cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anatomical organization of feedforward pathways in cortical microcircuits

Cortical microcircuits are defined as stereotyped, repeating patterns of local connectivity in the cortex. Those pathways by which thalamic afferents influence pyramidal neurons, through either direct synaptic connections or through interneurons, constitute feedforward pathways in the microcircuit. The anatomical organization of feedforward pathways in turtle visual cortex was studied by comparing the dendritic geometry and spatial distribution of Golgi-impregnated neurons to the spatial distribution of HRP-filled geniculocortical afferents. Seven morphologically distinct cortical neuron types are positioned to receive geniculocortical synapses. The geniculocortical afferents form parallel, horizontal delay lines that run from lateral to medial across the visual cortex in the coronal plane. The horizontal dimensions of dendrite arbors for populations of each neuron type were thus measured and found to vary between extremes of 70 μm and 1100 μM. The time it takes an afferent volley to cross the arbors of the seven types of neurons should vary and determine the properties of the compound postsynaptic potentials elicited by geniculate inputs to each type of cell.
Aging and memory.

Although some age-related decline in memory probably occurs, most memory changes that result from normal aging are not as extensive within individuals or as representative within the population as previously had been believed (Zarit et al., 1981). Still, when older adults become aware of memory problems, they typically become quite alarmed (see Poon et al., 1980). One reason for this alarm is that memory loss has been found to be a reliable early sign of organic brain disease. Despite the sadness and severity of problems experienced by these patients and their families, the actual incidence of organic brain disease in older adults remains quite low. Unfortunately, it is possible that older adults' concern about less significant memory loss may compound or magnify problems that do exist. Therefore, when working with relatively healthy older adults, it is important first to consider possible transitory, nonmemory factors that could be contributing to memory problems and then to provide the clients with some perspective on their memory failures.
Evaluation of the Oncotype Dx recurrence score (RS) in hormone-positive ipsilateral breast tumor recurrences.

e11032 Background: IBTR (ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence) is considered a marker of risk for metastasis. Most IBTRs occur in the vicinity of the index tumor while elsewhere recurrences may represent new primaries. Oncotype DX®, 21-gene expression assay, quantifies a recurrence score (RS) in node negative, ER+ breast cancer. This modality can guide treatment decisions and has been extended to select node positive patients. Concordance of RS between the primary and IBTR is presented here. Methods: Archival blocks corresponding of 11 patients were obtained but only 8 were evaluable. The blocks were submitted using a blinded identification scheme to link the primary and recurrent tumor blocks. All were ER positive breast cancers. Six were N0, one N1, and one NX. Some assay results were preexisting. RS and single gene expression profiles for ER, PR and HER2 were compared. Scatterplots and descriptive statistics were produced for this exploratory hypothesis-generating (but not hypothesis-testing) study. Res...
Applying an Exposome-Wide (ExWAS) Approach to Cancer Research

Traditional research approaches, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) and Gene × Environment (G × E) studies are limited in their ability to handle the multiplicity of chemical and non-chemical toxicants to which people are exposed in the real world, over their life course, their impact on epigenomics and other biological systems, and their relationship to cancer onset, progression, and outcomes. Exposome-wide association study (ExWAS) provides a new approach for conceptualizing the roles and relationships of multiple chemical and non-chemical exposures in the etiology and progression of cancer at key developmental periods, over the life course, and across generations. ExWAS challenges us to consider the influence of both internal and external environment, chemical and non-chemical stressors, risk and protective factors, and spatial and temporal dimensions of exposures in our models of cancer incidence, outcomes, and disparities. Applying an ExWAS approach to cancer and cancer disparities research supports robust computational models and methods that will allow for analysis of the dynamic and complex interactions between genetics, epigenetics, and exposomics factors. In the coming months, we will spatially and temporally align environmental exposures with SCCS participant data from time of enrollment forward to move us closer to identifying complete exposure pathways that lead to cancer. In the future, we hope to link external sources of exposure to biomarkers of exposure, biomarkers of disease, disease phenotypes, and population level disparities.
Advocating for the pit bull 'type' dog.

