cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electronic structure of solid C60: Experiment and theory.

Synchrotron-radiation and x-ray photoemission studies of the valence states of condensed phase-pure ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ showed seventeen distinct molecular fetaures extending \ensuremath{\sim}23 eV below the highest occupied molecular states with intensity variations due to matrix-element effects involving both cluster and free-electron-like final states. Pseudopotential calculations established the orign of these features, and comparison with experiment was excellent. The sharp C 1s main line indicated a single species, and the nine satellite structures were due to shakeup and plasmon features. The 1.9-eV feature reflected transitions to the lowest unoccupied molecular level of the excited state.
The Story of the Rebuilding of a Team

There once was a team that dreamed of being highly functional. Team members believed they knew the path--they knew their expected results, their goals, and their decision-making authority. Yet, the team was miserable in its work. In order to find out what was wrong, the team contacted the team expert in the organization whose job was to build teams. The team expert determined that the process components of personal interaction criteria were being overlooked and, instead, content work was being pursued. As a result of these findings, the team rebuilt itself by defining its purpose in terms of goals and objectives, determining a set of team values and behaviors, and setting ground rules for meeting management.
E3 ligase FLRF (Rnf41) regulates differentiation of hematopoietic progenitors by governing steady-state levels of cytokine and retinoic acid receptors.

Objective FLRF (Rnf41) gene was identified through screening of subtracted cDNA libraries form murine hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors. Subsequent work has revealed that FLRF acts as E3 ubiquitin ligase, and that it regulates steady-state levels of neuregulin receptor ErbB3 and participates in degradation of IAP protein BRUCE and parkin. The objective of this study was to start exploring the role of FLRF during hematopoiesis. Materials and Methods FLRF was overexpressed in a murine multipotent hematopoietic progenitor cell line EML, which can differentiate into almost all blood cell lineages, and in pro-B progenitor cell line BaF3. The impact of FLRF overexpression on EML cell differentiation into myeloerythroid lineages was studied using hematopoietic colony-forming assays. The interaction of FLRF with cytokine receptors and receptor levels in control cells and EML and BaF3 cells overexpressing FLRF were examined with Western and immunoprecipitation. Results Remarkably, overexpression of FLRF significantly attenuated erythroid and myeloid differentiation of EML cells in response to cytokines erythropoietin (EPO) and interleukin-3 (IL-3), and retinoic acid (RA), and resulted in significant and constitutive decrease of steady-state levels of IL-3, EPO, and RA receptor-α (RARα) in EML and BaF3 cells. Immunoprecipitation has revealed that FLRF interacts with IL-3, EPO, and RARα receptors in EML and BaF3 cells, and that FLRF-mediated downregulation of these receptors is ligand binding–independent. Conclusions The results of this study have revealed new FLRF-mediated pathway for ligand-independent receptor level regulation, and support the notion that through maintaining basal levels of cytokine receptors, FLRF is involved in the control of hematopoietic progenitor cell differentiation into myeloerythroid lineages.
Synchronization in networks of nonlinear dynamical systems coupled via a directed graph

We study synchronization in an array of coupled identical nonlinear dynamical systems where the coupling topology is expressed as a directed graph and give synchronization criteria related to properties of a generalized Laplacian matrix of the directed graph. In particular, we extend recent results by showing that the array synchronizes for sufficiently large cooperative coupling if the underlying graph contains a spanning directed tree. This is an intuitive yet nontrivial result that can be paraphrased as follows: if there exists a dynamical system which influences directly or indirectly all other systems, then synchronization is possible for strong enough coupling. The converse is also true in general.
Alpha decay of neutron deficient polonium and bismuth isotopes

Neutron deficient isotopes of polonium and bismuth have been produced in the reactions $^{56}\mathrm{Fe}$ + $^{\mathrm{nat}}\mathrm{Ce}$ and $^{56}\mathrm{Fe}$ + $^{141}\mathrm{Pr}$, separated from the primary beam by our gas-filled on-line mass separator. The half-lives have been determined by measuring the lifetimes of individual nuclei. The new isotope $^{192}\mathrm{Po}$ (${T}_{\frac{1}{2}}=34\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3$ ms, ${E}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}=7.17$ MeV) and a short-lived isomeric state in $^{191}\mathrm{Bi}$ (${T}_{\frac{1}{2}}=150\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}15$ ms, ${E}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}=6.86$ MeV) have been identified.
Network: Still “Mad as Hell” After 30 Years

The film Network is a great addition to any critical media literacy pedagogy. In this article, the author examines the film and its possible uses in media literacy instruction, and introduces a number of activities teachers can use with students after viewing it.
Babbling, Chewing, and Sucking: Oromandibular Coordination at 9 Months

Purpose The ontogeny of mandibular control is important for understanding the general neurophysiologic development for speech and alimentary behaviors. Prior investigations suggest that mandibular ...
The forensic evaluation and court testimony

The practice of forensic child psychiatry is a relatively new subspecialty. Just like every other specialized field of endeavor, there exists a certain base of knowledge that one must learn and integrate. This article has reviewed several of these principles in an attempt to assist practitioners in performing a forensic evaluation and testifying in a court of law.
Photoelectric device for recording of leaf movements.

