cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examination of Three Case Studies of Caring for Psychiatric Patients on a Medical Surgical Unit

Medical surgical nurses frequently care for patients with psychiatric disorders as one in four people have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder. Since these nurses specialize in medical surgical nursing, they often feel they lack the expertise to care for patients with co-morbid psychiatric problems. This article presents three case studies and delineates nursing care strategies which could assist the medical-surgical nurses in caring for this population.
Rapid Development of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Purulent Pericarditis in the Setting of Endocarditis

Abstract Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) purulent pericarditis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of MRSA bacteremia. We describe a case of a 27-year-old patient with active intravenous drug use, who presented with fever, chills, and dyspnea and was found to have tricuspid valve endocarditis. Echocardiogram on admission showed no pericardial effusion. The patient became hypotensive, with worsening dyspnea, in the following 3 days. A computed tomography scan of the chest was repeated and showed a large pericardial effusion. The patient underwent pericardiocentesis and pericardial drain placement. Antibiotics were continued, with resolution of effusion. Early pericardiocentesis of a large purulent pericardial effusion may prevent catastrophic outcomes.
Using genetics to detangle the relationships between red cell distribution width and cardiovascular diseases: a unique role for body mass index.

Objective Red cell distribution width (RDW) is an enigmatic biomarker associated with the presence and severity of multiple cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It is unclear whether elevated RDW contributes to, results from, or is pleiotropically related to CVDs. We used contemporary genetic techniques to probe for evidence of aetiological associations between RDW, CVDs, and CVD risk factors. Methods Using an electronic health record (EHR)-based cohort, we built and deployed a genetic risk score (GRS) for RDW to test for shared genetic architecture between RDW and the cardiovascular phenome. We also created GRSs for common CVDs (coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, peripheral arterial disease, venous thromboembolism) and CVD risk factors (body mass index (BMI), low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, serum triglycerides, estimated glomerular filtration rate, diabetes mellitus) to test each for association with RDW. Significant GRS associations were further interrogated by two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR). In a separate EHR-based cohort, RDW values from 1-year pre-gastric bypass surgery and 1–2 years post-gastric bypass surgery were compared. Results In a cohort of 17 937 subjects, there were no significant associations between the RDW GRS and CVDs. Of the CVDs and CVD risk factors, only genetically predicted BMI was associated with RDW. In subsequent analyses, BMI was associated with RDW by multiple MR methods. In subjects undergoing bariatric surgery, RDW decreased postsurgery and followed a linear relationship with BMI change. Conclusions RDW is unlikely to be aetiologically upstream or downstream of CVDs or CVD risk factors except for BMI. Genetic and clinical association analyses support an aetiological relationship between BMI and RDW.
Safety and Early Efficacy of Involved Field SBRT for Nodal Oligo-Recurrent Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Following definitive treatment for localized prostate cancer a subset of men will unfortunately develop recurrent disease. Newer PET agents have demonstrated that most early recurrences occur in the abdominopelvic nodal basins. The optimal treatment strategy for this patient population is unknown but likely includes a combination of systemic therapy, surgery and/or radiation therapy. For radiation therapy, the optimal treatment volume, fractionation schedule and dose remain unanswered questions. We report early outcomes for patients treated with involved field SBRT for nodal oligo-recurrent prostate cancer. MATERIALS/METHODS Between January 2018 and January 2020, 21 patients with nodal oligo-recurrent prostate cancer treated with involved field SBRT at a single academic institution were eligible for inclusion in this analysis. Detection of recurrence was ascertained by imaging including: Axumin PET/CT (66%) or MRI/CT (34%) following a PSA rise. All patients were treated with five-fraction involved field SBRT to a dose of 27.5-30 Gy. The treatment volume for involved field was defined as the nodal basin containing the gross nodal disease as well as the immediately adjacent nodal basins. Oligo-recurrence was defined as any volume of disease that could be safely treated within an involved field. Acute and late toxicity data was defined as any treatment related toxicity occurring ≤ 90 days and > 90 days following treatment, respectively. Toxicity was graded using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. PSA response was defined as any decrease in the PSA following treatment. Local recurrence was defined as any new or growing lesion within the treatment field following treatment. Local control was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS The median pre-salvage PSA was 7.2 ng/ml. The median follow-up for all patients was 25 months (11 - 36 months). The most common acute side effect was grade 1 diarrhea (n = 7, 33%). Acute grade 2 GI toxicity occurred in 14% of patients (n = 3). Two patients had late low grade pelvic pain and 1 patient had late grade 2 lower extremity limb edema. There were no late grade 2+ GI side effects. No grade 3+ side effects occurred at any time following treatment. 88% of patients had a PSA response following treatment. The local control at 1 and 2 years was 100% and 94%, respectively. CONCLUSION With the widespread adoption of novel PET agents the group of patients with oligo-recurrent nodal disease is likely to increase significantly. The optimal combination of local and systemic therapy in this patient population is the subject of ongoing clinical investigation. With a favorable toxicity profile, high rates of local control and PSA response, involved field SBRT represents a feasible as well as convenient local therapy treatment option for an elderly patient population.
The use of crural relaxing incisions with biologic mesh reinforcement during laparoscopic repair of complex hiatal hernias

Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair has a better chance of success if the hiatus is closed without tension. This study attempts to answer the following questions: (1) What is the rate of hiatal hernia recurrence in patients who undergo hiatal closure with diaphragmatic relaxing incisions? (2) Can biologic mesh be safely substituted for synthetic mesh as coverage of the relaxing incisions? We identified all patients who underwent laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair at our institution between 2007 and 2013 and reviewed their clinical records. Radiologic recurrence was identified by an experienced radiologist and defined as the presence of any abdominal contents located above the diaphragm on esophagram. Clinical recurrence was defined as little or no improvement in symptoms, the development of a new symptom, or the need for medical, endoscopic, or surgical treatment of postoperative symptoms. A minimum of 6 months of radiologic and clinical follow-up was available for 146 (40 %) patients, including 16 with relaxing incisions. There were 66 (45 %) recurrent hernias detected on esophagram. There was no difference in the rate of recurrent hiatal hernia among the three groups: Primary closure of the hiatus (21/36 [58 %]), primary closure with biologic mesh reinforcement (36/94 [38 %]), and relaxing incision with biologic mesh reinforcement (9/16 [56 %]; p = 0.428). Two reoperations were performed on patients who underwent left relaxing incisions and developed symptomatic diaphragmatic hernias through the left relaxing incisions. There were no complications associated with use of biologic mesh at the hiatus. Rate of recurrent hiatal hernia is similar between patients who undergo diaphragmatic relaxing incisions and patients who undergo primary hiatal closure. Relaxing incisions can be safely performed on either crus; however, biologic mesh should not be used to patch a left-sided relaxing incision due to the risk of developing a diaphragmatic hernia.
Farewell to the Reader

Does Dostoyevsky refer to mathematics in the epigraphs above? Probably not, but his lines are so applicable to mathematics, with their references to proving existence and importance of beauty! Einstein, a connoisseur of Beauty, observes poetic qualities of pure mathematics. Mathematics could be viewed as a science whose truths exist in Nature independently of our mind. It is also used as a tool in a variety of other sciences. In a sense, mathematics is a language, used by many disciplines to make themselves more rigorous. And mathematics could be viewed as an art, which not only reflects Nature, but also creates Beauty that can compete with the Beauty of Nature. The Colorado Mathematical Olympiad exists to spread this Beauty, and to pass this connoisseurship to young minds.
Activation of protein kinase C modulates the adenylate cyclase effector system of B-lymphocytes.

Abstract Antibodies to surface immunoglobulins activate inositol phospholipid hydrolysis in B-lymphocytes, but very little is known concerning their effects on cAMP levels. In other cells, products from the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate can increase and/or potentiate cAMP accumulation. In this study we have examined whether goat anti-mouse IgM (mu-chain-specific) stimulates and/or potentiates increases in the cAMP levels of splenocytes from athymic nude mice. Goat anti-mouse IgM, by itself, stimulated a 60% increase in cAMP within 2 min. Pretreating the cell suspensions at 37 degrees C with anti-IgM produced opposite effects on the forskolin- and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)-induced increase in cAMP. Anti-IgM (25 micrograms/ml) potentiated the rise in cAMP induced by 100 microM forskolin 76%, but it decreased the response to 50 nM PGE1 by 30%. Direct activation of protein kinase C (Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent enzyme) by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate and/or sn-1,2-dioctanoylglycerol resulted in a similar pattern of responses. A 3-min preincubation with 97 nM 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate potentiated the forskolin-induced response from 1.7 +/- 0.1 to 4.3 +/- 0.6 pmol of cAMP/10(6) cells but reduced the PGE1 response from 0.98 +/- 0.06 to 0.51 +/- 0.03 pmol of cAMP/10(6) cells. Similarly, preincubating the cells for 3 min with 5 microM sn-1,2-dioctanoylglycerol increased the forskolin response from 1.7 +/- 0.1 to 5.1 +/- 0.2 pmol of cAMP/10(6) cells but reduced the response to PGE1 from 1.15 +/- 0.03 to 0.75 +/- 0.04 pmol of cAMP/10(6) cells. Thus, activation of protein kinase C by hydrolysis products of inositol phospholipids, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate, or exogenous diacylglycerols modified adenylate cyclase itself and sites upstream of adenylate cyclase such as the receptor or G proteins coupling the receptor to the cyclase. Furthermore, modification of the PGE1 response by anti-IgM provides a mechanism by which antigen can differentially regulate T- and B-cells responding to macrophage-produced prostaglandins during an immune response.
Nonmonotonic Temporal Reasoning: Persistence, Justified Causation and Event Minimization

We describe a formalization of causal reasoning in an explicit temporal logic which solves the problems of temporal prediction and explanation in a simple but effective way. The persistence and the ramification problem are addressed. We show that minimization of event occurrences together with a principle of persistence is a sufficient preference criterion on interpretations if one requires the models to contain only justified causes.
Chapter 22. Molecular Aspects of Drug-Receptor Interactions

