cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract P004: Three Year Trends of Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics Among Employees of a Large Health Care Organization: The Baptist Health South Florida Employee Study

BACKGROUND: More than 1 in 3 U.S. adults has cardiovascular disease (CVD). The U.S. workforce makes up over 50% of the entire population, making the workplace the ideal setting for addressing the burden of CVD. This study used the American Heart Association’s (AHA) cardiovascular (CV) health metrics to assess the risk of CVD over 3 years among employees of Baptist Health South Florida (BHSF), a large nonprofit health care organization. METHODS: Ideal CV health is defined by the AHA as meeting ideal status in 7 health metrics: diet, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood glucose and smoking. The health metrics were calculated using data collected annually from voluntary wellness fairs and health risk assessments. Each metric was categorized as ideal, intermediate or poor according to AHA criteria. RESULTS: Data were collected for a total of 6147 employees in 2011, 11112 in 2012 and 9996 in 2013. For each year, approximately 75% were women and mean age (SD) was 43...
Steven Baum’s The Psychology of Genocide: Perpetrators, Bystanders and Rescuers

Baum’s work raises difficult questions, but he presents concrete solutions for the reader. The book is scholarly in intent without being pedantic. There is a liberal use of endnotes for each chapter, a wide selection of tables and figures, and a comprehensive index. It would be helpful for readers to have a general understanding of key conformity studies, but most readers will be able to follow Baum’s review of major genocidal events and his belief in the possibility of an emotionally developed world in which “rescuer qualities” will be esteemed. Certainly this text is a strong addition to the widening field of holocaust and diversity studies, and equally important to those readers committed to improving community life. It is an effective plea for citizens to move toward the “emotional higher road.”
THE FORMATION OF DUMPY VORTICES IN MOSAICS OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER.

Certain alleles of the gene dp produce vortices, which are changes in the configuration of the dorsal surface of the thorax and in the distribution of thoracic chaetae and hairs. The dp alleles appear to affect the chaeta pattern through tissue movement, since they do not change the total number of bristle organs. Cellular changes which occur are bristle organs with doubled chaetae, and small bald'' areas devoid of chaetae and cell hairs. The vortices are associated with insertions of certain of the indirect flight muscles through deep invaginations of the hypodermis and cuticle. Vortex formation begins prior to normal attachment of the flight muscles: the formation of vortices is indirectly responsible for the development of doubled chaetae. X-ray induced somatic crossing over produced mosaic patches which were homozygous for dp and homozygous or hemizygous for yellow on a heterozygous wild-type background. Thirteen mosaics, including eight involving recessive lethal alleles, were recovered from an estimated 7,000 treated individuals. In the mosaic specimens, the dumpy recessives are nonautonomous: homozygous recessive patches bring about the vortex pattern in the adjacent heterozygous or homozygous dominant tissue, and, in three cases, in the heterozygous tissue of the opposite side of the thorax. The doublingmore » of chaetae in the vortices is an indirect effect, since it sometimes occurs in the background tissue. The wild-type allele of dp, in response to specific developmental environments, appears to regulate (either directly or by intracellular inhibition) the production of a supracellular factor, which in turn affects tissue movement. The recessive alleles apparently fail to respond to these developmental environments, leading to a failure to regulate the production of the supracellular factor and thus to abnormal tissue movement. It is concluded that dp is not a prepattern gene with respect to the distribution of thoracic bristle organs, since it does not have any effect on the determination of bristle organ anlagen. The differentiation of doubled chaeate, however, is due to a physical change in the cellular environment, indirectly brought about by dp; in this minor respect dp can be considered a prepattern gene. (auth)« less
Discussion on: “Application of Logarithmic-based Parameter and Upper Bounding Estimation Rules to Adaptive-Robust Control of Robot Manipulators”

This paper presents a new adaptive-robust control law for robot manipulators with parametric uncertainty. The control law for n-link robot manipulators using the Lyapunov-based theory of guaranteed stability of uncertain system is derived by means of analytical approach. The proposed adaptive-robust control law includes an adaptive dynamic compensation, robust feedforward compensators with an adaptive upper bounding function and a PD feedforward part, and both system parameters and robust feedforward compensator are updated in time. As distinct from similar studies, the manipulator parameters are updated with a logarithmic function depending on manipulator kinematics, inertia parameters and tracking error and on the other hand, robust compensator is updated as a function of uncertainty bound, robot kinematics and tracking error. The developed approach has the advantages of both adaptive and robust control laws, and besides it eliminates disadvantages of them.
Quantitation of surface antigens on cultured murine epidermal Langerhans cells: rapid and selective increase in the level of surface MHC products.