I was in whole-hearted agreement with the title of Nigel Taylor’s article ‘Dangerous dogs legislation is failing dogs’ ( VR , 1 September 2018, vol 183, p 270), until I read on and discovered that the content was entirely regarding the utterly abhorrent practice of dog fighting – its emotional fall-out on those tasked with investigating it and the inherent abuse of the dogs involved. Such abuse is not only physical, as Taylor graphically and rightly describes, but also mental, in that members of a species uniquely adapted to avoid conflict with con-specifics are reared in conditions of such social deprivation and frustration as to make their own kind an ‘enemy’ to be fought, and potentially killed, at every opportunity. However, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (DDA) Sections 1 and 3 was never intended to protect dogs, as Taylor’s …
The Pursuit of Success in Academia: Plato's Ghost Asks “What Then?”

What do we pursue as we seek success in academia? For most, the path to academic success focuses narrowly on A-level journal publications, which has caused a stealthy but steady erosion in the very...
Quantum Annealing for Prime Factorization

We have developed a framework to convert an arbitrary integer factorization problem to an executable Ising model by first writing it as an optimization function then transforming the k-bit coupling (k ≥ 3) terms to quadratic terms using ancillary variables. Our resource-efficient method uses $${\mathscr{O}}({\mathrm{log}}^{2}(N))$$ binary variables (qubits) for finding the factors of an integer N. We present how to factorize 15, 143, 59989, and 376289 using 4, 12, 59, and 94 logical qubits, respectively. This method was tested using the D-Wave 2000Q for finding an embedding and determining the prime factors for a given composite number. The method is general and could be used to factor larger integers as the number of available qubits increases, or combined with other ad hoc methods to achieve better performances for specific numbers.
Successful repair of a popliteal aneurysm with saphenous vein graft in a patient with Marfan syndrome

Abstract Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the fibrillin 1 gene (FBN1). This leads to defective elasticity of connective tissue in the arterial wall. Aortic aneurysms and dissections are the most common vascular anomalies; the incidence of peripheral artery aneurysms is not well understood. Treatment options for infrainguinal disease are limited as endovascular interventions are generally contraindicated. The best conduit for arterial reconstruction is also unknown because there is concern that saphenous vein may become aneurysmal. Currently, there are few case reports regarding outcomes of infrainguinal arterial reconstructions, and follow-up has been very short term. We report a rare case of successful repair of a popliteal aneurysm using a saphenous vein graft in a patient with Marfan syndrome.
A State-of-the-Art Review Highlighting Medical Overuse in Dermatology, 2017-2018: A Systematic Review.

Importance Emerging efforts to recognize and combat medical overuse are important solutions to mitigate patient morbidity from unnecessary health care interventions. Objectives To identify and highlight important original investigations on medical overuse in dermatology from 2017 to 2018. Evidence Review The PubMed and Embase databases coupled with articles published in 8 major dermatology and medical journals from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2018, were searched to identify articles related to medical overuse in dermatology. Findings Of 1941 candidate articles identified through the database search and 41 through the manual journal review, 38 were deemed relevant to medical overuse in dermatology by 2 independent reviewers. Twenty-eight of these articles were determined to be high priority based on scoring for quality of methods, magnitude of clinical effect, and number of patients potentially affected. After expert reviewer scoring, 10 articles were selected for analysis based on highest scores and greatest clinical significance. Selected articles covered topics such as dermatology consultation for cellulitis, management of dysplastic nevi, prognostic utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy, laboratory monitoring for terbinafine and isotretinoin, and safe medication prescribing. For cellulitis management, dermatology consultation is important for reducing misdiagnosis, unnecessary hospitalization, and inappropriate use of antibiotics. Findings related to common dermatologic procedures revealed that clinical observation is safe for dysplastic nevi and that sentinel lymph node biopsy may not have prognostic utility over Breslow thickness. In monitoring for terbinafine and isotretinoin, patient education on clinical symptoms is likely more effective than standard laboratory test result monitoring. Finally, dermatologists should reconsider the use of cyclosporine in patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis and reevaluate the use of perioperative narcotics for patients. Conclusions and Relevance This review notes actionable, evidence-based practices to reduce medical overuse in dermatology. This work may help to facilitate management changes to emphasize high-value care in dermatology while promoting awareness and further evaluation of overuse in medicine.
Applying tobacco, environmental, and dietary-related biomarkers to understand cancer etiology and evaluate prevention strategies