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the summary of the repeating unit concept because of the potentially outstanding heuristic value of knowledge about membrane structure, as it appears most relevant to the study of receptor systems. The molecular nature of the repeating units, the types of cohesive and repulsive forces that appear to be important in membrane systems, and discernible relationships between form and function are also mentioned. The probable mode of membrane biosynthesis is reviewed as a likely source of fundamental insights. The repeating units that have been detected in various types of cell membranes appear to be made up of so called base pieces, which are the sub-units essential to membrane formation, and detachable portions (headpieces and stalks) that contain enzymatic activity, but are not essential to the membrane continuum per se. The headpiece and stalk can be detached through procedures such as sonication or detergent action, without disruption of the membrane. The repeating units themselves can also be disassociated by detergent action. Upon removal of the disassociating influence, the units spontaneously reaggregate to form vesicular membranes. Going one step further, solvent extraction of lipid from repeating units removes their ability to form membranes, but this can be restored by reintroduction of the extracted lipid. The tendency to form membranes would, therefore, seem to be an expression of the intrinsic chemical properties of these lipoprotein repeating units.
Constrained Ripple Optimization of Tokamak Bundle Divertors

AbstractMagnetic field ripple from a tokamak bundle divertor is localized to a small toroidal sector and must be treated differently from the usual (distributed) toroidal field (TF) coil ripple. Generally, in a tokamak with an unoptimized divertor design, all of the banana-trapped fast ions are quickly lost due to banana drift diffusion or to trapping between the 1/R variation in |B| Ξ B and local field maxima due to the divertor.Studying the full three-dimensional shape of the B-surfaces allows quick evaluation of many inferior designs. For designs that eliminate any large maxima in B, low on-axis ripple is a good indicator of avoiding deleterious effects due to the divertor. However, this must be achieved while satisfying many engineering constraints.A computer code has been written to optimize automatically on-axis ripple subject to these constraints, while varying up to nine design parameters. Optimum configurations have low on-axis ripple (<0.2%) so that, now, most banana-trapped fast ions are confin...
Variations in the Solar Constant Caused by Changes in the Active Features on the Sun

The solar constant is calculated as a function of time using known contrast values for active features on the Sun. The photospheric effective temperature is assumed to be constant in this model and the change in radiant output is assumed to be caused solely by active features on the Sun which have different effective temperatures than the surrounding photosphere. The theoretical annual mean solar constant varies by no more than 0.102 mW cm−2 or 0.075% of its value. For the more active Sun the solar constant is lower. If the energy flux from the deep interior of the Sun is constant on the time scale of a century, the decreased radiant output at sunspot maximum may be balanced by energy storage in the active features or by increased convective energy. A compensating change in the photospheric effective temperature of 1.1°K at sunspot maximum is also sufficient to give a constant solar radiant output.
Abstract 4426: Tumor suppressive effects of wild-type Hras on oncogenic Kras-driven pancreatic tumorigenesis

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA The RAS proteins are a group of small GTPases that can become constitutively activated by point mutations that are found in a quarter or more of all cancer patients, particularly in pancreatic cancer, in which over 90% of patients have an activating KRAS mutation. There are three well-characterized RAS protein family members: HRAS, NRAS, and KRAS, the latter of which is alternatively spliced at the C-terminus into two proteins, KRAS4A and KRAS4B. The RAS proteins are all nearly identical at their N-termini and core effector binding domains. However, they have divergent C-terminal membrane-binding regions that impart both different subcellular localization and subtle changes in signaling. While oncogenic RAS is well established to promote cancer, recent work has suggested that wild-type RAS proteins also participate in tumorigenesis. In this regard, we previously found that wild-type HRAS is activated downstream of oncogenic KRAS, which promoted tumor growth of human pancreatic cancer cell lines. To examine the role of wild-type Hras during de novo pancreatic tumor development, we tested whether knockout of the wild-type Hras gene altered tumorigenesis in oncogenic Kras-driven mice models of pancreatic cancer. Specifically, Hras homozygous null mice (Hras-/-) were crossed into a Pdx-Cre;LSL-KRasG12D/+ background in the absence or presence of an additional mutant p53 allele (Trp53R172H/+) to induce early and late pancreatic cancer, respectively. Surprisingly, loss of Hras led to an increase in early pancreatic lesions and reduced survival in the model of late disease. Since HRAS is activated downstream of oncogenic KRAS, and high oncogenic signaling can induce a senescent growth arrest, we tested and found that suppressing senescence by mutating both alleles of Trp53 ameliorated the survival difference between wild-type and null Hras mice. We thus hypothesize that wild-type Hras amplifies oncogenic Kras signaling, leading to the growth arrest of senescence and thereby inhibit early tumorigenesis. However, once senescence is suppressed later in tumorigenesis, wild-type RAS proteins instead promote more malignant phenotypes. Citation Format: Jamie D. Weyandt, Christopher M. Counter. Tumor suppressive effects of wild-type Hras on oncogenic Kras-driven pancreatic tumorigenesis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4426. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4426
Bistable Optical Devices: An Overview

Bistable optical devices are discussed in a broader context in which optical signals play a role comparable to electronic signals in performing device functions. Several examples of bistable devices are described and analyzed, and both steady state and transient properties are discussed. Compact versions of these devices are compatible in principle with fiber optic systems.
Decreased uptake of bodipy-labelled compounds in the presence of the nuclear stain, DRAQ5.

