cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution and survival of Vibrio vulnificus genotypes in postharvest Gulf Coast (USA) oysters under refrigeration

Aims: The effect of refrigeration on the seafood-borne pathogen Vibrio vulnificus was investigated in terms of genotype selection and persistence in refrigerated oysters. Methods and Results: Naturally occurring numbers of V. vulnificus in oysters from two different locations were compared during a 2-week period under refrigeration conditions. At different time points, V. vulnificus isolates were recovered from oysters and ascribed to 16S rRNA gene type A, B or AB using restriction fragment length polymorphism. Initial V. vulnificus numbers were higher than 104 most probable number (MPN) g−1 and remained unchanged throughout the duration of the study. 16S rRNA gene type B isolates accounted for 53% of the isolates recovered. Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis confirmed the high genetic variability previously observed within this species but revealed the presence of two main genetic groups within the species that matched 16S rRNA gene ascription. Conclusions: Vibrio vulnificus numbers in oysters did not significantly declined over the shelf life of the product and refrigeration did not select for specific V. vulnificus types. Significance and Impact of the Study: The prevalence of V. vulnificus 16S rRNA gene type B in oysters was higher than previously reported from the same geographic area and was not significantly reduced during the storage period. Vibrio vulnificus is divided into two clear genotypes, regardless of the genetic marker used.
Evaluation of intra-abdominal pressure in horses that crib.

Objective To measure intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) in horses that crib and compare it with IAP in horses that do not have this vice. Study Design Cohort study. Animals Healthy cribbing horses (cribbing cohort, n = 8) and 8 healthy noncribbing horses (noncribbing cohort). Methods A microsensor catheter was introduced into the peritoneal cavity through the right paralumbar fossa, using local anesthesia, for measurement of IAP. These pressures were recorded in 1-minute intervals for 2 hours, while the horses were standing tied in a stall. IAPs of cribbing horses were compared to the noncribbing cohort. Results Baseline IAPs were not significantly different between cribbing and noncribbing cohorts (P = .076); however, IAPs in the cribbing cohort were significantly increased when compared with the noncribbing cohort, during active cribbing behavior (P = .0016). Frequency of cribbing was not associated with increased IAP (P = .35). IAPs in the cribbing cohort remained significantly elevated compared with the noncribbing cohort, even after the behavior had ceased (P = .0002). Conclusion Cribbing is associated with increased IAP in the horse, both during and after the behavior.
Amyloidoma of the nasopharynx: CT and MR findings

A case of nasopharyngeal amyloidoma with extensive skull base erosion is presented. CT revealed a large, relatively homogeneous, enhancing lesion; MR revealed a signal intensity iso- or slightly hyperintense compared to muscle on T1- and T2-weighted images, with a moderate degree of contrast enhancement. When an erosive mass is encountered at the skull base in a submucosal location in the nasopharynx, and MR demonstrates short T2 relaxation with signal iso- or slightly hyperintense relative to muscle, amyloidoma should be included in the differential diagnosis.
Kondenzer: Exploration and visualization of archived social media

Modern social networks such as Twitter provide a platform for people to express their opinions on a variety of topics ranging from personal to global. While the factual part of this information and the opinions of various experts are archived by sources such as Wikipedia and reputable news articles, the opinion of the general public is drowned out in a sea of noise and “un-interesting” information. In this demo we present Kondenzer - an offline system for condensing, archiving and visualizing social data. Specifically, we create digests of social data using a combination of filtering, duplicate removal and efficient clustering. This gives a condensed set of high quality data which is used to generate facets and create a collection that can be visualized using the PivotViewer control.
Southern leaf blight disease severity is correlated with decreased maize leaf epiphytic bacterial species richness and the phyllosphere bacterial diversity decline is enhanced by nitrogen fertilization.

Plant leaves are inhabited by a diverse group of microorganisms that are important contributors to optimal growth. Biotic and abiotic effects on plant growth are usually studied in controlled settings examining response to variation in single factors and in field settings with large numbers of variables. Multi-factor experiments with combinations of stresses bridge this gap, increasing our understanding of the genotype-environment-phenotype functional map for the host plant and the affiliated epiphytic community. The maize inbred B73 was exposed to single and combination abiotic and the biotic stress treatments: low nitrogen fertilizer and high levels of infection with southern leaf blight (causal agent Cochliobolus heterostrophus). Microbial epiphyte samples were collected at the vegetative early-season phase and species composition was determined using 16S ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis. Plant traits and level of southern leaf blight disease were measured late-season. Bacterial diversity was different among stress treatment groups (P< 0.001). Lower species richness—alpha diversity--was correlated with increased severity of southern leaf blight disease when disease pressure was high. Nitrogen fertilization intensified the decline in bacterial alpha diversity. While no single bacterial ribotype was consistently associated with disease severity, small sets of ribotypes were good predictors of disease levels. Difference in leaf bacterial-epiphyte diversity early in the season were correlated with plant disease severity, supporting further tests of microbial epiphyte-disease correlations for use in predicting disease progression.
Permutations, periodicity, and chaos

