cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Heart Rate on the Dynamics of Force Development in the Intact Human Ventricle

The effects of heart rate on the dynamics of force development in the ventricle were studied in the intact human heart. In the course of corrective cardiac operations, Walton-Brodie strain-gauge arches were sutured to the right ventricles of 11 patients. The peak contractile force, the time to peak force, and the maximum rate of change of force (df/dt) were determined at various heart rates, produced by electrical stimulation of the right atrium or right ventricle. As the rate was increased, from an average of 72 to 145 per minute, no significant change in peak contractile force was observed. The peak df/dt, however, increased with each increment in heart rate, and the time to peak force decreased. This inverse relationship between peak df/dt and time to peak force accounts for the constancy of the peak force observed within several contractions after heart rate was changed. Also, since df/dt and the time to peak force reflect the intensity and duration of the active state, respectively, an inverse relati...
Remission of acanthosis nigricans associated with polycystic ovarian disease and a stromal luteoma.

ABSTRACT This report describes a 17-yr-old female who developed acanthosis nigricans, hirsutism and amenorrhea concurrently at age 15. Plasma androstenedione (A) was extremely elevated ranging from 3500 to 5000 ng/100 ml. Plasma testosterone (T) and urinary 17-ketosteroids (17-KS) were also elevated at 357 ng/100 ml and 32–42 mg/24 hr respectively. Plasma A and T were not reduced by dexamethasone (Dex), but human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) increased plasma A to 23,500 ng/100 ml, plasma T to 3666 ng/100 ml and the 17-KS to 156 mg/24 hr. Ethinyl estradiol (EE) plus Dex reduced LH to a nondetectable level, A to 72 ng/100 ml and T to 10 ng/100 ml. ACTH did not increase A or T. The patient was treated for 7 months with 0.15 mg/day of EE and there was marked improvement of the acanthosis nigricans associated with correction of the hyperandrogenism. Because of menorrhagia, EE was discontinued and the high levels of A and T returned and the acanthosis nigricans worsened. Exploratory laparotomy was performed and...
Development and Characterization of a Caprine Aerosol Infection Model of Melioidosis

Infection with Burkholderia pseudomallei causes the disease melioidosis, which often presents as a serious suppurative infection that is typically fatal without intensive treatment and is a significant emerging infectious disease in Southeast Asia. Despite intensive research there is still much that remains unknown about melioidosis pathogenesis. New animal models of melioidosis are needed to examine novel aspects of pathogenesis as well as for the evaluation of novel therapeutics. The objective of the work presented here was to develop a subacute to chronic caprine model of melioidosis and to characterize the progression of disease with respect to clinical presentation, hematology, clinical microbiology, thoracic radiography, and gross and microscopic pathology. Disease was produced in all animals following an intratracheal aerosol of 104 CFU delivered, with variable clinical manifestations indicative of subacute and chronic disease. Bronchointerstitial pneumonia was apparent microscopically by day 2 and radiographically and grossly apparent by day 7 post infection (PI). Early lesions of bronchopneumonia soon progressed to more severe bronchointerstitial pneumonia with pyogranuloma formation. Extrapulmonary dissemination appeared to be a function of pyogranuloma invasion of pulmonary vasculature, which peaked around day 7 PI. Histopathology indicated that leukocytoclastic vasculitis was the central step in dissemination of B. pseudomallei from the lungs as well as in the establishment of new lesions. While higher doses of organism in goats can produce acute fatal disease, the dose investigated and resulting disease had many similarities to human melioidosis and may warrant further development to provide a model for the study of both natural and bioterrorism associated disease.
A Comparison of Annual Versus Average Optima for Fertilizer Experiments

Seven annual production functions estimating corn response to applied nitrogen and plant population were derived for three locations in Missouri. Annual optima varied widely about input amounts that maximized average profits for the seven-year period but, except for extreme cases, resulting average profits differed little from the maximum average profit.
Lagrangians Satisfying Crofton Formulas, Radon Transforms, and Nonlocal Differentials

Abstract This paper introduces a class of geometric objects called Crofton k -densities which are the analogue of closed differential forms. In R n , Crofton densities can be represented by means of a generalization of the Radon transform. This transform maps functions on the space of ( n - k )-planes in R n into Crofton k -densities. We write a system of PDE′s satisfied by Crofton k -densities. Crofton k -denisites can be considered as Lagrangians, and we can write multidimensional Euler-Lagrange equations for them. The system of PDE′s for Crofton densities coincides with the lower order terms of the Euler operator. So Euler-Lagrange equations for Lagrangians corresponding to Crofton densities have more simple form than in general. In addition Crofton k -densities can be characterized by the fact that their extremals include all k -dimensional planes. In particular Crofton 1-densities can be considered as Lagrangians, and their extremals are straight lines. We present a Crofton 1-density as a "nonlocal differential" of a function in R n . The Poincare lemma is valid for Crofton 1-densities that satisfy some growth conditions. In this work we connect two integral geometries, classical integral geometry of Poincare and Chern and integral geometry of Radon transform.
Intensive care decisions about level of aggressiveness of care.