Summary We have found the nuclear stain DRAQ5 to decrease the cellular uptake of a series of boron dipyrromethane (bodipy)-labelled compounds. This phenomenon is consistent between Lysotracker Green DND 26, Lysotracker Red DND 99 and bodipy-labelled mycolactone. Although DRAQ5 uptake was not prevented, DRAQ5 was in significant excess in each case. As the effect is consistent among two cell types, RAW 264.7 monocyte/macrophages and Bend 3 endothelial cells, we hypothesize that it may be a result of the two dyes complexing in solution into a form that is not taken up by the cells. This hypothesis is confirmed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis in solution.
Survey of network weapons part 1: weapons for profiling

The rise of the Internet has been a boon for Computer Science and the world economy. It has redefined the way technology and information is viewed. But it also has given rise to new types of crimes as well as to new types of criminals. These criminals organize themselves along familiar structures and hierarchies. These organizations share knowledge and develop tools and new weapons, which they use to breach the most sophisticated security mechanisms. This has made Information Security a must for anyone entrusted to safeguard information. Knowledge of the hacker's tools becomes essential for anyone to be able to defend against these criminals. Since interestingly these tools are also used in network management, they are easily found, and often fall into the hands of students and shady persons. Taking a proactive approach by education may counteract this threat, since the best defense is to be well educated and knowledgeable of the risks and threats associated with common network tools.
Defining the colour pattern phenotype in bumble bees (Bombus): a new model for evo devo

Few insects exhibit the striking colour pattern radiation found in bumble bees (Bombus), which have diversified globally into a wide range of colours and patterns. Their potent sting is often advertised by conspicuous bands of contrasting colour commonly mimicked by scores of harmless (Batesian mimics) and noxious species (Mullerian co-mimics). Despite extensive documentation of colour pattern diversification, next to nothing is known about the genetic regulation of pattern formation in bumble bees, hindering progress toward a more general model of the evolution of colour pattern mimicry. A critical first step in understanding the colour pattern genotype is an unambiguous understanding of the phenotype under selection, which has not been objectively defined in bumble bees. Here, we quantitatively define the principal colour pattern elements that comprise the phenotype array across all species. Matrix analysis of meticulously scored colour patterns of ∼95% of described species indicates there are 12 discrete primary ‘ground plan’ elements in common among all species, many of which correspond to segmentation patterning. Additional secondary elements characterize individual species and geographical variants. The boundaries of these elements appear to correspond to expression patterns of Hox genes in Drosophila and Apis but also suggest novel post-Hox specialization of abdominal patterning. Our findings provide the first foundation for exploring candidate genes regulating adaptive pattern variation in bumble bees and broaden the framework for understanding common genetic mechanisms of pattern evolution in insects. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 113, 384‐404.
Effects of the Elastic Walking Band on gait in stroke patients

This study investigated how stroke patients improve the walking patterns by using the Elastic Walking Band, which was included with a long elastic band and four pierced plastics as fixed points. Fifteen patients with stroke were recruited. Participants were nine males and six females. Gait parameters were measured with the GAITRite system to analyze the spatial and temporal parameters of walking by stroke patients. The Elastic Walking Band had no significance in cadence, swing time and stance on both limbs. However, the Elastic Walking Band significantly improved velocity in stroke patients. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in step length of the less-affected limb between the two conditions, but no significant difference in the affected side. When the patients walked with the Elastic Walking Band, affected and less-affected stride length were also significantly increased as compared with barefoot walking. There were significant differences of velocity, less-affected step length, both stride length between walking with and without the Elastic Walking Band. Consequently, the Elastic Walking Band can be used as an assistive walking device that is lighter and less expensive for stroke patient gait training in the clinic.
Processing of an HIV Replication Intermediate by the Human DNA Replication Enzyme FEN1

The role of human FEN1 (flap endonuclease-1), an RTH1 (RAD two homolog-1) class nuclease, in the replication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 has been examined using model substrates. FEN1 is able to endonucleolytically cleave a primer annealed to a template, but with a 5'-unannealed tail. The HIV (+)-strand is synthesized as two discontinuous segments, with the upstream segment displacing the downstream segment to form a central (+)-strand overlap. Given a substrate with the exact HIV nucleotide sequence, FEN1 was able to remove the overlap. After extension of the upstream primer with DNA polymerase epsilon, human DNA ligase I was able to complete the continuous double strand as would occur for an integrated provirus. FEN1 may represent a target for new therapeutic interventions.
Bacterial soft rot potential in washed potato tubers in relation to temperatures of tubers and water during simulated commercial handling practices

