cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DFT Analysis of Axial and Equatorial Effects on Heme−CO Vibrational Modes: Applications to CooA and H−NOX Heme Sensor Proteins†

Determinants of the Fe-CO and C-O stretching frequencies in (imidazole)heme-CO adducts have been investigated via density functional theory (DFT) analysis, in connection with puzzling characteristics of the heme sensor protein CooA and of the H-NOX (Heme-Nitric Oxide and/or OXygen binding) family of proteins, including soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). The computations show that two mechanisms of Fe-histidine bond weakening have opposite effects on the nuFeC/nuCO pattern. Mechanical tension is expected to raise nuFeC with little change in nuCO whereas the weakening of H-bond donation from the imidazole ligand has the opposite effect. Data on CooA indicate imidazole H-bond weakening associated with heme displacement, as part of the activation mechanism. The computations also reveal that protein-induced distortion of the porphyrin ring, a prominent structural feature of the H-NOX protein TtTar4H (Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis Tar4 protein heme domain), has surprisingly little effect on nuFeC or nuCO. However, another structural feature, strong H-bonding to the propionates, is suggested to account for the weakened back bonding that is evident in sGC. TtTar4H-CO itself has an elevated nuFeC, which is successfully modeled as a compression effect, resulting from steric crowding in the distal pocket. nuFeC/nuCO data, in conjunction with modeling, can provide valuable insight into mechanisms for heme-protein modulation.
Educating Globally Conscious Speech-Language Pathologists for Collaborative Professional Practice

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) practicing in the US are facing significant changes in reimbursement, billing and practice in both health care and educational settings. Health care professionals need to convey and demonstrate the value of their services, measure functional patient outcomes and assess patient satisfaction. Documentation procedures for patient and student progress are changing, becoming more abbreviated and electronic. The content of curricula in accredited graduate programs and professional development programs for maintenance of certification for SLPs will need modifications to address the myriad of changes in clinical practice. University programs that design interprofessional education opportunities for students in speech-language pathology programs and educate students in other health professional programs, e.g. physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing and pharmacy, will help practitioners who are prepared to engage in collaborative practice with other health care professionals in hospitals, schools and community-based environments. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is actively engaged in several initiatives to facilitate interprofessional education for graduate students, faculties and practicing professionals. Individuals and families with communication disorders in the US represent an array of cultures, and SLPs need to be prepared to work effectively with individuals from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
The intensity of plinian eruptions

Peak intensities (magma discharge rate) of 45 Pleistocene and Holocene plinian eruptions have been inferred from lithic dispersal patterns by using a theoretical model of pyroclast fallout from eruption columns. Values range over three orders of magnitude from 1.6 × 106 to 1.1 × 109 kg/s. Magnitudes (total erupted mass) also vary over about three orders of magnitude from 2.0 × 1011 to 6.8 × 1014 kg and include several large ignimbrite-forming events with associated caldera formation. Intensity is found to be positively correlated with the magnitude when total erupted mass (tephra fall, surges and pyroclastic flows) is considered. Initial plinian fall phases with intensities in excess of 2.0 × 108 kg/s typically herald the onset of major pyroclastic flow generation and subsequent caldera collapse. During eruptions of large magnitude, the transition to pyroclastic flows is likely to be the result of high intensity, whereas the generation of pyroclastic flows in small magnitude eruptions may occur more often by reduction of magmatic volatile content or some transient change in magma properties. The correlation between plinian fall intensity and total magnitude suggests that the rate of magma discharge is related to the size of the chamber being tapped. A simple model is presented to account for the variation in intensity by progressive enlargement of conduits and vents and excess pressure at the chamber roof caused by buoyant forces acting on the chamber as it resides in the crust. Both processes are fundamentally linked to the absolute size of the pre-eruption reservoir. The data suggest that sustained eruption column heights (i.e. magma discharge rates) are indicators of eventual eruption magnitude, and perhaps eruptive style, and thus are key parameters to monitor in order to assess the temporal evolution of plinian eruptions.
Effects of Race/Ethnicity and Socioeconomic Status on Health Information-Seeking, Confidence, and Trust

Introduction . It is critical continually to monitor the influence of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status in health information-seeking, confidence, and trust to ensure that health messages reach those most in need. Methods . Using data from the 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), multivariable logistic regression assessed the effects of race/ethnicity, education, and income on health information-seeking, confidence in obtaining health information, and trust of information sources. Results . Respondents of lower education were less likely to seek health information, and along with those of lower incomes had decreased confidence in their ability to obtain health information. Blacks, Hispanics, and those of lower income endorsed a lower level of trust in doctors and other health care professionals than non-Hispanic Whites and those of higher income, respectively. Conclusions . Improving the development and delivery of health information intended for minority and vulnerable populations may help reduce existing disparities in health information-seeking and care.
Does absolute neutrophil count predict high tumor grade in African-American men with prostate cancer?