Questionnaires were used to assess (a) the factors intensive care unit resident physicians (N = 33) and nurses (N = 57) perceived as influential in making decisions about level of aggressiveness of patient care (LAC), (b) who residents and nurses believed should be involved versus who was involved in decision making, and (c) the amount of collaboration they perceived in their practices. Questionnaires then were used to assess decision making about 314 patients. All providers agreed that patient request influenced their LAC decisions, with possibility of benefit and diagnosis ranked second and third. Although both nurses and residents believed capable patients should be making LAC decisions, providers identified attending physicians as the most common participants in decision making for specific patients. Residents were more satisfied with the decision making process than nurses, t = 2.05 (88), p =.04. There was no relationship between perceptions of nurse–resident collaboration and providers' inclusion of others in the LAC decision process. ©1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Inhibition of transmitter release by adenosine: are Ca2+ currents depressed or are the intracellular effects of Ca2+ impaired?

Abstract It has been suggested that blockade of nerve terminal Ca 2+ channels by extracellular adenosine is responsible for the inhibitory effects of adenosine and its congeners on the secretion of neurotransmitter substances. Several lines of evidence, however, are not in accord with this suggestion. Eugene M. Silinsky presents evidence to indicate that the impairment of Ca 2+ -dependent processes at an intracellular site associated with the secretory apparatus provides the best single explanation for the inhibitory effects of adenosine derivatives on transmitter release.
Sciatic nerve tumor and tumor-like lesions—uncommon pathologies

Sciatic nerve mass-like enlargement caused by peripheral nerve sheath tumors or neurocutaneous syndromes such as neurofibromatosis or schwannomatosis has been widely reported. Other causes of enlargement, such as from perineuroma, fibromatosis, neurolymphoma, amyloidosis, endometriosis, intraneural ganglion cyst, Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy are relatively rare. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent non-invasive tool for the evaluation of such lesions. In this article, the authors discuss normal anatomy of the sciatic nerve and MRI findings of the above-mentioned lesions.
Effects of hormone dose and length of injection on mouse mammary gland growth.

SummaryThe possible use of growth curves in assay procedures for mammary-gland growth promoting substances was investigated. Male mice were fed diethylstilbestrol for 4 weeks to insure duct growth. In addition, one group was injected subcutaneously with 0.75 μg estradiol benzoate (E.B.)/day along with various levels of progesterone (P) for 5- or 10-day periods. Another group similarly received 0.50 μg E.B./day plus various amounts of P for a 10-day period. Desoxyribosenucleic acid determined by a newer, shortened procedure was used as a growth index. Results indicated that best slope with greatest precision was obtained when 0.75 μg E.B./day with various amounts of progesterone was injected for 10-day period.
Management of Pediatric Mandible Fractures

When determining the optimal treatment strategy for a pediatric mandible fracture, planning must factor in the patient's age, anatomy, stage of dental development, fracture site, and ability to cooperate with the proposed treatment plan. Careful consideration must be given to the possibility of long-term growth disturbance with various fracture locations and types of treatment. This article reviews the current principles of the management of pediatric mandibular fractures.
Analysis of the cardiovascular effects of 2-(2,6-dichlorophenylamino)-2-imidazoline hydrochloride (Catapres).

J. W. CONSTANTINE and W. K. McSHANE, Analysis of the cardiovascular effects of 2-(2,6-dichlorophenylamino) -2'imidazoline hydrochloride (Catapres), European J. Pharmacol. 4 (1968) 109–123. The nature of the blood pressure response (pressor followed by depressor) caused by intravenous administration of Catapres was analyzed in preparations ranging from isolated tissues to intact animal. Contractions of rabbit aorta and dog vein caused by Catapres are inhibited by α-adrenergic blockers. Catapres protects α-adrenergic receptors from blockade by phenoxybenzamine. It is concluded that the hypertensive effect of Catapres is due to sympathomimetic constriction of peripheral vasculature. Blood pressure and heart rate of dogs decreased following administration of Catapres into the vertebral artery at doses ineffective intravenously, indicating that hypotension and bradycardia are centrally mediated. The direct causes of hypotension depend upon the dose of Catapres. At low doses hypotension is des solely to reduction in peripheral resistance. Higher doses decrease peripheral resistance and cardiac output. Excessive doses lower cardiac output; peripheral resistance is not affected or increased. Catapres does not exaggerate postural hypotension in dogs or monkeys.
Collaborative Teaching: Reaping the Benefits

Much recent writing has focused on how we can promote collab orative learning by means of various class exercises and assignments (e.g., small-group work, student-led dis cussion, jointly authored papers, or joint test-taking) and on how these efforts ben efit students (Cooper and Mueck 1990; Johnson, Johnson, and Smith 1991; Goodsell, Maher, and Tinto 1992; Bruf fee 1993; Haring-Smith 1993; Kadel and Keehner 1993). In a recent article, we shifted the focus to teachers, arguing that collaborating teachers can serve as mod els for teaching students useful skills and attitudes (Schaible and Robinson 1995). However, in this article we are con cerned with preventing problems and with noting rewards for us as teachers. First, we offer a list of practical suggestions on how to prepare for and carry out collaborative teaching successfully. We use "collabora tive teaching" to describe any academic experience in which two teachers work together in designing and teaching a course that itself uses group learning tech niques. Then we discuss the benefits for teachers willing to develop the team taught course and to commit themselves to collaborative, student-centered pedagogy.
Morphological features of hexagonal ferrites

Abstract Depression growth spirals and vicinal-hill type spirals have been discovered on basal faces of single crystal hexagonal ferrite samples. Electron microscopy studies have resolved sub-unit-cell etch steps on “process etched” and on HCl etched surfaces. A variety of crystalline imperfections have been noted and etch pit studies have indicated the number and kinds of dislocations present.
Molecular signaling in intervertebral disk development.