The bacterial soft rot potential in potato tubers was affected by differences in temperature between tubers and suspensions ofErwinia carotovora at the time of inoculation by immersion. In general, disease severity after incubation was higher when tuber temperatures were higher as opposed to equal to or lower than that of water containing cells of the bacterium. Disease severity was also greater when tubers were stored at 20° to 23°C in contrast to 4° or 26° to 30°C for 16–18 h prior to immersion. Tubers with a pulp temperature of 8°C were more prone to bruise injury as compared with those at 18°C when struck with a pendulum type bruising instrument. When the injured tubers were inoculated and incubated, most bruises became infected with soft rot bacteria.
The large-scale context for oceanic subduction in the Northeast Atlantic

Abstract The large-scale context for oceanic subduction is examined in the region bounded by 10°N and 40°N and 10°W and 40°W using data collected from June 1991 to June 1993. In contrast to climatology, it was found that over the entire region the ocean gained heat, ranging from 10–30 W m –2 to the north to 40–50 W m –2 to the south. Steady tradewinds dominated the southeastern half of the region. To the northwest of the axis of these tradewinds was a broad region of downward Ekman pumping with a 2-yr mean of about 50 m yr –1 . Wind-driven surface currents and a seasonal cycle in mixed layer temperature and depth were found that reflected the influence of local forcing. The interior circulation was consistent with the clockwise circulation of the eastern end of the subtropical gyre, though eddy variability dominated the northern part of the region. Due to Ekman convergence the winter mixed layer in the central and southwestern parts of the region was as deep as to the north; however, it was also warm. This deep, warm mixed layer in the center of the region aided the subduction of water from the northeast by providing a protective cap; isopycnals that outcropped to the north passed well below the base of this mixed layer.
Failure by fatigue in the field: a model of fatigue breakage for the macroalga Mazzaella, with validation.

SUMMARY Seaweeds inhabiting the extreme hydrodynamic environment of wave-swept shores break frequently. However, traditional biomechanical analyses, evaluating breakage due to the largest individual waves, have perennially underestimated rates of macroalgal breakage. Recent laboratory testing has established that some seaweeds fail by fatigue, accumulating damage over a series of force impositions. Failure by fatigue may thus account, in part, for the discrepancy between prior breakage predictions, based on individual not repeated wave forces, and reality. Nonetheless, the degree to which fatigue breaks seaweeds on wave-swept shores remains unknown. Here, we developed a model of fatigue breakage due to wave-induced forces for the macroalga Mazzaella flaccida . To test model performance, we made extensive measurements of M. flaccida breakage and of wave-induced velocities experienced by the macroalga. The fatigue-breakage model accounted for significantly more breakage than traditional prediction methods. For life history phases modeled most accurately, 105% (for female gametophytes) and 79% (for tetrasporophytes) of field-observed breakage was predicted, on average. When M. flaccida fronds displayed attributes such as temperature stress and substantial tattering, the fatigue-breakage model underestimated breakage, suggesting that these attributes weaken fronds and lead to more rapid breakage. Exposure to waves had the greatest influence on model performance. At the most wave-protected sites, the model underpredicted breakage, and at the most wave-exposed sites, it overpredicted breakage. Overall, our fatigue-breakage model strongly suggests that, in addition to occurring predictably in the laboratory, fatigue-induced breakage of M. flaccida occurs on wave-swept shores.
Informal Leaders and the Development of Group Efficacy

Group efficacy is an emerging construct that has great potential for groups as it has been repeatedly linked to group performance. However, there has been little research on the antecedents of group efficacy or how it is developed. What factors lead to high group efficacy? What actions can be taken to foster it? What effect does group leadership have on its development? A study was designed to address these questions and to begin to identify how group efficacy is developed. Data analysis reveals a strong link between the informal leaders’ perceptions of efficacy and group-level measurements of efficacy. It is suggested that group efficacy perceptions are influenced by informal group leaders. Data analysis also reveals that this relationship is much stronger at the beginning of the group’s task than at the end of the group’s task. Implication of these findings and suggestions for future research are addressed.
Surfactant Protein B (SP-B) Promoter Function in Transgenic Mice • 309