Abstract Let f: I → I be a continuous function on a closed interval I. If there exists x ϵ I which has period 3 with respect to f, then Li and Yorke [1] proved that f is chaotic in the sense that there are not only points x ϵ I of arbitrarily large period, but also uncountably many points x ϵ I which are not even asymptotically periodic with respect to f. By using only elementary combinatorial facts about permutations, it is shown that if there is a point x ϵ I of period p with respect to f, where p is divisible by 3, 5, or 7, then f is chaotic. The proof is followed by a study of some related combinatorial problems in symmetric groups.
Identifying agricultural flood damage using Landsat imagery

During the first two weeks of July 2003, heavy precipitation occurred across the northern and central portions of Indiana, resulting in flooding and ponded water that damaged crops. Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper images were used to identify the level of damage in fields. A supervised classification and temporal change detection were performed with the help of ERDAS Imagine. To examine the recovery rate of crops over time, two methods were used: a change detection matrix and Delta Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. Both methods indicated an improvement in the conditions of the crops two weeks after the end of the heavy precipitation. Correlations between precipitation, crop damage, yield and unharvested area were weak. At the end of the season, the damage caused by flooding and excess precipitation did not greatly affect the yield of crops, especially corn. Soybeans suffered slightly from these rainfall events, and their yield was smaller than in previous years.
The effect of small cations on the positive electrospray responses of proteins at low pH.

Solutions consisting of protein and small molecule mixtures have been subjected to electrospray ionization to study the influence of small molecule/cation components at high concentrations on the electrospray responses of proteins. Emphasis was placed on solutions consisting of equal parts methanol and water and containing 1 vol % acetic acid. The results, therefore, are relevant to low pH solutions with significant organic content, a commonly used set of conditions in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry that tends to denature proteins. A variety of small cations/molecules were selected to sample a range of chemical characteristics. For example, sodium and cesium cations were studied to represent metal ions, tetrabutylammonium and tetramethylammonium cations were studied to represent quaternary ammonium compounds with different surface activities, and octadecylamine and glycine were studied to represent species that compete for protons but have different surface activities. A methodology for measuri...
The Need for Scientific Ocean Drilling

[1] Mark Twain once said, “I was seldom able to see an opportunity until it had ceased to be one.” The scientific community could soon miss an opportunity in ocean drilling. A recent article in Eos by D. K. Smith et al. (Ocean drilling: Forty years of international collaboration, Eos, 91(43), 393–394, 2010) summarized the history of scientific ocean drilling and presented an overview of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) as it currently operates. IODP will end in 2013, and an ambitious science plan is being developed to launch a new drilling program. Some people have asked, Given the program's past successes, why do we need more scientific ocean drilling?
A modern rationale for the use of phenoxybenzamine in urinary tract disorders and other conditions.

Background: Phenoxybenzamine (PBZ) is a nonselective, irreversible alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonist that is approved for the treatment of diaphoresis and hypertension associated with pheochromocytoma. It may also be useful in several chronic conditions whose pathogenesis is mediated or affected by alpha-adrenergic stimulation, such as lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and neurogenic bladder (eg, secondary to myelomeningocele and in sphincter dyssynergia and autonomic dysreflexia); in an adjunctive role after urogenital surgery or brachytherapy by relieving symptoms associated with increased alpha-adrenergic tone; and in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and prostatitis. However, carcinogenic concerns may have limited its potential application. Objective: The purpose of this article is to reassess the usefulness and contemporary application of PBZ for the control of urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH and neurogenic bladder, after urogenital surgery and brachytherapy, and in certain other conditions (eg, CRPS, prostatitis). Methods: A search of literature published from 1966 to 2002 was performed on MEDLINE using the search terms phenoxybenzamine, alpha-adrenergic blockers, benign prostatic hyperplasia, neurogenic bladder, urinary retention, and complex regional pain syndrome. Results: Despite concerns about possible carcinogenicity, no reports of drug-related tumors have been made since PBZ's introduction in 1953. Investigators have used PBZ in off-label trials to alleviate symptoms of a variety of conditions that cause urinary retention. In adult male patients with retention due to inguinal hernioplasty and female patients with retention caused by vaginal repair, as well as in pediatric patients with myelomeningocele, treatment with PBZ improved bladder function and, in the patients with myelomeningocele, was associated with reduced incidence of urinary tract infection. Larger trials of PBZ in men with BPH produced significant urinary symptom relief (P < 0.05 in 2 studies). Moreover, studies suggest that PBZ may be useful in alleviating pain due to trauma and CRPS. The most common adverse events appear to be dizziness, impotence and ejaculatory dysfunction, and nasal stuffiness. Conclusions: No drug-related tumors in humans have been reported after ∼50 years of clinical experience with PBZ. Clinical trials have demonstrated that it can relieve symptoms in patients with BPH and other urologic and pain-related conditions.
HEREDITARY METHEMOGLOBINEMIA DUE TO DIAPHORASE DEFICIENCY IN NAVAJO INDIANS.