Abstract It was recently discovered that murine epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) changed significantly in function and phenotype when maintained in culture. Notably, accessory cell function for primary immune responses increased while cytologic markers like ATPase, nonspecific esterase, and Birbeck granules were lost. To further analyze LC differentiation, we used flow cytometry and a panel of 22 monoclonal antibodies to quantitate changes in surface antigens at the single-cell level. A striking change was a fivefold increase in the amount of Ia antigens (which are expressed on class II MHC products) during the first day of culture. The increase was evident within 3 h and reached a plateau at 15–24 h. Both I-A and I-E products behaved similarly. The increase in Ia was blocked by 1 μg/ml cycloheximide. Expression of other surface antigens was then monitored on Ia + LC by two-color flow cytometry. Low levels of class I (H-2D and H-2K) MHC products were detected on freshly isolated LC, and these antigens also increased severalfold during the first day of culture. Fc receptors (identified with the 2.4G2 mAb) and the F4/80 macrophage antigen decreased, as reported previously. Three antigens that were detected in fresh suspensions were expressed at constant levels in culture. These were the C3bi receptor and the pan leukocyte and interdigitating cell antigens. Several leukocyte antigens that were not found initially on LCs did not appear, including B220 anti-B cell, 33D1 anti-dendritic cell, and CD4, CD5, CD8 T-cell specificities. We conclude that the surface of cultured LCs undergoes selective changes in culture. As a result, the cells are rich in Ia and H-2 and have detectable C3bi receptors, but have little or no LFA-1, Ti, CD 4, 5, and 8, 33D1, 2.4G2, F4/80, and B220 antigens.
Copernicus in His Prime

Nicolaus Copernicus is the Latinate name of the renowned astronomer and poly math, born in 1473 to a well-placed mer cantile family in the Polish town of Torun. (Note that in those parts, national frontiers, place names and even shorelines shift over the centuries.) The bright boy, who at age 10 lost his father, found a generous guardian in his uncle Lucas, who soon became a bishop, his see including the Frombork cathedral, set on the shore of the delta of the river Vistula in northern Poland. Mathematics and as
A CONVENIENT SYNTHESIS OF 3,3‐DIMETHYLCYCLOHEXANONE

Abstract An interest in the boll weevil sex attractants1 prompted an investigation into alternative syntheses of the starting material, 3,3-dimethylcyclohexanone (1). Despite its relatively simple structure, the available synthetic approaches to this comnound are often indirect and usually involve expensive or exotic reagents and starting materials. For example, 3,3-dimethyl-cyclohexanone (1) may be obtained from conjugate addition of lithium dimethylcuprate,2 methylmagnesium iodide,3 or trimethyl-aluminum4 to 3-methyl-2-cyclohexen-l-one. Similarly, reaction of lithium dimethylcuprate with 3-t-butylthio-2-cyclohexen-l-one also yields ketone 1.5 Other preparations have involved hydrogenations of 5,5-dimethyl-2-cyclohexen-l-one6 and 5,5-dimethyl-3-chloro-2-cyclohexen-l-one7 and pyrolysis of β,β-dimethylpimelic anhydride.8 Ketone 1 was also obtained, albeit as a minor product, in the dichlorotris (triphenylphosphine) ruthenium catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of 5,5-dimethyl-l,3-cyclohexanedione.9
Efficacy of retigabine in adjunctive treatment of partial onset seizures in adults

Objective: To evaluate efficacy and tolerability of retigabine (ezogabine, US adopted name) in the adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults. Retigabine is the first anticonvulsant in its class, decreasing neuronal excitability by opening voltage-gated potassium channels. Methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched using search terms retigabine and ezogabine for randomized controlled trials published from 1980 through August 17, 2013. Additionally, articles relating to pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, tolerability and interactions were examined for inclusion. Published abstracts and websites of the Food and Drug Administration and European Medication Agency were reviewed for additional relevant information. Results: One phase IIb and two phase III trials were identified. Retigabine has been reported to have dose dependent efficacy in adjunctive treatment of resistant partial-onset seizures in adults in doses of 600, 900 and 1200 mg/day. Similar to other anticonvulsants, the most common adverse events were central nervous system related. Retigabine has several unique adverse events compared to other anticonvulsants: urinary retention and, with extended use, pigment changes to the skin and retina. Retigabine is metabolized by glucuronidation and acetylation. There are few drug interactions with retigabine. Conclusions: Retigabine has been shown to have efficacy when used as adjunctive therapy in partial-onset seizures. It has a novel mechanism of action, activation of voltage-gated potassium channels. It has less drug interactions than many other anticonvulsants because it is not metabolized through the P-450 system. Its place in therapy has yet to be determined, especially with recent reports of pigment discoloration of skin and the retina with extended use.
Screening of baboons as potential liver donors for humans