BACKGROUND African-Americans (AA) are at risk for benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN), which has been implicated as a potential source of disparity in cancer outcomes among AAs. Since AAs with prostate cancer (PCa) are more likely to have aggressive pathological features, this investigation sought to determine if absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is associated with adverse pathologic findings at radical prostatectomy (RP) within a cohort of AA men. METHODS A single-institution, retrospective review was conducted of all AA patients undergoing RP who had a pre-operative CBC with differential and known RP pathology. Neutropenia was defined as ANC ≤1.5 × 109/L (1.5). Clinical and pathologic variables were characterized for the study cohort, and Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses performed to evaluate the association between ANC and adverse pathology. RESULTS A total of 336 patients were included, and 18 patients (5.4%) had ANC ≤1.5. Mean age was 59.8 ± 7.5 years; mean follow-up time 47.4 ± 43.3 months. Neutropenic patients had significantly higher clinical stages and pathologic Gleason scores (P < 0.05). On multivariable analysis, ANC ≤1.5 was significantly predictive of high tumor grade (HR 1.22, CI 1.01–1.48). CONCLUSIONS Neutropenia in AAs predicts high tumor grade at prostatectomy. Further studies are necessary to further characterize the importance of these findings with regard to the pathogenesis of PCa, particularly as it relates to the AA population. Prostate 72:386–391, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recent great lakes ice trends

Analysis of ice observations made by cooperative observers from shoreline stations reveals significant changes in the ice season on the North American Great Lakes over the past 35 years. Although the dataset is highly inhomogeneous and year-to-year variability is also quite large, there is a statistically significant indication that the end of the ice season (as defined by the time at which ice departs from the observer stations in spring) has come increasingly early at a number of locations. The earlier ice departure is reflected in a somewhat earlier spring runoff through the St. Lawrence River over the same time period and correlates with increases in springtime temperatures at stations in the region. This example of a trend toward warmer, earlier springs in the upper Midwest is consistent with results from a number of other regional datasets. Because the ice observations began in the mid-1950s, other analyses, including comparisons with modern satellite datasets, could provide a useful tool for monito...
Using a Semiconductor-to-Metal Transition to Control Optical Transmission through Subwavelength Hole Arrays

We describe a simple configuration in which the extraordinary optical transmission effect through subwavelength hole arrays in noble-metal films can be switched by the semiconductor-to-metal transition in an underlying thin film of vanadium dioxide. In these experiments, the transition is brought about by thermal heating of the bilayer film. The surprising reverse hysteretic behavior of the transmission through the subwavelength holes in the vanadium oxide suggest that this modulation is accomplished by a dielectric-matching condition rather than plasmon coupling through the bilayer film. The results of this switching, including the wavelength dependence, are qualitatively reproduced by a transfer matrix model. The prospects for effecting a similar modulation on a much faster time scale by using ultrafast laser pulses to trigger the semiconductor-to-metal transition are also discussed.
Influence of gravity-free solidification on solute microsegregation

Single crystalline germanium has been grown for the first time in a zero gravity environment. The crystal growth experiment, designed to characterize the influence of gravity-free solidification on microsegregation of a semiconductor material, contained three crystals. One was doped with Ga with an initial doping concentration of 8 × 1016 atoms/cm3, the second with Sb, with 4 × 1014 atoms⧸cm3, and the third with B, with 2 × 1015 atoms⧸cm3. Portion of each germanium crystal was remelted and subsequently resolidified at 5 μm per second under controlled conditions by the gradient freeze technique. The space grown crystals (grown aboard Skylab Mission No. 2) were compared with identical germanium crystals resolidified in a terrestial environment in horizontal and vertical positions. Detailed spreading resistance measurements made on the Ga doped Ge crystals indicate that microsegregation in space is reduced by four to five-fold in the bulk and by eight-fold near the surface, while macrosegregation in space is reduced by six-fold in the bulk. The effective segregation coefficient for Ga in Ge is analyzed extensively and is found to be larger for space solidification. This has the implication that the solute boundary layer at the growth interface in space is correspondingly thicker. The solidification interface is significantly smoother and is found to be initially concave toward the melt in space.
User Participation in Planning Environments A Conceptual Framework

In this article, a conceptual framework of user participation in planning environments is proposed. The major elements of the framework include the parameters of participation (including type of participation), the effects of participation, mediators, and the role of individual difference variables as moderator variables and predictors of participation. Some potential uses of a framework of participation to researchers and planners are discussed. Participation as a value and as a technique is differentiated.
P-glycoprotein (P-gp) function in T cells: implications for organ transplantation

Abstract P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a member of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette (ABC) family of transporter molecules, is responsible for maintaining low intracellular concentrations of a variety of extracellular compounds and xenobiotics, and for transport of various intracellular molecules. Many drugs are P-gp substrates and intracellular concentrations of these agents may be critical for drug action. Experience in oncology indicates that repeated exposure to P-gp substrate cytotoxic drugs leads to the selection of drug-resistant tumor cells that overexpress P-gp. Since immunosuppressive agents such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus and corticosteroids are substrates for P-gp and since T-cells also express P-gp, it is conceivable that an analogous mechanism exits for therapy-resistant graft rejection. As will be discussed in this article, P-gp may interfere with the response to immunosuppressive therapy through several distinct mechanisms, and as such may represent an attractive therapeutic target.
Evaluation of Mechanized Thinning and Prescribed Fire Effects on Long-Term Fuels Accumulations in Uneven-Aged Jeffrey Pine