Summary Three cases of methemoglobinemia due tohereditary deficiency of DPNH diaphorase were found in Navajo Indians. This condition has now been observed in three North American racial groups as well as in Caucasians and Puerto Ricans.
Prospective isolation of murine hematopoietic stem cells by expression of an Abcg2/GFP allele

Stem cells from a variety of tissues can be identified by a side population (SP) phenotype based on Hoechst 33342 dye efflux. The Abcg2 transporter is expressed in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and confers this dye efflux activity. To further explore the relationship among Abcg2 expression, the SP phenotype, and HSC activity, we have generated mice in which a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene was inserted into the Abcg2 locus. In these mice, the majority of bone marrow (BM) cells that expressed the Abcg2/ GFP allele were Ter119+ erythroid cells. The Abcg2/GFP allele was also expressed in approximately 10% of lineage-negative (Lin−) and in 91% of SP cells using stringent conditions for the SP assay. Flow cytometric sorting was used to isolate various Abcg2/GFP+ BM cell populations that were then tested for HSC activity in transplant assays. There was significant enrichment for HSCs in sorted Lin−/ GFP+ cells, with a calculated HSC frequency of approximately one in 75. There was no HSC activity detected in Lin−/GFP+ cells. Altogether, these results show that Abcg2 is expressed on essentially all murine BM HSCs and can be used as a prospective marker for HSC enrichment.
Degradation Signal Masking by Heterodimerization of MATα2 and MATa1 Blocks Their Mutual Destruction by the Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathway

Abstract Proteolysis by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is often regulated, but the mechanisms underlying such regulation remain ill-defined. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae , cell type is controlled by the MAT transcription factors. The α2 repressor is a known ubiquitin pathway substrate in α haploid cells. We show that a1 is rapidly degraded in a haploids. In a/α diploids, α2 and a1 are stabilized by heterodimerization. Association depends on N-terminal coiled-coil interactions between a1 and α2. Residues in α2 important for these interactions overlap a critical determinant of an α2 degradation signal, which we delimit by extensive mutagenesis. Our data provide a detailed description of a natural ubiquitin-dependent degradation signal and point to a molecular mechanism for regulated turnover in which proteolytic signals are differentially masked in alternative multiprotein complexes.
Can Endocrine Disruptors Influence Neuroplasticity In The Aging Brain

Only within the last two decades has the adult mammalian brain been recognized for its ability to generate new nerve cells and other neural structures and in essence to rewire itself. Although hippocampal structures have received the greatest scrutiny, other sites, including the cerebral cortex, also display this potential. Such processes remain active in the aging brain, although to a lesser degree. Two of the factors known to induce neurogenesis are environmental enrichment and physical activity. Gonadal hormones, however, also play crucial roles. Androgens and estrogens are both required for the preservation of cognitive function during aging and apparently help counteract the risk of Alzheimer's disease. One overlooked threat to hormonal adequacy that requires close examination is the abundance of environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals that interfere with gonadal function. They come in the form of estrogenic mimics, androgen mimics, anti-estrogens, anti-androgens, and in a variety of other guises. Because our brains are in continuous transition throughout the lifespan, responding both to environmental circumstances and to changing levels of gonadal steroids, endocrine-disrupting chemicals possess the potential to impair neurogenesis, and represent a hazard for the preservation of cognitive function during the later stages of the life cycle.
Cooled ion beams for physics experiments

Abstract Beam cooling methods developed for high energy colliders of protons and antiprotons are now finding application as media for experimentation in Nuclear and Atomic Physics. Two principal methods have been employed, stochastic cooling and electron cooling. The physics of these methods, and their ranges of applicability are discussed.
Epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor α induce c-fos gene expression in retinal Muller cells in vivo

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) are peptides that act at a common receptor and are mitogenic for immature astrocytes and trophic for developing brain neurons in vitro. However, a role for these growth factors in the mature nervous system has not been established. To investigate the actions of EGF and TGF alpha in the adult central nervous system (CNS) in vivo, the growth factors were injected into the vitreous cavity of adult male rabbits. After varying intervals, the retinas were examined for c-fos mRNA by Northern blot hybridization or Fos (and Fos-related antigen) protein by immunocytochemistry. EGF induction of c-fos mRNA occurs within 30 min and persists more than 4 hr. Fos nuclear immunostaining is induced selectively in nuclei of Muller cells by both EGF and TGF alpha. Fos-like immunoreactivity appears within 1 hr and persists more than 9 hr after EGF injection. These observations demonstrate that mature retinal Muller cells respond to exogenously applied EGF and TGF alpha in vivo, although the effect of the growth factors is not necessarily direct. The expression of c-fos and other immediate early genes provides a short-term marker that can be used to investigate the role of growth factors in normal retinal physiology and responses to injury.
Effects of specific exercise instructions on abdominal muscle activity during trunk curl exercises.

