cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The spleen as a source of nonspecific suppressor cells in the tumor-bearing mouse

Abstract Tumor-bearing (TB) mice are anergic to the development of hypersensitivity to simple chemical agents like dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). This anergy may provide a model for the unresponsiveness described in cancer patients. When mice with progressive growth of an antigenic tumor are sensitized to DNCB, they fail to display delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH). On the other hand, hosts which undergo spontaneous regression of neoplasms develop DTH to DNCB normally. The nature of the anergy to tumor bearers was investigated in systemic adoptive transfer experiments: intraperitoneal inoculation of spleen cells harvested from TB mice not treated with DNCB nonspecifically inhibited sensitization of normal mice to this hapten. The splenic suppressor cells were present 10 days after tumor inoculation. Fractionation on plastic surfaces revealed the suppressor cells reside in the adherent cell population. Investigation of the mechanisms of anergy to DNCB in mice may provide insights into the state of anergy in cancer patients.
Describing Prescription Opioid Adherence among Individuals with Chronic Pain using Urine Drug Testing

Adherence monitoring for prescription opioid use is a clinical imperative for individuals prescribed opioids for chronic pain. Urine drug testing (UDT) provides objective evidence for prescription opioid adherence, as recommended by national guidelines to be part of adherence monitoring. The aim of this study was to describe prescription opioid adherence using UDT results in chronic pain patients and to examine the association between demographic characteristics and adherence to their prescribed opiate regimens. We used a retrospective chart review of 120 consecutive patients at an urban pain management clinic. Data collected included UDT results, pain level, and demographic characteristics. Descriptive and correlational statistics were used for data analysis. About 54% of the individuals appeared nonadherent to their prescribed opiate regimen as defined by absence or inappropriate level of prescribed controlled medication, presence of additional nonprescribed controlled substance(s), presence of illicit substance(s), or presence of adulterant in the urine sample. Of the participants, 23% had absence of one or more of their prescribed controlled medications and 12.5% had presence of one or more other opioids. Marijuana was the main illicit substance used (24.2%), followed by cocaine (11.7%). Patients' age, pain level, sex, ethnicity, and injury compensation were not associated with UDT results. UDT results could be useful to educate and guide patients on the proper use of controlled medications. Results from UDT are highly contextual and easily misinterpreted, requiring comparison with a variety of clinical indicators over time before deciding if there is adherence to a prescribed opiate regimen for individuals with chronic pain.
Ultrafast plasmonic photoconductors for high sensitivity terahertz detection

A photoconductive terahertz detector based on plasmonic contact electrodes is experimentally demonstrated. Incorporating plasmonic contact electrodes mitigates the inherent tradeoff between high quantum-efficiency and ultrafast operation, enabling more than 30 times higher terahertz detection sensitivities.
Endoscopic ultrasound in lung cancer patients with a normal mediastinum on computed tomography

Background. Computed tomography (CT) is the most common method of staging lung cancer. We have previously shown endoscopic ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) to be highly accurate in staging patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes on CT scan. In this study we report the accuracy and yield of EUS-FNA in staging patients without enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes by CT. Methods. Patients with NSCLC and CT scan showing no enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes (> 1 cm for all nodes except > 1.2 cm for subcarinal) in the mediastinum underwent EUS. Fine needle aspiration was performed on at least one lymph node, if present, in the upper mediastinum, aortopulmonary window, subcarinal, and periesophagus regions. Each specimen was evaluated with on-site cytopathology and confirmed with complete cytopathologic examination. Results. Sixty-nine patients without enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes were evaluated. Endoscopic ultrasound detected malignant mediastinal lymph nodes in 14 of 69 patients as well as other advanced (American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] stage III/IV) in 3 others (1 left adrenal, and 2 with mediastinal invasion of tumor) for a total of 17 of 69 (25%, 95% confidence interval: 16% to 34%) patients. Eleven additional patients were found to have advanced disease by bronchoscopy (2), mediastinoscopy (2), and thoracotomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection (7). The sensitivity of EUS for advanced mediastinal disease was 61% (49% to 75%), and the specificity was 98% (95% to 100%). Conclusions. Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration can detect advanced mediastinal disease and avoid unnecessary surgical exploration in almost one of four patients who have no evidence of mediastinal disease on CT scan. In addition to previously reported results in patients with enlarged lymph nodes on CT, these data suggest that all potentially operable patients with nonmetastatic NSCLC may benefit from EUS staging.
Regulation of Proteolysis by Human Deubiquitinating Enzymes