Abstract The purpose of this investigation is to identify and study the expression pattern of pertinent molecular factors involved in the differentiation of the intervertebral disk (IVD). It is likely that hedgehog genes and the BMP inhibitors are key factors involved in spinal joint formation. Radioactive in situ hybridization with mRNA probes for pax-1, SHH, IHH and Noggin gene was performed on mouse embryo and adult tissue. Immunohistochemistry was performed to localize hedgehog receptor, “patched” (ptc). From 14.5 dpc until birth pax-1 mRNA was expressed in the developing anulus fibrosus (AF). During the same developmental period Noggin mRNA is highly expressed throughout the spine, in the developing AF, while ptc protein and SHH mRNA were expressed in the developing nucleus pulposus (NP). IHH mRNA was expressed by condensing chondrocytes of the vertebral bodies and later becomes confined to the vertebral endplate. We show for the first time that pax-1 is expressed in the adult intervertebral disk. Ptc expression in the NP is an indicator of hedgehog protein signaling in the developing IVD. The expression pattern of the BMP inhibitor Noggin appears to be important for the normal formation of the IVD and may prove to play a role in its segmental pattern formation.
High precision electronic charge density determination for L10-ordered γ-TiAl by quantitative convergent beam electron diffraction

Low order structure and Debye–Waller (DW) factors for tetragonal L10-ordered γ-TiAl were measured simultaneously using quantitative convergent beam electron diffraction. The high precision and accuracy (largest error <0.5%) measurements allowed the construction of charge density difference maps from full sets of structure and DW factors, suitable for validation of first principles density functional theory (DFT) calculation results. Comparison of the experimentally determined charge density distribution with theoretical DFT predictions shows excellent qualitative agreement in this study. The three-dimensional charge density representations indicate a large electron charge localisation centred about the tetrahedral site at ¼, ¼, ¼, which is coordinated by two Ti atoms at 0, 0, 0 and ½, ½, 0 and two Al atoms at ½, 0, ½ and 0, ½, ½, respectively. Compared to experimental data, the DFT calculations based on full-potential linearised augmented plane wave (LAPW) method (implemented in WIEN2K) were found to quan...
Disposable balloon-based oesophageal motility catheters: comparison with solid-state transducers.

Abstract Background: Current oesophageal manometry systems use either water-perfused or solid-state pressure transducers. Recently developed single-use disposable catheters use small balloons prefilled with air that transmit the pressure of oesophageal contractions to external transducers. Aim: To compare data obtained from single-use disposable balloon catheters to data from solid-state systems. Methods: Healthy volunteers, patients with ineffective oesophageal motility and nutcracker oesophagus were studied to include a broad range of pressures. A single-use disposable Clinical Innovations (CI) catheter was placed adjacent to a solid-state Konigsberg Instruments (KI) catheter with pressure transducers at 5, 10, 15 and 20 cm above the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS). Subjects received liquid and viscous swallows at 30-s intervals. Healthy volunteers received additional sets of swallows while having only one catheter in the oesophagus. Results: When both catheters were present in the oesophagus, no differences were noted between mean pressure measurements in the distal oesophagus and there was good correlation between pressures recorded in response to individual swallows. When present alone in the oesophagus the CI catheter recorded lower mean pressures compared with the KI catheter. Overall there was good agreement in classifying swallows as normal, ineffective and simultaneous. Conclusion: Single-use oesophageal manometry catheters are promising alternatives to solid-state manometry systems in measuring intra-oesophageal pressures.
A stochastic simulation procedure for selecting herbicides with minimum environmental impact.

A mathematical environmental transport model of roadside applied herbicides at the site scale (∼100 m) was stochastically applied using a Monte-Carlo technique to simulate the concentrations of 33 herbicides in stormwater runoff. Field surveys, laboratory sorption data, and literature data were used to generate probability distribution functions for model input parameters to allow extrapolation of the model to the regional scale. Predicted concentrations were compared to EPA acute toxicity end points for aquatic organisms to determine the frequency of potentially toxic outcomes. Results are presented for three geographical regions in California and two highway geometries. For a given herbicide, frequencies of potential toxicity (FPTs) varied by as much as 36% between region and highway type. Of 33 herbicides modeled, 16 exhibit average FPTs greater than 50% at the maximum herbicide application rate, while 20 exhibit average FPTs less than 50% at the minimum herbicide application rate. Based on these FPTs ...
Visual validation of the mechanical stabilizing effects of positive end-expiratory pressure at the alveolar level.