Study Design A repeated-measures, counterbalanced design. Objectives To test whether subjects could learn and retain the ability to alter the relative activity of abdominal muscle groups when performing trunk curl exercises. Background Although trunk curl exercises are widely prescribed, a disadvantage of trunk curls is that they primarily activate rectus abdominis, while the internal and external oblique abdominis muscles are considered to be more important contributors to lumbar stability. Methods and Measures A convenience sample of 25 subjects performed trunk curl exercises in accordance with 3 different sets of instructions: nonspecific instructions (NS), instructions intended to emphasize rectus abdominis activity (RE), and instructions intended to emphasize oblique abdominis activity (OE). Electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded from the upper and lower rectus and the internal and external oblique abdominis muscles while a physical target was used to insure that the trunk was raised to the sa...
Risk factors associated with non-fatal adolescent firearm injuries.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To identify behavioral, environmental, and sociodemographic risk factors associated with non-fatal firearm injuries among inner city adolescents in the United States. DESIGN: A case-control study in which patients with firearm injury serve as cases and those with medical conditions serve as controls. SETTING: A level I trauma center in a metropolitan area serving a predominately lower socioeconomic status population. PARTICIPANTS: Cases were 45 consecutive patients 11-18 years presenting to the emergency department with non-fatal firearm injury; controls were 50 age and gender matched patients presenting with acute medical problems. OUTCOME MEASURE: Odds ratios (OR) and associated 95% confidence interval (CI) as estimates of the magnitude of association between risk factors and non-fatal firearm injury. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, gender and socioeconomic status, multivariate analysis identified four risk factors independently associated with firearm injury: living with less than two parents (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.2 to 12.2), skipping class (OR 7.1, 95% CI 1.7 to 28.9), previous arrest (OR 6.2, 95% CI 1.9 to 20.7), and being African-American (OR 4.2; 95%CI 1.4 to 14.9). CONCLUSION: Risk factors for adolescents sustaining a non-fatal firearm injury are sociodemographic and environmental, not just behavioral. Thus interventions that foster protective and supportive environments may help prevent firearm injuries.
A New Viewpoint on Faces

One of the most fundamental features of the primate brain is its organization into hierarchical networks for sequential information processing. The visual hierarchy is a densely interconnected network of more than 30 distinct brain regions. It radiates forward from the primary visual cortex near the back of the head along a dorsal (upper) “where” pathway (which processes space and motion) and a ventral (lower) “what” pathway (which processes objects and scenes) ( 1 ). Why are there so many stages of visual processing, and how do they function together to create visual experience and knowledge? Answering these questions has been especially difficult for the ventral pathway, due to the virtual infinity of potential objects the brain can perceive. On page 845 of this issue ( 2 ), Freiwald and Tsao focus on one unique category of objects—human faces—as a paradigm for understanding hierarchical processing in the ventral pathway.
Hepatic mass in a 73-year-old man.

Question: A 73-yearold man with history of hypertension and dyslipidemia was incidentally found to have a large liver mass on magnetic resonance imaging. He did not have a personal or family history of chronic liver disease, previously diagnosed malignancy, alcohol use, blood transfusion, or smoking. Physical examination revealed abdominal distention. A palpable mass and jaundice were absent. Comprehensive metabolic panel, complete blood count, alpha-fetoprotein, liver transaminases, and carcinoembryonic antigen were within reference range. Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 was elevated 45.8 U/mL). Serologic studies for hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C core antigen were negative. Antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen as positive. Computed tomography (CT) was performed, revealing a large right hepatic lobe mass, 20 cm in greatest dimension (Figure A). he mass had predominantly fatty attenuation with interspersed wispy soft tissue attenuation, multiple scattered small round enhancing odules, and prominent dilated irregular enhancing vessels. A right lobectomy was performed. Pathologic examination of the 3503.6-g resection specimen revealed a 22 cm, well-circumcribed yet unencapsulated yellow-tan variegated soft mass with hemorrhagic foci (Figure B). The uninvolved hepatic parenchyma as grossly unremarkable. Histologically, the mass consisted of a mixture of smooth muscle cells (arrows), abnormal thick-walled lood vessels, mature adipose tissue, and foci of hematopoietic elements (Figure C). The smooth muscle cells were positive for the elanocytic lineage marker homatropine methylbromide 45 (HMB-45) (Figure D). What is the diagnosis? Look on page 679 for the answer and see the GASTROENTEROLOGY web site (www.gastrojournal.org) for more information on submitting your favorite image to Clinical Challenges and Images in GI.
Alternating wenckebach periodicity: A common electrophysiologic response

