars and the reliance on post-emergence applications of glyphosate for weed control in crop fields likely has contributed to the decline in common milkweed in agricultural fields.
Melting Characteristics and Hardness of Milkfat Blend Sucrose Polyesters

Sucrose polyesters (SPE) are noncaloric fat substitutes prepared from fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and sucrose. Our objectives were to determine and compare the effects of supplementing FAME from hydrolyzed milkfat with 25% FAME derived from beef tallow, coconut oil, or myristic acid on melting characteristics, hardness, and fatty acid profiles of SPE. DSC thermograms revealed different melting profiles among the SPE and anhydrous milkfat. Milkfat:tallow, milkfat:coconut, and milkfat SPE differed (p<0.05) in hardness from milkfat at 12.5, 22, and 27.5 o C. Fatty acid compositions of the SPE were also different. Adjustments of melting characteristics, hardness, and fatty acid substituents of SPE are essential when substituting milkfat SPE for selected natural fats in foods
Clear corneal cataract surgery in ocular cicatricial pemphigoid

We present the results of clear corneal cataract surgery in a patient with stable ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. By eliminating trauma to the conjunctiva, cataract surgery was successfully performed without exacerbating the disease.
Intimate Homicide Between Asians and Non-Asians: The Impact of Community Context

This study tests two competing hypotheses regarding the social structural dynamics of intimate homicide: backlash versus collective efficacy. This study also examines the role of race in how social factors specified in each hypothesis affect intimate homicide. Data are from the California Vital Statistics and Homicide Data, 1990-1999. Results from a negative binomial regression partially support both hypotheses. In terms of magnitude, social deprivation is more important than both the backlash and collective efficacy factors. Asian intimate homicide is susceptible to the ability of communities to resolve commonly identified problems, whereas non-Asian intimate homicide is vulnerable to the depletion of socioeconomic resources. Implications of these findings are discussed in this article.
Applications and techniques for non-invasive faecal genetics research in felid conservation

Non-invasive genetic techniques utilising DNA extracted from faeces hold great promise for felid conservation research. These methods can be used to establish species distributions, model habitat requirements, analyse diet, estimate abundance and population density, and form the basis for population, landscape and conservation genetic analyses. Due to the elusive nature of most felid species, non-invasive genetic methods have the potential to provide valuable data that cannot be obtained with traditional observational or capture techniques. Thus, these methods are particularly valuable for research and conservation of endangered felid species. Here, we review recent studies that use non-invasive faecal genetic techniques to survey or study wild felids; provide an overview of field, laboratory and analysis techniques; and offer suggestions on how future non-invasive genetic studies can be expanded or improved to more effectively support conservation.
The Classification of Groups of Order 2p.

In [3] Sinefakopoulos uses only normality and a counting lemma to prove that every group of order p2 where p is a prime is abelian. From this, the classification of groups of order p2 is immediate: If IGI = p2, then G 7 4,2 or G Z 7p P 2p. In most books this result is given as a corollary of the class equation and occurs late in the text (see [1, p. 404] and [2, p. 479]). Unfortunately, many undergraduate courses in abstract algebra never get to the latter chapters of the book. This is definitely true at schools that offer only one semester of abstract algebra. Another particularly nice theorem that falls into this category is the classification of groups of order 2p where p is an odd prime. This result is typically given as an application of Cauchy's theorem ("If a prime p divides I GI, then G has an element of order p") or is not stated at all. In this note we give a proof of this theorem as an application of the most fundamental of all facts about finite groups, Lagrange's Theorem.
Adolescent development and adolescent pregnancy among late age African-American female adolescents

Prematurely constituted families are a problem of considerable magnitude in inner city communities. Research was conducted to compare and contrast a random sample (N36) of pregnant and nonpregnant late age low income African-American adolescent females' perceptions about their transition to adulthood. Findings suggest that adolescent pregnancy, although problematic, may be a solution to developmental concerns for some Black females and serves as a rite of passage to adulthood. Thematic categories of mate selection, opportunity mobility, and care protection represented psychological-attitudinal variables where the two groups differed significantly. Nonpregnant females were more frequently invested in behaviors that reflected social mobility goals than pregnant females.