The post-translational attachment of one or several ubiquitin molecules to a protein generates a variety of targeting signals that are used in many different ways in the cell. Ubiquitination can alter the activity, localization, protein-protein interactions or stability of the targeted protein. Further, a very large number of proteins are subject to regulation by ubiquitin-dependent processes, meaning that virtually all cellular functions are impacted by these pathways. Nearly a hundred enzymes from five different gene families (the deubiquitinating enzymes or DUBs), reverse this modification by hydrolyzing the (iso)peptide bond tethering ubiquitin to itself or the target protein. Four of these families are thiol proteases and one is a metalloprotease. DUBs of the Ubiquitin C-terminal Hydrolase (UCH) family act on small molecule adducts of ubiquitin, process the ubiquitin proprotein, and trim ubiquitin from the distal end of a polyubiquitin chain. Ubiquitin Specific Proteases (USPs) tend to recognize and encounter their substrates by interaction of the variable regions of their sequence with the substrate protein directly, or with scaffolds or substrate adapters in multiprotein complexes. Ovarian Tumor (OTU) domain DUBs show remarkable specificity for different Ub chain linkages and may have evolved to recognize substrates on the basis of those linkages. The Josephin family of DUBs may specialize in distinguishing between polyubiquitin chains of different lengths. Finally, the JAB1/MPN+/MOV34 (JAMM) domain metalloproteases cleave the isopeptide bond near the attachment point of polyubiquitin and substrate, as well as being highly specific for the K63 poly-Ub linkage. These DUBs regulate proteolysis by: directly interacting with and co-regulating E3 ligases; altering the level of substrate ubiquitination; hydrolyzing or remodeling ubiquitinated and poly-ubiquitinated substrates; acting in specific locations in the cell and altering the localization of the target protein; and acting on proteasome bound substrates to facilitate or inhibit proteolysis. Thus, the scope and regulation of the ubiquitin pathway is very similar to that of phosphorylation, with the DUBs serving the same functions as the phosphatase. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Ubiquitin-Proteasome System. Guest Editors: Thomas Sommer and Dieter H. Wolf.
Conference Scene: Biomarkers in the field of oncology

This conference was organized by EuroSciCon and its main theme was the development and clinical application of oncology-related biomarkers. The meeting was arranged to promote interaction of presenters and delegates and, in addition to formal presentations, an ‘ask the panel’ question and answer session was included. Presentations, given by representatives from pharma, academia and diagnostic companies, highlighted the growing importance of co-development of biomarkers with drugs, technology platforms for detecting biomarkers and obtaining the right biosamples to allow their measurement.
Sensorimotor gating in rats is regulated by different dopamine-glutamate interactions in the nucleus accumbens core and shell subregions

Abstract The amplitude of the acoustic startle reflex is normally reduced when the startling stimulus is preceded by a weak click or ‘prepulse’. Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle has been used as an operational measure of sensorimotor gating or inhibition, and is reduced in schizophrenia patients and in rats with central dopamine (DA) activation. The DA agonist-induced disruption of PPI in rats may thus offer a useful animal model to study impaired sensorimotor gating in schizophrenia. We have previously reported that DA-glutamate interactions in the nucleus accumbens (NAC) regulate PPI. The NAC has at least two major subregions — the core and shell — that have distinct anatomical and neurochemical properties. In this study, we compared changes in PPI after manipulations of DA-glutamate activity in these two NAC subregions. Consistent with previous findings, infusion of the non-NMDA agonist AMPA into the NAC core subregion significantly reduced PPI, and this effect was opposed by systemic administration of the D2 antagonist haloperidol. Also consistent with previous reports, infusion of the non-NMDA antagonist CNQX into the NAC core subregion did not alter PPI, but its co-infusion with D-amphetamine (AMPH) attenuated the AMPH-disruption of PPI. In contrast, while PPI was reduced after AMPA infusion into the NAC shell subregion, this effect of AMPA could not be blocked by pretreatment with haloperidol. Infusion of either AMPHor CNQX into the NAC shell subregion reduced PPI independently. The PPI-disruptive effects of intra-shell CNQX infusion were not blocked by haloperidol. The present results suggest striking differences between the NAC core and shell subregions in their neurochemical modulation of sensorimotor gating of acoustic startle in the rat.
Advertising, Consumerism and Nostalgia for the New Woman in Contemporary China

(2003). Advertising, Consumerism and Nostalgia for the New Woman in Contemporary China. Continuum: Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 277-290.
Dynamic polarization in radiation resistant materials