Abstract Background. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) reduces ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI), presumably by mechanically stabilizing alveoli and decreasing intrapulmonary shear. Although there is indirect support for this concept in the literature, direct evidence is lacking. In a surfactant depletion model of acute lung injury we observed unstable alveolar mechanics referred to as repeated alveolar collapse and expansion (RACE) as measured by changes in alveolar area from inspiration to expiration (I − EΔ). We tested the hypothesis that over a range of tidal volumes PEEP would prevent RACE by mechanically stabilizing alveoli. Materials and methods. Yorkshire pigs were randomized to three groups: control (n = 4), Tween (surfactant-deactivating detergent) (n = 4), and Tween + PEEP (7 cm H2O) (n = 4). Using in vivo video microscopy individual alveolar areas were measured with computer image analysis at end inspiration and expiration over consecutive increases in tidal volume (7, 10, 15, 20, and 30 cc/kg.) I − EΔ was calculated for each alveolus. Results. Surfactant deactivation significantly increased I − EΔ at every tidal volume compared to controls (P Conclusions. RACE occurs in our surfactant deactivation model of acute lung injury. PEEP mechanically stabilizes alveoli and prevents RACE over a range of tidal volumes. This is the first study to visually document the existence of RACE and the mechanical stabilizing effects of PEEP at the alveolar level. The ability of PEEP to stabilize alveoli and reduce shear during mechanical ventilation has important implications for therapeutic strategies directed at VILI and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Multimode Surface Waves for Selected Focal Mechanisms I. Dip-Slip Sources on a Vertical Fault Plane

Summary The characteristics of the Rayleigh wave response to dip-slip motion along a vertical fault plane are investigated. The sources are located at various depths in the crust of a shield structure. Results are given in the form of frequency spectra of the displacement at the free surface. Both individual modes and combinations of the modes are treated.
Thermally Stimulated Relaxation in Fe-Doped SrTiO3 Systems:I. Single Crystals

Thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) measurements were carried out on 0.1% and 1% iron (Fe)-doped SrTiO3 crystals to study various effects that are not detected from other electrical characterization methods such as impedance spectroscopy. Using this TSDC technique, the origins of different relaxations in Fe-doped SrTiO3 crystals were identified, and activation energy of the orientated dipole, energy depth of trap site, and trap density in the polarized samples were then estimated from TSDC measurements. From the resulting activation energy of 0.65±0.08 eV of trap charges, these traps are assigned to oxygen vacancy-iron defect complexes. The high-temperature peak at temperature ∼190°C is assigned to the relaxation current of oxygen vacancies and the calculated activation energy of 0.91±0.05 eV is in good agreement with the literature data.
Comparison of two α-noradrenergic agonists (clonidine and guanfacine) on norepinephrine turnover in the cortex of rats during morphine abstinence

Abstract The effects of the α-agonists clonidine and guanfacine on rat cortical norepinephrine turnover during morphine withdrawal were assessed. Cortical norepinephrine levels were measured, after administration of α-methyl-p-tyrosine, by fluorometric assay. Chronic treatment with morphine did not affect norepinephrine levels or norepinephrine turnover. In control animals, doses up to 200 μg/kg clonidine and 1060 μg/kg guanfacine did not affect norepinephrine steady state levels, but did reduce α-methyl-p-tyrosine-induced norepinephrine depletion. As little as 5 μg/kg clonidine reversed the accelerated turnover observed during naloxone precipitated morphine withdrawal; while for guanfacine, the minimum effective dose was 212 μg/kg. The ED 50 for guanfacine's reversal of the withdrawal-induced acceleration of turnover was approximately 60 times that for clonidine.
Minimally invasive gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma in the United States: Utilization and short-term oncologic outcomes.

Background and Objectives When performed at select centers, minimally invasive gastrectomy (MIG) for gastric adenocarcinoma is associated with reduced perioperative morbidity, and similar oncologic outcomes as compared to open gastrectomy (OG). Utilization of, and outcomes associated with, MIG in the United States have not been characterized. Methods The National Cancer Database (2010–2011) was queried for AJCC pStage IB-IIIC patients who underwent curative-intent OG (n = 2,303) or MIG (n = 331). Multivariable models identified factors associated with MIG utilization, R0 resection rates, and adequate lymph node staging (LNS). Results MIG was more frequently utilized for T1/T2 (P < 0.001), N0 (P = 0.022), and stage IB (P = 0.001) tumors. MIG was associated with shorter hospital stay (P < 0.001), equivalent lymph node examination (P = 0.337) and superior rates of R0 resection (P = 0.011) compared with OG. In patients undergoing MIG, R0 resection was associated with performance of near-total/total gastrectomy (OR 3.90, 95%CI 1.10–13.9) and tumors < 5 cm (OR 2.78, 95%CI 1.07–7.26). Adequate LNS was associated with surgery at academic (OR 1.99, 95%CI 1.19–3.32) or high-volume facilities (OR 2.97, 95%CI 1.59–5.54), tumor size ≥ 5 cm (OR 1.85, 95%CI 1.10–3.11), and node positivity (OR 1.75, 95%CI 1.04–2.93). Conclusions MIG is selectively utilized in cases with favorable tumor characteristics. In such cases, short-term oncologic outcomes are equivalent to those achieved with OG. Worse oncologic outcomes in specific subgroups underscore opportunities for quality improvement. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:616–621. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discussion of Margrit Shildrick's “Dangerous Discourses” as It Relates to Need for Attitudinal Change Amongst the Psychoanalytic Community