: The baboon could supply organs for humans, and there may be a particular role for baboon livers in “bridging” patients in terminal hepatic failure who are awaiting a human liver. We have investigated 10 healthy adult baboons in regard to i) hepatic metabolism and ii) the presence of infections that might be transferred to a human recipient with a transplanted organ. Blood was drawn for a general profile of hematologic, metabolic, and biochemical parameters and compared with standard values for humans. All baboons were i) examined by a veterinarian, ii) tuberculin tested, iii) virologically screened, and iv) screened for bacterial, protozoal, helminth, and fungal infections. Tests i–iii were repeated after a 3-month interval. BUN, LDH, and SGOT levels were higher than in the human in >50% of the cases. Fasting blood glucose, uric acid, cholesterol, albumin, and total bilirubin levels were frequently lower. Serology was positive both for HTLV1 and STLV in three baboons. All baboons were positive for foamy virus, but this was not thought to exclude them as organ donors. There was a high incidence of positivity for DNA viruses (SA8, SA6, HSV, CMV, and EBV) but generally indicated past, rather than active, infection. Hepatitis A serology, but not IgM, was positive in four baboons, but hepatitis B and C were negative in all (except in two where there was transient positivity to hepatitis B). SA11 rotavirus serology was positive in six. No evidence for mycobacterial, protozoal, helminth, or fungal infection was found, although one baboon had positive serology for toxoplasma IgG. We would conclude that six or possibly seven of the 10 baboons would be acceptable as donors of organs for humans. Only the three with positive serology for the retroviruses HTLV1 and STLV would be definitely excluded. A case could be made for also excluding the baboon positive for Toxoplasma IgG.
Biological and Chemical Characterization of Metal Bioavailability in Sediments from Lake Roosevelt, Columbia River, Washington, USA

We studied the bioavailability and toxicity of copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, and lead in sediments from Lake Roosevelt (LR), a reservoir on the Columbia River in Washington, USA that receives inputs of metals from an upstream smelter facility. We characterized chronic sediment toxicity, metal bioaccumulation, and metal concentrations in sediment and pore water from eight study sites: one site upstream in the Columbia River, six sites in the reservoir, and a reference site in an uncontaminated tributary. Total recoverable metal concentrations in LR sediments generally decreased from upstream to downstream in the study area, but sediments from two sites in the reservoir had metal concentrations much lower than adjacent reservoir sites and similar to the reference site, apparently due to erosion of uncontaminated bank soils. Concentrations of acid-volatile sulfide in LR sediments were too low to provide strong controls on metal bioavailability, and selective sediment extractions indicated that metals in most LR sediments were primarily associated with iron and manganese oxides. Oligochaetes (Lumbriculus variegatus) accumulated greatest concentrations of copper from the river sediment, and greatest concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, and lead from reservoir sediments. Chronic toxic effects on amphipods (Hyalella azteca; reduced survival) and midge larvae (Chironomus dilutus; reduced growth) in whole-sediment exposures were generally consistent with predictions of metal toxicity based on empirical and equilibrium partitioning-based sediment quality guidelines. Elevated metal concentrations in pore waters of some LR sediments suggested that metals released from iron and manganese oxides under anoxic conditions contributed to metal bioaccumulation and toxicity. Results of both chemical and biological assays indicate that metals in sediments from both riverine and reservoir habitats of Lake Roosevelt are available to benthic invertebrates. These findings will be used as part of an ongoing ecological risk assessment to determine remedial actions for contaminated sediments in Lake Roosevelt.
Impact of timing of adjuvant chemotherapy initiation and completion after surgery on racial disparities in survival among women with breast cancer

While large differences by race/ethnicity in breast cancer survival are well established, it is unknown whether differences in quality of chemotherapy delivered explain the racial/ethnic disparities in survival among black, Hispanic, Asian, and white women with breast cancer. We evaluated factors associated with time to initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy and chemotherapy completion and examined outcomes data among women with breast cancer. Patients who initiated chemotherapy later than 3 months after surgery were 1.8 times more likely to die of breast cancer (95 % CI 1.3–2.5) compared with those who initiated chemotherapy less than a month after surgery, even after controlling for known confounders or controlling for race/ethnicity. Women who completed chemotherapy had significantly higher survival compared with those who have not completed chemotherapy. Despite correcting for chemotherapy initiation and completion and known predictors of outcome, African American women still had worse disease-specific survival than their Caucasian counterparts. While a complete and timely adjuvant treatment among various ethnic populations would help to reduce racial disparities in survival, there are still other factors to be identified that may explain the remaining differences in survival between ethnic women with breast cancer.
Floquet Approximation for a Nearly Axisymmetric Rigid Body with Constant Transverse Torque

We use Floquet theory to solve the problem of large angular excursions of the spin axis of a rigid body. A semi-analytic solution is presented for the attitude motion of a spinning nearly axisymmetric spacecraft subject to constant transverse torques. Based on the assumption that the spin rate remains nearly constant, we employ a Cayley› Klein representation of the kinematic equations to cast them as a linear set of differential equations with periodic coefe cients. The attitude solutions are computed using Fourier series expansions. For cases where the applied torque is small enough, we present a simple approximate solution. In addition, a lower bound is given for the truncation level of the Fourier series. For the axisymmetric case (where the assumption of constant spin rate is exact ), highly accurate solutions can be obtained with relatively few Fourier terms for typical spacecraft maneuvers with purely transverse torque. However, when the solution is applied to the nearly axisymmetric case, the errors are driven by the variation in the spin rate.
Noninvolvement of IL-4 and IL-10 in Tolerance Induction to Experimental Autoimmune Thyroiditis ☆ ☆☆