Abstract Measurements of spin effects in small cross section processes have shown the need for more radiation resistant polarized target materials. We have examined the dynamic polarization of a number of substances which are known to be highly resistant to the formation of color centers with particular emphasis on toluene. We have also examined the relation between the maximum polarization and characteristic radiation flux constant to obtain a figure of merit for new materials.
Abstract LB-127: HTLV-1 Tax inflicts severe DNA damage through the activation of nitric oxide production: A credible pathway for transformation of HTLV-1 infected cells.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Adult T-cell Leukemia-Lymphoma (ATLL) is an aggressive and fatal malignancy of CD4+ T-lymphocytes associated with HTLV-1 infection, and an effective treatment is not yet available. The exact molecular mechanism underlying ATLL has not been fully elucidated. Although the activation of cell proliferation and inhibition of tumor suppressors are considered key contributors to the leukemogenesis process, the accumulation of DNA damage and genomic instability are believed to be the driving force for tumorigenesis and are known to be a hallmark of cancer cells. How genomic instability accumulates in cancer remains an elusive question. One of the most serious forms of genomic instability is DNA Double Strand Breaks (DDSB) because they pose problems for transcription, replication and chromosome segregation. We have recently shown that the HTLV-1 oncoprotein Tax induces DDSB. In addition, Tax has been found to constitutively activate the key T-cell inflammatory pathway, NF-kB, and this activation is critical for the leukemogenic process associated with HTLV-1 infection. In the present study, we investigated whether any of the NF-kB target genes is critical in inducing DDSB. Of note, we found that the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), the enzyme that catalyzes the production of nitric oxide (NO) in T-cells, is a target of the NF-kB pathway and is highly expressed in HTLV-1 and Tax expressing cells. Nitric oxide is an important cellular signaling molecule involved in many physiological and pathological processes and is a part of the network of reactive species that inflict DNA damage as a defense mechanism after infection. Interestingly, our results show a correlation between the number of DDSB and the production of NO in tumors isolated from Tax transgenic mice. We also observed a dramatic reduction of DDSB when NO production was inhibited, indicating that Tax induces DNA damage through the activation of NO. Determination of the impact of NO on tumors in an ATLL mouse model will open a new area in the development of alternative strategies for the treatment/prevention of ATLL, and the conclusions will be directly relevant to a better understanding of many types of cancer. Citation Format: Hicham Baydoun, Lee Ratner. HTLV-1 Tax inflicts severe DNA damage through the activation of nitric oxide production: A credible pathway for transformation of HTLV-1 infected cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-127. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-LB-127
Muscarinic M2 receptor synthesis: study of receptor turnover with propylbenzilylcholine mustard

Abstract We have investigated the rate and the functional responsiveness of the newly synthesised M 2 muscarinic receptors in HEL 299 cells following propylbenzilylcholine mustard treatment at 37°C. Propylbenzilylcholine mustard induced a dose-dependent loss of the hydrophilic ligand [ 3 H] N -methylscopolamine binding sites with 80% inactivation at 0.1 μM. The rate of muscarinic receptor synthesis in these cells, estimated from wash-out experiments following propylbenzilylcholine mustard treatment, was very slow and returned to control values after 36 h of propylbenzilylcholine mustard removal. The recovery of muscarinic receptors was blocked by the cycloheximide pre-treatment, indicating the synthetic pathway for the new receptors. In control cells as well as in cells treated with propylbenzilylcholine mustard and allowed to recover for 12 h, carbachol still inhibited forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation. These results show that (i) the rate of M 2 muscarinic receptor synthesis is slow (ii) the recovery of receptors is mainly through increased synthesis and (iii) the newly synthesised receptors retain their full functional activity.
Stress relaxation and mechanical equation of state in b.c.c. metals in monotonic loading

Abstract Stress relaxation experiments in monotonic loading have been performed on niobium and α-iron of two purity levels. The stress-strain rate relationship obtained at constant structures suggests that these metals exhibit the behavior of mechanical equation of state in the absence of discontinuous flow.
Comparison of serum cholesterol in children fed high, moderate, or low cholesterol milk diets during neonatal period.

Abstract The long-term effects of milk diets in infancy on the blood serum cholesterol concentrations were studied in 97 school children 7–12 yr of age. Detailed histories were available for these children with respect to their diets during infancy. The major criterion for inclusion in the study was milk (human milk, cow's milk, or commercial formula) as the exclusive source of diet cholesterol during the first 3 mo of life. Fasting blood cholesterol and triglycerides were measured in these 97 school children, and the current diets of 29 of the 97 were evaluated for daily cholesterol intake. A 7-day diet diary was recorded, the food intake was measured and analyzed for nutrients, and validity of the diets was verified by determination of urinary nitrogen excretion. Results of the study showed that the school children fed a low cholesterol formula during infancy had a mean serum cholesterol value 7–12 yr later that was lower than the mean values of the groups fed greater amounts of cholesterol in infancy. Analysis of current diets of 29 of the 97 school children showed that their current dietary intake of cholesterol did low. Dietary intake of cholesterol did not have a noticeable effect on the serum cholesterol levels of the 29 children.
Relationship between subjective effects of cocaine and dopamine transporter occupancy