As presented by Shildrick, questions are raised with regard to Lacan's theory elucidating the underpinnings for negative attitudes concerning sexual activity with and by disabled persons. Discussed, too, are other assumptions stemming from psychoanalytic theory that seem to be pertinent to sexuality and the disabled. For example, does the concept of polymorphousness in relation to particular sexual behavior necessarily imply perversity? Still other assumptions have stimulated me to make additions or tentative amendments to the dialog. Along the way, suggestions for further research are advanced.
Identifying alloys by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy with a time-resolved high resolution echelle spectrometer

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) produces line spectra from solid samples without any pre-treatment. The spectra were reduced to a matrix of intensities for the most intense lines and a number of different methods of identification were applied to determine if metal alloys could be distinguished by their spectra. The methods included principal component analysis, cluster analysis, multiple discriminant analysis, and spectral matching with a similarity index. The unsupervised methods, principal component analysis and cluster analysis, showed that the samples can be divided into groups based on their LIBS spectra. Discriminant analysis achieved an overall 97% correct classification into metal groups. Finally, a spectral matching approach was used to compare 234 individual spectra to a library of 39 average spectra. The accuracy of the matches varied from 97.4% correct prediction of the class of material to 79.9% correct identification of the specific alloy.
Enhanced Via Integration Process for Copper/Ultralow- $k$ Interconnects

This letter evaluates the electrical and reliability performances of a back-end-of-line Cu/ultralow- k (ULK) dielectric interconnect with features of gouged via and damage-free profile. The interconnect structure in ultralarge-scale integrated circuits forms vias between successive layers by forming first the via opening within the ULK dielectric, followed by forming the via-gouging feature and then the line opening. This fabrication approach does not disrupt the coverage of the deposited trench diffusion barrier in a line opening and does not introduce dielectric profile damages caused by creating the via-gouging feature. The resulting interconnect structure maintains the gouged-via feature without any profile damage, which not only improves the overall integrity of the integrated circuit but also shows time-dependent dielectric-breakdown performance enhancement over the conventional interconnect structure.
Corticocortical Connectivity Subserving Different Forms of Multisensory Convergence

Historically, anatomical investigations of multisensory convergence largely confirmed that inputs to multisensory structures arose from areas representing different sensory modalities, and the functional result of such convergence was apparent in the form of bimodal (or trimodal) neurons. Recently, a few reports have observed projections from representations of one modality into that of another, but the traditional forms of bimodal (or trimodal) multisensory neurons were not apparent. These crossmodal projections were generally sparse in density and preferentially terminated in the supragranular cortical layers. Subsequent recordings in regions receiving such projections have revealed a ‘new’ form of multisensory neuron: the subthreshold multisensory neuron. These neurons were activated by a single modality, but showed subtle yet significant modulation of that response when a stimulus from a second modality was present. Furthermore, these subthreshold neurons represent a transitional form along a continuum from overtly bimodal multisensory neurons, at one end, and unisensory neurons at the other. Ultimately, by distributing different proportions of these multisensory neuron types across different neural areas, it is possible that a single multisensory stimulus can elicit different levels of multisensory processing/integration from different regions in the brain.
The Papain-Like Protease from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Is a Deubiquitinating Enzyme