Forest thinnings implemented through cut-to-length and whole-tree harvesting followed by underburning were evaluated for their effects on long-term downed and dead fuels accumulations in pure, uneven-aged Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf.) accompanied by isolated California white fir (Abies concolor var. lowiana [Gord.] Lemm.). Based on an initial inventory consisting of dry weight and fuel bed depth measurements conducted posttreatment, accumulations in the cut-to-length treatment were elevated according to most measures. Burned stand portions exhibited smaller quantities of fuels initially in individual timelag categories and in total as well as reduced fuel bed depths compared to their unburned counterparts except for the 1,000-hr fuels in the whole-tree treatment where postburn mortality of small stems nullified this effect. A linkage between initial mortality resulting from prescribed fire and final 1,000-hr fuels, as measured 8 yr later, was established but was probably attributable to comb...
End product control of tryptophan biosynthesis in extracts and intact cells of the higher plant nicotina tabacum var. Wisconsin 38

Abstract A study has been made of the control by end-product inhibition of the tryptophan biosynthetic pathway in cultured cells of the higher plant, Nicotiana tabacum , var. Wisconsin 38. Crude extracts of callus tissue obtained from N. tabacum catalyzed the conversion of chorismic acid to anthranilic acid, the first step unique to l -tryptophan version of chorismic acid to anthranilic acid, the first step unique to l -tryptophan biosynthesis. The catalytic activity was destroyed by heat and no reaction occured with the ommission of either glutamine of Mg 2+ . In cell extracts this catalytic activity was inhibited by l -tryptophan. The inhibition was competitive with chorismate. In experiments with intact cells the presence of high l -tryptophan pools reduced the flow of radioactive carbon from the precursor, shikimic acid, into biosynthetic L -tryptophan. The data obtained were consistent with the operation of end-product inhibition in vivo
First Report of Tomato spotted wilt virus in Leek (Allium porrum) in the United States.

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is a member of the family Bunyaviridae. It has many important crop hosts including tomato, pepper, tobacco, peanut, and onion. In Georgia, Vidalia onions (Allium cepa), a close relative of leek, can be infected by TSWV and Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV), which is another thrips-vectored tospovirus (2). For this reason, samples of leek transplants with virus-like symptoms in one field at the border of Georgia and Florida were tested for the presence of TSWV and IYSV. The transplants had been grown from seed in a greenhouse at the same location. The sampled plants exhibited extended bleaching of leaf tips and necrotic lesions. These symptoms were also seen on onion plants infected with TSWV and IYSV. The only natural infections of leek with IYSV have been reported thus far only from Reunion Island (4) and Slovenia (1), but to our knowledge, TSWV has not been reported as a pathogen of leek. Green tissue near the necrotic lesions and bleached tips of one symptomatic leaf per plant was sampled and analyzed using a double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) (Agdia, Inc., Elkhart, IN). Of 90 plants tested, eight were positive for TSWV and none were positive for IYSV. Leek samples testing positive using ELISA were blotted onto FTA cards (Whatman Inc., Brentford, UK) to bind viral RNA for preservation and then processed according to the manufacturer's protocol. Punch-outs from the FTA cards were used for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with the TSWV-specific forward primer (5'-TTAAGCAAGTTCTGTGAG-3') and reverse primer (5'-ATGTCTAAGGTTAAGCTC-3') (3) to confirm the identity of TSWV. The primers are specific to the viral nucleocapsid gene. An amplicon of the expected size (774 bp) was produced from TSWV ELISA-positive leek plants, but not from healthy controls. TSWV has been found in many plants worldwide, but to our knowledge this is the first report of TSWV infecting leek. The effect that TSWV has on leek production is currently unknown. References: (1) D. A. Benson et al. Nucleic Acids Res. 1:32 (Database issue):D23-6, 2004. (2) S. W. Mullis et al. Plant Dis. 88:1285, 2004. (3) H. R. Pappu et al. Tob. Sci. 40:74, 1996. (4) I. Robene-Soustrade et al. Online publication. New Dis. Rep. 11, 2005.
Invited Paper-Variable Energy Extraction from Negative Ion Cyclotrons

Negative hydrogen ions are accelerated at a fixed magnetic field. The energy of an extracted beam is determined by the radius of a stripping foil and its azimuth and radius determine the exit point of the beam from the cyclotron. The exit points can be adjusted so that an auxiliary magnet causes the various extracted beams to enter a common beam transport system. Since February, 1966, external beams whose energy is variable from 25 to 50 MeV have been produced by the above means at UCLA and the University of Manitoba. While this is primarily a report on the UCLA system and its performance, special features of the Manitoba system are presented.
Still more corrections to the topological mass.

