cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advanced lipoprotein testing and subfractionation are not (yet) ready for routine clinical use

Standard lipid tests measure the cholesterol or triglyceride content of lipoproteins, expressed as mg/dL (or mmol/L) of cholesterol or triglyceride. A standard lipid panel includes total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. These lipids are carried within lipoprotein particles that are heterogeneous in size, density, charge, core lipid composition, specific apolipoproteins, and function.1 A variety of lipoprotein assays have been developed that subfractionate lipoprotein particles according to some of these properties such as size, density, or charge.2 These lipoprotein assays have been proposed for improving assessment of risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and for guiding lipid-lowering therapies. They are mostly used today in specialized lipid clinics or research studies, and their general utility for clinical practice is not well delineated.3 In this review, I first provide a summary of current guideline statements that address this topic. Then I give a brief overview of the different laboratory methods available for clinical use and discuss the literature evaluating these methods. Finally, I discuss current limitations to the widespread clinical application of these methods. Response by Superko on p 2404 The Third Adult Treatment Panel of the National Cholesterol Education Program4 and the American Heart Association5 recommend measuring a standard lipid panel in adults and targeting lipid-lowering therapy on the basis of levels of LDL cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol in subjects with hypertriglyceridemia. European and Canadian guidelines recommend measuring standard lipids while also emphasizing the total/HDL cholesterol ratio in risk assessment.6,7 Current guidelines do not recommend routine use of advanced lipoprotein tests, mainly because it is unclear how much incremental prognostic information is provided by these tests beyond that available from a standard lipid panel.4,6,7 Recently, an international panel proposed that cardiovascular risk may be more closely related to atherogenic lipoprotein …
Relation of "inotropic reserve" to functional capacity in heart failure secondary to ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Exercise capacity in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, measured by peak oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) during exercise, has virtually no relation to resting left ventricular (LV) function. We hypothesized that exercise-induced inotropic reserve may explain some of the variation between peak VO 2 and resting LV function. Treadmill stress echocardiography was performed simultaneously with peak VO 2 measurements in 35 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Resting and immediate postexercise echocardiographic images were scored for change in segmental contractility using the American Society of Echocardiography 16-segment system. Segment scores were summed and divided by 16 to determine the wall motion index. Right ventricular (RV) function was quantified on a 4-point scale. Patients had a mean age of 52 ± 12 years (8 women) and a mean ejection fraction of 30 ± 10 (25 nonischemic patients). Average peak VO 2 was 17.0 ± 6 ml/kg/min. Patients were divided into 2 groups by peak VO 2 : a high VO 2 group, >17 ml/kg/min (17 patients) and a low VO 2 group, ≤17 ml/kg/min (18 patients). LV ejection fraction was similar between the high and low VO 2 groups (31 ± 9% vs 28 ± 11%, p = NS) as were etiology of heart failure, medications used, and LV volume. In the high VO 2 group, wall motion index improved from 2.28 ± 0.20 to 2.12 ± 0.31 during exercise (p = 0.009). There was no improvement in the low VO 2 group. Resting RV function was significantly better in the high VO 2 group (1.4 ± 0.8 vs 0.6 ± 0.6 p = 0.004). Therefore, in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and similar resting LV function, the presence of demonstrable LV inotropic reserve and preserved RV function partially account for variation in exercise performance.
Federal investment impact: An empirical benefit-cost evaluation☆

Abstract This paper attempts to evaluate the impacts of a Corps of Engineers multimillion dollar channelization project authorized in 1948 upon a regional economy in an economic depressed area in the western part of Tennessee. Using a cost/benefit approach, this paper analyzes some major benefits and costs of the project such as flood control, land utilization, regional economic development and recreational losses. On a reach-by-reach basis this paper illustrates how tangible benefits and costs are measured empirically with available hydrological, historical, economic and other statistics. Alternatives such as reservoir building and channel clean-out are considered together with the proposed channelization work. Problems on intangibles and externalities are also delineated. The most interesting findings of this study are not those pertaining to the successes and failures of the benefit-cost approach. Rather, they are the insights into which differences between social and private considerations, joint and separated projects, authorized and not proposed alternatives, current and future choices, etc., can be enlightened. The importance of this empirical study hinges upon its results highlighting the conflicts between efficiency in resource allocation and the equality in income distribution.
Rearing the immature feeding stages of the Japanese beetle in pans.

The immature fceding stages (egg to 3rd instar) of Popillia japonica Newman were reared in the labortory in pans. Sixteen to 37% of the hatched larvae lived to be stored at 4.5°C as 71-to 101 day-old 3rd-stage larvae.
Modulation of the alveolar macrophage superoxide production by protein phosphorylation.