Cocaine is believed to work by blocking the dopamine transporter (DAT) and thereby increasing the availability of free dopamine within the brain. Although this concept is central to current cocaine research and to treatment development, a direct relationship between DAT blockade and the subjective effects of cocaine has not been demonstrated in humans. We have used positron emission tomography to determine what level of DAT occupancy is required to produce a subjective 'high' in human volunteers who regularly abuse cocaine. We report here that intravenous cocaine at doses commonly abused by humans (0.3-0.6 mg kg(-1)) blocked between 60 and 77% of DAT sites in these subjects. The magnitude of the self-reported high was correlated with the degree of DAT occupancy, and at least 47% of the transporters had to be blocked for subjects to perceive cocaine's effects. Furthermore, the time course for the high paralleled that of cocaine concentration within the striatum, a brain region implicated in the control of motivation and reward. This is the first demonstration in humans that the doses used by cocaine abusers lead to significant blockade of DAT, and that this blockade is associated with the subjective effects of cocaine. Although these findings provide justification to target the DAT for medication development they suggest that for drugs to be effective in blocking cocaine's effects they would have to be given at doses that achieve almost complete DAT occupancy.
Serological reactions against glycolipid-sensitised liposomes in multiple sclerosis.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS) is a neurological disease of unknown aetiology which involves the destruction of central nervous system myelin1. Although recent results have implicated a possible viral agent2,3, the search continues to identify an antigen which might provoke a postulated autoimmune reaction4. Such a role has been suggested not only for proteins, but recently also for myelin glycolipids, particularly galactocerebroside5,6. However, to demonstrate immunological reactions against lipid antigens presents special problems: solubility, accessibility of reactive groups, the anticomplementarity of many lipids and the requirement for auxiliary lipids, lecithin and cholesterol7. We have used a model membrane system which obviates these difficulties to survey sera from MS patients for reactivity against crude extracts of white matter lipids as well as various glycolipids. This test demonstrated antibodies reacting against cerebrosides, gangliosides and white matter lipids in some of the MS sera tested, but reactions against digalactosyl diglyceride (an α-galactoside) were more frequent, and were found more often in MS patients than in normal controls, or those with other neurological diseases.
Matter–antimatter gigaelectron volt gamma ray laser rocket propulsion

Abstract It is shown that the idea of a photon rocket through the complete annihilation of matter with antimatter, first proposed by Sanger, is not a utopian scheme as it is widely believed. Its feasibility appears to be possible by the radiative collapse of a relativistic high current pinch discharge in a hydrogen–antihydrogen ambiplasma down to a radius determined by Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. Through this collapse to ultrahigh densities the proton–antiproton pairs in the center of the pinch can become the upper gigaelectron volt laser level for the transition into a coherent gamma ray beam by proton–antiproton annihilation, with the magnetic field of the collapsed pinch discharge absorbing the recoil momentum of the beam and transmitting it by the Moessbauer effect to the spacecraft. The gamma ray laser beam is launched as a photon avalanche from one end of the pinch discharge channel. Because of the enormous technical problems to produce and store large amounts of anti-matter, such a propulsion concept may find its first realization in small unmanned space probes to explore nearby solar systems. The laboratory demonstration of a gigaelectron volt gamma ray laser by comparison requiring small amounts of anti-matter may be much closer.
Psychodynamic Approaches From Transcultural Perspectives in Working With Korean American Women

This article examines the applicability of psychodynamic theories such as self-psychology and object relations theory from transcultural perspectives in working with a Korean American woman from a case analysis. This article addresses the intergenerational and intercultural conflict that this Korean American woman experienced with her children and the psychological pain that had accumulated from her relationship with her husband, influenced by Korean Confucian culture. It demonstrates the effectiveness of psychodynamic approaches for Korean immigrant families based on Korean cultural values as well as the conflict between Western and Asian cultural values that practitioners need to consider in working with diverse ethnic populations.
Status of physiatry and physical medicine and rehabilitation departments in adult level I trauma centers

Abstract Objective: To determine the involvement of physiatrists and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) departments in the acute care of patients admitted to level I trauma centers. Design: An 18-question survey. Setting: Adult, level I trauma center. Participants: Physiatrists, administrative directors, and others involved in rehabilitation in their respective trauma centers. Surveys were mailed to 164 PM&R departments in level I trauma centers. One hundred sixteen responses (70.7%) were received. One hundred five responses (64.0% of total) were used. Main Outcome Measures: The 18-item questionnaire covered topics such as number of staff (based at the trauma center) and consulting physiatrists, number of residents, rehabilitation personnel shortages, participation in multidisciplinary patient care rounds, and relationships between the trauma and rehabilitation services. Results: Eighty-five percent of respondents have at least one full-time or part-time physiatrist based in their PM&R departments. Physiatrists consult in 91% of the responding level I trauma centers. Residents rotate through 52% of responding PM&R departments. Forty-four percent of respondents reported staff shortages, with occupational therapy in greatest demand. Seventy-six percent of PM&R departments participate in multidisciplinary rounds with the trauma service. Eighty-nine percent of PM&R departments stated their relationship with the trauma service was excellent or good. Conclusion: Physiatrists and other allied health personnel are integral members of the trauma care team in most level I trauma centers participating in this study. Further expansion should be encouraged to facilitate early and comprehensive rehabilitative care in all level I centers.
Axillary vein transfer in trabeculated postthrombotic veins