SP-B, a hydrophobic protein produced by alveolar type II and bronchiolar Clara cells, helps in the spreading and stability of surfactant film and is required for surfactant function. The SP-B gene is regulated both developmentally and hormonally. To study regulatory elements in the SP-B gene promoter in vivo, we made transgenic (tg) mice using a fragment of the human SP-B promoter (-1039/+431bp) linked to the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) reporter gene. This SP-B DNA fragment contains both proximal and distal TTF-1 and HNF-3 transcription factor binding sites which promote lung epithelial cell line specificity in vivo. CAT activity in tg lung tissue was significantly increased compared to wild-type (22.2±3.2 vs 0.4±0.1 cpm/mg prot/min; p<0.01), whereas CAT activity in heart, liver, spleen, kidney, intestine, skeletal muscle and brain was not different. In two established tg lines CAT activity was found both in lungs (150 and 264 cpm/mg/min) and in trachea (50 and 125 cpm/mg/min), sites of type II and/or Clara cells in mice. Immunohistochemistry of lung sections using antibodies to CAT and human SP-B showed immunostaining for both proteins localized to type II and Clara cells. In tg fetal lungs, CAT activity was found at 17-19 days gestation and increased ≥4 fold (n=2) during explant culture. In tg adult lung explants (n=3), levels of CAT activity were maintained for at least 3 days (95±13% (se) of preculture). Transforming growth factor β(TGFβ1, 30 ng/ml), a cytokine which downregulates SP-B in human fetal lung explants, reduced CAT activity in both fetal (52±9% of control at 3 days, n=2) and adult mouse lung explants (60±11% of control at 3 days, n=1; 34±3% at 5 days, n=3) whereas35 S-methionine incorporation into total protein was unaffected(101±7%). In contrast, 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13 acetate (TPA, 30 nM), which also downregulates SP-B in human fetal lung explants, did not reduce CAT activity in tg adult lung ex vivo (182±54%, n=4). We conclude that the human SP-B promoter fragment (-1039/+431bp) exhibits tissue and lung cell specificity in vivo and confers developmental regulation and TGFβ responsiveness ex vivo. These transgenic animals provide a useful in vivo model to study specific regulatory elements in the SP-B promoter.
Obtaining the key set of typical vectors by factor analysis and subsequent isolation of component spectra

Abstract The key set of typical rows (or typical columns), used to reproduce a data matrix, are obtained by finding the set of rows (or set of columns) most orthogonal to each other. If the data matrix consists of the spectra of a series of related mixtures, and there exists at least one data point unique to each of the components, the spectra of the pure components can be isolated. The method is applied to problems in nuclear magnetic resonance, gas—liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.
Constructing identities: Ethnic boundaries and elite preferences in Puerto Rico

This article assesses elite preferences and the objectification of ethnic boundaries from a rational choice approach. Ethnic elites seek markers that distinguish their group from rivals while still maintaining their in‐group privileges. Contending mythmakers in Puerto Rico attempted to culturally objectify the Spanish language and Catholicism. It is contended that selecting language was in the best interest of the island's secular ethnic elites while a religious identity was a suboptimal alternative.
Liver involvement in cystic fibrosis

The hepatobiliary manifestations of cystic fibrosis (CF) encompass a broad clinical spectrum, from mild steatosis, associated with poor nutrition, to multilobular cirrhosis and the complications of portal hypertension. The factor(s) responsible for the development and progression of liver disease in a subset of patients with CF are unknown. Liver disease can be silent and progressive, manifesting only with complications associated with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Clinical evaluation for detecting and monitoring the progression of liver disease includes the following: physical examination of the liver, biochemical tests of liver function and injury, and radiological imaging with abdominal ultrasonography. Careful monitoring should take place in all patients with CF, as currently, there are no sensitive and/or specific historical or biochemical markers to predict who is at risk for the development of liver disease. Current treatment options for CF-associated liver disease are very limited. The bile acid ursodeoxycholic acid may improve biochemical parameters of liver disease, but its long-term efficacy in preventing the progression of liver disease in CF is unproven. Treatment therefore rests on optimizing nutritional status; correcting fatsoluble vitamin, essential fatty acid, and other mineral deficiencies; and treating complications of end-stage liver disease, such as pruritis, ascites, and portal hypertension.
Microbial synergists pathogenic to Lymantria dispar: Chitinolytic and fermentative bacterial interactions

Abstract A chitinolytic bacterium isolated from a healthy gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar , larva was shown to be pathogenic to larvae when administered per os after growth on chitin broth. However, the chitin hydrolase produced by this isolate had a p H optimum for activity of 5.5 and the high alkalinity in the mesenteron of L. dispar larvae severely limited chitinolysis of the midgut lining. Fermentative, nonpathogenic, acid-producing bacteria isolated from healthy gypsy moth larvae effectively lowered larval mesenteron p H when administered per os and the combination of fermentative isolates with a crude culture aliquot of the chitinolytic strain produced a synergistic increase in mortality over either dose administered by itself. Increased mortality was also observed for most fermentative strains when they were combined with crude supernatants of centrifuged cultures of the chitinolytic strain, although these combinations proved less effective than when fermenters were added to the whole-culture aliquots of the chitinolytic strain. In vitro studies showed that other bacteria isolated from environments foreign to that of the gypsy moth could ferment carbohydrates with acid production at an alkaline p H; however, in vivo studies demonstrated that these bacteria were incapable both of poising larval midgut pH and of enhancing mortality when added to chitinolytic bacteria.
Processing the Viking lander camera data