Stimulation of alveolar macrophages (AM) with adenosine-5-diphosphate (ADP) results in transient production of superoxide anion radical (O2.-; superoxide) and H2O2 in a metabolic event known as the...
Sleep Problems and Fatigue in Chronically Ill Women

The objective of this study was to understand the quality and quantity of sleep in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who also had young children, and how their sleep behaviors were associated with their fatigue. A cross-sectional sample of mothers with MS and RA and a well comparison group completed mailed surveys. Participants included 103 mothers with MS, 68 mothers with RA, and 91 well mothers. Mothers answered questions about their sleep, fatigue, pain, and depression. Women with chronic illnesses reported more problems going to sleep than did well women, with pain, depression, or both as significant covariates. Women with chronic illnesses reported that their sleep was interrupted less often by their children than did well women. Sleep quality and quantity were worse for women with RA who were experiencing a flare. Mothers with chronic illnesses experienced more sleep problems, which was associated with their pain and depression.
Aquapod: A small amphibious robot with sampling capabilities

Mobile robots are often proposed as a favorable substitute to human correspondence in emergency response, disaster relief, and environmental monitoring scenarios. In this work, the next iteration of the Aquapod is proposed as a method to facilitate collection of subsurface liquid samples in order to assess toxicity levels in a body of water. This amphibious small form-factor robot is equipped with a buoyancy control unit, detachable fluidic sampling unit, and a wide range of sensing and processing capabilities. The robot was designed to move and collect water samples to a maximum depth of ten meters. Its unique form of tumbling locomotion results in a versatile platform that can be used in both terrestrial and aquatic environments leveraging its high mobility-to-size ratio.
Modification with homocysteine does not increase susceptibility of human low-density lipoprotein to iron-mediated oxidation.

Abstract Oxidation of human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is centrally involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated whether homocysteine-mediated thiolation of LDL rendered it more susceptible to oxidation by iron. After in vitro exposure to homocysteine thiolactone for 60 minutes, LDL's thiol content increased from 26 ± 5 (control) to 224 ± 20 nmol/mg of protein (thiolated; P 3+ ; 10 μ mol/L) or, as a positive control, copper (Cu 2+ ; 10 μ mol/L). Consistent with the observation of others, thiolation decreased Cu 2+ -dependent formation of lipid oxidation products in LDL (17 ± 16 nmol/mg of protein formed in thiolated LDL, compared with 81 ± 21 nmol/mg of protein in control, during 6 hours of incubation; P 3+ -mediated oxidation of LDL with lipid oxidation products remaining essentially nondetectable during prolonged incubation (up to 48 hours). Thiolation similarly had no effect on oxidation of LDL (0.2 mg of protein per milliliter) by heme-complexed iron (hemin; 10 μ mol/L), with lipid oxidation products increasing to 24 ± 1 and 27 ± 4 nmol/mg of protein for control and thiolated LDL, respectively, during 6 hours of incubation ( P > .05). Similar results were observed using LDL with varying degrees of thiolation (29 ± 5, 85 ± 14, 130 ± 15, and 213 ± 19 nmol of thiol per milligram of protein). In conclusion, these results demonstrate that thiolation has no effect on LDL's susceptibility to iron-mediated oxidation.
ENTREPRENEURIAL TRANSITIONS: FACTORS INFLUENCING FOUNDER DEPARTURE

Research in entrepreneurship and life cycle theories of the firm have both suggested that new ventures may outgrow the managerial capabilities of their founding teams, at which point the founders m...
Discovery of a longitudinal asymmetry in the H Lyman‐alpha brightness of Jupiter

A strong longitude variation in the midlatitude Lyman-alpha brightness of Jupiter has been discovered using data from the Voyager ultraviolet spectrometers. A minimum brightness of 14.4 kR was observed in the System III (1965) west longitude range 200-300 deg. The intensity rises to a broad peak of 19.6 kR near a longitude of 110 deg, a 36% increase over the minimum. This intensity 'bulge' was observed to rotate with the planet and appeared at the same longitude during both Voyager encounters, four months apart. This is a surprising discovery; no other planet studied to date has such a characteristic and the upper levels of the Jovian atmosphere were expected to be uniform in longitude. It is likely that a longitudinal asymmetry in charged particle precipitation leads to selective heating of the upper atmosphere and increased dissociation of H2, increasing the hydrogen column abundance. The resulting increase in resonant scattering could produce the observed intensity bulge.
Alemtuzumab by continuous intravenous infusion followed by subcutaneous injection plus rituximab in the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia recurrence