Many human cancers are caused by environmental and lifestyle factors. Biomarkers of exposure and risk developed by our team have provided critical data on internal exposure to toxic and genotoxic chemicals and their connection to cancer in humans. This review highlights our research using biomarkers to identify key factors influencing cancer risk as well as their application to assess the effectiveness of exposure intervention and chemoprevention protocols. The use of these biomarkers to understand individual susceptibility to the harmful effects of tobacco products is a powerful example of the value of this type of research and has provided key data confirming the link between tobacco smoke exposure and cancer risk. Furthermore, this information has led to policy changes that have reduced tobacco use and consequently, the tobacco-related cancer burden. Recent technological advances in mass spectrometry led to the ability to detect DNA damage in human tissues as well as the development of adductomic approaches. These new methods allowed for the detection of DNA adducts in tissues from patients with cancer, providing key evidence that exposure to carcinogens leads to DNA damage in the target tissue. These advances will provide valuable insights into the etiologic causes of cancer that are not tobacco-related. See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, “Environmental Carcinogenesis: Pathways to Prevention.”
Intrapartum repositioning of brow presentation.

Brow (frontal) malpresentation (BP) occurs when there is incomplete deflexion of the foetal head with an incidence of 0.07%. In BP, the frontal bone, nasal root and brow are palpable, but the chin ...
iSense: Intelligent Object Sensing and Robot Tracking Through Networked Coupled Magnetic Resonant Coils

Object sensing and tracking using electric and magnetic fields allow intelligent interaction, automation, and adaptation in cyber–physical systems. Our approach, called iSense, uses a software-defined collaborative sensing technique for the detection of the type of object when placed on a large surface and tracking its mobility. iSense is cost effective, low power, and scalable, which allows its use over large surfaces. First, we introduce a dual-coil magnetic resonant sensing architecture based on nested coils, i.e., passive (outer) and active (inner) coils, for low-power contactless sensing. Second, a data-driven support vector machine-based approach helps to classify different types of objects using the voltage readings obtained at the passive coil. iSense combines sensed voltage information from multiple different coils spread over the surface with a group-based interference mitigation mechanism between coils for collaborative sensing. We validate our system with real-time prototype and experimental evaluations. We demonstrate the detection of seven different types of objects over three different materials, and real-time detection and tracking of mobile objects including a robot car. Experimental results show that each sensing coil only consumes few milliwatts, i.e., $18\times $ less than inductive sensing and $15\times $ less than classical magnetic resonance sensing, extend sensing depth to 3 cm, and enable tracking on the large surface sensing with more than 90% accuracy for velocity estimation.
Late-onset Acute and Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease in Children: Clinical features and Response to Therapy.

Although acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) and chronic GVHD (cGVHD) are known causes of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), the syndrome of late aGVHD is less well understood, particularly in children. We aimed to characterize the clinical features and response to therapy of late aGVHD and cGVHD by retrospectively reviewing 573 consecutive patients age <18 years who underwent their first allogeneic HCT at the University of Minnesota. We included patients with de novo late aGVHD (ie, first occurrence of aGVHD after day +100 post-HCT) and cGVHD. We retrospectively scored cGVHD cases based on the 2014 National Institutes of Health guidelines. At 3 years, 9 patients (2%) had developed late aGVHD, 16 (3%) had overlap cGVHD, and 7 had (1%) classic cGVHD. No cases of joint or genital cGVHD were observed. The overall response to therapy at 6 months was 78% (95% confidence interval [CI], 40% to 97%) after late aGVHD and 43% (95% CI, 23% to 66%) after cGVHD. Higher nonrelapse mortality from day +100 was seen in patients with cGVHD but not in those with late aGVHD compared with patients without GVHD (hazard ratio, 3.6 [95% CI, 1.3 to 10.0] and 1.6 [95% CI, 0.2 to 11.7], respectively). We found variable organ involvement and treatment responses between patients with late aGVHD and those with cGVHD in a single-center pediatric cohort. Further research is needed to investigate the risks and clinical features of late aGVHD and cGVHD in larger cohorts to better understand how to tailor even more effective GVHD preventive and therapeutic approaches in children.
Evaluation of a Novel Pharmacist-Delivered Adherence Improvement Service via Telehealth.