In an attempt to demonstrate that any parity-nonconserving term can be expected to contribute to the axial-vector part of the current-correlation function, the coupling of charged vector mesons is considered. It is confirmed that parity nonconservation does in fact affect the relevant form factor at zero momentum transfer. Although the result is generally divergent, a finite correction is obtained when a certain sum rule on inverse masses is satisfied. In that limit a single expression is seen to unify the spin-0, spin-\textonehalf{}, and spin-1 contributions to the so-called topological mass.
Limitations of body surface area-based activity calculation for radioembolization of hepatic metastases in colorectal cancer.

Abstract Purpose To calculate absorbed radiation doses in patients treated with resin microspheres prescribed by the body surface area (BSA) method and to analyze dose-response and toxicity relationships. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was performed of 45 patients with colorectal carcinoma metastases who received single-session whole-liver resin microsphere radioembolization. Prescribed treatment activity was calculated using the BSA method. Liver volumes and whole-liver absorbed doses (D WL ) were calculated. D WL was correlated with toxicity and radiographic and biochemical response. Results The standard BSA-based administered activity (range, 0.85–2.58 GBq) did not correlate with D WL (mean, 50.4 Gy; range, 29.8–74.7 Gy; r = −0.037; P = .809) because liver weight was highly variable (mean, 1.89 kg; range, 0.94–3.42 kg) and strongly correlated with D WL ( r = −0.724; P WL > 50 Gy experienced more toxicity and adverse events (> grade 2 liver toxicity, 46% vs 17%; P WL P Conclusions Using the standard BSA formula, the administered activity did not correlate with D WL . Based on this short-term follow-up after salvage therapy in patients with late stage metastatic colorectal carcinoma, dose-response and dose-toxicity relationships support using a protocol based on liver volume rather than BSA to prescribe the administered activity.
Mortgage fraud and organized crime in Canada: strategic intelligence brief

Natasha Tusikov, Acting Manager, National Research and Methodology Development Unit, Criminal Intelligence Service Canada - Central Bureau, Intelligence Analysis and Knowledge Development Branch, November 2007 http://www.cisc.gc.ca/products_services/mortgage_fraud/document/mortgage_e.pdf
Theoretical Model and Phase Behavior for Binary Surfactant Mixtures

A new model for micellization behavior of binary surfactant mixtures in solution is presented. A packing parameter, P*, has been introduced to describe the nonrandom mixing in mixed micelles. The significant feature of this model is that it considers asymmetric behavior of micellization in binary surfactant mixtures and predicts the changes in the structures of mixed micelles with concentration that are dependent on the overall ratio of the surfactant components and their chemical characteristics. On the basis of the results obtained, a schematic model for the structural changes of mixed micelles has been proposed here. This model can be considered as a generic model for binary surfactant mixtures, with regular solution theory being a special case for a packing parameter approaching infinity.
Brittle deformation and slope failure at the North Menan Butte tuff cone, Eastern Snake River Plain, Idaho

Abstract The manifestation of brittle deformation within inactive slumps along the North Menan Butte, a basaltic tuff cone in the Eastern Snake River Plain, is investigated through field and laboratory studies. Microstructural observations indicate that brittle strain is localized along deformation bands, a class of structural discontinuity that is predominant within moderate to high-porosity, clastic sedimentary rocks. Various subtypes of deformation bands are recognized in the study area based on the sense of strain they accommodate. These include dilation bands (no shear displacement), dilational shear bands, compactional shear bands and simple shear bands (no volume change). Measurements of the host rock permeability between the deformation bands indicate that the amount of brittle strain distributed throughout this part of the rock is negligible, and thus deformation bands are the primary means by which brittle strain is manifest within this tuff. Structural discontinuities that are similar in appearance to deformation bands are observed in other basaltic tuffs. Therefore deformation bands may represent a common structural feature of basaltic tuffs that have been widely misclassified as fractures. Slumping and collapse along the flanks of active volcanoes strongly influence their eruptive behavior and structural evolution. Therefore characterizing the process of deformation band and fault growth within basaltic tuff is key to achieving a more complete understanding of the evolution of basaltic volcanoes and their associated hazards.
Changes in striatal dopamine metabolism during the development of morphine physical dependence in rats: observations using in vivo microdialysis.

Abstract The present study examined the effect of prolonged morphine treatment on striatal dopamine (DA) release and metabolism, during the initial phase of the development of morphine dependence. Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with chronic guides for microdialysis of the striatum. Morphine (two 75-mg pellets, subcutaneous implant) or placebo was given (12 hr) to pentobarbital anesthetized animals. Following recovery from anesthesia, morphine physical dependence was verified by the naloxone-evoked abstinence syndrome. Morphine produced significant increases in the dialysate level of DA and its metabolites (DOPAC and HVA) above baseline compared to placebo treatment. HVA levels began to increase immediately following morphine administration, whereas DA and DOPAC levels began to increase after a latency of one and three hr, respectively. Morphine effects on striatal DA metabolism included changes in the metabolic disposition of DA. Increases in HVA concentration accompanied increases in DOPAC concentration up to a threshold value of DOPAC efflux; further increases in DOPAC level were associated with decreases in HVA level. These in vivo data suggest that morphine-induced changes in the regulation of striatal dopaminergic function may be an important component of the development of physical dependence.
SU‐E‐T‐218: Investigating the Differences in Out‐Of‐Field Dose Between An Inherently Uniform Beam and a Flattening Filter Free Beam Made Uniform Through Inverse Modulation