BACKGROUND: Monoclonal antibodies may be used more effectively in combination. A previous study of intravenous (iv) bolus alemtuzumab plus rituximab in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) recurrence produced a response rate of 54% after a 4-week treatment period. METHODS: To optimize dose, schedule, and route of alemtuzumab, a study was designed exploring continuous intravenous infusion (civ) followed by subcutaneous (sc) alemtuzumab together with weekly iv rituximab in patients with previously treated CLL. RESULTS: Data from 40 patients with a median age of 59 years, and a median of 3 prior regimens (range, 1-8 regimens) were evaluable. Approximately 64% of patients were fludarabine-refractory. Seven patients (18%) achieved a complete response (CR), 4 (10%) a nodular partial response (nPR), and 10 (25%) a partial response for an overall response rate of 53%. Of 11 major responses (CR, nPR), 8 occurred after cycle 1. Response rates were highest in blood (94%), followed by liver/spleen (82%), bone marrow (68%), and lymph nodes (51%). The combination did not generate unexpected toxicities. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivations occurred in 6 patients (15%) and responded well to anti-CMV therapy. High titers of anti-idiotype antibodies after sc alemtuzumab were demonstrated in 1 patient, but remained without clinical sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of civ/sc alemtuzumab plus rituximab has activity in some patients with recurrent/refractory CLL and maximum response is achieved after 1 cycle (4 weeks) in 73% of patients. Further exploration in other settings of CLL together with accompanying pharmacokinetic studies is recommended. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
The Effectiveness of Solution-Focused Therapy with Child Behavior Problems: A Preliminary Report:

Preliminary findings on the effectiveness of solution-focused therapy with children who have been referred from the school system for behavior problems are reported. Significant improvements between pretest and posttest scores were found on the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale (Conners, 1990) for the following subscales: conduct problems, learning problems, psychosomatic problems, impulsivity- hyperactivity, and the hyperactivity index. On the Feelings, Attitudes, and Behaviors Scale for Children (Beitchman, 1996), child respondents reported positive improvements on self-image between pretest and posttest but negative changes for the conduct problems subscale. Implications for solution-focused practice and the treatment of child behavior problems are discussed.
Estrogen stimulation of COX-2-derived PGI2 confers atheroprotection

Although selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors provide relief from pain and inflammation, they also reduce the formation of the atheroprotective prostaglandin I 2 (PGI 2 ). They do not reduce the formation of the COX-1-derived thromboxane A 2 (TXA 2 ), however, which is both atherogenic and a potent vasoconstrictor. For this reason, the effects of TXA 2 might be exacerbated during extended therapy with COX-2 inhibitors, potentially predisposing patients to heart attack and stroke. Recent studies have demonstrated that the atheroprotective effects of estrogen are induced through PGI 2 production, through COX-2 activation. This explains how estrogen production in pre-menopausal females is beneficial for the heart and also raises the possibility that COX-2 inhibitors might be particularly hazardous to females.
Breakthroughs in Photonics 2014: Advances in Plasmonic Nanolasers

Plasmonic nanolasers are promising as nanoscale coherent sources of optical fields because they support ultrasmall sizes and show ultrafast dynamics. Major advances over the last several years have focused on nanocavity design, materials improvements in quality of both the plasmonic materials and gain media, and room-temperature operation. In 2014, the most significant results focused on tunable nanolasing emission and strategies to time-resolve the dynamics.
Complexity analysis and algorithm design for reorganizing data to minimize non-coalesced memory accesses on GPU

The performance of Graphic Processing Units (GPU) is sensitive to irregular memory references. Some recent work shows the promise of data reorganization for eliminating non-coalesced memory accesses that are caused by irregular references. However, all previous studies have employed simple, heuristic methods to determine the new data layouts to create. As a result, they either do not provide any performance guarantee or are effective to only some limited scenarios. This paper contributes a fundamental study to the problem. It systematically analyzes the inherent complexity of the problem in various settings, and for the first time, proves that the problem is NP-complete. It then points out the limitations of existing techniques and reveals that in practice, the essence for designing an appropriate data reorganization algorithm can be reduced to a tradeoff among space, time, and complexity. Based on that insight, it develops two new data reorganization algorithms to overcome the limitations of previous methods. Experiments show that an assembly composed of the new algorithms and a previous algorithm can circumvent the inherent complexity in finding optimal data layouts, making it feasible to minimize non-coalesced memory accesses for a variety of irregular applications and settings that are beyond the reach of existing techniques.
Improved Photocatalytic Degradation of Textile Dye Using Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes Formed Over Titanium Wires