The mechanisms of tolerance induced with deaggregated mouse thyroglobulin (dMTg) in experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) is not yet well defined. As shown previously, the induction and maintenance of tolerance require CD4+ T cells exerting active regulatory function to prevent EAT induction. To examine whether Th2 cells are responsible for resistance we injected anti-IL-4 and anti-IL-10, separately or together, into CBA (H2k) mice at the time of MTg pretreatment to study the role of IL-4 and IL-10 in tolerance induction. Our results show that tolerance can be well established without involving IL-4 or IL-10. To determine whether IL-4 was involved in tolerance induction in another EAT-susceptible strain, IL-4 knockout mice on B10.Q background were similarly pretreated with dMTg and immunized. These IL-4 knockout mice exhibited very good tolerance. The lack of response to EAT induction was not due to IL-4 deficiency, since immunized IL-4 knock-out control mice developed severe EAT. Moreover, resistance was strong in IL-4 knock-out mice also given anti-IL-10. The data in both susceptible strains show that IL-4 and IL-10 play a small role in induced resistance to EAT.
Scattered Sand: The Story of China's Rural Migrants

Hsiao-Hung Pai, Scattered Sand: The Story of China's Rural Migrants (London: Verso, 2012) Hsiao-Hung Pai's new book explores exploitation and injustice among migrant laborers in contemporary China....
"Extending Penrosean Firm Growth Theory: On Stocks, Flows, and Organizational Boundary Permeability"

Resources outside of the boundaries of a firm are increasingly accessed and leveraged for growth, but this has been largely unaccounted for in theoretical development. We draw on Penrose’s Theory o...
Abstract A38: Human kinase screen for breast cancer oncogenes

The heterogeneity of breast cancer requires identification of novel genes that promote breast tumor development. Targeting such oncogenes therapeutically promises to improve clinical outcomes. We conducted an in vitro screen to identify human kinases that promote anchorage‐independent growth of immortalized human mammary epithelial cells. The screen is based on a transformation model that requires cooperative activation of the PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways. The pooled screen identified three transforming kinases - PTK6, PAK1 and CAMK4. The functions of these candidates in the PI3K/AKT and/or MEK/ERK pathways are being currently studied to determine their role in breast tumorigenesis. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(23 Suppl):A38.
The science case for the Next Generation AO system at W. M. Keck Observatory

The W. M. Keck Observatory is designing a new adaptive optics system providing precision AO correction in the near infrared, good correction at visible wavelengths, and multiplexed spatially resolved spectroscopy. We discuss science cases for this Next Generation AO (NGAO), and show how the system requirements were derived from these science cases. Key science drivers include asteroid companions, planets around low-mass stars, general relativistic effects around the Galactic Center black hole, nearby active galactic nuclei, and high-redshift galaxies (including galaxies lensed by intervening galaxies or clusters). The multi-object AO-corrected integral field spectrograph will be optimized for high-redshift galaxy science.
The Relationship of Trade Wind Cumulus Distribution to Subcloud Layer Fluxes and Structure

Abstract A definite relationship between cloud distribution and sub-cloud layer structure and fluxes in fair weather is documented using measurements of wind, temperature, humidity and overhead cloud occurrence from the NCAR DeHasvilland aircraft. Three cases are used. These were extracted from data taken to the north of Puerto Rico on 14 and 15 December 1972 in mesoscale regions of reasonably uniform convection ranging from suppressed with very little shallow cloudiness to slightly enhanced with active (but non-precipitating) trade cumulus having tops to 2000 m. On both days synoptic conditions were suppressed and the surface winds were from the cast at 10 to 15 m s−1. In the highly suppressed cases, there is evidence that cloud distribution was determined by subcloud layer circulations—roll vortices which persisted throughout the flight patterns. In the more enhanced case, the predominant coupling was by well-defined cloud scale updrafts which were traceable to at least 100 m below cloud base. As a cons...
The CHD3 Remodeler PICKLE Associates with Genes Enriched for Trimethylation of Histone H3 Lysine 27

In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler PICKLE (PKL) determines expression of genes associated with developmental identity. PKL promotes the epigenetic mark trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) that facilitates repression of tissue-specific genes in plants. It has previously been proposed that PKL acts indirectly to promote H3K27me3 by promoting expression of the POLYCOMB REPRESSIVE COMPLEX2 complex that generates H3K27me3. We undertook expression and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses to further characterize the contribution of PKL to gene expression and developmental identity. Our expression data support a critical and specific role for PKL in expression of H3K27me3-enriched loci but do not support a role for PKL in expression of POLYCOMB REPRESSIVE COMPLEX2. Moreover, our chromatin immunoprecipitation data reveal that PKL protein is present at the promoter region of multiple H3K27me3-enriched loci, indicating that PKL directly acts on these loci. In particular, we find that PKL is present at LEAFY COTYLEDON1 and LEAFY COTYLEDON2 during germination, which is when PKL acts to repress these master regulators of embryonic identity. Surprisingly, we also find that PKL is present at the promoters of actively transcribed genes that are ubiquitously expressed such as ACTIN7 and POLYUBIQUITIN10 that do not exhibit PKL-dependent expression. Taken together, our data contravene the previous model of PKL action and instead support a direct role for PKL in determining levels of H3K27me3 at repressed loci. Our data also raise the possibility that PKL facilitates a common chromatin remodeling process that is not restricted to H3K27me3-enriched regions.
Solar radio spectrum extended to 10 km wavelength