A photoeletric device is described that may have usefulness for sensing rhythmic leaf movements of plants in space experiments. The system provides an instantaneous record of the precise angular change in position of the leaf blade and avoids physical attachment or disturbance of the plant. This system has been utilized to record leaf movements for several weeks. The device is sufficiently sensitive to record small rapid oscillations by the leaf of only 2° angular movement.
Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and receptor flk-1 in colon cancer liver metastases.

Background/Purpose. This study investigated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and flk-1 expression in hepatic metastases from colon carcinoma, and their associations with tumor angiogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis. Methods. Immunohistochemical studies were performed for VEGF/flk-1, Ki-67, p53, and bcl-2 expression, and microvessel density (MVD) in surgical specimens from 35 patients who underwent hepatectomy for colon cancer liver metastases between 1986 and 2001. Results. VEGF and flk-1 were expressed mainly in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. High VEGF expression was associated with high flk-1 expression (P 0.043). MVDs of less than 15 and 15 or more were found in 5 (14.3%) and 30 (85.7%) of 35 hepatic metastases, respectively. A Ki-67 index (KI) of 50% or more was detected in 33/35 (94.3%) of tumors, and 23 of these (65.7%) showed a KI of 85% or more. A KI of less than 50% was present in 2/35 (5.7%) of tumors. The expression of VEGF/flk-1 was related to elevated MVD (P 0.026). VEGF was also associated with an increased KI (P 0.025). Mutant p53 and bcl-2 expressions were detected in 26/35 (74.3%) and 17/35 (48.6%) of liver metastases, respectively. Mutant p53 was not related to VEGF/flk-1 expression, but bcl-2 was highly associated with flk-1 (P 0.007). The incidences of high flk-1 expression and a KI of 85% or more were significantly higher in tumors which were both p53- and bcl-2-positive (93.3% and 73.3%) than in tumors which were negative for both (42.9% and 14.3%; P 0.021). Conclusions. The VEGF-flk-1 system takes part in tumor angiogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis in colon liver metastases. The bcl-2 pathway may upregulate VEGF activity via the flk-1 receptor. These findings are preliminary, requiring a larger sampling in order to elucidate the role of VEGF/flk-1 in metastatic colon cancer.
Inhibition of in vitro human LDL oxidation by phenolic antioxidants from grapes and wines

Current research suggests that wine contains substances that may reduce the mortality rate from coronary diseases. The oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is thought to be a key step in the development of atherosclerosis. Phenolic fractions of a Petite Syrah wine were evaluated for their antioxidant activity in inhibiting LDL oxidation in vitro. The more active fractions contained components of the catechin family. The catechin oligomers and the procyanidin dimers (B 2 , B 3 , B 4 , B 6 , B 8 ) and trimers (C 1 , C 2 ) were extracted, isolated and purified from grapes seeds. These compounds were tested for their inhibition of LDL oxidation, along with other monomeric wine phenolics. The procyanidin dimers B 2 and B 8 , and trimer C 1 , and the monomers catechin, epicatechin and myricetin had the highest antioxidant activity. The procyanidin dimers B 3 , B 4 and C 2 and the monomers gallic acid, quercetin, caffeic acid, and rutin, and a group of compounds that included the dimer B 6 , ellagic acid, sinapic acid, cyanidin had lower antioxidant activity and α-tocopherol had the least activity. Thus, the numerous phenolic compounds found in wine are potent antioxidants in inhibiting LDL oxidation in vitro.
A New Look at the Psychometrics of the Parenting Scale through the Lens of Item Response Theory

The psychometrics of the Parenting Scale's Overreactivity and Laxness subscales were evaluated using item response theory (IRT) techniques. The IRT analyses were based on 2 community samples of cohabiting parents of 3- to 8-year-old children, combined to yield a total sample size of 852 families. The results supported the utility of the Overreactivity and Laxness subscales, particularly in discriminating among parents in the mid to upper reaches of each construct. The original versions of the Overreactivity and Laxness subscales were more reliable than alternative, shorter versions identified in replicated factor analyses from previously published research and in IRT analyses in the present research. Moreover, in several cases, the original versions of these subscales, in comparison with the shortened versions, exhibited greater 6-month stabilities and correlations with child externalizing behavior and couple relationship satisfaction. Reliability was greater for the Laxness than for the Overreactivity subscale. Item performance on each subscale was highly variable. Together, the present findings are generally supportive of the psychometrics of the Parenting Scale, particularly for clinical research and practice. They also suggest areas for further development.
Angular-momentum effects in pre-equilibrium processes