Abstract Alternating Wenckebach periods are defined as episodes of 2:1 atrioventricular (A-V) block in which conducted P-R intervals progressively prolong, terminating in two or three blocked P waves. In this study, His bundle recordings were obtained in 13 patients with pacing-induced alternating Wenckebach periods. Three patterns were noted: Pattern 1 (one patient with a narrow QRS complex) was characterized by 2:1 block distal to the H deflection (block in the His bundle) and Wenckebach periods proximal to the H deflection, terminating with two blocked P waves. Pattern 2 (four patients) was characterized by alternating Wenckebach periods proximal to the His bundle, terminating with three blocked P waves. Pattern 3 (eight patients) was characterized by alternating Wenckebach periods proximal to the His bundle, terminating with two blocked P waves. Alternating Wenckebach periods are best explained by postulating two levels of block. When alternating Wenckebach periods are terminated by three blocked P waves (pattern 2), the condition may be explained by postulating 2:1 block (proximal level) and type I block (distal level). When alternating Wenckebach periods are terminated by two blocked P waves (patterns 1 and 3), the condition may be explained by postulating type I block (proximal level) and 2:1 block (distal level). Pattern 1 reflects block at two levels, the A-V node and His bundle. Patterns 2 and 3 most likely reflect horizontal dissociation within the A-V node.
Natural matrix radioactivity standards and reference materials

Abstract Although the precise definitions of Natural Matrix Standard (NMS) and Natural Matrix Reference Material (NMRM) remain somewhat unclear, few doubt their extreme usefulness in virtually all programs involving measurements of radioactivity. Rigorous quality assurance/quality control is difficult, if not impossible, particularly in studies requiring radiochemical/radiometric analyses of environmental matrices, when lacking good NMSs and NMRMs. A fairly comprehensive range of these materials is now available internationally, at a reasonable cost. Progress on the National Bureau of Standards NMS program as well as EML's Quality Assessment Program are discussed. In addition 99 Tc in vegetation is presented as a specific example of the methodology of preparing a NMRM.
Failure of Development of the Sexual Phase of Eimeria intricata in Heavily Inoculated Sheep

SYNOPSIS Each of 4 bottle-fed lambs received totals of 3500-8100 sporulated oocysts of Eimeria intricata in series of 3-6 inoculations during 4- to 14-day periods; all produced oocysts of the parasite. The periods of patency in some infections indicated that only the earliest inoculations of a series may have produced oocysts. Fifteen other bottle-fed lambs were inoculated, each with a single dose of 0.01-2 million sporulated oocysts, and necropsied at intervals of 1-2 days over 29 days. Parasites apparently resulting from the inoculations were found in only the lambs killed up to and including 17 days postinoculation; the most advanced stages were 2nd generation schizonts. It was concluded that a reaction occurred against the large numbers of asexual stages of E. intricata, which were evidently present, and the infections were terminated before formation of sexual stages.
Diminishing Marginal Utility of Income? Caveat Emptor

[T]he income and happiness relationship is ... curvilinear ... with a decreasing marginal utility for higher levels of income.... (Diener, Sandvik, Seidlitz, and Diener, 1993, p. 204; cf. also Diener and Biswas-Diener, 2002, p. 119) [W]e not only see a clear positive relationship [between happiness and GNP per capita], but also a curvilinear pattern; which suggest that wealth is subject to a law of diminishing happiness returns (Veenhoven, 1991, p. 10; cf. also 1989, pp. 15-18; 1993, p. 127). Comparing across countries, it is true that income and happiness are positively related and that the marginal utility falls with higher income. Higher income clearly raises happiness in developing countries, while the effect is only small, if it exists at all, in rich countries (Frey and Stutzer, 2002a, p. 90). The early phases of economic development [as measured by GNP per capita] seem to produce a big return ... in terms of human happiness. But the return levels off ... Economic development eventually reaches a point of diminishing returns . . . in terms of human happiness (Inglehart, 2000, p. 219; cf. also 1997, p. 61).
Lys-bradykinin stimulates Na+ influx and DNA synthesis in cultured human fibroblasts

Abstract The effect of Lys-bradykinin on net Na + influx in serum-deprived cultured human fibroblasts (HSWP cells) was measured. It was found that Lys-bradykinin stimulates net Na + influx with a K12 of 1 nM. When Lys-bradykinin was combined with epidermal growth factor, vasopressin and insulin, the net Na + influx stimulated was comparable with that measured in response to 10% serum. The above combination of growth factors also was found to stimulate DNA synthesis to 92% of the serum-stimulated levels in HSWP cells and to support cell growth over a period of 6 days. In addition, it was observed that the Na + influx stimulated by Lys-bradykinin or by the combination of four growth factors was completely inhibited by the amiloride analog benzamil. Thus Lys-bradykinin presumably stimulates the same Na + transport system as is stimulated by serum. Finally, the present results suggest that an increase in Na + influx always accompanies DNA synthesis in HSWP cells. On the basis of these observations, it can be hypothesized that Na + influx is a necessary event to stimulate DNA synthesis.
Integrins: A role for adhesion molecules in olfactory memory

A gene required for short-term memory in Drosophila, Volado, encodes an alpha integrin and is preferentially expressed in the mushroom bodies of the adult brain. Adhesion molecules of this kind may play a role in olfactory memory by altering the strength of synaptic connections in an experience-dependent manner.
Tumor metastasis: mechanistic insights and clinical challenges