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes formed by anodization over titanium wires show a significant improvement in photocatalytic activity compared to the nanotubes formed over foils. This is evident when the fractional conversion of a textile dye, methyl orange, increased from 19% over a foil to 40% over wires in the presence of nanotubes of identical dimensions illuminated over the same geometrical area. Higher degradation rates with Pt−TiO2 nanotubes over foils are matched by the Pt-free TiO2 nanotubes over the wires. The higher photocatalytic activity over the anodized wires can be attributed to the efficient capture of reflected and refracted light by the radially outward oriented TiO2 nanotubes formed over the circumference of the titanium wire. The formation of TiO2 nanotubes over wires can be considered as an effective alternate to improve photodegradation rates by avoiding expensive additives.
Calcium/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase IIα Mediates Activation of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase and Cytosolic Phospholipase A2 in Norepinephrine-induced Arachidonic Acid Release in Rabbit Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract We have investigated the contribution of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) in norepinephrine (NE)-induced arachidonic acid (AA) release in rabbit aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). NE enhanced release of AA via activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) but not secretory PLA2 in VSMC prelabeled with [3H]AA. NE (10 μM) enhanced CaM kinase II and MAP kinase activity. In cells transiently transfected with antisense oligonucleotides complementary to the translation initiation sites of CaM kinase II and MAP kinase, NE-induced AA release was inhibited by 100 and 35% respectively. Treatment of cells with PD-098059, a MAP kinase kinase inhibitor, or with MAP kinase antisense oligonucleotide reduced NE-induced activation of MAP kinase and cPLA2. NE-induced MAP kinase and cPLA2 activation was also inhibited in cells treated with a CaM kinase II inhibitor, KN-93, or with CaM kinase II antisense oligonucleotide. On the other hand, inhibition of MAP kinase kinase with PD-098059 or of MAP kinase with antisense oligonucleotides did not alter the NE-induced increase in CaM kinase II activity. Phosphorylation of MAP kinase and CaM kinase II by NE, studied by 32P incorporation and immune complex kinase assays, was inhibited by KN-93. Collectively, these data suggest that CaM kinase II can activate MAP kinase, which in turn activates cPLA2 to release AA for prostacyclin synthesis in the rabbit VSMC. This novel pathway for activation of MAP kinase by CaM kinase II appears to be mediated through stimulation of MAP kinase kinase. Activation of adrenergic receptors with NE in VSMC caused translocation of CaM kinase II, MAP kinase, and cPLA2 to the nuclear envelope only in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Okadaic acid, which increased phosphorylation and activity, did not translocate these enzymes. Therefore, it appears that in rabbit VSMC, NE, by promoting extracellular Ca2+ influx, increases CaM kinase II activity, leading to activation of MAP kinase and cPLA2 and translocation to the nuclear envelope, resulting in release of AA from the nuclear envelope for prostacyclin synthesis.
Pathogenic Mechanisms of P. aeruginosa Keratitis: A Review of the Role of T Cells, Langerhans Cells, PMN, and Cytokines

The aim of this article is to review our current understanding of the role of cytokines, chemokines, T cells, Langerhans cells, and neutrophils (PMN) and their interactions in vivo in the host response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa ocular challenge. The cellular/cytokine network in vivo has begun to be unraveled, and the data discussed provide substantive evidence for a regulatory role of CD4(+) T cells (Th1 type) contributing directly to persistence of PMN in the cornea of susceptible C57BL/6 (cornea perforates) versus resistant BALB/c (cornea heals) mice. Additionally, in the susceptible mouse model, CD4(+) T cells interact with Langerhans cells and B7/CD28 ligation appears critical for antigen presentation and the susceptibility response. Various cytokines and chemokines (e.g., MIP-1alpha, IL-1beta, MIP-2, IL-12, and IFN-gamma) and their pattern of sustained upregulation after infection in susceptible versus resistant mice also will be discussed in light of an in vivo cytokine network. T-cell-mediated pathogenic mechanisms are of importance in development of the susceptible response to P. aeruginosa ocular infection. In the absence of T-cell infiltration into the cornea, PMN do not persist in the stroma, and cytokines and chemokines are better balanced, resulting in decreased stromal destruction and the resistance response.
Aims of the Medieval Crusades and How They Were Viewed by Byzantium

The history of medieval crusading may be conveniently divided into two chapters. The first of these chapters would end with 1291 when Acre was lost by the Christians and would cover the period extending backward to 1095 when the first crusading expedition was launched. During this period the western Christians conquered and lost the Holy Lands. They also established themselves in Greece and the Greek archipelago. The second chapter would come down to 1395, the year of the battle of Nicopolis, or possibly 1444, the year of Varna. During this period, though there is considerable talk and some action for the recovery of the Holy Land, the struggle has really become one for the defense of Europe against the invading Turks.
A Literature Review of Research in Software Defect Reporting

In 2002, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) estimated that software defects cost the U.S. economy in the area of $60 billion a year. It is well known that identifying and tracking these defects efficiently has a measurable impact on software reliability. In this work, we evaluate 104 academic papers on defect reporting published since the NIST report to 2012 to identify the most important advancements in improving software reliability though the efficient identification and tracking of software defects. We categorize the research into the areas of automatic defect detection, automatic defect fixing, attributes of defect reports, quality of defect reports, and triage of defect reports. We then summarize the most important work being done in each area. Finally, we provide conclusions on the current state of the literature, suggest tools and lessons learned from the research for practice, and comment on open research problems.
Isotopic fractionation of argon during stepwise release from shungite