Solar radio spectra for quiet times and radio bursts in the wavelength range from 1 mm to 10 km are presented. Solar nonthermal emission in the range of 100 m to 10 km was monitored by means of long wire antennas connected to multi-channel radiometers in the frequency range 25 kHz to 10 MHz on board the IMP-6 and RAE-1 satellites. Flux densities for very intense type III bursts with intensities ranging from 10 to the -18th to 10 to the -14th W/sq m per Hz with maxima at 330 to 1500 m are shown, and a power-law wavelength distribution function of maximum burst intensities is derived. Intensities of a large type III noise storm are shown to increase with increasing wavelength to a peak near 500 m. The flux densities of both types of burst emission are observed to greatly exceed quiet sun intensities at long wavelengths.
Assimilation of granite by basaltic magma at Burnt Lava flow, Medicine Lake volcano, northern California: Decoupling of heat and mass transfer

At Medicine Lake volcano, California, andesite of the Holocene Burnt Lava flow has been produced by fractional crystallization of parental high alumina basalt (HAB) accompanied by assimilation of granitic crustal material. Burnt Lava contains inclusions of quenched HAB liquid, a potential parent magma of the andesite, highly melted granitic crustal xenoliths, and xenocryst assemblages which provide a record of the fractional crystallization and crustal assimilation process. Samples of granitic crustal material occur as xenoliths in other Holocene and Pleistocene lavas, and these xenoliths are used to constrain geochemical models of the assimilation process. A large amount of assimilation accompanied fractional crystallization to produce the contaminated Burnt lava andesites. Models which assume that assimilation and fractionation occurred simultaneously estimate the ratio of assimilation to fractional crystallization (R) to be >1 and best fits to all geochemical data are at an R value of 1.35 at F=0.68. Petrologic evidence, however, indicates that the assimilation process did not involve continuous addition of granitic crust as fractionation occurred. Instead, heat and mass transfer were separated in space and time. During the assimilation process, HAB magma underwent large amounts of fractional crystallization which was not accompanied by significant amounts of assimilation. This fractionation process supplied heat to melt granitic crust. The models proposed to explain the contamination process involve fractionation, replenishment by parental HAB, and mixing of evolved and parental magmas with melted granitic crust.
First‐Best Equilibrium in Insurance Markets With Transaction Costs and Heterogeneity

We investigate extensions of the classic Rothschild and Stiglitz (1976) (RS) model of adverse selection under asymmetric information. In RS, low-risk customers are worse off owing to an externality created by high-risk buyers in the market. We find critical changes in insurance buyers' behavior un der the joint assumptions of transaction costs and buyer heterogeneity with respect to either risk aversion or wealth. Combining transaction costs and heterogeneity, we find a separating equilibrium in which neither high-risk nor low-risk individuals are penalized due to information asymmetry.
Quantitative analyses of sex and size differences in the macula neglecta and ramus neglectus in the inner ear of the skate, Raja ocellata

In Raja ocellata the macula neglecta is located in the posterior canal duct of the inner ear at the junction with the sacculus. The maximum length and width of a freeze-dried macula from a male skate of 61 cm width is 1035 μm and 315 μm respectively. Ultrastructural studies show that the hair cells of the macula are of two types. Orientation of hair cells is towards the periphery with a reverse direction of polarization in 5.0 to 6.5% of the cells. The axons of the associated nerve, the ramus neglectus, are myelinated, and include both efferent and afferent fibres. Electron-microscopic studies and quantitative analyses reveal significant sex differences in the macula neglecta and ramus neglectus. Hair cell and axon numbers, and total axon areas increase linearly with skate size, and are significantly different in males and females for any given representative size of skate, the females having the larger counts. Since the macula neglecta functions as a vibration detector of far-field localizations, the gender difference may be involved in the location of prey, or in mate detection. It is unknown whether such differences occur in any other vertebrate species.
Diarrhea in liver transplant recipients: Etiology and management

Diarrhea is common after liver transplantation (LT). The true incidence of diarrhea in liver transplant recipients is unknown but possibly ranges from 10% to 43% based on a few published studies in other solid organ and bone marrow transplantation. Infectious etiologies, including cytomegalovirus (CMV), Clostridium difficile, and occasional atypical intestinal infections, are the most common causes. Diarrhea is also a frequent side effect of immunosuppressive medications. To variable extents, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), cyclosporine A (CSA), tacrolimus, and sirolimus are all known to be associated with diarrhea. Rarely, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), lymphoproliferative disorder, de novo inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or colon cancer may present as diarrhea. Flare-up of preexisting IBD is also not uncommon after LT. However, the cause of acute diarrhea remains unidentified in 1 of 3 patients. This review summarizes the literature and provides recommendations on the management of acute diarrhea after LT. Although our focus is on LT, the etiology and management recommendations apply to most transplant recipients.
A proposed clinical application of a model of CO2 laser radiation induced damage craters.