Metastatic disease is the primary cause of death for most cancer patients. Complex and redundant pathways involving the tumor cell and the microenvironment mediate tumor invasion at the primary site, survival and arrest in the bloodstream, and progressive outgrowth at a distant site. Understanding these pathways and their dynamic interactions will help identify promising molecular targets for cancer therapy and key obstacles to their clinical development.
Tooth Decay may be Associated With Increased Risk of Dental Pain in 5-Year-Olds

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Caries is the main cause for dental pain in childhood: Findings from a birth cohort. Boeira GF, Correa MB, Peres KG, Peres MA, Santos IS, Matijasevich A, Barros AJD, Demarco FF. Caries Res 2012;46:488-95. Reviewer Peter Milgrom, DDS Purpose/Question To determine the prevalence of dental pain in preschool children and its association with socioeconomic, demographic, clinical, and behavior variables Source of Funding CNPz, Process 402372/2008-5, from the government of Brazil; CAPES scholarship to first author, also from the government of Brazil Type of Study/Design Cohort study Level of Evidence Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
Blood flow during pregnancy in the rat: III. Alterations following mirex treatment

The radiolabeled microsphere technique was used to evaluate intrauterine and maternal organ blood flow in CD rats on day 6, 10, or 16 of gestation. Pregnant animals received an oral dose of 10 mg/kg mirex on day 5 (for day 6 determinations), days 5–9 (for day 10 determinations), days 5–14 (for day 16 determinations), or no treatment (controls). On day 6, absolute blood flow (ml/min) to the stomach was reduced significantly in mirex-treated rats, but no other statistically significant changes were observed. On day 10 in mirex-treated rats, maternal cardiac output was decreased significantly, weights of uterus, ovaries, heart, and spleen were decreased while liver weights were increased. Absolute blood flow to the lungs, urinary bladder, kidneys, ovaries, and uterus and total conceptus was decreased significantly on day 10. On day 16, ovarian and uterine weight and blood flow in mirex-exposed rats were no longer significantly different from control animals. However, blood flow to the stomach, spleen, liver, kidney, and adrenal was reduced while liver weight had increased markedly. The mean number of viable fetuses/litter was reduced to 5.4 ± 2.2 in the treated group compared to 11.6 ± 0.4 in day 16 controls. Fetal weight was decreased significantly and resorption weights and absolute blood flow were significantly increased in the mirex group. Edema was observed in all live fetuses from mirex-treated dams evaluated on day 16 of gestation. Thus, overall effects of mirex treatment on maternal cardiac output, and blood flow to the stomach, spleen, liver, kidneys, adrenals, and uterus suggest maternal toxicity may play a large role in adverse fetal outcome. The marked decrease in blood flow to the uterus and total conceptus seen on day 10 suggests that hypoxia during organogenesis may contribute to reduced fetal weight, edema, and death observed on day 16 of gestation in treated litters.
Impact of ozone on loblolly pine seedling foliage production and retention

Field-grown one-year-old loblolly pine seedlings were exposed to a complete factorial design of ozone and acidic precipitation in open-top chambers for two seasons. Foliage production and retention were evaluated during the second exposure season. Five ozone exposures ranging from 0.42 to 2.95x ambient and two rainfall treatments, pH 5.3 and pH 3.3, were applied for two growing seasons. Fascicle number and length of early season flushes were decreased by increasing ozone, but ozone increased fascicle length of late season flushes. Foliage retention was significantly decreased as ozone concentration increased. A significant reduction in fascicle retention was observed at ambient ozone concentrations. Significant pine family differences were noted for many of the evaluated foliage variables. Acidic precipitation generally had no significant effects, except that overall branch foliage retention tended to increase with increasing acidity and there was an ozone by rain acidity interaction when 1987 branch foliage was evaluated. Decreased foliage retention may be a partial explanation for the growth rate reductions in some stands in the Southeast.
Sudden onset of blindness in patients treated with oral CCNU and low-dose cranial irradiation.

Three patients developed the sudden onset of total blindness several months after treatment with oral CCNU and low-dose whole-brain radiation. The anterior visual system was included in the radiation field in all patients. Radiotherapy was given for a frontal-lobe glioblastoma multiforme, for central nervous system prophylaxis in a patient with oat cell carcinoma of the lung, and for a parietal-lobe glioblastoma multiforme. None of the neoplasms involved the anterior visual system. The radiation dose ranged from 3000 to 4650 rad and the oral CCNU dosage from 300 mg to 1050 mg. Patients 1 and 2 also received other chemotherapeutic agents. Patient 3 who was treated only with oral CCNU and cranial irradiation died. At autopsy the brain showed a widely infiltrating residual high-grade glioma as well as patchy coagulative necrosis with swollen axons and dystrophic calcifications. The optic chiasm showed showed severe demyelination, axonal loss, and hyalinized vessels. Synergism between oral CCNU and radiation may account for the blindness produced. Cancer 59:901-907, 1987.
The magnetic resonance in high-temperature superconductors: evidence for an extended s-wave pairing symmetry