Abstract In previous attempts to determine the40Ar36Ar ratio in the ancient atmosphere, the only direct measurement yielding a value below the atmospheric value of today is for argon released at low temperatures from a pre-Cambrian shungite, an amorphous carbon mineral [1]. The present work confirms a low value for40Ar36Ar in gas released from a type I shungite at low temperatures. But quantitative scrutiny of the accompanying38Ar36Ar ratios and the enhanced ratio of40Ar36Ar for the fractions released at high temperatures shows convincingly that the effect seen here is an artifact of the stepwise heating and the argon diffusion mobilized thereby. The low40Ar36Ar previously obtained is very likely from the same cause rather than reflecting the isotopic composition of the pre-Cambrian atmosphere. The vitreous character of and the sharp, conchoidal fractures seen in the specimens of type I shungite suggest that the substance may exhibit simple volume diffusion over macroscopic dimensions as glasses do. If so, the diffusion parameters (D∞ = 3 × 10−4cm2/s andE = 11kcal/mole) obtained from the data imply rapid exchange with the atmosphere for any argon initially trapped in centimeter-thick veins of the material.
Early Detection of Message Forwarding Faults

In most communication networks, pairs of processors communicate by sending messages over a path connecting them. We present communication-efficient protocols that quickly detect and locate any failure along the path. Whenever there is excessive delay in forwarding messages along the path, the protocols detect a failure (even when the delay is caused by maliciously programmed processors). The protocols ensure optimal time for either message delivery or failure detection. We observe that the actual delivery time $\delta$ of a message over a link is usually much smaller than the a priori known upper bound D on that delivery time. The main contribution of this paper is the way to model and take advantage of this observation. We introduce the notion of asynchronously early-terminating protocols, as well as protocols that are asynchronously early-terminating, i.e., time optimal in both worst case and typical cases. More precisely, we present a time complexity measure according to which one evaluates protocols both in terms of $D$ and $\delta$. We observe that asynchronously early termination is a form of competitiveness. The protocols presented here are asynchronously early terminating since they are time optimal both in terms of $D$ and of $\delta$. Previous communication-efficient solutions were slow in the case where $\delta \ll D$. We observe that this is the most typical case. It is suggested that the time complexity measure introduced, as well as the notion of asynchronously early-terminating, can be useful when evaluating protocols for other tasks in communication networks. The model introduced can be a useful step towards a formal analysis of real-time systems. Our protocols have O(n log n) worst-case communication complexity. We show that this is the best possible for protocols that send immediately any acknowledgment they ever send. Then we show an early-terminating protocol which uses timing and delay to reduce the communication complexity in the typical executions where the number of failures is small and $\delta \ll D$. In such executions, its message complexity is linear, as is the complexity of nonfault tolerant protocols.
Determination of the abundance of krypton in the earth's atmosphere by isotope dilution mass spectrometry

The natural abundance of elemental krypton in earth's atmosphere has been redetermined by mass spectrometry using isotope dilution with highly enriched 36Kr. Surface air was collected in evacuated tanks of calibrated volume, spiked with a known amount of krypton isotope, and a small volume of the sample processed to recover enough krypton for determination of its isotopic composition in a static mass spectrometer. Ten determinations made over a period of seven months give a result of 1.1074±0.0083 ppm by volume. An error analysis is included.
International joint venture of two giants in the CRT industry: strategy analysis using system dynamics

The past decade has seen a dramatic rise in the number international joint ventures (IJV) and a great majority of them fail. Although the research literature continues to expand, there is an imbalance to the attention paid to the process and operational management side of IJVs. We begin this article with a survey of the literature and we segment the research stream into the life cycle phases of an IJV: the IJV input, process, and output schools of investigation. Then, we present an overview of the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) industry and the competitive forces that influenced LG and Philips to form a strategic joint venture. Next, which is the core of this article, we use the disciplines of system dynamics to perform strategy analyses of the dynamics of the LG-Philips IJV. The fundamental intent of this paper is to demonstrate how system dynamics is an effective analytic instrument to derive strategic measures, as well as countermeasures to strengthen the IJV operations and to weaken competitors and blunt the impact of their actions. We show how we can model technology-intensive businesses, in the context of industries and markets, by means of systems with intricate and technology-idiosyncratic feedback characteristics, but whose complex system behaviour is substantially more easily discernable from their graphic representations. Fourth, we close this article with a discussion on the limitations of our analysis and potential areas for further research.
In Search of the Weak, Six‐Membered Intramolecular Hydrogen Bond in the Solution and Solid States of Guanidinobenzimidazole

The chemical literature presents evidence for the nonexistence of the intramolecular hydrogen bond in neutral 2-guanidinobenzimidazole, a result that defies chemical intuition. In the current study, analyses of substituted 2-guanidinobenzimidazoles by dynamic 1 H NMR, IR, and X-ray diffraction unveiled the contribution of the intramolecular hydrogen bond to the overall structure and conformational equilibria. The presence of the intramolecular hydrogen bond in this work and its absence in previous studies of the unsubstituted
Acute myelogenous leukemia with compensatory but ineffective erythropoiesis: Di Guglielmo's syndrome**

A child with Di Guglielmo's syndrome was treated with blood transfusions. Coincident with correction of anemia, there was a prompt disappearance of the erythropoietic abnormalities in blood and bone marrow. This indicates that, in this instance, erythropoiesis was under the influence of normal humoral control mechanisms and was not autonomous. Transfusions had no effect on the number of myeloblastic cells. On the basis of these observations, we propose that some cases of Di Guglielmo's syndrome may represent acute myelogenous leukemia with a concomitant hemolytic anemia and prominent ineffective erythropoiesis. The concept of a primary malignancy of the erythroid cell line (erythroleukemia) is challenged.
Mixing in stellar models.