Nearly half of all patients prescribed a chronic medication do not adhere to their regimen. Conversion from a 30- to 90-day medication refill is associated with improved adherence. The objective of the study was to assess the change in proportion of days covered (PDC) in those who converted to a 90-day fill and those who did not after a telehealth pharmacist-delivered, medication adherence intervention. This retrospective review involved data collected between May and December 2018. Patients with ≤85% baseline PDC rates were targeted. One group included patients who converted to a 90-day fill after the pharmacist intervention. The comparator group did not convert to a 90-day fill. Differences in median end-of-year (EOY) PDC rates for each medication class were compared between groups. An alpha level of 0.05 was set a priori. Overall, 237 patients converted to a 90-day fill and 501 did not. There was no significant difference in age, sex, and total number of drugs per patient. A Mann–Whitney U test revealed statistically significant improvements in median EOY PDC in the group that converted to a 90-day fill (+9% vs. −3%, p < 0.001). Pharmacist-delivered telehealth interventions were associated with improved PDC rates in those who converted to a 90-day fill.
Statistical Error Analysis on White-Light Filter Ratio Experiments to Measure Electron Parameters

The filter-ratio technique to remotely measure electron temperature and speed using four color filters in visible light and a polarization camera was described in detail in previous works, in which we quantified the systematic error associated with using models of a symmetric corona to interpret results from an asymmetric corona. We also showed the criteria applied to select the bandwidths of filters and the pros and cons of replacing the traditional linear polarizer with a polarization camera to measure pB. What started in the 1990s by ground experiments conducted during total solar eclipses that lasted for a few minutes led to a balloon-borne experiment lasting eight hours in 2019 and will blossom into a space experiment on the International Space Station in 2023. Due to constraints on the bandwidths of the four filters, a successful mission requires quantification of the statistical error using Monte Carlo simulations to generate two feasibility profiles, which are unique to the design parameters of the coronagraph, to comprehend the feasibility to measure temperature and speed within the desired temporal and spatial resolutions. For the statistical error analysis, we use modeled K- and F-corona profiles, representative theoretical diffraction, scattering, and vignetting profiles, assumed efficiencies for lenses, mirrors, and polarizers, assumed detector properties on quantum efficiency, full-well depth, dark noise, and read noise, and assumed instrument properties on aperture diameter, solid angle, and pixel resolution.
Is metformin use associated with changes in urinary parameters in stone formers

Introduction Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with an increased risk of nephrolithiasis and is often treated with metformin. The relationship between metformin and nephrolithiasis formation remains unclear as studies have demonstrated conflicting results. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of stone-forming patients at our stone clinic prior to the initiation of stone-directed medical management. Patients were grouped based on diabetic status and diabetic medication regimen. Outcomes evaluated were 24-hour urinary parameters and specimen stone type using univariate Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-squared analyses. Multivariate analyses controlling for metabolic syndrome components and HbA1c were performed. Results Data were available for 505 patients, of whom 147 were diabetic and 358 were not. On multivariate analyses controlling for HbA1c and other comorbidities, diabetic patients on metformin still had worse urinary parameters, including urine pH, than non-diabetic patients (pH = -0.33, -0.37, p 0.05 for all urinary parameters). Conclusions Stone-forming patients with DM on metformin were associated with urinary abnormalities similar to those not on metformin. Cohort studies comparing urinary parameters of patients prospectively started on metformin are necessary to further elucidate metformin's role, if any, in combatting nephrolithiasis.
Leptin-induced hypertension is independent of the sympathetic nervous system in obese female agouti mice (680.12)