We have identified several important features in the neutron scattering data of cuprates that are difficult to explain in terms of d-wave and isotropic s-wave order parameters. Alternatively, we show that the neutron data are in quantitative agreement with an order parameter that has an extended s-wave (A1g) symmetry and opposite sign in the bonding and antibonding electron bands formed within the Cu2O4 bilayers. The extended s wave has eight line nodes and changes sign when a node is crossed. This A1g pairing symmetry may be compatible with a charge-fluctuation-mediated pairing mechanism.
The Politics of Environmental Dispute Resolution

Few spheres of American domestic poiicy are as riddied by conflict or as dependent upon the judiciary for direction as environmentai policy. In fact, the frequency and Intensity of conflict have created a policy making void that the judiciary has, for better or worse, filled. Given the incapacity of executive and legislative branches of govemment to resolve such fundamental disputes, the courts have become a dominant force in American environmentai policy.^ Court-shaped policy, however, is suspect in terms of its capacity to protect human health, limit interference with economic growth, and stimulate the search for innovative methods to improve environmental quality. And it has attracted a host of critics in recent years, many of whom question the basic ability of courts to mai olicy diaiogue. Many of these are intended to mitigate conflict through direct and systematic interaction among disputants. Rather than delegate dispute resoiution to a judge, jury, or arbiter, these alternatives force varying parties to design their own solutions, with policy reflecting group consensus rather than judiciai decree. in theory, these approaches offer ways to forge a styie of environmental policy that is more cooperative and effective. And in practice, there are considerabie grounds for optimism on both counts. Other spheres of domestic poiicy, including iabor and management reiations and speciai education, have iong relied on comparabie approaches that were generaiiy deemed effective. Even in conflictriddled environmental policy, a growing number of disputes have been at least partiaiiy resolved through utilization of such approaches. These initiai experiments have resulted in an outpouring of publications on "environmenta i dispute resoiution" (EDR). Many of these chronicle one or more environmental confiicts that were resolved through mediation or a reiated approach. Most are extremeiy enthusiastic about the potentiai of EDR and few perceive any significant impediment to vast expansion in its use or any significant policy shortcoming if it were to be widely employed.
Strain relief in epitaxial HgCdTe by growth on a reticulated substrate

In nearly all cases when an epitaxial layer of HgCdTe is grown on a CdZnTe substrate, there will be a finite lattice mismatch due to the lack of precise control over the ZnTe mole fraction. This leads to strains in the layer, which can be manifested in one or more ways: (1) as misfit dislocations near the interface, (2) as threading dislocations, (3) as surface topographical textures, and (4) as cross-hatch lines seen by x-ray topography. We have found that much of the strain can be relieved by growing on a reticulated substrate. Specifically, when the substrate has been etched to form mesas prior to growth of the layer, the resulting layer on the tops of the mesas shows evidence of significantly reduced strain. CdZnTe substrates oriented (111)A were prepared with two sets of mesas on 125 µm centers and 60 µm centers, and with other planar areas remaining for comparison. From a Hg melt, a layer of LWIR HgCdTe was grown about 16 µm thick on each substrate. Nomarski microscopy showed that the layers on the mesa tops were extremely flat, showing no sign of curvature or surface texture. X-ray topography showed no cross hatch on the mesa tops, while the usual cross hatch appeared in the planar regions. The LPE layer extended laterally beyond the edges of the original mesa because of faster growth in non-(111) directions. Samples were cleaved and examined in cross section. The linear density of etch pits seen in the cross section near the substrate, which represent misfit dislocations, was three times lower in the layer on the mesas than in the layer in the unpatterned region, although both regions have the same layer/substrate lattice mismatch. When an epilayer is grown on an unpatterned wafer (the conventional approach), the growth in any small region is confined laterally by the growing layer in the neighboring regions. However, when growth occurs on a reticulated surface, the lateral confinement is removed, providing strain relief and fewer defects.
Ion temperature and velocity in a 300 mm diameter capacitively coupled plasma reactor driven at 13, 60 and 162 MHz

Spatially resolved temperature, radial drift velocity and relative density of an argon ion metastable state were measured in a capacitively coupled, parallel-plate reactor. The argon plasma was generated using single-frequency excitation of 13, 60, 162 MHz and dual frequency excitation of 13 and 60 MHz. For the conditions investigated, the ion temperatures were between 400 and 750 K. At the lower excitation frequencies of 13 and 60 MHz, the radial ion velocity increased monotonically from the center of the plasma to the edge of the electrode while ion temperature did not depend strongly on radial position or frequency. At 162 MHz excitation, the radial ion drift velocity peaked off center and the ion temperature showed large variations with radial position. For all cases, the radial drift velocity was less than the average thermal velocity. At all drive frequencies, the ion temperature was only a weak function of pressure and rf power. Comparison of the ion temperature and the drift velocity suggests that for 162 MHz excitation, the ion heating mechanism may depend on the radial position.
Lewis and Fischer rat strains display differences in biochemical, electrophysiological and behavioral parameters: studies in the nucleus accumbens and locus coeruleus of drug naive and morphine-treated animals.