Cross sections and the first three moments of the ..gamma..-ray multiplicity distribution were measured for many transitions corresponding to xn and xn..cap alpha.. products from bombardments of /sup 166/Er with /sup 4/He, /sup 150/Nd with /sup 20/Ne, and /sup 130/Te with /sup 40/Ar. The /sup 4/He and /sup 20/Ne bombarding energies were chosen to produce /sup 170/Yb compound nuclei at similar excitation energies, approximately 63, 77, and 92 MeV. A Ge(Li) -NaI anti-Compton spectrometer was used in coincidence with nine 5.1-cm by 7.6-cm NaI(Tl) detectors. For the reactions (/sup 20/Ne,xn) and (/sup 40/Ar,xn), the average ..gamma..-ray multiplicity /sub x/ increases linearly with decreasing x as expected from the statistical decay of compound nuclei. In the (/sup 4/He,xn) reactions, /sub x/ is similar for large x but for small x it decreases substantially with decreasing x. The latter corresponds to a shift in the population toward the low J values of levels in /sup 170-x/Yb prior to ..gamma.. decay. Also, in the few-neutron channels the average multiplicity associated with a given gating transition in the residual nucleus is much smaller for transitions between low-lying levels. These features, absent in the heavy-ion bombardments, indicate a strong contribution from pre-equilibrium neutron emission. Themore » measured (/sup 4/He,xn) cross sections are in reasonable agreement with those calculated from the geometry-dependent hybrid model of pre-equilibrium emission except for the smallest values of x; the latter results and the low /sub x/ values for x < or = 4 suggest that more than one pre-equilibrium neutron is emitted in these channels.« less
Strength distribution of single-crystal silicon theta-like specimens

A new test specimen was developed for micro-scale tensile strength measurements, allowing direct assessment of surface effects on strength. Specimens were formed by deep reactive ion etching, tested with instrumented indentation, and test results interpreted using finite element analyses. Fracture strengths as great as 3 GPa were observed, with fracture initiating at processing-induced flaws and propagating along {1 1 1} and {1 1 0} planes.
Taggers for parsers

We consider what tagging models are most appropriate as front ends for probabilistic context-free-grammar parsers. In particular we ask if using a tagger that returns more than one tag, a ``multple tagger,'''' improves parsing performance. Our conclusion is somewhat surprising: single tag Markov-model taggers are quite adequate for the task. First of all, parsing accuracy, as measured by the correct assignment of parts of speech to words, does not increase significantly when parsers select the tags themselves. In addition, the work required to parse a sentence goes up with increasing tag ambiguity, though not as much as one might expect. Thus, for the moment, single taggers are the best taggers.
Interactions Involving Allelopathy in Cropping Systems

Allelopathic inhibition typically results from the combined action of a group of allelochemicals which, collectively, interfere with several physiological processes. The objectives of this paper are to summarize research that illustrates the joint action of allelochemicals, and to provide evidence that both the amount and detrimental action of these compounds depends on the extent of associated abiotic and biotic stresses. Allelopathy is strongly coupled with other stresses of the crop environment, including insects and disease, temperature extremes, nutrient and moisture variables, radiation, and herbicides. These stress conditions often enhance allelochemical production, thus increasing the potential for allelopathic interference. In the paradigm of interactions, the data indicate that crops are more sensitive to allelopathy when moisture, temperature, or nutrient conditions are less than optimal. For example, the inhibition threshold concentration for ferulic acid to affect seedling growth was reduced with even minor moisture stress (ψ = - 0.15 MPa) or a growth temperature at the higher end of the normal range for a species. Under greenhouse conditions, additive inhibition resulted from the joint action of ferulic acid with low levels of alachlor [2-chloro-N-(2,6-diethylphenyl)-N-(methoxymethyl)acetamide], atrazine [6-chloro-N-ethyl-N'(1-methylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine], or trifluralin [2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-4-(trifluoro-methyl)benzenamine]. Interactions of multiple stresses in crop environments will determine the relative impact of allelopathy. Allelopathystress interactions also have implications for herbicide and residue management strategies, crop rotations, biological control measures, and tillage practices that can contribute to a more sustainable agriculture.
Combined therapy with indapamide and perindopril but not perindopril alone reduced the risk for recurrent stroke.

Source Citation PROGRESS Collaborative Group. Randomised trial of a perindopril-based blood-pressure-lowering regimen among 6105 individuals with previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Lanc...
Apelin-APJ Signaling in Retinal Angiogenesis

The G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) APJ ( X-msr, angiotensin receptor like 1b ) was cloned in several laboratories by homology screening, with the goal of identifying new members of this class of cell surface receptor.1 This gene attracted attention because of its sequence similarity to the important angiotensin II type 1 receptor and its highly restricted pattern of expression in endothelial cells. Five years later, this GPCR was deorphanized with cloning of the AP J- e ndogenous l iga n d apelin. Apelin was found to be synthesized as a 77-aa preproprotein and cleaved to a number of active peptides, including those of 36, 17, and 13 amino acids. Interestingly, apelin was also found to be highly expressed in endothelial cells. See accompanying article on page 1717 Detailed evaluation of APJ and apelin expression patterns in embryogenesis, and in the developing retina, suggested the hypothesis that autocrine signaling of this pathway in endothelial cells provides a mechanism for regulating new blood vessel growth, or angiogenesis.2,3 Loss of function experiments in frog embryos using morpholino knockdown experiments have consistently shown vascular developmental abnormalities, varying from perturbed intersomitic vessel branching to more fundamental developmental defects, including loss of the posterior cardinal vein, and decreased numbers of endothelial cells.2,4 Overexpression of Xapelin led to disorganized expression of endothelial precursor markers at the neurula stage. In zebrafish, knockout studies of one of …
Academic Race Stereotypes, Academic Self-Concept, and Racial Centrality in African American Youth