The recent epidemic of obesity induced a three-fold increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in premenopausal women. However, the mechanisms contributing to obesity-related CVD in females of reproductive age remain completely unknown. We used obese agouti mice (Ag), lacking the anorexigenic effect of leptin, to test the hypothesis that leptin, the factor linking metabolic and CVD in men, triggers hypertension and vascular dysfunction in obese females. Conscious blood pressure (BP, telemetry) recording revealed that obesity elevated BP in both males (Lean: 99±5 vs. Ag: 125±2 mmHg) and females (Lean: 104±1 vs. Ag: 121±1 mmHg). Chronic leptin receptor inhibition reduced BP (AgMale: 117±2 and AgFemale: 112±5 mmHg) in both sexes supporting a role for leptin in the elevated BP. We assessed sympathetic tone by measuring BP response to ganglionic blockade and reported a bigger drop in BP in obese male mice only (LeanMale: -29±3 vs. AgMale: -44±4% vs. LeanFemale: -28±6 vs. AgFemale: -25±5%) suppo...
Dornbusch Was Wrong: There is no Convincing Evidence of Overshooting, Delayed or Otherwise

Author(s): Pippenger, John | Abstract: Several articles claim that Eichenbaum and Evans (1995) shows that nominal exchange rates experience a delayed version of Dornbusch overshooting. These same articles usually claim that impulse responses similar to those in Eichenbaum and Evans are evidence of such overshooting. But Eichenbaum and Evans never claim that their evidence implies overshooting, delayed or otherwise. More importantly, impulse response functions like those in Eichenbaum and Evans do not support overshooting. Three recent articles repeat this misinterpretation of the evidence. My objective is to use those articles to illustrate how the evidence about overshooting is widely misinterpreted. What is interpreted as supporting overshooting is at least as consistent with an efficient market as it is with overshooting.
NEW SOURCES OF GRAIN MOLD RESISTANCE AMONG SORGHUM ACCESSIONS FROM SUDAN

Fifty-nine sorghum accessions from Sudan were evaluated in replicated plots at Isabela, Puerto Rico, for resistance against Fusarium thapsinum , one of the causal agents of grain mold. The environmental conditions such as temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall during this study, especially at and after physiological maturity were optimal for grain mold development. Highly significant negative correlations between grain mold severity ratings in the field and on threshed grains with germination rate and seed weight were recorded, indicating that germination and seed weight were adversely affected when challenged with F . thapsinum . Temperature showed a significant negative correlation with grain mold severity and a significant positive correlation with germination rate. However, no significant correlation was observed between rainfall and grain mold severity or germination rate. Accessions PI570011, PI570027, PI569992, PI569882, PI571312, PI570759, and PI267548 exhibited the lowest grain mold severities and among the highest germination rates, indicating that these accessions may possess genetic resistance to grain mold and might be useful in sorghum enhancement programs. Four of these accessions had significantly higher germination rates than the resistant control genotypes with PI267548 having the highest germination rate. PI267548 was the only white seeded accessions showing significantly better grain mold resistance than the control genotypes.
Deciphering "Educational Hubs" Strategies: Rhetoric and Reality

Many governments in the Middle East and Southeast Asia have repositioned them as "education hub." Four realities of education hub strategies are described. First, institutions in education hubs are not always in close proximity. Second, there are education hubs that are primarily lead by the nongovernmental entities as sponsors though with the support of the government. Third, all education cities are designed to be education hubs, but not vice versa. Fourth, educational hubs are driven by the supply-side, rather than domestic demand.
Calculating horizons with perspective projection

The 2015 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) was held 10–15 May 2015 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. SEG has been a strong supporter of Intel ISEF since 1965. Intel ISEF encourages young people to develop a deeper interest in all facets of science and engineering. SEG supports this endeavor and particularly supports young people in developing an interest in scientific subjects related directly or indirectly to the earth sciences.
Lysine 2,3-aminomutase: is adenosylmethionine a poor man's adenosylcobalamin?