In previous studies, we demonstrated that tyrosine hydroxylase and neurofilament proteins are regulated by chronic morphine and chronic cocaine treatments in the ventral tegmental area in Sprague-Dawley rats and that the imbred Lewis and Fischer 344 rat strains, under drug-naive conditions, show different levels of these proteins specifically in this brain region. In the current study, we compared Lewis and Fischer rats with respect to levels of adenylate cyclase, cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and G-proteins in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and locus coeruleus (LC), brain regions in Sprague-Dawley rats where these proteins are regulated by chronic exposure to morphine or to cocaine. We found that levels of adenylate cyclase and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase activity are higher in the NAc and LC of Lewis rats compared to Fischer rats, whereas levels of Giα and Gβ were lower. These strain differences were not seen in several other brain regions analyzed and no strain differences were detected in levels of other G-protein subunits. Lewis and Fischer rats also differed in the ability of chronic morphine to regulate adenylate cyclase and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase in the NAc and LC. In the NAc, chronic morphine increased levels of the two enzymes in the Fischer strain only, whereas in the LC chronic morphine increased levels of the enzymes in both strains, with more robust effects seen in the Lewis rat. To understand possible physiological consequences of these strain differences in the cyclic AMP pathway, we studied LC neuronal activity under basal and chronic morphine-treated conditions. LC neurons of Lewis rats showed higher spontaneous firing rates in brain slices in vitro than those of Fischer rats and also showed greater morphine-induced increases in responsiveness to bath-applied 8-bromo-cyclic AMP. These electrophysiological findings are generally consistent with the biochemical observations. Moreover, Lewis and Fischer rats displayed very different opiate withdrawal syndromes, with different types of behaviors elicited upon precipitation of opiate withdrawal with the opiate receptor antagonist, naltrexone. The possible relationship between these behavioral findings and the biochemical and electrophysiological data is discussed. These studies provide further support for the possibility that Lewis and Fischer rat strains provide a useful model system in which some of the genetic factors that contribute to drug-related behaviors can be investigated.
Chronic Implantation of Electrodes into the Olfactory Bulb

A PRECISE method of chronic implantation of large electrodes into brain structures is to locate the generator of a signal and then to place the electrodes in a manner which will record the maximum electrical activity. Freeman1 has developed such a method for implanting into the prepyriform cortex utilizing the electrical field produced in this area by electrical activation of the lateral olfactory tract. This method was adapted for chronically implanting bipolar electrodes into the olfactory bulb of cats.
Operational and financial impact of physician screening in the ED.

Abstract Background Physician screening is one of many front-end interventions being implemented to improve emergency department (ED) efficiency. Study objective We aimed to quantify the operational and financial impact of this intervention at an urban tertiary academic center. Methods We conducted a 2-year before-after analysis of a physician screening system at an urban tertiary academic center with 90 000 annual visits. Financial impact consisted of the ED and inpatient revenue generated from the incremental capacity and the reduction in left without being seen (LWBS) rates. The ED and inpatient margin contribution as well as capital expenditure were based on available published data. We summarized the financial impact using net present value of future cash flows performing sensitivity analysis on the assumptions. Operational outcome measures were ED length of stay and percentage of LWBS. Results During the first year, we estimate the contribution margin of the screening system to be $2.71 million and the incremental operational cost to be $1.86 million. Estimated capital expenditure for the system was $1 200 000. The NPV of this investment was $2.82 million, and time to break even from the initial investment was 13 months. Operationally, despite a 16.7% increase in patient volume and no decrease in boarding hours, there was a 7.4% decrease in ED length of stay and a reduction in LWBS from 3.3% to 1.8%. Conclusions In addition to improving operational measures, the implementation of a physician screening program in the ED allowed for an incremental increase in patient care capacity leading to an overall positive financial impact.
Calling song and selective phonotaxis in the field crickets,Gryllus firmus andG. pennsylvanicus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

The field cricket species, Gryllus firmusand G. pennsylvanicus,occur in a mosaic hybrid zone that roughly parallels the eastern slope of the Appalachian mountains in the northeastern United States. It is important to know what role, if any, the calling song plays in mate choice in sympatric and allopatric populations. In this report, we present results on the variability of calling song properties along transects across this hybrid zone. We also present the results of experiments on phonotactic selectivity of females from an allopatric population of G. firmus.The male calling song of allopatric G. firmuswas significantly slower in temporal rhythm (i. e., chirp and pulse repetition rates) and lower in pitch (i.e., dominant frequency) than that of allopatric G. pennsylvanicus.Calling song properties of males recorded in the hybrid zone varied considerably in temporal and spectral properties. In two-stimulus (choice) phonotaxis experiments, allopatric females of G. firmuspreferred synthetic calling songs with conspecific pulse repetition rates over songs that had lower and higher pulse rates. This preference persisted even when the sound pressure levels of alternative stimuli were unequal. Therefore, allopatric females of G. firmuscan discriminate between conspecific and heterospecific calling songs. Whether or not this same selectivity is present in sympatric populations remains unclear. Investigations of phonotactic selectivity in other allopatric and sympatric populations of both species are currently under way.