The relation between academic race stereotype endorsement and academic self-concept was examined in two studies of seventh- and eighth-grade African Americans. Based on expectancy-value theory, the authors hypothesized that academic race stereotype endorsement would be negatively related to self-perceptions. Furthermore, it was anticipated that the relation between stereotype endorsement and self-perceptions would be moderated by racial centrality. The hypothesis was supported in two independent samples. Among students with high racial centrality, endorsement of traditional race stereotypes was linked to lower self-perceptions of academic competence. The stereotype/self-concept relation was nonsignificant among youth for whom race was less central to their identities. These results confirm the supposition of expectancy-value theory and illustrate the interweaving of group and individual identity with motivational beliefs.
Notch Subunit Heterodimerization and Prevention of Ligand-Independent Proteolytic Activation Depend, Respectively, on a Novel Domain and the LNR Repeats

Notch proteins are transmembrane receptors that participate in a highly conserved signaling pathway that regulates morphogenesis in metazoans. Newly synthesized Notch receptors are proteolytically cleaved during transit to the cell surface, creating heterodimeric mature receptors comprising noncovalently associated extracellular (N(EC)) and transmembrane (N) subunits. Ligand binding activates Notch by inducing two successive proteolytic cleavages, catalyzed by metalloproteases and gamma-secretase, respectively, that permit the intracellular portion of N to translocate to the nucleus and activate transcription of target genes. Prior work has shown that the presence of N(EC) prevents ligand-independent activation of N, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Here, we define the roles of two regions at the C-terminal end of N(EC) that participate in maintaining the integrity of resting Notch receptors through distinct mechanisms. The first region, a hydrophobic, previously uncharacterized portion of N(EC), is sufficient to form stable complexes with the extracellular portion of N. The second region, consisting of the three Lin12/Notch repeats, is not needed for heterodimerization but acts to protect N from ligand-independent cleavage by metalloproteases. Together, these two contiguous regions of N(EC) impose crucial restraints that prevent premature Notch receptor activation.
USE OF ANIMAL BLOOD AND CHEESE WHEY IN BREAD: NUTRITIVE VALUE AND ACCEPTANCE

Breads in which water and milk powder were replaced with unrefined pork blood and/or cottage cheese whey were compared with commercial white bread and an “organic” whole wheat bread. Loaves were evaluated for appearance, composition and acceptance. Rat feeding studies in which the breads contributed about 10% protein to otherwise complete diets indicated no significant differences in growth performance (adjusted PER's) between commercial and “organic” bread. Significantly better performance was obtained for loaves containing blood, whey and blood: whey mixtures. The experimental loaves were comparable in acceptability to commercial breads, although loaf volumes were much lower and crumb texture coarser.
Archaeology of the Body

AbstractUnder the influence of phenomenological approaches, a semiotic perspective on the body is being replaced in archaeology by analysis of the production and experience of lived bodies in the past through the juxtaposition of traces of body practices, idealized representations, and evidence of the effects of habitual gestures, postures, and consumption practices on the corporal body. On the basis of a shared assumption that social understandings of the body were created and reproduced through associations with material culture, archaeology of the body has proceeded from two theoretical positions: the body as the scene of display and the body as artifact. Today, the body as a site of lived experience, a social body, and site of embodied agency, is replacing prior static conceptions of an archaeology of the body as a public, legible surface.
The design of a scanning, spaceborne radar altimeter for measuring polar ice

Radar ice sheet mapping is adversely affected by the slope of the ice surface. Much effort has gone into the correction of the altimeter height measurements and these corrections all involve inferring the surface slope, and possibly curvature, from a series of height measurements. When the surface slopes become as large as the antenna beamwidth, even these methods are not able to recover an accurate height profile. This paper describes the design of a radar altimeter for use in mapping the ice sheet surface. The principle feature of this altimeter is the use of a phased array antenna that allows for steering the transmit and receive beampatterns. Such an altimeter has two advantages over past satellite altimeters. First, it makes possible a direct measurement of the surface slope for correction of the slope induced errors. Second, it can make accurate, pulse-limited height measurements even when the surface slopes become quite large by steering the measurement beam toward the point of first impact with the ice surface. >
Ethanol modulates the hormone secretory responses induced by epidermal growth factor in choriocarcinoma cells.