Abstract Purpose: This study assessed whether axillary vein transfer can be successfully performed in trabeculated veins and whether patients with this severe form of postthrombotic syndrome can be helped by an aggressive approach. Methods: A total of 102 axillary vein transfer procedures were carried out in 83 limbs with trabeculated veins. More than one venous segment was repaired in 38 limbs with a second axillary valve in 19, and a different technique was used in the remainder. The superficial and deep femoral veins were the most common target sites. "Bench repair" of leaky axillary valves was performed before the transfer in 32 cases. Venous stasis dermatitis or ulceration was present in 90% of the limbs. The operability rate and chance of successful valve reconstruction was high, even in the presence of severe venographic appearance. Results: The actuarial transplant patency rate was 83% at 10 years. The actuarial freedom from recurrent ulceration rate was more than 60% at 10 years, similar to the results obtained in a matched group of axillary vein transfers to nontrabeculated veins. Severe preoperative ambulatory venous hypertension (venous filling time [VFT] of less than 5 seconds), which was present in 67% of patients, did not adversely affect outcome, but short VFTs that persisted after surgery did. VFT and VFI90 (venous filling index, air plethysmography) improved after valve transfer. Swelling disappeared or was significantly reduced in 55% of patients (11 of 20 patients) who had moderate or severe preoperative swelling. In 82% of patients (31 of 37 patients) who had mild or no preoperative swelling, the swelling remained stable after surgery, and in 18% of patients (6 of 37 patients), it became worse. Pain was significantly diminished in 70% of patients; 23% of patients with severe pain had complete resolution. Conclusion: Axillary vein transfer, in combination with other antirefluxive procedures when indicated, is safe, effective, and durable in patients with trabeculated veins and severe forms of postthrombotic syndrome. It may be considered as an option when conservative therapy or other types of surgery fail. (J Vasc Surg 1999;29:1050-64.)
Diverse Retail Structure and Christaller's Separation Principle in Medium‐Sized Metropolitan Areas

Standardized features dominate the retail landscape of the United States and are the physical components of retail districts. This study tests the hypothesis that standardized building blocks have failed to produce the same retail structure in all metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). Ninety-two medium-sized MS As are analyzed to determine if the arrangement and strength of their retail districts differ. The relationship between functional and spatial aspects of retail structure in central place theory provides a basis for testing the hypothesis of diversity. Christaller's separation principle provides a plausible conceptual framework for diverse retail structure if each MSA is analyzed as an isolated region. Five types of retail structure are analyzed using data obtained from the Census of Population and the Census of Retail Trade. The types are identified by performing a serial iterative partition cluster procedure on prioritized metropolitan sales variables. The statistical significance of the types is tested with Mann-Whitney U-tests of functional variables not used in the cluster analysis. Verification confirms five distinctive types. Monocentric and polycentric retail structures exist but decentralized retail structure is even more common in medium-sized MSAs. The distribution of types of retail structure follows regional pattern that indicate historical and political factors as contributing causes.
Stereodivergent Total Syntheses of Precoccinelline, Hippodamine, Coccinelline, and Convergine†

A stereodivergent approach toward total syntheses of Coccinellidae defensive alkaloids is described. These syntheses feature a highly diastereoselective intramolecular aza-[3 + 3] annulation strategy, which represents a de novo approach to this family of natural products.
Tu and Usted: Address Etiquette in the Mexican American Family

This article explores variability in the use of the second person singular addressforms ti and usted as reported by 108 Spanish-speaking adult U.S.-born Mexican Americans from Tucson, Arizona. Variations of td and usted were probed with respect to social characteristics of the respondent, age, and gender; and by three social contexts representing increasing kinship or social distance: nuclear family, extended family, and ceremonial (compadrazgo) family domains. Findings reveal an overall decrease in tW usage as the kinship or social distance of thefamily group increases. Younger male and female respondents (ages 17 to 30 and 31 to 50 years) report giving and receiving ti most often; the oldest respondents (51 + years), the least. The middle group shows the most Wi usage in ceremonial relationships. Females report ti more often than males in the nuclear and extendedfamily domains, but report usted more often in the ceremonial family domain. Findings signal a shift toward increased usage of td in pronominal...
A decade comparison of preterm motor performance at age 4

This was a prospective longitudinal study of two cohorts comprised of one full term and three premature infant groups born 10 years apart. Birth cohort, perinatal morbidity, and birth weight effects were investigated at age 4. Cohort 1 (1985-1989) had longer gestation, higher birth weight, and better Apgar scores than Cohort 2 (1996-1999), which had more intraventricular hemorrhage and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Cohort and perinatal morbidity group, but not birth weight, predicted motor scores. Preterm Cohort 2 children had better oral motor, fine motor, and total motor scores, but lower visual motor integration scores than Cohort 1. Motor problems continue to affect preterm children at age 4, in particular those who experience perinatal morbidity, despite a decade of neonatal intensive care advancements.
The contagion effect of default risk insurer downgrades: The impact on insured municipal bonds