Purpose: To characterize with physical measurements the out-of-field dose for flattening filter free (FFF) and IMRT flattened FFF photon beams less than 10 MV from a Siemens Artiste LINAC, field size dependence, thereof, and comparison with the Pinnacle planning system calculation. Methods: Single field plans were developed for 5×5cm^2 and 20×20cm^2 field sizes for 6MV and 7MV-FFF. An additional 7MV-FFF plan was developed for each field size with the purpose of delivering a uniform dose (7MV-FFFUniform), similar to 6MV, utilizing inverse modulation. The calculated and measured dose was normalized to achieve equivalence at 10cm depth in water. Out-of-field dose measurements were acquired with a farmer-type ionization chamber in solid water at incremental distances up to 90cm from the field edge at physical depths of 1.5cm and 5.0cm. The dose contribution from head leakage was determined by closing the jaws symmetrically and the MLC off-axis Results: Data collected show that the out-of-field dose for 6MV is generally greater than 7MV-FFF and 7MV-FFF-Uniform. The 7MV-FFF-Uniform dose is less than 7MV-FFF for the small field size, but similar for the larger field and may be attributed to the small IMRT segments of the 5x5 field developing narrow beam geometry with reduced scatter. The out-of-field dose from 7MV-FFF-Uniform for the 20×20 field was greater than 6MV and 7MV-FFF beyond 50cm from the field edge. Head leakage from the 7MV-FFF-Uniform segmental MU modulation was greater than the un-modulated beams. The calculated out-of-field dose was consistently −200% different than measured for a subset of points considered. Conclusion: The modulation required to deliver a uniform large field dose with 7MV-FFF will increase the peripheral dose to the patient in comparison to already physically flattened fields; however, the dose near the field edge will be reduced. If reliable out-of-field doses are needed physical measurements should be used.
Molecular-Mechanical studies of the mismatched base analogs of d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2:d(CGTGAATTCGCG)2, d(CGAGAATTCGCG)2, d(CGCGAATTCACG)2, d(CGCGAATTCTCG)2, and d(CGCAGAATTCGCG)·d(CGCGAATTCGCG)

Molecular-mechanical simulations have been carried out on “mismatched base” analogs of the DNA double-helical structure d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2, in which the base pairs CG at the 3 and 10 positions have been replaced by CA, AG, TC, and TG base pairs, as well as an insertion analog in which an extra adenine has been incorporated into one strand of the above structure between bases 3 and 4. The results of these simulations (calculated relative stabilities, structures, and nmr ring-current shifts) have been compared with calorimetric and nmr data. The calculated relative stabilities of the double-helical parent dodecamer and the various “wobble” base pairs qualitatively correlate with the experimental melting temperatures. The base-pairing structure for the GT wobble pair is in agreement with that previously determined from nmr experiments. For the GA base pair, the structure with both bases anti has a slightly more favorable energy from base pairing and stacking than a structure with non-Watson-Crick H-bonding with adenine syn, in agreement with nmr experiments. The CA wobble base is calculated to favor an adenine 6NH2 … cytosine N3 H-bond over cytosine 4NH2 … adenine N1, again, in agreement with nmr experiments. There is no definitive experimental data on the TC base pair, but the existence of (somewhat long and weak) H-bonds involving cytosine 4NH2 … thymine 4CO and cytosine N3 … thymine HN3 seems reasonable. We find a structure in which the extra adenine base of the insertion analogs sits “inside” the double helix.
Oxidative stress mediates air pollution particle-induced acute lung injury and molecular pathology.

Insight into the mechanism(s) by which ambient air particulate matter (PM) mediates adverse health effects is needed to provide biological plausibility to epidemiological studies demonstrating associations between PM exposure and increased morbidity and mortality. Although in vitro PM studies provide an understanding of mechanisms by which PM affects pulmonary cells, it is difficult to extrapolate from in vitro to in vivo mechanisms of PM-induced lung injury. We examined in vivo mechanisms of lung injury generated by oil combustion particles. Rats were pretreated with dimethylthiourea (DMTU) before intratracheal instillation of residual oil fly ash (ROFA). Animals were examined by bronchoalveolar lavage for biomarkers of lung injury, and lung tissues were examined by immunohistochemical, biochemical, and molecular approaches to identify ROFA-induced alterations in intracellular signaling pathways and proinflammatory gene expression. Significant increases in pulmonary inflammation, cytotoxicity, activation...
Numerical integration on the sphere

This is a discussion of some numerical integration methods for surface integrals over the unit sphere in R 3 . Product Gaussian quadrature and finite-element type methods are considered. The paper concludes with a discussion of the evaluation of singular double layer integrals arising in potential theory.
Arthroscopic lavage of the knee with or without corticosteroids versus joint aspiration--which is best?