The interconversion of lysine and beta-lysine, which is catalyzed by lysine 2,3-aminomutase, is formally similar to the isomerization reactions catalyzed by adenosylcobalamin-dependent aminomutases...
Patterns of coexistence between two mesocarnivores in northern Patagonia in the presence of invasive hares and anthropogenic disturbance

We analysed coexistence patterns between two mesocarnivores, Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi: Felidae) and culpeo fox (Pseudalopex culpaeus: Canidae), in northern Patagonia, Argentina. We examined spatial distribution influenced by land cover, anthropogenic disturbance and invasive hare presence, and analysed temporal activity patterns and dietary composition. If competitive exclusion accounts for carnivore coexistence in this system, we predicted segregation would occur in one or more of these aspects as a mechanism for coexistence. We performed camera trapping in Nahuel Huapi National Park, from February to May 2012 and January to April 2013. Using camera detections, we analysed spatial patterns with co-occupancy modelling and temporal patterns by fitting kernel density estimates and measuring overlap. We performed a dietary meta-analysis using available literature and performed a discriminant function analysis of diet categories between species. We observed high spatial and temporal overlap between Geoffroy's cats and culpeo foxes. We found no evidence of segregation in relation to land cover occupancy, anthropogenic disturbance, invasive hare occurrence or activity patterns. Though both species consumed predominantly small and medium mammals, Geoffroy's cats consumed more birds, reptiles and amphibians, and culpeo foxes consumed more large mammals, carrion and plant material; coexistence between these two carnivores in this Patagonian protected area appears to be facilitated by diet segregation.
Low-intensity transitions in the decay of 88Rb

Abstract A study of the decay of 75 Se has revealed the presence of γ-rays with energies of 821.7±0.2 keV and 469.4±1.0 keV, which are attributed to the de-excitation of 75 As states previously reported at these energies. The γ-ray intensities (relative to I γ [265 keV] = 100) and the electron capture log ft values are: for the 821.7 keV state I γ = (2.16±0.10) × 10 −4 , log ft = 9.5; and for the 469.4 keV state I γ = (5.4±1.8) × 10 −4 , log f ′ t = 8.9. These results are consistent with current spin and parity assignments to the nuclear states involved.
Concurrent part assignment and tool allocation in FMS with material handling considerations

Abstract Two of the most important planning tasks in FMS are the determination of part assignment and tool allocation. This paper addresses part assignment and tool allocation concurrently with explicit considerations given to material handling issues. To that end, we provide a basic model, formulated as a linear integer model. Several alternative formulations are also included. The viability of the model results, when operational control strategies are incorporated, is investigated in several simulation experiments. The impact of material handling capacity on the operation of an FMS is demonstrated and analysed.
Degradation behavior of soy protein - wheat gluten films in simulated soil conditions.

Films containing soy protein and wheat gluten were exposed to simulated farmland soil mix over a period of 30 days and monitored for degradation. The simulated farmland soil mix (topsoil/sand/Sunshine compost/vermiculite, 59:6:25:10, wt %) was mixed and stored at ambient humidity (48−55%) and temperature (20−24 °C); the soil mix was constantly maintained at 15% moisture by weight. Research focused on evaluating the effectiveness of gluten and cysteine additions on biodegradable behavior in the simulated farmland soil conditions. The four types of films, soy protein (S:G 1:0); soy protein with cysteine addition (S:G 1:0 + CYS); soy protein−wheat gluten (S:G 4:1); and soy protein−wheat gluten with cysteine addition (S:G 4:1 + CYS), were prepared at pH 7.0 for degradation studies. Soy protein−gluten film rapidly degraded with 50% weight loss in about 10 days and with up to 95% weight loss in 30 days. Tensile strength and elongation of all soy protein−gluten films significantly decreased in 3 days. However, c...
Milliseconds Microfluidic Bubble Mixer Using Chaotic Advection