Abstract Municipal bonds are often insured by insurance companies that promise to pay investors in the event of default on the part of the issuer. However, just as the financial strength of the insurer can provide assurance to investors, questions about insurer stability may heighten investor concerns. This paper considers three major downgrades to large municipal bond insurers and the effects of each downgrade on a large sample of municipal bonds. Results reveal the effects to be widespread: not only are risk premiums on bonds insured by the downgraded insurer affected, but so are those on bonds insured by other insurance companies.
Cost effectiveness of facility-based care, home-based care and mobile clinics for provision of antiretroviral therapy in Uganda

Background: Stakeholders in HIV/AIDS care currently use different programmes for provision of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Uganda. It is not known which of these represents the best value for money. Objective: To compare the cost effectiveness of home-based care (HBC), facility-based care (FBC) and mobile clinic care (MCC) for provision of ART in Uganda. Methods: Incremental cost-effectiveness analysis was performed using decision and Markov modeling of adult AIDS patients in WHO Clinical Stage 3 and 4 from the perspective of the Ugandan healthcare system. The main outcome measures were cost (year 2008 values), life expectancy in life-years (LY) and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) measured as cost per QALY or LY gained over 10 years. Results: Ten-year mean undiscounted life expectancy was lowest for FBC (3.6 LY), followed by MCC (4.3 LY) and highest for HBC (5.3 LY), while the mean discounted QALYs were also lowest for FBC (2.3), followed by MCC (2.9) and highest for HBC (3.7). The 10-year mean costs per patient were lowest for FBC ($US3212), followed by MCC ($US4782) and highest for HBC ($US7033). The ICER was lower for MCC versus FBC ($US2241 per LY and $US2615 per QALY) than for HBC versus MCC ($US2251 per LY and $US2814 per QALY). FBC remained cost effective in univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: FBC appears to be the most cost-effective programme for provision of ART in Uganda. This analysis supports the implementation of FBC for scale-up and sustainability of ART in Uganda. HBC and MCC would be competitive only if there is increased access, increased adherence or reduced cost.
Long-lasting depolarization of leech neurons mediated by receptors with a nicotinic binding site

The serotonergic Retzius neurons of the leech midbody ganglia respond in a complex manner to pressure pulses of acetylcholine (ACh) applied onto their soma with a fast depolarization followed by a slower hyperpolarization and an additional delayed long-lasting depolarization. The delayed depolarization is the subject of the present study. The delayed depolarization could be elicited by long (>1 s) ACh pressure pulses or by short pulses (10 ms) of carbachol, nicotine and DMPP, but not by muscarinic agonists. It was inhibited by bath application of nicotine (10-100 micromol l-1), strychnine (100 micromol l-1) and atropine (10-100 micromol l-1). Nicotinic antagonists that blocked the fast depolarization and the slow hyperpolarization (100 micromol l-1 mecamylamine and d-tubocurarine) did not affect the delayed depolarization induced by carbachol. Partial replacement of the extracellular Na+ by glucamine caused a decrease in the amplitude of the response and a shift of its reversal potential to more negative values. Carbachol pulses applied to Retzius neurons of the ganglia innervating the reproductive segments elicited delayed depolarizations of much smaller amplitude than the ones recorded in Retzius neurons from standard segments. The delayed depolarization could be elicited by the application of short agonist pulses onto different loci over the surface of the ganglion, at a distance from the soma. Isolated cultured Retzius neurons did not exhibit the delayed depolarization although they readily expressed the earlier phases of the complex cholinergic response. Carbachol pulses applied to the soma of other neurons in the leech ganglion produced a variety of specific responses.The results suggest that the delayed depolarization was produced by the activation of a cationic conductance mediated by receptors with a pharmacological profile similar to that of the 9 nicotinic receptors and was not a byproduct of the early phases of the cholinergic response. The response seemed to be initiated in the extensive neuropilar processes of the Retzius cell, enabling a persistent excitatory signal.
Thoracocardiography: Noninvasive Monitoring of Left Ventricular Stroke Volume