Analysis of clinical data has implicated ethanol (EtOH) as an embryotoxic agent and as an agent that disrupts normal placental structure and function. Because epidermal growth factor (EGF) is an important regulator of placental function, we have studied the effects of EtOH on EGF-induced hormone secretion using JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells that serve as a model for trophoblast cells. EtOH at physiological (5-100 mm) concentrations modulated effects of EGF in a time and dose-dependent manner. EGF-induced P4 secretion was increased by 20–100 mM EtOH after a 2-day pretreatment of cells with EtOH, but not after a 6-day pretreatment. Preincubation with 50 mM EtOH doubled the P4 responses to 50 and 100 ng/ml EGF. Although a 2- or 4-day preincubation of cells with 10–50 mM EtOH increased the secretion of E2 in response to 20 ng/ml EGF, a 6-day preincubation inhibited the secretory response to EGF. Pretreatment of cells with 10–50 mm, but not 100 mm EtOH for 2 to 6 days enhanced the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secretory response to EGF. At 50 mm EtOH, the secretion of hCG in response to EGF was increased 2-fold. EtOH also increased basal hCG secretion in a dose-dependent manner between 10–50 mm EtOH. These results suggest that EtOH may modulate EGF-stimulated hormone secretion from cells of placental origin. Such alterations, if they occur in vivo, may impact on the function of the placenta and could potentially explain the pathophysiology of alcohol toxicity during pregnancy.
Balancing the amino acid needs of the dairy cow

Abstract In order to maximize milk protein production, one must present sufficient amounts of the essential amino acids to the intestinal tract in forms that can be absorbed. We do not know the specific tissue-level amino acid requirements of lactating cows, but they are likely to be similar to the amino acid content of milk protein with requirements for other metabolic functions similar to those in nonruminants. Formulating diets to meet these amino acid requirements is complicated because much of the dietary crude protein is converted to rumen microbial protein. Knowing the amount of dietary crude protein converted to ruminal microbial protein and the amino acid content of the rumen microbes; and the proportion of ruminally undegradable protein, its postruminal digestibility and amino acid content will allow one to make a reasonable estimate of the quality of protein presented for gastrointestinal digestion and absorption. Hypothetical calculations indicate potential dietary differences in quality of protein presented for absorption. Many of these differences correspond very well with production responses observed in research trials. Failure of this system to explain production results in other studies points to areas where additional information is still needed.
Regenerating the damaged central nervous system

It is self-evident that the adult mammalian brain and spinal cord do not regenerate after injury, but recent discoveries have forced a reconsideration of this accepted principle. Advances in our understanding of how the brain develops have provided a rough blueprint for how we may bring about regeneration in the damaged brain. Studies in developmental neurobiology, intracellular signalling and neuroimmunology are bringing the regeneration field closer to success. Notwithstanding these advances, clear and indisputable evidence for adult functional regeneration remains to be shown.
In situ forming, characterization, and transduction of nanowire memristors

We report the nanorobotic in situ formation and characterization of memristors based on individual copper oxide nanowires (CuO NWs) and their potential applications as nanosensors with memory function (memristic sensors or “memsensors”). A series of in situ techniques for the experimental investigations of memristors are developed including nanorobotic manipulation, electro-beam-based forming, and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) enabled correlation of transport properties and dopant distribution. All experimental investigations are performed inside a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The initial CuO NW memristors are formed by localized electron-beam irradiation to generate oxygen vacancies as dopants. Current–voltage properties show distinctive hysteresis characteristics of memristors. The mechanism of such memristic behavior is explained with an oxygen vacancy migration model. The presence and migration of the oxygen vacancies is identified with EELS. Investigations also reveal that the memristic behavior can be influenced by the deformation of the nanowire, showing that the nanowire memristor can serve as a deformation/force memorable sensor. The CuO NW-based memristors will enrich the binary transition oxide family but hold a simpler and more compact design than the conventional thin-film version. With these advantages, the CuO NW-based memristors will not only facilitate their applications in nanoelectronics but play a unique role in micro-/nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) as well.
Trade, credit and systemic fragility

This paper treats an idealized monetary framework in which merchant banks finance trade; trade which is induced by decentralized production. Indeed, merchant bank credit instruments, coupled with local bank deposits, facilitate decentralization of both production and trade. At the same time, decentralized production, exhibiting technological complementarity, induces systemic monetary fragility. However, with the decentralization of trade, the indemnification of either merchant bank credit instruments or of local bank deposits eliminates fragility. In particular, deposit insurance also stabilizes credit. The result is a stable cashless economy, a replacement of trade in specie. 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Laparoscopic Versus Open Appendectomy: An Analysis of Outcomes in 17,199 Patients Using ACS/NSQIP

The current study was undertaken to evaluate the outcomes for open and laparoscopic appendectomy using the 2008 American College of Surgeons: National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS/NSQIP) Participant Use File (PUF). We hypothesized that laparoscopic appendectomy would have fewer infectious complications, superior perioperative outcomes, and decreased morbidity and mortality when compared to open appendectomy. Using the Current Procedural Technology (CPT) codes for open (44950) and laparoscopic (44970) appendectomy, 17, 199 patients were identified from the ACS/NSQIP PUF file that underwent appendectomy in 2008. Univariate analysis with chi-squared tests for categorical data and t tests or ANOVA tests for continuous data was used. Binary logistic regression models were used to evaluate outcomes for independent association by multivariable analysis. Of the patients, 3,025 underwent open appendectomy and 14,174 underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. Patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy had significantly shorter operative times and hospital length of stay. They also had a significantly lower incidence of superficial and deep surgical site infections, wound disruptions, fewer complications, and lower perioperative mortality when compared to patients undergoing open appendectomy. Using the ACS/NSQIP PUF file, we demonstrate that laparoscopic appendectomy has better outcomes than open appendectomy for the treatment of appendicitis. While the operative treatment of appendicitis is surgeon specific, this study lends support to the laparoscopic approach for patients requiring appendectomy.
β-Catenin and p120 Mediate PPARδ-Dependent Proliferation Induced by Helicobacter pylori in Human and Rodent Epithelia