A method for a controlled generation of primary damage craters in methacrylate ester samples (Vedril C, Montedison) induced by continuous and long-term exposure to CO2 laser radiation is proposed. The results are compared with the experimental values obtained ‘in vitro’ with 10 W continuous output power of a CO2 laser beam and fg= 7–5 in focal length of the laser's focusing head, and this shows that the proposed model can explain the phenomenon related to the generation of the limiting crater in typical biological tissue. It may have applications in clinical procedures where long–term exposure of the tissue to a laser beam must be considered. Also, the method may possibly be used to create and update a computer library automatically collecting data regarding different thermodynamic characteristics and values of various biological media.
Highly Streoselective synthesis of bicyclo[2.1.1]hexenes-5- ny transmetallation of a tetra-alkyl tin.

Abstract Synthesis of the title compounds is achieved by a transmetallation reaction that appears to involve regio- and stereochemical control by chelation with a neighboring hydroxyl function.
Automated System for Chemical Analysis of Airborne Particles Based on Corona-Free Electrostatic Collection

Theory and applications are described for an electrostatic annular tubular aerosol collector. The construction of the device permits the establishment of field strengths in excess of 25 kV/cm in an annular space without causing discharge. As an aerosol sample is drawn through the annular space, field charging occurs and the aerosol is collected on the surfaces of the tubular electrodes. Experiments have been conducted with monodisperse Na2SO4 aerosols in the 0.8−2.1 μm size range. With 2 kV applied between the electrodes, 90% collection is achieved at sampling rates of ≤0.5 L/min and 80% is collected at a sampling rate of 2 L/min. Lack of corona discharge eliminates the formation of NOx and consequently the artifact formation of NO2- and NO3-. At lower applied voltages, smaller particles are more efficiently collected than larger ones; however, at higher voltages, no significant size dependence on collection is apparent. Experiments and theory thus both suggest that the device should be effective in colle...
The signal and the trap: targeted delivery and retention of proteins in the mitochondrion.

sequence targeting (in this case taken from malate dehydro-genase). It was crucial, therefore, that the signal for cleavageof the fusion by the mitochondrial processing peptide (MPP)also be incorporated. Targeted proteins are thus able to entermany intracellular compartments, but upon entering themitochondrial matrix they are cleaved, freeing them of boththe HIV-tat moiety and the pre-sequence and effectivelytrapping them within the matrix (Fig. 1). This trapping effectgreatly enhances the efficiency of targeting, even
Flexible Futures: Work, Place and Politics in the Region of Limburg (Belgium)

This contribution is aimed at exploring the socio‐spatial dynamics of technological change and innovation under capitalist relations of production with special emphasis on these current shifts and transformations in the organisation and functioning of the global space‐economy.
Broadband and polarization-independent beam steering using dielectrophoresis-tilted prism

A broadband beam steering device using the dielectrophoresis-tilted prism of liquids is demonstrated. Dielectric force is utilized to slant the interface to imitate the refractive behavior of a prism. The steering angle increases as the applied voltage increases. Two dimensional beam steering is also successfully achieved by stacking two devices in orthogonal positions. The broadband feature is demonstrated using two collinear green and red laser beams.
Yield Curves for Li + Li and Li + Be Nuclear Reactions

Differential cross sections for ${\mathrm{Li}}^{6,7}$ + ${\mathrm{Li}}^{6,7}$ + ${\mathrm{Be}}^{9}$ nuclear reactions leading to low-lying residual-nucleus states have been measured over the energy range from 4-14 MeV. In the ${\mathrm{Li}}^{7}({\mathrm{Li}}^{7},\ensuremath{\alpha}){\mathrm{Be}}^{10}(3.37)$ case, the energy range was extended to 2.1 and 21 MeV. Striking enhancement and weakening of cross sections for formation of the 0.72-MeV state in ${\mathrm{B}}^{10}$ can be attributed to cluster structure of lithium nuclei. Resonance-like peaks are observed in some yields. Their general character is consistent with an extended-structure interpretation of the reaction mechanism.
Synergy between Interferon-γ and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Transcriptional Activation Is Mediated by Cooperation between Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 and Nuclear Factor κB

Interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) cooperate to induce the expression of many gene products during inflammation. The present report demonstrates that a portion of this cooperativity is mediated by synergism between two distinct transcription factors: signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB). IFNgamma and TNFalpha synergistically induce expression of mRNAs encoding interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1, Mig (monokine induced by gamma-interferon), and RANTES (regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted) in normal but not STAT1-deficient mouse fibroblasts, indicating a requirement for STAT1. Transient transfection assays in fibroblasts using site-directed mutants of a 1.3-kilobase pair sequence of the IRF-1 gene promoter revealed that the synergy was dependent upon two sequence elements; a STAT binding element and a kappaB motif. Artificial constructs containing a single copy of both a STAT binding element and a kappaB motif linked to the herpes virus thymidine kinase promoter were able to mediate synergistic response to IFNgamma and TNFalpha; such response varied with both the relative spacing and the specific sequence of the regions between these two sites. Cooperatively responsive sequence constructs bound both STAT1alpha and NF-kappaB in nuclear extracts prepared from IFNgamma- and/or TNFalpha-stimulated fibroblasts, although binding of individual factors was not cooperative. Thus, the frequently observed synergy between IFNgamma and TNFalpha in promoting inflammatory response depends in part upon cooperation between STAT1alpha and NF-kappaB, which is most likely mediated by their independent interaction with one or more components of the basal transcription complex.
Reaction of acetylated carbohydrates with trimethylaluminum: concise synthesis of 1,2-O-isopropylidene d-ribofuranose

Abstract Treatment of β- d -ribose tetraacetate with trimethylaluminum gives α-3,5- O -acetyl-1,2- O -isopropylidene- d -ribofuranoside in excellent yield. This reaction allows for efficient and high-yielding installation of the 1,2-isopropylidene acetal (acetonide), which is difficult to prepare using more traditional acid-catalyzed methods. The reaction of trimethylaluminum with other per -acetylated carbohydrates is also described.
Update on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in cystic fibrosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Respiratory infection is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF). One infection the CF community is particularly concerned about is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Worldwide, the prevalence of MRSA has been rising and the impact on clinical outcomes and optimal prevention and treatment strategies are unclear. RECENT FINDINGS Studies have demonstrated MRSA is independently associated with poor clinical outcomes, even after taking into account severity of illness. Additionally, characteristics of MRSA strains, such as small colony variants and borderline oxacillin-resistant S. aureus, may be important in predicting the subsequent clinical course. The treatment of MRSA has had variable results and emergence of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics is a concern. SUMMARY The evidence to date supports MRSA infection is independently associated with worse outcomes. The next step is to build upon the current research to expand the knowledge about the impact different strains of MRSA have on infection control strategies and MRSA treatment protocols. Interventions should balance patient safety, efficacy, and treatment burden to improve the quality and length of life in patients with CF.
Statistical analysis of DNA duplex structures in solution derived by high resolution NMR

An initial statistical analysis has been performed on the helical parameters for the solution structures of three DNA duplexes recently solved in this laboratory by proton NMR. Local conformations in these structures belong to the B family of forms; nevertheless they display a strong sequence-dependent heterogeneity akin to that found in single crystals and by theoretical calculations. However, average helical parameters as well as their variations are quite different for short DNA fragments in solution and in crystal. Average helical twist in three NMR-refined oligonucleotides is 34.6°, in remarkable agreement with independent solution-state data, while helical twist is 36° for DNA in crystals. Other characteristic features of solution DNA conformations are negative slide, systematically open minor groove (for almost all sequences), and decreased helical rise. The latter, rather unexpected finding, is correlated with a surprisingly strong non-flatness of Watson-Crick base pairs. Deviations of base pairs from planarity proved to be a significant source of conformational variability; of particular importance is base stagger, which is often missed in structural analysis of DNA. Several new structural parameters have been introduced for dinucleotide steps, characterizing non-planar geometries of constituent base pairs; these parameters show a significant degree of correlation with traditional step parameters (twist, tillt roll, shift, slide, rise). Many sequence-dependent features are observed in solution structures; variation of roll and slide parameters occurs according to “Calladine’s rules”, while variation of helical twist appears to oppose them. However, a larger set of solution structures is needed to complete the analysis of sequence dependence of DNA conformation.
The impact of cervical cancer on quality of life—The components and means for management