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus papain-like protease (SARS-CoV PLpro) is involved in the processing of the viral polyprotein and, thereby, contributes to the biogenesis of the virus replication complex. Structural bioinformatics has revealed a relationship for the SARS-CoV PLpro to herpesvirus-associated ubiquitin-specific protease (HAUSP), a ubiquitin-specific protease, indicating potential deubiquitinating activity in addition to its function in polyprotein processing (T. Sulea, H. A. Lindner, E. O. Purisima, and R. Menard, J. Virol. 79:4550-4551, 2005). In order to confirm this prediction, we overexpressed and purified SARS-CoV PLpro (amino acids [aa]1507 to 1858) from Escherichia coli. The purified enzyme hydrolyzed ubiquitin-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (Ub-AMC), a general deubiquitinating enzyme substrate, with a catalytic efficiency of 13,100 M(-1)s(-1), 220-fold more efficiently than the small synthetic peptide substrate Z-LRGG-AMC, which incorporates the C-terminal four residues of ubiquitin. In addition, SARS-CoV PLpro was inhibited by the specific deubiquitinating enzyme inhibitor ubiquitin aldehyde, with an inhibition constant of 210 nM. The purified SARS-CoV PLpro disassembles branched polyubiquitin chains with lengths of two to seven (Ub2-7) or four (Ub4) units, which involves isopeptide bond cleavage. SARS-CoV PLpro processing activity was also detected against a protein fused to the C terminus of the ubiquitin-like modifier ISG15, both in vitro using the purified enzyme and in HeLa cells by coexpression with SARS-CoV PLpro (aa 1198 to 2009). These results clearly establish that SARS-CoV PLpro is a deubiquitinating enzyme, thereby confirming our earlier prediction. This unexpected activity for a coronavirus papain-like protease suggests a novel viral strategy to modulate the host cell ubiquitination machinery to its advantage.
Randomized comparison of cyclophosphamide-total body irradiation versus busulfan-cyclophosphamide conditioning in autologous bone marrow transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract Purpose: This prospective trial of autologous bone marrow transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia was undertaken to compare the outcome using two different preparative regimens. Methods and Materials: Between October 1987 and April 1993, 35 patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first n = 12) or greater ( n = 23) remission were stratified by remission status and randomized to undergo 4-hydroperoxycyclosphamide purged autologous bone marrow transplantation after either cyclosphamide (120 mg/kg) and total body irradiation (1320 Gy in eight fractions over 4 days) (CY/TBI), or busulfan (16 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg) (BU/CY) conditioning. Results: At 2 years, overall survival and disease-free survival were 39% (95% confidence intervals (CI) 22–57%) and 36% (95% CI 19–52%), respectively. Patients in first complete had a significantly better outcome with a 2-year disease free survival of 57% (95% CI 28–86%) compared to others at 24% (95% CI 6–43%, log rank p = 0.048). For patients conditioned with CY/TBI, the estimated 2-year disease-free survival was 50% compared to 24% for patients conditioned with BU/VY (log rank p = 0.12). Estimated 2-year relapse rates were 43% vs. 70% (log rank p = 0.17), respectively. For patients in first remission no differences in disease-free survival (2-year estimates 67% vs 50%, log rank p = 0.69), between the two regimens were observed. For patients in greater than first complete remission there was a trend towards improved disease-free survival in the CY/TBI arm (2-year estimates 42% vs 9%, log rank p = 0.06). There were no differences in time to white blood cell count (WBC) engraftment, absolute neutrophil count of > 500, incidence of bacteremias, or median time to hospital discharge between the two regimens. Acute toxicities were similar. Interstitial pneumonitis developed in two patients (one on each arm), while veno occlusive disease developed in three BU/CY patients, but none of the CY/TBI patients (log rank p = 0.07). Conclusions: Cyclosphamide-total body irradiation provided an equivalent or better outcome to BU/CY, particularly in advanced patients, and should remain in the standard by which new regimens are judged. The high relapse rate with both regimes, especially patients who were in greater than in first complete remission, emphasizes the need for early transplant and for new strategies to improve outcome.
Temporal Relationships Among Prices on Commodity Futures Markets: Their Allocative and Stabilizing Roles

The role that futures markets play in guiding inventories, through hedging, has been emphasized in economic literature. Historically, futures markets first emerged for the annual crops that could be continuously stored (grain and cotton); hence inventory hedging has been important from the outset. But forward pricing which was not attendant upon inventories has long been practiced, and the more recent emergence of futures markets for non-inventory commodities dramatizes this fact. We show here that the model of intertemporal price relationships differs for the two cases and provide evidence for selected commodities. The contrasting implications for allocation and stabilization are also drawn.
Cleaning house or jumping ship? Understanding board upheaval following financial fraud

Boards experience elevated levels of turnover among outside directors following financial fraud. Scholars have proposed two mechanisms that may drive this turnover. The first views turnover as part of a board's efforts to repair organizational legitimacy and avert resource withdrawal. The second argues that turnover is a byproduct of individual directors' efforts to safeguard their own reputations and mitigate professional devaluation. We use data on director departures following 63 fraud events to explore the relative importance of these two mechanisms. The results clarify our understanding of responses to governance failures and the challenges of reconstituting board membership following financial improprieties.
Discrepancy in determination of χ parameters by melting point depression versus small-angle neutron scattering in blends of deuterated polycarbonate and isotactic poly(methyl methacrylate)

The discrepancy in the χ interaction parameters of deuterated polycarbonate/isotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) blends as determined by the melting point depression approach and the small-angle scattering technique is reported. We have modified the Flory diluent theory by removing the inherent assumption of complete rejection of the solvent from the crystal solid by taking into consideration the crystal–amorphous, amorphous–crystal, and crystal–crystal interactions. The discrepancy in χ values obtained by the two methods is discussed.
Robot-Assisted Surgery and the Nature of Remote Work Lessons for Medicine From Other Fields

The result of a multi-year, multi-lab, interdisciplinary research project examining the impact of the introduction of robot-assisted surgical (RAS) technology into modern operating rooms, this presentation explores intra-corporeal RAS as a highly specialized, but not entirely unique working technique. Hundreds of hours of direct in-room observation, interviews with RAS surgeons at all levels of expertise from almost total novices to world-renowned experts have allowed the authors to recognize specific commonalities, particularly those dealing with changes in operator perspective, altered team roles, and coordination processes. In particular analogs between RAS, areal refueling, tower-crane construction work, and robotic arm control in space are presented. Most fundamentally, these four work situations are united by thee factors: the inability of the primary control operator to directly see the worksite, the need for high-precision coordination with colleagues, and the loss of situational awareness created...
Eigenstrain-based model for prediction of laser peening residual stresses in arbitrary three-dimensional bodies Part 1: Model description:

This paper presents a methodology for predicting the residual stress within three-dimensional parts caused by laser peening treatment. The inputs to the model are the elastic material properties an...
Effect of human leukocyte antigen heterozygosity on infectious disease outcome: The need for allele-specific measures

Background: Doherty and Zinkernagel, who discovered that antigen presentation is restricted by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC, called HLA in humans), hypothesized that individuals heterozygous at particular MHC loci might be more resistant to particular infectious diseases than the corresponding homozygotes because heterozygotes could present a wider repertoire of antigens. The superiority of heterozygotes over either corresponding homozygote, which we term allele-specific overdominance, is of direct biological interest for understanding the mechanisms of immune response; it is also a leading explanation for the observation that MHC loci are extremely polymorphic and that these polymorphisms have been maintained through extremely long evolutionary periods. Recent studies have shown that in particular viral infections, heterozygosity at HLA loci was associated with a favorable disease outcome, and such findings have been interpreted as supporting the allele-specific overdominance hypothesis in humans. Methods: An algebraic model is used to define the expected population-wide findings of an epidemiologic study of HLA heterozygosity and disease outcome as a function of allele-specific effects and population genetic parameters of the study population. Results: We show that overrepresentation of HLA heterozygotes among individuals with favorable disease outcomes (which we term population heterozygote advantage) need not indicate allele-specific overdominance. On the contrary, partly due to a form of confounding by allele frequencies, population heterozygote advantage can occur under a very wide range of assumptions about the relationship between homozygote risk and heterozygote risk. In certain extreme cases, population heterozygote advantage can occur even when every heterozygote is at greater risk of being a case than either corresponding homozygote. Conclusion: To demonstrate allele-specific overdominance for specific infections in human populations, improved analytic tools and/or larger studies (or studies in populations with limited HLA diversity) are necessary.
Glaciation Cycles: Phenomenology and Slow Processes

The previous chapter dealt with the climatic system’s radiation balance, which led to the formulation of equilibrium models. Slow changes of these equilibria due to external forcing,internal fluctuations about an equilibrium, and transitions from one possible equilibrium to another one were also studied.
489PFUNCTIONAL SIMILARITY ASSESSMENT RESULTS COMPARING BEVACIZUMAB TO BIOSIMILAR CANDIDATE ABP 215

ABSTRACT Aim: ABP 215 is being developed as a biosimilar to bevacizumab, a recombinant monoclonal antibody that binds vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inhibits binding to receptors. Although bevacizumab and intended biosimilars share the same amino acid sequence, differences will likely exist in product quality attributes due to differences in expression systems, bioprocess and purification. Equivalence of product quality attributes, especially functional equivalence, is of primary importance during stepwise development of a biosimilar in order to provide confidence for similar clinical safety and efficacy in patients. Functional equivalence to bevacizumab is also a critical consideration when considering extrapolation of indications for the candidate biosimilar product. The aim of these studies is to examine functional simiarlity of ABP 215 to bevacizumab. Methods: Comparative assessment of biological activity included testing binding of ABP 215 and bevacizumab to VEGF and VEGF isoforms by surface plasmon resonance and to cell-surface expressed FcRn and to FcgRIIIa by AlphaLISA. The inhibition of proliferation and VEGFR2 autophosphorylation was compared in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Anti-tumor activity was compared in A431 and Colo205 tumor xenograft models. Results: Equilibrium binding affinity (Kd) to VEGF was similar between ABP 215 (117 pM) and bevacizumab (112 pM). Binding to VEGF165 and VEGF121 was also similar. Binding (3 lots each) to FcRn was similar between ABP 215 (95-102%) and bevacizumab (114-127%) as was binding to FcgRIIIa comparing ABP 215 (100-115%) to bevacizumab (100-105%). Potency in proliferation inhibition was similar across three lots each of bevacizumab (87-98%) compared to ABP 215 (92-101%). Inhibition of autophosphorylation (IC50) was similar for a single lot each of ABP 215 (0.0871 µg/ml) compared to bevacizumab (0.0858 µg/ml). The effects of ABP 215 and bevacizumab were also similar in vivo, in terms of inhibition of both tumor growth and tumor-associated vasculature in A431 and Colo205 models. Conclusions: ABP 215 appears to be highly similar to bevacizumab in multiple sensitive preclinical pharmacologic assessments. Disclosure: T.L. Born: author is a stockholder and emplyoee of of Amgen; Q. H uynh, A. Mathur, J. Velayudhan, J. Canon, K. Reynhardt, T.J. Goletz and R.A. Markus: Amgen employee and stockholder
Glomerular Injury Induced by the C5b-9 Membrane Attack Complex of Complement

Strong evidence implicates the assembly and glomerular epithelial cell membrane insertion of C5b-9 in mediating proteinuria in experimental membranous nephropathy. The cellular basis for this effect may involve cell activation by sublytic concentrations of C5b-9, resulting in release at the epithelial cell interface of inflammatory mediators. Potential mediators released by the epithelial cell may include oxidants, proteases or prostaglandins. Epithelial cell detachment from underlying basement membrane may also be involved. Further studies to define the cellular basis of the C5b-9 effect are required.
Rebetika and Catharsis: Cultural Practice as Crisis Management