Background & Aims Colonization of gastric mucosa by Helicobacter pylori leads to epithelial hyperproliferation, which increases the risk for gastric adenocarcinoma. One H pylori virulence locus associated with cancer risk, cag , encodes a secretion system that transports effectors into host cells and leads to aberrant activation of β-catenin and p120-catenin (p120). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)δ is a ligand-activated transcription factor that affects oncogenesis in conjunction with β-catenin. We used a carcinogenic H pylori strain to define the role of microbial virulence constituents and PPARδ in regulating epithelial responses that mediate development of adenocarcinoma. Methods Gastric epithelial cells or colonies were co-cultured with the H pylori cag + strain 7.13 or cagE − , cagA − , soluble lytic transglycosylase − , or cagA − /soluble lytic transglycosylase − mutants. Levels of PPARδ and cyclin E1 were determined by real-time, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunoblot analysis, or immunofluorescence microscopy; proliferation was measured in 3-dimensional culture. PPARδ and Ki67 expression were determined by immunohistochemical analysis of human biopsies and rodent gastric mucosa. Results H pylori induced β-catenin– and p120-dependent expression and activation of PPARδ in gastric epithelial cells, which were mediated by the cag secretion system substrates CagA and peptidoglycan. H pylori stimulated proliferation in vitro, which required PPARδ-mediated activation of cyclin E1; H pylori did not induce expression of cyclin E1 in a genetic model of PPARδ deficiency. PPARδ expression and proliferation in rodent and human gastric tissue was selectively induced by cag + strains and PPARδ levels normalized after eradication of H pylori . Conclusions The H pylori cag secretion system activates β-catenin, p120, and PPARδ, which promote gastric epithelial cell proliferation via activation of cyclin E1. PPARδ might contribute to gastric adenocarcinoma development in humans.
Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Infections in Children

Antibiotic resistance in conjunction with the erosion of the drug development pipeline may lead us into a bleak future, a "post-antibiotic era." Because of a shortage of studies addressing treatment options for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative (MDRGN) infections in children, data must be extrapolated from the adult literature. However, even adult studies are limited by significant methodological flaws. We are in urgent need of pediatric specific pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data for agents with activity against MDRGN infections as well as improved clinical outcomes studies. For the time being, we must rely on in vitro studies, observational data, and clinical experience to guide our therapeutic decisions. In this review, we discuss treatment considerations for infections caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing organisms, AmpC β-lactamase-producing organisms, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in the pediatric population.
Structural thermodynamics of a random coil protein in guanidine hydrochloride

An important problem in protein folding is to understand the relationship between the structure of a denatured ensemble and its thermodynamics. Using 0 – 6M GdnHCl at fixed pH, we evaluated dimensional changes of an extensively denatured ensemble along with a thermodynamic parameter (Δυ) that monitors the proton inventory of the ensemble. Reduced and carboxyamidated ribonuclease A (RCAM) is a member of a class of disulfide-free RNase A molecules believed to be random coils (extensively denatured) in aqueous solution. Because GdnHCl interacts more favorably with the protein than water does, this denaturant is observed to increase the Stokes radius of the random coil, with the greatest Stokes radius change occurring in the 0 – 1.5M GdnHCl range. Measurement of the degree of protonation (proton inventory) of the ensemble as a function of GdnHCl at the fixed pH shows that the thermodynamic character of the ensemble also changes markedly in the 0 – 1.5M GdnHCl range, but with little or no change beyond 1.5M GdnHCl. To obtain denaturant-independent ΔG°N–D values, the linear extrapolation method (LEM) requires the thermodynamic character of the native and denatured ensembles to be invariant in the transition zone. The results reported here indicate that proteins with a transition midpoint in the 0 – 1.5M GdnHCl range will not give denaturant-concentration independent ΔG°N–D values. Such LEM-derived ΔG°N–D quantities are a property of the protein and the denaturant, a condition that considerably limits their value in understanding structural energetics. Proteins 2000;41:44–49. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Transketolase Activity in Tissues of Uremic Rats

The activity of the enzyme transketolase (TK) was measured in rats made uremie by surgical destruction of renal tissue. These uremie animals together with sham-operated control rats were pair-fed diets containing 6%, 18% or 23% protein. Pair-fed rats were sacrificed when the urea clearance of the uremie rat was below 0.5 ml/minute. TK was measured in red cells, liver and brain. The inhibitory effect of uremie plasma on TK was determined by incubating red cell hemolysates from controls with plasma from control and urA©mie rats. TK activity of erythrocytes was higher in uremie than in control rats. TK from either liver or brain did not differ in control and uremie animals. No inhibitory effect of plasma from urA©mie rats on TK or erythrocytes was observed. J. Nutr. 103: 172.3-1726, 1973.
The binding sites on human heme oxygenase-1 for cytochrome p450 reductase and biliverdin reductase.