Over 1000 camera events were returned from the two Viking landers during the Primary Mission. A system was devised for processing camera data as they were received, in real time, from the Deep Space Network. This system provided a flexible choice of parameters for three computer-enhanced versions of the data for display or hard-copy generation. Software systems allowed all but 0.3% of the imagery scan lines received on earth to be placed correctly in the camera data record. A second-order processing system was developed which allowed extensive interactive image processing including computer-assisted photogrammetry, a variety of geometric and photometric transformations, mosaicking, and color balancing using six different filtered images of a common scene. These results have been completely cataloged and documented to produce an Experiment Data Record.
Factors determining the high pathogenicity of Hong Kong H5N1/97 influenza viruses in mammals

Abstract In Hong Kong in 1997, an avian H5N1 influenza virus was found for the first time to be transmitted from poultry to humans. Of the 18 infected persons, 6 (33%) died. In February 2003 in Hong Kong, avian H5N1 virus was again transmitted to humans; one of the two infected persons died. Here we provide an overview of the pathogenicity of H5N1/97 viruses in mammals. In addition, we present recent findings on the effect of single viral-gene mutations on pathogenicity in mice and discuss the influence of the H5N1/97 NS gene on pathogenicity in pigs and mice. Finally, we discuss the possibility that in some instances the unusual severity of H5N1 virus-induced disease in mice is due to a cytokine imbalance caused by the virus's NS gene.
Negative resistance and modulation in metal oxides (``Moxies'')

We report on experiments undertaken on iron oxide samples (“Moxies”) at liquid nitrogen temperature. The I–V characteristics show a stable negative resistance region. Two terminal and three terminal devices are discussed and a number of applications are demonstrated. These include an oscillator up to 10 MHz, a voltage to frequency converter, a frequency modulator and an amplitude modulator and mixer. Frequency entrainment (“locking”) is demonstrated as well as gated oscillator operation.
The epidemiology of methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a neonatal intensive care unit, 2000-2007.

To assess the epidemiology of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A retrospective chart review was conducted from 2000–2007; demographic and clinical characteristics of infected infants and crude mortality were assessed. During the study period, there were 123 infections caused by MSSA and 49 infections caused by MRSA. Although the types of infections caused by MSSA and MRSA were similar, infants with MRSA infections were younger at clinical presentation than infants with MSSA infections (P=0.03). The overall rate of S. aureus infections was approximately 15–30 per 1000 patient-admissions. The rate of bacteremia and skin and soft tissue infections remained stable over time. Among extremely low birth weight infants (birth weight <1000 g), 4.8 and 1.8% developed an infection caused by MSSA or MRSA, respectively. Infections occurred in a bimodal distribution of birth weight; 53% of infections occurred in extremely low birth weight infants and 27% occurred among term infants birth weight ⩾2500 g, many of whom underwent surgical procedures. MSSA and MRSA remain significant pathogens in the NICU, particularly for extremely premature infants and term infants undergoing surgery. Further work should investigate infection control strategies that effectively target the highest risk groups and determine if vertical transmission of MRSA is responsible for the younger age at presentation of infection.
An off-center cubic ion trap for Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Abstract In this paper, we report the rationale and selected experimental results for an off-center cubic ion trap. By forming (or injecting) ions along a line laterally displaced from the axial symmetry axis of the trap, we are able to virtually eliminate space charge effects. Morever, we introduce a new “universal” detection mode in which the frequencies of all three natural motional modes (cyclotron, magnetron, and trapping oscillation) may be determined simultaneously from a single experiment. Due to strong coupling between magnetron and cyclotron modes in the off-center trap, it is possible to detect the “unperturbed” ion cyclotron frequency νc rather than the “reduced” cyclotron frequency ν+ leading to trapping voltage-independent mass calibration and improved mass accuracy. Finally, from the excitation voltage amplitude-dependence of the frequency of interconversion between magnetron and cyclotron frequency produced by quadrupolar irradiation at frequency νc we are able to determine the trap geometry factor α which in turn allows the determination of experimental ion cyclotron orbital radius from conventional dipolar excitation amplitude and duration.
Reflections on the Nature of Cultural Distributions and the Units of Culture Problem

Does culture have clearly identifiable, distributionally stable parts sufficient to justify the particulate mode of understanding? Is culture composed of elemental units, or is it merely convenient to think this way? And, if culture does not consist of discrete parts, then what? This article suggests that the quest for natural “units of culture” is pretty much a doomed undertaking. There will be no periodic chart for culture grounded in stable, essential properties whether at the level of culture traits and complexes or at the cognitive level of ideas and schemas. On the other hand, various methods of data elicitation can produce replicable and superficially discrete results, which gives some hope for the possibility of a methodological particulatism.
Examining the Role of CD1d and Natural Killer T Cells in the Development of Nephritis in a Genetically Susceptible Lupus Model