In the context of the economic crisis in Greece, cultural practice serves as an important local level coping mechanism. Participants in the popular Rebetiki Istoria rebetadiko in Athens have adapted their nightly musicking into a crisis management culture. As the working-class audiences enjoy relevant rebetiko songs of the early twentieth century, they work through their anxieties about the current economic situation. The theoretical framework for this discussion is catharsis that describes emotional release achieved through music or art. Proposing a cultural approach to catharsis research, the article offers a clear tripartite theoretical model for the examination of catharsis in diverse musicking contexts.
Selection of Optimum Spray-Droplet Sizes for Boll Weevil and Drift Control

Within the limits of the droplet sizes tested, smaller droplets provided better plant coverage and, thus, insect control, but also increased drift. Therefore, a compromise was necessary in determining an acceptable droplet size that would provide good coverage without increasing drift. For ULV applications of azinphosmethyl with ground equipment, a droplet size between 140 and 200 μ provided an adequate solution for control of Anthonomus grandis Boheman and drift problems.
Evaluation of Field-Applied Fresh Composts for Production of Sod Crops

Application of compost to cropland potentially can use large quantities of compost and serve as an alternative to waste disposal into landfills. This study was conducted to evaluate the suitability of field-applied composts of mixed municipal solid wastes, biosolids, leaves, and agricultural wastes for production of wildflower and grass sods. The composts were applied one inch thick on the soil surface. In half the plots, the composts were left on the surface as a mulch and in the other half, composts were worked into the top two inches of soil. The effects of the composts on wildflower, grass, and weed germination and growth and on wildflower diversity and flowering were investigated for two growing seasons. Wildflower and grass quality did not differ whether the composts were applied as a mulch or incorporated into the soil. In the first year, limited growth in apparently immature biosolids-woodchips and mixed MSW composts was attributed to high concentrations of ammonium or soluble salts. The detriment...
Single-locus, two-allele basis for inheritance of the granular and adowny form of the ringworm fungus Arthroderma benhamiae (=Trichophyton metagrophytes var. granulosum).

Inheritance of granular (wild type) and downy (a variant) colonial forms of Arthoderma benhamiae Ajello & Cheng, 1967 [= Trichophyton mentagrophytes (Robin, 1853) Blanchard, 1896 var. granulosum Ne...
East Asian:Idylls Shen Congwen’s Border Town and Mishima Yukio’s The Sound of Waves

两部举世驰名的牧歌或田园诗性的小说——沈从文(1902-1988)的《边城》(1934)和三岛由纪夫(1925-1970)的《潮骚》(1954)——都成书于东亚。虽然时隔20年,两位作家的个性、阅历、和政治索求迥然不同,但他们都是20世纪的文坛巨匠。钟爱、天真、忠诚、勇气、不计等级——这一切在沈从文和三岛由纪夫的作品中有特殊的东亚色彩,对身处剧烈社会变革时代的东亚读者群,具有强烈的吸引力。正是那些与此等同的价值观念,可以超越时间,普天喝彩,现在和未来都准能使《边城》、《潮骚》、还有《达孚尼与克洛耶》受到各族各代读者的喜爱。
Title:Comparison of three methods for determination of nitrate nitrogen in drinking water

Objective To compare three methods(thymol spectrophotometry,UV spectrophotometry and ion chromatography)for determination of nitrate nitrogen in drinking water. Methods By statistic and analyze three key indexes including the detection limit,accuracy,precision and spiked recoveries of the three methods. Result To the two chemical methods,they have wide measure ranges,and the result can show the real content of nitrate. But the operations are complicated,time-consuming and laborious,and the experiments will produce waste have which may pollute the environment. Ion Chromatography method are much better on detection limit,accuracy,precision,and the recovery of standard addition. Conclusion Ion chromatography method is better than the other two chemical operations on simplicity,quick,accuracy and sensitivity.
"Come Home": A Medicare Innovation Center project.

The Come Home project will demonstrate that community oncology practices can aggressively manage the symptoms and complications of cancer and its treatment—and at the same time can save money by limiting the use of expensive sites of service like hospitals and emergency departments.
Impacts of Save Energy Now (SEN) Program

ABSTRACT The need for energy efficiency captured the attention of all sectors of our society in the 1970s when energy supplies dwindled and prices increased. Interest in energy efficiency continued during the 1980s primarily due to environmental concerns, and secondarily because of economic and industrial competitiveness issues. Energy supply disruptions caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and recent hikes in energy prices, have generated a renewed interest in energy efficiency. In the past, the industrial sector has responded to energy shortages and its price increases with varying effectiveness, but small and medium-sized plants generally lacked the resources to cope effectively. One of the U. S. government's responses to this situation was to offer these small and medium-sized plants technical assistance, such as the Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) program. The IAC Program has been successfully functioning during the past three decades. However, large energy users (LEUs) were not included in this...