Abstract Purpose: Thoracocardiography noninvasively monitors global stroke volume by inductive plethysmographic recording of ventricular volume curves as previously validated by thermodilution. Our purpose was to investigate the potential of thoracocardiography to individually assess stroke volume of the left ventricle. We hypothesized that curves predominantly reflecting left ventricular volume could be obtained by recording waveforms from thoracocardiographic transducers placed at various levels around the chest, and by identifying their origin as the left ventricle if mean expiratory exceeded mean respiratory stroke volumes during spontaneous breathing. Materials and Methods: Stroke volumes obtained by thoracocardiography in normal subjects were compared beat by beat with estimates derived from simultaneous measurements of left ventricular cavity stroke area by echocardiography with automatic boundary detection. Changes in respiratory variations of stroke volumes were analyzed during spontaneous breathing at fixed rate and tidal volume, during mechanical ventilation, and resistive loaded breathing. Results: In 170 comparisons of beat-by-beat stroke volumes, 89% of thoracocardiographic fell within ±20% of echocardiographic estimates. Changes in tidal volume, resistive loaded breathing, and mechanical ventilation induced respiratory variations of thoracocardiographic derived stroke volumes consistent with the known effect of respiratory changes in intrapleural pressure on left ventricular stroke volumes. Conclusions: The results suggest that thoracocardiography noninvasively tracks changes in left ventricular stroke volumes. Their absolute value may also be monitored if an initial calibration by an independent technique, such as echocardiography, is performed.
A soil microbial community structural-functional index: the microscopy-based total/active/active fungal/bacterial (TA/AFB) biovolumes ratio

In most studies of fungal‐bacterial communities in soils, single-value indices such as fumigation‐extraction (FE) of microbe-derived organic carbon, measures of specific microbial cell chemical constituents, or activity-related measures have been used. These widely used single value indices, however, do not provide information on the physical structure of the filamentous fungal and bacterial community in a soil. The filamentous fungi, considered as indeterminate organisms, have a variable and changing hyphal network, most of which is devoid of cytoplasm. To meet this need for a direct integrated measure of the physical characteristics of the indeterminate fungi and their associated bacteria, a microscopy-based microbial biovolumes ratios approach is suggested. To provide this information, the total and active biovolumes of both the filamentous fungi and bacteria are assessed by microscopy. To normalize these responses, the ratio of total to active (TA) fungal plus bacterial biovolumes is divided by the ratio of the active fungal to bacterial biovolume (AFB), to yield the total/active/active fungal/bacterial (TA/AFB) biovolumes ratio. This approach has been used to analyze data from recently-cultivated early successional (ES) and uncultivated late successional (LS) sites at a shortgrass steppe of northeastern Colorado, where control plots were compared with those receiving mineral nitrogen amendments, using samples taken during the summer of 1995. The TA/AFB ratio index showed distinct and significant decreases in response to soil disturbance which reflected the decreased hyphal lengths present in these disturbed soils. These changes were not detected by the use of FE-based extractable carbon measurements. The TA/AFB ratio also showed significant positive correlations with indices of plant community development and mineral nitrogen, especially in the plots not amended with N. This TA/AFB ratios index should be able to provide information on the physical structure of the indeterminate filamentous fungi and associated soil bacteria for use in the assessment of soil quality, health and resiliency. © 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Growth versus Value and Large-Cap versus Small-Cap Stocks in International Markets

Many studies have shown that value-stock strategies outperform growth-stock strategies in U.S. markets. For international stock markets, however, little published research exists on this subject. Using four valuation ratios to define value stocks and growth stocks for more than 28,000 return observations in 21 countries for a 10-year period, we found that value stocks generally outperformed growth stocks on a total-return basis and on a risk-adjusted basis for the period and in a majority of individual years as well as in a majority of the national markets. When the growth stocks outperformed, the margin of difference was small. We also found a strong firm-size effect. In addition, value stocks outperformed growth stocks in all firm capitalization-size categories except the smallest.
Circulating Estrone Levels Are Associated Prospectively With Diabetes Risk in Men of the Framingham Heart Study

OBJECTIVE In postmenopausal women and preclinical murine models, estrogen administration reduces diabetes risk; however, the relationship of estradiol and estrone to diabetes in men is poorly understood. We determined the relationship between circulating estradiol and estrone levels and diabetes risk in community-dwelling men of the Framingham Heart Study (FHS). METHODS Cross-sectional relationships of estradiol and estrone levels with diabetes were assessed at examination 7 (1998–2001) in FHS generation 2 men ( n = 1,458); prospective associations between hormone levels at examination 7 and incident diabetes were assessed 6.8 years later at examination 8. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was defined as fasting glucose >125 mg/dL, medication use, or both. Estradiol, estrone, and testosterone levels were measured with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and free estradiol and estrone were calculated. RESULTS In cross-sectional models, men with elevated estrone and estradiol had 40% and 62% increased likelihoods of existing diabetes per cross-sectional doubling of estrone and estradiol levels, respectively. Free estrone (cross-sectional odds ratio 1.28 [95% CI 1.02–1.62], P = 0.04) was associated with impaired fasting glucose at examination 7. There was an increase in risk of existing diabetes with increasing quartiles of total and free estrone and estradiol and an increase in risk of incident diabetes with increasing quartiles of estrone levels. In multivariate longitudinal analyses, a twofold increase in total or free estrone levels at examination 7 was associated with 77 and 93% increases, respectively, in odds of incident diabetes at examination 8. CONCLUSIONS Although both estradiol and estrone exhibit cross-sectional associations with diabetes in men, in longitudinal analyses estrone is a more sensitive marker of diabetes risk than estradiol.
Differential vascular growth in postpneumonectomy compensatory lung growth.