Dilke and Gough1 propose that the absence of a detectable flux of neutrinos from the Sun and geological ice ages is a consequence of occasional mixing in the solar core. Here we present stellar model calculations which raise serious doubts whether their mechanism can solve the solar neutrino problem; our results also have important implications for semi-convection theory.
Theoretical Study of Photochromic Compounds. 1. Bond Length Alternation and Absorption Spectra for the Open and Closed Forms of 29 Diarylethene Derivatives

We apply several exchange-correlation functionals in combination with time-dependent density functional theory to predict the maximum wavelengths in the absorption spectra for 29 diarylethene derivatives in both open and closed isomeric forms. Solvent effects and accurate molecular geometries are found to be important to obtain good agreement with experimental absorption wavelengths. In order to evaluate the quality of geometry optimization, we compare predicted bond length alternation parameters with experimental ones. We find the TD-M05/6-31G*/PCM//M05-2x/6-31G*/PCM theory level to give the best predictions for the structural and spectral parameters of the diarylethene derivatives. Applications of the photochromic diarylethene compounds as materials for optical switching and data storage based on their photocyclization properties are also discussed.
Psychometric properties of the weekly stress inventory (WSI): Extension to a patient sample with coronary heart disease

The psychometric characteristics of the Weekly Stress Inventory (WSI) were examined in a sample of medical patients (N=84) diagnosed with coronary heart disease. In addition to the WSI, patients completed measures assessing recent depressive symptoms, physical symptoms, Type A behavior, and trait anxiety. Patients also monitored stress for 3 weeks (n=46), completing the Daily Stress Inventory (a measure of minor stress) daily and the WSI at concurrent 1-week intervals. Results indicated that the WSI is an internally consistent and moderately stable measure. Validity of the WSI was supported by (a) strong correlations with a concurrently administered measure of minor stress (concurrent validity); (b) significant positive correlations with measures assessing recent depressive symptoms, physical symptoms, and Type A behavior; and (c) a lack of relationship with a measure of trait anxiety (discriminant validity).
A quadratic particle swarm optimization method for magnetic tracking of tongue motion in speech disorders

We have devised a new magnetic localization technique to accurately track 3-D tongue movements during speech and ingestion. A small permanent magnet secured on the tongue by tissue adhesives, is utilized as a tracer. The magnetic field variations due to tongue motion are detected by three 3-axis magneto-inductive sensor modules outside the mouth, and wirelessly transmitted to a computer for further processing. The tracer is modeled as a magnetic dipole, which position (x, y, z) and orientation (θ, γ) are estimated using a quadratic particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. This algorithm provides faster and more reliable computation compared to the linear PSO. Statistical analysis based on hundreds of simulation and experimental results show that using this method, calculations are accelerated by a factor of three and the tracer can be localized in real-time with ∼1 mm resolution in position and 2° in orientation.
Community Member Perspectives from Transgender Women and Men Who Have Sex with Men on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis as an HIV Prevention Strategy: Implications for Implementation

Background An international randomized clinical trial (RCT) on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as an human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-prevention intervention found that taken on a daily basis, PrEP was safe and effective among men who have sex with men (MSM) and male-to-female transgender women. Within the context of the HIV epidemic in the United States (US), MSM and transgender women are the most appropriate groups to target for PrEP implementation at the population level; however, their perspectives on evidenced-based biomedical research and the results of this large trial remain virtually unknown. In this study, we examined the acceptability of individual daily use of PrEP and assessed potential barriers to community uptake.
Psychoanalysis needs a better developmental theory – Can new perspectives in biology help?

In the first part of my commentary on Myron Hofer's target article, I cite additional research findings that support Hofer's evolutionary perspective on development, including evidence of interaction between environment and gene expression in relation to disorganized attachment, social behavior, neuroticism, and alcohol consumption. In the second part of my commentary, I express skepticism that the findings reported by Hofer provide support for psychoanalytic theory and suggest that they should be seen as challenges to psychoanalytic formulations.
Physicians' Sources of Pharmaceutical Information: Changes and Implications

Researchers have attempted to determine systematically the relative importance to physicians of various sources of pharmaceutical information for about 50 years. This article summarizes the findings of this body of research to determine historical changes in the sources of information. The results indicate significant changes in this area. Implications of these changes for the pharmaceutical marketing manager are discussed.
An Evaluation of Breast Pumps Currently Available on the American Market