Objective CD1d-reactive invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells secrete multiple cytokines upon T cell receptor (TCR) engagement and modulate many immune-mediated conditions. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of these cells in the development of autoimmune disease in genetically lupus-prone (NZB × NZW)F1 (BWF1) mice. Methods The CD1d1-null genotype was crossed onto the NZB and NZW backgrounds to establish CD1d1-knockout (CD1d0) BWF1 mice. CD1d0 mice and their wild-type littermates were monitored for the development of nephritis and assessed for cytokine responses to CD1d-restricted glycolipid α-galactosylceramide (αGalCer), anti-CD3 antibody, and concanavalin A (Con A). Thymus and spleen cells were stained with CD1d tetramers that had been loaded with αGalCer or its analog PBS-57 to detect iNKT cells, and the cells were compared between BWF1 mice and class II major histocompatibility complex–matched nonautoimmune strains, including BALB/c, (BALB/c × NZW)F1 (CWF1), and NZW. Results CD1d0 BWF1 mice had more severe nephritis than did their wild-type littermates. Although iNKT cells and iNKT cell responses were absent in CD1d0 BWF1 mice, the CD1d0 mice continued to have significant numbers of interferon-γ–producing NKT-like (CD1d-independent TCRβ+,NK1.1+ and/or DX5+) cells. CD1d deficiency also influenced cytokine responses by conventional T cells: upon in vitro stimulation of splenocytes with Con A or anti-CD3, type 2 cytokine levels were reduced, whereas type 1 cytokine levels were increased or unchanged in CD1d0 mice as compared with their wild-type littermates. Additionally, numbers of thymic iNKT cells were lower in young wild-type BWF1 mice than in nonautoimmune strains. Conclusion Germline deletion of CD1d exacerbates lupus in BWF1 mice. This finding, together with reduced thymic iNKT cells in young BWF1 mice as compared with nonautoimmune strains, implies a regulatory role of CD1d and iNKT cells during the development of lupus.
Effect of Acute Stress on the Pituitary Gland: Action of Ethionine on Stress-Induced ACTH Release1

The effect of subcutaneous administration of ethionine was studied on stress-induced ACTH release in female rats. Ethionine was shown not to affect adrenal ascorbic acid content, pituitary ACTH content, or the adrenal ascorbic acid depleting effect of test doses of ACTH. Ethionine produced a marked suppression of ACTH release following ether-laparotomy stress. The suppression was most marked 1 hr after ethionine injection. The effect of ethionine was antagonized by simultaneous administration of methionine. Ethionine also suppressed stressinduced ACTH release in 1 day and 30 day adrenalectomized rats, but did not affect the resting level of blood ACTH. Ethionine prevented the stress-induced rise in pituitary ACTH content of adrenalectomized rats, but did not affect the resting level of ACTH in these rats. It was concluded that ACTH release after stress involved the new synthesis of ACTH, while the basal or resting secretion of ACTH was a function of the pituitary stores of this hormone.
Low temperature annealing of neutron and gamma induced defects in KBr

Abstract Monoenergetic neutrons from 7Li (p,n)7Be and/or Co60 γ-rays have been used to produce metastable defects in the form of stored charge in single crystals of KBr at 10°K. Three discrete thermally stimulated conductivity peaks are observed below 40°K. Correlation with optical absorption experiments suggests that the processes responsible for these peaks are controlled by the motion of the Br- interstitial.
Dimensional reduction in nonlinear filtering

The theory of nonlinear filtering forms the framework of many data assimilation problems. When the rates of change of different variables differ by orders of magnitude, efficient data assimilation can be accomplished by constructing nonlinear filtering equations for the coarse-grained signal. We consider the conditional law of a signal given the observations in a multi-scale context. In particular, we study how scaling interacts with filtering via stochastic averaging. This is an extension of our previous work (Park et al 2008 Stoch. Dyn. 8 543–60) where the observation process depended only on the fast variable, so the filter became independent of the observation in the limit. Here, we investigate a more realistic setting in which the observation depends on both the slow and the fast variables.
Ultrastructure of germinating sugarcane smut (Ustilago scitaminea) teliospores

Teliospores of Ustilago scitaminea have distinct echinulations in the outer, electron dense wall layer. The inner, relatively electron transparent spore wall layer appears to hydrolyse at the site where the single germ-tube emerges. Invaginations are normally present on the plasma membrane of the spore, but normally disappear on the germ-tube. Invaginations average 418 nm in width when spores are not fixed or glycerol treated, 732 nm when spores are fixed without glycerol treatment, and 1189 nm when spores are fixed and glycerol treated. Germ-tubes of spores not fixed or glycerol treated have wrinkled membranes at the tip or along the entire germ-tube. Vesicles are evident at the tips of developing germ-tubes, mitochondria are abundant and normally attenuated, lipid bodies are abundant, unidentified organdies and vacuoles are present, only one nucleus is seen, and multi-membrane structures are seen with both freeze-fracture and thin sectioning.
Influence of Glutathione on the Oxidation of 1-Methyl-6-hydroxy- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline: Chemistry of Potential Relevance to the Addictive and Neurodegenerative Consequences of Ethanol Abuse

Recent evidence suggests that intraneuronal metabolism of ethanol by catalase/H2O2 and an ethanol-inducible form of cytochrome P450 together generate acetaldehyde and oxygen radicals including the ...