Abstract Objective To review how cervical cancer patients are affected on a psychological, psychosocial, and sexual level, resulting in an overall decrease in quality of life (QoL). Methods This article reviews influential studies on QoL in women with cervical cancer, as well as the effects on patients' partners. Based on the decreased QoL, we present three suggestions on how clinicians can better patients' QoL after an abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) test or diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. Results Fear, self-blame, distress, and anxiety about cervical cancer are common in women who receive abnormal Pap test results or positive human papillomavirus DNA tests. Such results impact body image, self-esteem, relationships with partners, and sexual and reproductive issues, while adding to an overall decrease of QoL in women with cervical cancer. Conclusions In order to minimize the deleterious effects, the impact of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions on QoL should be managed as part of a complete healthcare plan. To improve QoL, cervical cancer patients should seek supportive counseling and education about self-care and adherence to treatment and follow-up plans, continue cervical cancer screening, and receive vaccination against prevalent oncogenic virus types.
Periapical microsurgery: the effect of root dentinal defects on short- and long-term outcome.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of endodontic microsurgery on roots exhibiting the presence or absence of dentinal defects at 1-year and 3-year follow-up period. Methods One hundred fifty-five teeth were treated with periapical microsurgery using a modern microsurgical protocol in a private practice setting. The root apices were resected and inspected for dentinal defects with a surgical operating microscope and a 0.8-mm head diameter light-emitting diode microscope diagnostic probe light. After inspection, root-end preparations were performed using ultrasonic tips, and root-end fillings were placed. Follow-up visits occurred at 1 year and 3 years postoperatively. The primary outcome measure used was the change in the radiographic apical bone density, and the secondary outcome measure used was the absence of clinical symptoms. Results Of the 155 treated teeth, a total of 134 teeth were assessed at the 1-year follow-up and 127 teeth at the 3-year evaluation. In the “intact” group, 94.8% healed at 1 year, and 97.3% healed at 3 years. In the “dentinal defect” group, 29.8% healed at 1 year, and 31.5% healed at 3 years. The baseline root condition of either “dentinal defect” or “intact” showed a statistical difference in the healing outcome at both 1 and 3 years. Conclusions This prospective periapical microsurgery study showed a significant superior clinical outcome for intact roots when compared with roots with dentinal defects at both 1 year and at 3 years postoperatively.
Salmonellosis mimicking abdominal lymphoma in a young boy

We report on a child intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly due to salmonellosis, whose initial diagnosis was erroneously based on computed tomography (CT) findings suggestive of abdominal lymphoma
Antiarrhythmjc effect of imipramine hydrochloride in patients with ventricular premature complexes without psychological depression

Abstract A study was performed in cardiac patients without psychological depression to determine (1) the antiarrhythmic efficacy of imipramine, (2) its half-life of elimination and duration of action, and (3) the frequency of adverse effects. Twenty-two patients with 30 or more ventricular premature complexes/hour entered the protocol. A drug-free and a placebo day were followed by dosing with imipramine, 1 mg/kg per day, given in two divided doses. The dose was increased by 1 mg/kg per day every other day until ventricular premature complexes were suppressed by at least 80 percent, adverse drug effects were encountered or a total daily dose of 5 mg/kg per day was given. Each day a 24 hour continuous electrocardiogram was recorded to determine the frequency of ventricular premature complexes and heart rate. During the acute dose-ranging period, 18 patients (82 percent) had an antiarrhythmic effect from imipramine. Two patients received 5 mg/kg per day without any decrease in the frequency of ventricular premature complexes. The half-life of elimination of imipramine (parent compound) was 8.8 ± 3.72 hours but its duration of action was much longer. Four patients (18 percent) had treatment discontinued because of troublesome adverse effects during a follow-up period of 19 ± 8.8 months. It is concluded that imipramine is a potent antiarrhythmic drug with a long duration of action and relatively few major adverse effects.
Effects of diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol on the lipid composition of canine platelets.

The phospholipid composition of platelets from dogs on various experimental diets was determined. Thyroidectomized foxhounds were fed a control diet or the control diet supplemented with (1) beef tallow, (2) beef tallow and cholesterol, or (3) beef tallow, cholesterol, and safflower oil for 23 weeks prior to isolation of platelets. Platelets from animals fed the control diet contained 36.7% phosphatidylcholine (PC), 22.8% phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), 18.4% sphingomyelin (Sph), 11.8% phosphatidylserine (PS), 6.3% phosphatidylinositol (PI), and 2.2% lysophosphatidylcholine. The PE was 77.6% in the plasmalogen form. No highly significant changes in the phospholipid class composition resulted from the experimental diets. Cholesterol supplementation of the diets, however, caused consistent alterations in the fatty acid compositions of the platelet phospholipids including increases in the percentages of 18∶1ω9 (oleic acid), 18∶2ω6 (linoleic acid), and 20∶3ω6 (homo-gamma linolenic acid) and a decrease in the percentage of 20∶4ω6 (arachidonic acid). Addition of safflower oil to the tallow-cholesterol diet partially reversed these effects. These cholesterol-induced alterations in fatty acid composition could be due to exchange with plasma lipids, de novo synthesis, or altered platelet metabolism. The mechanism remains to be determined.
Cluster diffusion in liquids

Diffusion in concentrated, non-ideal liquid solutions may take place not only through motion of single molecules but also through movement of groups of molecules, or “clusters.” Analyzing this cluster diffusion leads to predictions that the diffusion coefficient can vary with the square root of the usual activity corrections to diffusion. These predictions seem consistent with experiments, particularly in highly non-ideal solutions.
Part II. Nuclear-reaction and separation energies

Values are given for a number of separation energies of particles and particle groups and for ground state Q-values of reactions in which the mass number changes by at most four units. The values, and their errors, for twelve of the simple linear combinations of nuclear masses involved were obtained in the least-squares fit of the empirical data yielding the 1971 table of atomic masses.