Eight breast pumps commonly seen in clinical practice were measured and ranked for de sirability in eight categories: pressure range, pressure control, size and shape of nipple cup, volume accommodation, visual feedback, ease of cleaning, ease of handling, and cost. Three scored relatively high (Egnell, Kaneson, and Loyd-B), three scored low (Gomco, Davol, and Bintner), and two appeared to be frequently ineffective (Evenflo and Ora'lac).
Doing All the Right Things Teacher Retention Issues

Teacher retention has become a national crisis. This case study describes one principal's efforts to support new teachers and reduce the turnover rate at her school. Recognizing the problem a few years ago, the principal took what she thought were a number of proactive, decisive steps to resolve the issue—she is doing all the right things. However, instead of improving, her new teacher attrition and migration rates are actually getting worse.
‘Hard’ and ‘soft’ principles defining the structure, function and regulation of keratin intermediate filaments

Keratins make up the largest subgroup of intermediate filament proteins and represent the most abundant proteins in epithelial cells. They exist as highly dynamic networks of cytoplasmic 10-12 nm filaments that are obligate heteropolymers involving type I and type II keratins. The primary function of keratins is to protect epithelial cells from mechanical and nonmechanical stresses that result in cell death. Other emerging functions include roles in cell signaling, the stress response and apoptosis, as well as unique roles that are keratin specific and tissue specific. The role of keratins in a number of human skin, hair, ocular, oral and liver diseases is now established and meshes well with the evidence gathered from transgenic mouse models. The phenotypes associated with defects in keratin proteins are subject to significant modulation by functional redundancy within the family and modifier genes as well. Keratin filaments undergo complex regulation involving post-translational modifications and interactions with self and with various classes of associated proteins.
Effect of ZnO particles on activated sludge: Role of particle dissolution

The release of nanoparticles (NPs) into the environment, including wastewater treatment plants, is expected to increase in the future. Therefore, it is important to understand the potential effects of these NPs on activated sludge treatment processes. A pulse-flow respirometer was used to study the toxicity of nano-ZnO on activated sludge endogenous respiration, BOD biodegradation, and nitrification. In addition, toxicities of bulk ZnO particles and Zn ion (e.g. soluble Zn) were also studied. All three Zn forms were found to adversely impact the activity of activated sludge, with soluble Zn exhibited the greatest toxicity. The effects of nano-ZnO and bulk ZnO on activated sludge were caused by soluble Zn resulting from ZnO particle dissolution. The IC(50) values of soluble Zn on activated sludge endogenous respiration, BOD biodegradation, ammonia oxidation, and nitrite oxidation were 2.2, 1.3, 0.8, and 7.3 mg-Zn/L, respectively. Therefore, the first step of nitrification was most sensitive to Zn.
Sperm Mobility: Phenotype in Roosters (Gallus domesticus) Determined by Mitochondrial Function

Previously, inheritance of sperm mobility entailed a maternal additive genetic effect, and sperm ATP content was correlated (r = 0.80) with phenotype. The present study was conducted to determine if mitochondrial function was critical to phenotypic expression. Whereas phenotype was independent of mitochondrial helix length, phenotype was correlated with sperm oxygen consumption (r = 0.83) using random-bred roosters. Aberrant mitochondria characterized immobile sperm, as evidenced by transmission-electron microscopy. Such mitochondria were swollen and contained disorganized cristae. Additional experiments were performed with roosters from lines selected for low or high sperm mobility. A threefold difference in sperm oxygen consumption was observed between lines. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were observed in mitochondrial DNA by sequencing replicate mitochondrial genomes from each line. An A-to-G substitution in the gene encoding tRNA(Arg) was inherited consistently, as evidenced by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis using two male and two female progeny per family group and 14 family groups per line. Motile concentration in semen from low-line males was half that observed in semen from high-line males, as evidenced by computer-assisted sperm motion analysis. Likewise, 47% of sperm from low-line males contained aberrant mitochondria, compared to 4% for high-line males. In summary, sperm mobility phenotype was dependent on mitochondrial function, which in turn was altered by genetic selection. Fowl deferent duct fluid contains a high concentration of glutamate. We propose that variation in sperm mobility phenotype stems from the extent to which glutamate induces excessive mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake before ejaculation.
Maintenance of certification in Internal Medicine: participation rates and patient outcomes

The clinical practice of internal medicine continues to evolve with the addition of new information and new technology. Most internists in practice will have erosion of their knowledge after they complete training unless life-long learning occurs. The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) began to issue time-limited certification in 1990 and asserts that the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program promotes the professional development of internists. However, the available medical literature does not provide strong support for the assumption that internists with certification or recertification have better patient outcomes. This relationship between recertification and patient outcomes needs more study. In addition, the participation in the Maintenance of Certification program by internists with lifetime certifications has been low, and recertification by leaders in internal medicine has also been relatively low. Some physicians in practice have concerns about the relevance of the program and the cost. Our review suggests that the ABIM needs to review its current Maintenance of Certification program and make changes to enhance its clinical relevance and educational value. We suggest that professional development should be based on focused reviews of the current literature, which is immediately relevant to clinical practice, and that recertification could be based on completion of modules and more frequent, less onerous testing.
Evaluating relationships among tree growth rate, shade tolerance, and browse tolerance following disturbance in an eastern deciduous forest.