Objective After pneumonectomy, compensatory growth occurs in the remaining lung. The vascular response during this growth and how individual lobes of the lung respond are not well understood. The aim of our study was to characterize vascular growth among individual lobes of the lung after pneumonectomy and determine whether changes in relative blood flow correlate with growth. Methods Rats underwent left pneumonectomy, and lobe weights and volumes of the right lung were measured 21 days later. Arterial growth was quantitated from arteriograms of each lobe after barium perfusion. Changes in relative blood flow were assessed by using radiolabeled microspheres. Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen was measured by means of Western blot analysis. Results After pneumonectomy, weight and volume indices of all lobes were significantly increased compared with those seen in sham control animals. Arterial growth occurred in all lobes after pneumonectomy, with the greatest increases occurring in the upper and middle lobes. In addition, a differential distribution of blood flow was observed where the upper and middle lobes contained the highest degree of relative flow. Pneumonectomy produced hyperplasic growth in all lobes, as indicated by significantly increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression correlated with arterial growth in that increased and prolonged expression occurred in the upper lobe. Conclusions These results show that left pneumonectomy induces significant, nonuniform, compensatory growth in all lobes of the right lung. Arterial growth occurred in each lobe after pneumonectomy, but preferentially higher vascular growth and cell proliferation in the upper lobe positively correlated with higher relative blood flow in this lobe.
Landsat 7 ETM+ on-orbit calibration and data quality assessment

The Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) multispectral scanner is scheduled for launch aboard the Landsat 7 satellite in 1998. Unlike data from earlier Landsat satellites, the United States (U.S.) Government will distribute data to users in an essentially raw form. The Landsat 7 ground system design therefore includes an image assessment system (IAS) to provide users with the ancillary information needed to generate useful, radiometrically-calibrated, geometrically-corrected ETM+ digital imagery. The IAS will assess ETM+ data quality and calibrate the sensor radiometry and geometry. The information provided by the IAS will allow users to produce digital image data with an absolute radiometric accuracy of 5%, band-to-band registration of 0.3 pixels, and geodetic registration to 250 m (1 sigma) without ground control.
Lipid composition of erythrocytes in various mammalian species.

Abstract Lipid distribution in the erythrocyte was investigated in several common mammals, including rat, rabbit, pig, dog, horse, sheep, cow, goat, cat and guinea pig. Lipids were extracted from fresh, thoroughly washed, whole packed cells. The lipids were purified by Sephadex column chromatography and separated by thin-layer chromatography. Infrared spectrophotometry was also used to identify components. The distribution of cholesterol, glycolipids, and the phospholipids is reported. Cholesterol was approx. 26% of total lipid in all species while phospholipids ranged between 50 and 70%. The glycolipids were considerably more variable, accounting for 5.3% of the lipids in the rabbit erythrocyte and 23.5% of the lipids in the horse erythrocyte. The glycolipid fraction was not analyzed in detail. The phospholipids were separated into the various classes, but neither vinyl nor glyceryl ether compounds were separated from diacyl derivatives. The phospholipids common to all species were phosphatidic acid, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl inositol, and sphingomyelin. There are, however, marked species variations in the relative abundance of these erythrocyte phospholipids. No lecithin was detected in sheep, cow, or goat. However, an as yet unidentified phospholipid was detected in these species.
Automatic Multiple Sclerosis detection based on integrated square estimation

This paper presents a fully automatic method for segmentation of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions from multiple sequence MR (T2-weighted and FLAIR) images. Our method treats MS lesions as outliers to the normal brain tissue distribution, and the separation is achieved by minimizing a statistically robust L2E measure, which is defined as the squared difference between the true density and the assumed Gaussian mixture. Pre- and post-processing procedures including intensity normalization and false positive pruning are designed to remove various signal artifacts. Our method is fully automatic and doesn't require any training, atlas or thresholding steps. The results of our method are compared with lesion delineations by human experts, and a high classification accuracy is demonstrated on 16 datasets containing small to moderate lesion loads.
The fundamental resonant frequency of wide angle conical antennas

The accuracy of simplifications to the theory in predicting the fundamental resonant frequency of a wide angle conical antenna was explored by comparing the results obtained based on analytical approximations to experimental results as well as the results of numerical simulation. Good agreement is obtained between the simulated and experimentally measured results. It was found that the relationship between slant height (l) and wavelength (λ) at the fundamental resonant frequency, for wide half cone angles, corresponds more closely to l= λ /8 than the expected l= λ/4.
Acute cytomegalovirus infection complicated by vascular thrombosis: A case report

We present a case report of a previously healthy adult with cytomegalovirus infection that was complicated by extensive mesenteric arterial and venous thrombosis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of this syndrome in an immunocompetent individual who had no predisposing risk factors for thrombosis, and it demonstrates the propensity for cytomegalovirus to be involved in vascular disease.