Arthroscopic lavage of the knee with or without corticosteroids versus joint aspiration—which is best?
Atlantic Salmon Production in Cove Brook, Maine

Abstract Egg deposition by Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar Linnaeus, at Cove Brook, Maine, in 1955 was estimated at 226 eggs per 100 square yards. In 1956, the estimated egg deposition was 293 per 100 square yards. Standing crops of young-of-the-year averaged 20 per 100-square-yard unit in the summer of 1956 and 33 per unit in 1957. Yearlings numbered 26 to 34 per unit in 1956, 12 to 15 per unit in 1957, and 14 to 18 per unit in 1958. Known smolt production per year class averaged 3 migrants per 100 square yards. Survival of midsummer young-of-the-year to the migrant smolt stage was estimated at not less than 5.3 percent. Survival of smolt to mature, returning adults may be as high as 3 percent.
Predictors of Completion Axillary Lymph Node Dissection in Patients with Positive Sentinel Lymph Nodes

Background Completion axillary lymph node dissection (CALND) is routinely performed in breast cancer patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLN). We sought to determine the sociodemographic, pathologic, and therapeutic variables that were associated with CALND.
Plants as a force of nature

Just how exciting is it to be a scientist? Colleagues and I occasionally talk about whether we would recommend this career to our children in light of the modern pressures on scholarly pursuit and the evaluation thereof [1] – about the hours spent writing and answering emails, applying for grants, serving on committees. But, occasionally, we do get that feeling of being stars in our own movie. A paleobotanical scene: an SUV sweeps down a steep ramp into an active coal pit. The car does a 180 in a cloud of dust.
Do Clinical Characteristics Predict the Presence of Small Bowel Angioectasias on Capsule Endoscopy

Angioectasias (AVMs) are the most common vascular anomaly of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and these lesions are often associated with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). It is unknown if the presence of upper and/or lower gastrointestinal AVMs are predictive of small bowel AVMs. The aims of this study are to define the small bowel segmental distribution of AVMs and to identify the factors predicting the presence of small bowel AVMs among a cohort of patients with a known history of AVMs in the upper and/or lower GI tracts who are undergoing capsule endoscopy (CE) for OGIB. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of 1,125 patients undergoing CE at our institution between 11/1/2001 and 8/31/2007. Inclusion criteria were: (1) complete esophagoduodenoscopy (EGD), CE, and colonoscopy, (2) OGIB indication for CE, and (3) history of ≥1 AVM on EGD and/or colonoscopy that was previously treated in the past or deemed not to be a clinically significant source of bleeding. Exclusion criteria were: (1) history of radiation therapy to the GI tract, and (2) presence of a congenital or systemic disease associated with GI AVMs. Data were extracted on: (1) age; (2) gender; (3) presence of diabetes, (4) presence of hypertension, (5) presence of aortic stenosis, (6) history of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy, (7) history of anticoagulant therapy, (8) hemoglobin, platelet, and INR values prior to CE; (9) baseline serum creatinine; and (10) presence and GI tract segmental location of AVMs. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of small bowel AVMs. 1,125 patients underwent EGD, CE, and colonoscopy. One hundred and fourteen patients had a history of ≥1 AVM on EGD and/or colonoscopy and met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean age was 69 years, and 63% of patients were women. 37% of patients were found to have ≥1 jejunal AVM and 15% were found to have ≥1 ileal AVM. In multivariate analysis, age ≥ 65 (OR 2.62, P = 0.05) and the presence of AVMs on EGD (OR 4.61, P = 0.02) were predictive of jejunal AVMs. AVMs on colonoscopy alone were not predictive of jejunal or ileal AVMs. No factors were found to predict the presence of ileal AVMs. Patients with AVMs on EGD have an increased risk of jejunal AVMs on CE, particularly if they are elderly. Future studies should validate these findings in a prospective cohort.
Impact of In-Home Behavioral Management Versus Telephone Support to Reduce Depressive Symptoms and Perceived Stress in Chinese Caregivers: Results of a Pilot Study

Objective Recent work has shown that Chinese Americans caring for a family member with dementia experience considerable psychological distress. However, few studies evaluate treatments for them. This study evaluated the efficacy of in-home intervention, based on cognitive behavior therapy principles, to relieve stress and depression in female Chinese American caregivers (CGs). Methods Fifty-five CGs who met inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to a telephone support condition (TSC) or to an in-home behavioral management program (IHBMP) for 4 months. In the TSC, biweekly calls were made and relevant material was mailed. In the IHBMP, specific psychological skills were taught to deal with caregiving stress. CGs were assessed before and after treatment. Outcome measures evaluated overall perceived stress, caregiving-specific stress, and depressive symptoms. Results CGs in IHBMP were less bothered by caregiving-specific stressors and had lower depression levels than CGs in TSC. There was no difference in overall stress. CGs with low baseline level of self-efficacy for obtaining respite benefited from IHBMP, but showed little improvement in the TSC. CGs with higher self-efficacy benefited from both treatments. Conclusion This intervention is promising and warrants replication in future studies. Additional research is needed to evaluate longer-term effects and to identify individual differences associated with improvement.
The open artery: beyond myocardial salvage.