Abstract Human heme oxygenase-1 (hHO-1) catalyzes the NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase-dependent oxidation of heme to biliverdin, CO, and free iron. The biliverdin is subsequently reduced to bilirubin by biliverdin reductase. Earlier kinetic studies suggested that biliverdin reductase facilitates the release of biliverdin from hHO-1 (Liu, Y., and Ortiz de Montellano, P. R. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 5297–5307). We have investigated the binding of P450 reductase and biliverdin reductase to truncated, soluble hHO-1 by fluorescence resonance energy transfer and site-specific mutagenesis. P450 reductase and biliverdin reductase bind to truncated hHO-1 with Kd = 0.4 ± 0.1 and 0.2 ± 0.1 μm, respectively. FRET experiments indicate that biliverdin reductase and P450 reductase compete for binding to truncated hHO-1. Mutation of surface ionic residues shows that hHO-1 residues Lys18, Lys22, Lys179, Arg183, Arg198, Glu19, Glu127, and Glu190 contribute to the binding of cytochrome P450 reductase. The mutagenesis results and a computational analysis of the protein surfaces partially define the binding site for P450 reductase. An overlapping binding site including Lys18, Lys22, Lys179, Arg183, and Arg185 is similarly defined for biliverdin reductase. These results confirm the binding of biliverdin reductase to hHO-1 and define binding sites of the two reductases.
Isolation and Identification of Fungal Endophytes from Grasses along the Oregon Coast

Fungal endophytes have been shown to improve abiotic and biotic stress response in plants. Grasses growing along the Oregon coast are exposed to harsh conditions and may harbor endophytes that enable them to survive and grow under these conditions. Endophytic fungi were isolated from thirty-four grass plants representing eight different grass species at four different locations along the Oregon coast. The ITS-1, 5.8S, and ITS-2 regions of each isolate were amplified, sequenced, and used to perform a BLAST search against the nucleotide database collection at National Center for Biotechnology Information. One-hundred-eleven different fungal isolates were classified into thirtynine genera with two isolates that did not show a match greater than 95%. These endophytes will be investigated to determine their potential for improving the adaptability of grasses and other crop plants to grow in diverse environments where they are subjected to multiple biotic and abiotic stresses.
Publication Metrics and Record of Pharmacy Practice Chairs

Background:Scholarship is an essential component of academic pharmacy. Department chairs are considered role models and mentors to junior faculty, but their publication record has not been documented.Objective:To quantify publication patterns of pharmacy practice chairs in general and, specifically, at health sciences center (HSC)-based versus non–HSC-based and public versus private colleges of pharmacy.Methods:Pharmacy practice chairs were identified using the 2006–2007 roster of faculty from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Of the 89 colleges of pharmacy in the roster, 11 listed no pharmacy practice chair and 5 listed more than one. Data were collected on the remaining 73 schools by searching each chair's name on PubMed and Web of Science (WoS). Data on total publications, publications per year, total citations, citations per article, h-index, and m quotient were collected.Results:A total of 2394 papers published by 73 pharmacy practice chairs were found in a search of PubMed. The mean ...
Monitoring results of Kaili household iodized salt from 2008 to 2011

Objective To understand and master the basic situation of iodized salt that Kaili residents take and their iodine nutrition,and to provide scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of Iodine Deficiency Disorders(IDD),and it will be of great significance to the improvement of people's quality in our city.Methods Sampling and monitoring in accordance with the"National Iodized Salt Monitoring Program" and "Qiandongnan Iodized Salt Monitoring Program Requirements".Results In 2008~2011:total monitored samples: 1 153;qualified:1 136;failed :17;non-iodized salt:0.2008~2010:annual samples:288;non-iodized salt:0;2011: total samples: 289;non-iodized salt:1.99.91% coverage rate,98.61% qualified and 98.53% consumption rate of qualified iodized salt all met the national standards.Conclusion From 2008 to 2011,the coverage rate and household comsumption rate of qualified iodized salt in Kaili already reached the national standards of eradicating IDD.But in 2011 the supply of non-iodized salt was found in the market.Therefore,the management of iodized salt market in our city should be strenthened and the supply of non-iodized salt must be strictly restricted and cut from the market.We are also supposed to enhance the spreading of knowlede about the prevention and treatment of IDD and guide residents to eat iodized salt scientifically.Only in this way can the sustainable goal of eradicating IDD be achieved in our city.
Development in treatment of childhood autism