Interspecific differences in shade tolerance among woody species are considered a primary driving force under­ lying forest succession. However, variation in shade tolerance may be only one of many interspecific differences that cause species turnover. For example, tree species may differ in their sensitivity to herbivory. Nonetheless, existing conceptual models of forest dynamics rarely explicitly consider the impact of herbivores. We examined whether browsing by white­ tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) alters the relationship between light availability and plant performance. We monitored growth and survival for seedlings of six woody species over 2 years within six windthrow gaps and the nearby intact forest in the presence and absence of deer. Browsing decreased seedling growth for all species except beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.). More importantly, browsing altered growth rankings among species. Increased light availability enhanced growth for three species when excluded from deer, but browsing obscured these relationships. Browsing also re­ duced survival for three species; however, survival rankings did not significantly differ between herbivory treatments. Our results indicated that browsing and light availability operated simultaneously to influence plant growth within these forests. Thus, existing models of forest dynamics may make inaccurate predictions of the timing and composition of species reach­ ing the canopy, unless they can account for how plant performance varies as a result of a variety of environmental factors, including herbivory. Resume : Les differences interspecifiques de tolerance a l' ombre entre les especes ligneuses sont considerees comme la principale cause de succession forestiere, Toutefois, la variation de la tolerance al'ombre peut n'etre qu'une des nom­ breuses differences interspecifiques responsables du renouvellement des especes. Par exemple, les especes d'arbre peuvent se distinguer par leur sensibilite al'herbivorisme. Neanmoins, les rnodeles conceptuels existants de la dynamique forestiere considerent rarement l'impact des herbivores de facon explicite. Nous avons examine si Ie broutement de cerf du Virginie
Miniaturized-element frequency selective surfaces (MEFSS) using sub-wavelength periodic structures

We demonstrate a new class of band-pass frequency selective surface (FSS) that takes advantage of non-resonant constituting elements with sub-wavelength dimensions and periodicities (Ltlambda). This is in sharp contrast with traditional FSSs, where the building blocks usually consist of periodic arrays of resonant dipole and slot structures with dimensions and periodicities that are in the order of half a wavelength (lambda/2). The sub-wavelength nature of the constituting elements of the proposed miniaturized- element frequency selective surface (MEFSS) combined with its polarization independent design result in a structure with a reduced sensitivity to the angle of incidence for both TE and TM polarizations.
Broad band 1 nm channel spacing silicon-on-insulator wavelength division multiplexer

We demonstrate a compact silicon-on-insulator wavelength division multiplexer. The device supports 21 channels, has 1 nm channel spacing and less than –10 dB crosstalk.
Misleading Manifestations of Coccidioides immitis In Vivo

We describe a case of coccidioidomycosis in which several unusual morphologic forms of Coccidioides immitis occurred in biopsy tissue from the right lower lung of a patient. To our knowledge, this is the first case where so many diverse morphologic forms were manifested in a single patient in the absence of typical endosporulating spherules. Immature spherules demonstrating segmentation mimicked morula forms of Prototheca spp. Certain elements resembled budding cells of Blastomyces dermatitidis. These consisted of juxtaposed immature spherules without endospores, a germinating endospore, or thick-walled hyphal cells. Branched, septate hyphae and moniliform hyphae consisting of chains of thick-walled arthroconidia or immature spherules were also present. Complement fixation and immunodiffusion tests performed on the patient's serum were negative for C. immitis, B. dermatitidis, and Histoplasma capsulatum antibodies. Fluorescent-antibody studies were carried out with a specific C. immitis conjugate. All of the diverse fungal tissue elements stained positive with a moderate to strong (2 to 3+) intensity.
The effect of semen processing on sperm DNA integrity: comparison of two techniques using the novel Toluidine Blue Assay.

Objective: The first goal of this study was to determine the effect that semen processing has on sperm DNA integrity. The second goal was to assess which processing technique (modified swim-up versus density gradient centrifugation) results in a superior sample. DNA integrity was measured using a novel Toluidine Blue Assay. Study design: Side-by-side comparison. Materials and methods: Raw semen samples were collected from thirty-two male individuals and scored for routine semen analysis. Prior to discarding the specimens identical aliquots were divided and processed by density gradient centrifugation and a modified swim-up technique. The Toluidine Blue Assay was used to analyze raw and processed samples. Results: Both density gradient centrifugation and the modified swim-up improved DNA quality compared to the unprocessed sample. However, the modified swim-up technique proved superior. Conclusions: The swim-up technique generates a sperm sample with better DNA integrity. Should DNA integrity correlate with better pregnancy rates in IUI and IVF, respectively, the swim-up may be the sperm processing technique of choice for these procedures.