Abstract Despite the potential limitations, the available data suggest the importance of the open artery as a marker of survival following infarction. Perhaps the most important, although as yet unanswered, question is when is it too late to reopen an artery? Further, is reperfusion by interventional techniques preferable to reperfusion by lytic therapy alone? Although a reduction in mortality has not been demonstrated for thrombolysis beyond 12 hours (other than the Second International Study of infarct Survival, ISIS-2), improvements in ventricular function (which might translate into a survival benefit) have been demonstrated even for very delayed reperfusion. it is hoped that future work will allow us to answer better when such therapy might be preferable.
Descriptions of actinomycetes and other pleomorphic organisms recovered from pigmented carious lesions of the dentine of human teeth

Abstract Eighty-six strains isolated from pigmented carious lesions of human teeth were divided into six groups based upon final pH levels in glucose broth and fermentation of lactose. Within each type, except for two miscellaneous groups, strains showed little variation in results of bacteriologic examinations. Cytologic methods for cell walls and chromatinic bodies in combination with warm-stage observation were very helpful in identifying these eighty-six pleomorphic strains. Of these, twenty-two Type IIIB strains were identified with Nocardia , nineteen Type IIIA strains with Actinomyces , seventeen Type II strains with Corynebacterium , and six Type IV strains with Bacillus . There was no category to apply to ten streptococcal-diphtheroid strains of Type I, suspected to be a new genus. Six strains of Type IIIC appeared to be oral actinomycetes (probably Nocardia ) but were not a homogeneous group. The six remaining strains appeared to be Eubacteriales but they were quite variable in morphology and in biochemistry.
Analysis of polynuclear aromatic compounds using laser-excited synchronous fluorescence

Abstract Monitoring the presence and distribution of polynuclear aromatic compounds (PACs) in the environment is an important task due to the presence of these species in many types of environmental samples. Molecular fluorescence is often used for this task, usually after extensive sample cleanup and separation, due to the speed and the inherent sensitivity of the technique for PACs. When synchronous fluorescence is used for PAC analysis, the amount of sample pretreatment can often be reduced due to the greater selectivity of the technique relative to conventional fluorescence emission. Another method of increasing sensitivity and selectivity is to use lasers as the excitation source in molecular fluorescence. An added advantage of lasers is the high source coupling and fluorescence collection efficiencies when fiber optics are used for remote sensing applications. In this work, the applicability of laser-excited synchronous fluorescence for the analysis of PAC mixtures is evaluated. A prototype laser-excited synchronous luminescence (LSL) instrument has been previously determined to offer significant advantages over conventional laser-excited fluorescence [C.L. Stevenson and T. Vo-Dinh, Appl. Spectrosc., 47 (1993) 430]. An improved version of the LSL instrument is presented here with superior scanning precision and extended wavelength scanning range. In addition to demonstrating the capabilities of the improved LSL instrument for mixture analysis, the sensitivity of this improved instrument is compared to that of a commercial fluorimeter. Finally, the capability of the LSL instrument to further improve selectivity using time-resolved synchronous fluorescence is illustrated.
Equilibrium Economics and Business-Cycle Theory: A Commentary

I. Dr. Kuznets' methodological scepticism, 40. — II. Lederer, Loewe, and Carrel on equilibrium economics; the empiricorealist as circular reasoner, 42. — III. The equilibrium concept and economic dynamics, 55. — IV. Rosenstein-Rodan "discovers" orthodox economic theory, 63. — V. Business cycles and the Laws of Chance, 67. — VI. The program of Empirico-Realism provides neither a synthesis nor a call to economic theorists to abandon their evil courses, 81. — VII. The real problem of economic dynamics, 86.
Serotonin Activates Catecholamine Neurons in the Solitary Tract Nucleus by Increasing Spontaneous Glutamate Inputs

Serotonin (5-HT) is a critical neurotransmitter in the control of autonomic functions. 5-HT3 receptors participate in vagal afferent feedback to decrease food intake and regulate cardiovascular reflexes; however, the phenotype of the solitary tract nucleus (NTS) neurons involved is not known. A2/C2 catecholamine (CA) neurons in the NTS are directly activated by visceral afferents and are important for the control of food intake and cardiovascular function, making them good candidates to respond to and mediate the effects of serotonin at the level of the NTS. This study examines serotonin's effects on NTS-CA neurons using patch-clamp techniques and transgenic mice expressing an enhanced green fluorescent protein driven by the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) promoter (TH-EGFP) to identify catecholamine neurons. Serotonin increased the frequency of spontaneous glutamate excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in >90% of NTS-TH-EGFP neurons, an effect blocked by the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron and mimicked by the 5-HT3 receptor agonists SR5227 and mCPBG. In contrast, 5-HT3 receptor agonists increased sEPSCs on a minority (<30%) of non-TH neurons. 5-HT3 receptor agonists increased the frequency, but not the amplitude, of mini-EPSCs, suggesting that their actions are presynaptic. 5-HT3 receptor agonists increased the firing rate of TH-EGFP neurons, an effect dependent on the increased spontaneous glutamate inputs as it was blocked by the ionotropic glutamate antagonist NBQX, but independent of visceral afferent activation. These results demonstrate a cellular mechanism by which serotonin activates NTS-TH neurons and suggest a pathway by which it can increase catecholamine release in target regions to modulate food intake, motivation, stress, and cardiovascular function.
Using the curriculum vitae for policy research: an evaluation of National Institutes of Health center and training support on career trajectories