Childhood autism is a subtype of pervasive developmental disorder characterized by communication disorder,restricted repetitive,stereotyped patterns of behaviors,usually accompanied with intelligence lag,perceptual and behavioral disorders.Childhood autism is more frequently seen in boys than girls(M:F ratio was 4~6:1) and the incidence is rising in recent years.The etiology is unknown and there is no effective treatment available,so its prognosis is poor,which does tremendous harm to and burden on the child,the family and the society.This review summarized two extensively used treatments—behavioral therapy and structured teaching and briefly introduced som controversial treatments for childhood autism,including musicotherapy,sensory integration therapy,pharmacotherapy,dietotherapy and art therapy,and summed up principles of treatment of childhood autism.
Peptide Detection and Structure Determination in Live Cells Using Confocal Raman Microscopy

Peptides are an important class of bioactive compounds that continue to be developed for a variety of therapeutic uses. The bioactivity of peptides stems in most cases from their ability to enter or bind to the surface of cells to elicit a cellular response, and the primary sequence and secondary structure of the peptide determine this. Therefore, experimental methods that can provide structural information on peptides in live cells are useful for exploring peptide structure-activity relationships and metabolism directly within the targeted cellular environment. In this chapter we describe an experimental methodology for the detection and structure determination of exogenous peptides within living cells using confocal Raman microscopy (CRM). CRM is Raman spectroscopy performed under a confocal microscope. Raman spectroscopy itself has been applied to the study of peptides for several decades and provides a wealth of information, including secondary structure via the amide backbone vibrational modes, cysteine redox status via the S-S and S-H stretches, and disulfide conformation via the S-S stretch. The Raman spectra of peptides are dominated by intense bands associated with the aromatic ring vibrations of Phe, Tyr, and Trp. The positions and intensities of some of these bands are sensitive to the hydrophobicity and pH of the peptide environment and thus can potentially be used as intracellular probes. Heavy-isotope labeling of aromatic ring side chains shifts the spectral positions of the aromatic ring vibrations and enables unambiguous detection of the peptide within cells. We employ this method primarily for the study of cell penetrating peptides in live cells. However, the method could in principle be applied to the study of any type of peptide within any type of cell if the intracellular concentration of the peptide reaches high enough levels to enable detection.
Structure-spectroscopic property relationships in a series of platinum acetylides

In order to understand electronic and conformational effects on structure-spectroscopic property relationships in platinum acetylides, we synthesized a model series of chromophores trans-Pt(PBu3)2(CCPhenyl-X)2, where X = NH2, OCH3, diphenylamino, t-Bu, methyl, H, F, benzothiazole, trifluoromethyl, CN and nitro. We collected linear spectra, including ground state absorption, phosphorescence and phosphorescence excitation spectra. We also performed DFT and TDDFT calculations on the ground and excited state properties of these compounds. The calculations and experimental data show the excited state properties are a function of the electronic properties of the substituents and the molecular conformation.
A 0.5- mu m BiCMOS technology for logic and 4 Mbit-class SRAMs

The authors describe a 0.5- mu m BiCMOS technology for high-performance logic and SRAMs (static RAMs) which is capable of supporting 5-V hot-carrier-hard circuit designs. In these designs the maximum drain-to-source voltage across a 0.5- mu m NMOS device is restricted to 4 V to ensure hot carrier reliability using 12-nm gate oxide. However, for the bipolar device, isolation and longer channel MOS devices, the process is required to support 5 V. For a 5-V supply voltage, the capacitive load drive factor for a BiCMOS NAND gate is 160 ps/pF, which is 30% smaller than the load drive factor for the same basic design gate built using an 0.8- mu m process with 20-nm gate oxide. The authors also discuss how a vertical NMOS driver transistor and a polysilicon PMOS load device are integrated into the 0.5- mu m BiCMOS process. The addition of these components permits a 23- mu m/sup 2/ stacked 6-T CMOS SRAM cell to be realized, suitable for 4-Mb-class BiCMOS SRAMs. >
Winter Wheat Yield, Quality, and Nitrogen Removal Following Compost- or Manure-Fertilized Sugarbeet

To efficiently use N while protecting water quality, one must know how a second-year crop, without further N fertilization, responds in years following a manure application. In an Idaho field study of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) following sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.), we determined the residual (second-year) effects of fall-applied solid dairy manure, either stockpiled or composted, on wheat yield, biomass, biomass N, protein, grain N removal, and agronomic N use efficiency (NUE). Along with a no-N control and urea (82 or 202 kg N/ha), first-year treatments at Site 1 included compost (218 and 435 kg estimated available N/ha) and manure (140 and 280 kg available N/ha) and at Site 2 compost (81 and 183 kg available N/ha) and manure (173 and 340 kg available N/ha). After application, compost and manure were incorporated into two silt loam-textured soils, a Greenleaf (Xeric Calciargid) at Parma in fall 2002 and 2003 and a Portneuf (Durinodic Xeric Haplocalcid) at Kimberly in fall 2002. Second-year wheat yield was greater, relative to the control, where organic N sources but not urea were applied at optimum rates for sugarbeet in two of three site-years, revealing a long-term benefit of compost and manure in reducing future N fertilizer costs. Where N-fertilized, grain yield was similar among urea and organic N sources that applied optimal amounts of plant-available N to the preceding year’s sugarbeet. Where optimal urea but greater organic N rates were applied, grain yield was always greater from manure than urea.