There has been enhanced attention to the mechanisms by which policy-makers support clinical research, with particular attention to establishing research centers and fostering the training of clinical researchers. The impact of these relatively new activities on the scholarly career is yet to be explored. In this work, I use the curriculum vitae to study the careers of clinical scientists. Prospective, unobtrusive, complete, and available, the CV contains such vital information as training, career timing and research characteristics. In this study, I focus on the coding of CVs in light of model development and analytic demands to demonstrate how to use the CV in multivariate survival analyses to study relevant policy outcomes. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
Watching the Superbowl as a Means to Understand A Community's Energy Use

Limited metering data, coupled with knowledge of concurrent events, can be used to better understand a community's energy use. This insight can then be used as a starting point to develop energy reduction strategies.
The 4-month-old infant's perception of holograms and real objects: A demonstration of equivalence

Three experiments were conducted to determine whether 4-month-old infants perceive and respond to holograms as real objects. Infants in the first experiment failed to differentiate between a hologram of a toy car and the real car from which the hologram was constructed. In a second and third experiment, infants responded to holograms of two objects as they did to the real objects. The implications of using holograms in the study of early perceptual development are discussed.
RNAi analysis of genes expressed in the ovary of Caenorhabditis elegans

As a step towards comprehensive functional analysis of genomes, systematic gene knockout projects have been initiated in several organisms [1]. In metazoans like C. elegans, however, maternal contribution can mask the effects of gene knockouts on embryogenesis. RNA interference (RNAi) provides an alternative rapid approach to obtain loss-of-function information that can also reveal embryonic roles for the genes targeted [2,3]. We have used RNAi to analyze a random set of ovarian transcripts and have identified 81 genes with essential roles in embryogenesis. Surprisingly, none of them maps on the X chromosome. Of these 81 genes, 68 showed defects before the eight-cell stage and could be grouped into ten phenotypic classes. To archive and distribute these data we have developed a database system directly linked to the C. elegans database (Wormbase). We conclude that screening cDNA libraries by RNAi is an efficient way of obtaining in vivo function for a large group of genes. Furthermore, this approach is directly applicable to other organisms sensitive to RNAi and whose genomes have not yet been sequenced.
Rhodium-catalyzed acylation with quinolinyl ketones: carbon-carbon single bond activation as the turnover-limiting step of catalysis.

The rhodium-catalyzed intramolecular carboacylation of quinolinyl ketones serves as an ideal subject for the mechanistic study of carbon−carbon bond activation. Combined kinetic and NMR studies of this reaction allowed the identification of the catalytic resting state and determination of the rate law, 12C/13C kinetic isotope effects, and activation parameters. These results have identified the activation of a ketone−arene carbon−carbon single bond as the turnover-limiting step of catalysis and provided quantitative detail into this process.
Functional activity of class-specific antibodies to type III, group B streptococcus.

ABSTRACT. The functional activity of naturally acquired IgG and IgM with specificity for the capsular polysaccharide of type III, group B Streptococcus (III-GBS) was compared. Sera collected during convalescence from 14 infants who had developed specific antibodies following III-GBS infection were employed for separation of IgG from IgM by ion-exchange chromatography. Bactericidal killing of III-GBS was similar for IgG- and IgM-rich samples (37 and 42%, respectively) in reactions containing a mean of 1.0 or 1.9 μg/ml of III-GBS specific IgG or IgM antibody. Purified IgA lacked opsonophagocytic activity for III-GBS. These results indicate that III-GBS-specific IgG and IgM antibodies in infant sera promote opsonophagocytosis at low concentrations, and that their functional capacity is comparable.
Quantum theory of fourth-order interference.

The quantum theory of fourth-order interference of light is presented in a general format and compared with classical wave theory. The conditions under which nonclassical phenomena occur are discussed. In particular, the interference between the quantum field and classical field may give rise to a nonclassical effect. For some special states of light, the interference pattern does not disappear even though one field is much stronger than the other, for which no classical analog exists. Fourth-order effects in the interference between two independent fields are analyzed in detail. It is pointed out that the fourth-order interference between independent fields will not disappear when the integration time of detection is of the order of the reciprocal bandwidth of the two light fields as long as the spectra of the two fields are symmetric around the same center frequency, and for some correlated fields, the interference does not vanish even if the detection time is much larger than the reciprocal bandwidth of the fields. A new type of fourth-order interference experiment involving a beam splitter is proposed in which local realism of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen form is violated for quantum mechanics. This general argument is then applied to the interference between two photons generated in the parametric down-conversion process. The possibility of violations of Bell's inequalities in interference experiments is investigated.