In this work, we report a novel passive micromixer based on the perturbation of chaotic micro-bubbles. The sample flows (ink solution and water) were co-injected with nitrogen in a flow focusing orifice to generate side-by-side laminar flows segmented by monodisperse bubbles. The bubble flow subsequently enters a mixing chamber downstream, upon which the hydrodynamic interactions between two adjacent bubbles result in the stretching and folding of the laminar flow interface, which leads to a rapid chaotic mixing and complete homogenization of two separated streams. Our technique provides a simple, passive, and effective mixing mechanism for sample homogenization in microfluidic devices.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Bacterial Ligands Generated in a Phagosome Are Targets of the Cytosolic Innate Immune System

Macrophages are permissive hosts to intracellular pathogens, but upon activation become microbiocidal effectors of innate and cell-mediated immunity. How the fate of internalized microorganisms is monitored by macrophages, and how that information is integrated to stimulate specific immune responses is not understood. Activation of macrophages with interferon (IFN)–γ leads to rapid killing and degradation of Listeria monocytogenes in a phagosome, thus preventing escape of bacteria to the cytosol. Here, we show that activated macrophages induce a specific gene expression program to L. monocytogenes degraded in the phago-lysosome. In addition to activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways, degraded bacteria also activated a TLR-independent transcriptional response that was similar to the response induced by cytosolic L. monocytogenes. More specifically, degraded bacteria induced a TLR-independent IFN-β response that was previously shown to be specific to cytosolic bacteria and not to intact bacteria localized to the phagosome. This response required the generation of bacterial ligands in the phago-lysosome and was largely dependent on nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2), a cytosolic receptor known to respond to bacterial peptidoglycan fragments. The NOD2-dependent response to degraded bacteria required the phagosomal membrane potential and the activity of lysosomal proteases. The NOD2-dependent IFN-β production resulted from synergism with other cytosolic microbial sensors. This study supports the hypothesis that in activated macrophages, cytosolic innate immune receptors are activated by bacterial ligands generated in the phagosome and transported to the cytosol.
Staphylococcic pneumonia in infants: Occurrenceof pneumopyothorax

Summary 1. Six cases of staphylococcie pneumonia in infants are reported. 2. Pneumopyothorax was a complication in four cases. It occurred before any diagnostic or therapeutic thoracentesis was performed. 3. Early empyema occurred in all cases. 4. Frequent roentgenologic examinations are the most valuable aid in early diagnosis of these complications. The importance of film studies in the erect position is stressed. 5. The clinical, therapeutic, and pathologic aspects of this highly fataldisease are discussed.
Physician-assisted dying.

Two recent articles have again piqued our interest in the subject of physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia. As noted by Chambaere et al, Belgium and the Netherlands in 2002, and Luxemburg in 2009, have decriminalized physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia. The issue is currently being debated in Canada. Two states in the United States have legalized physician-assisted suicide, namely, Oregon in 1997 and Washington State in 2009. In addition, the Montana Supreme Court has recently ruled that state law protects doctors in Montana from prosecution for helping terminally ill patients die. As reported in the New York Times, the Court sidestepped the larger landmark issue of whether physicianassisted suicide is a right guaranteed under the state’s constitution. In 2007, Chambaere et al conducted a large scale study of death certificates in Flanders, Belgium, where euthanasia is legal. Flanders is the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, which has about 6 million inhabitants and 55 000 deaths per year. A stratified sample of all death certificates from June to November 2007 was obtained consisting of 6927 death certificates. This represented 25% of deaths during the study period and approximately 12% of all deaths in Flanders in 2007. A 5-page questionnaire was sent to the attending physician in each case with 58.4% responding. Physicians were asked about end-of-life issues concerning the use of life-ending drugs with (assisted suicide or euthanasia) or without the patient’s explicit request. The investigators identified 208 assisted suicide or euthanasia deaths (weighed prevalence 2.0%) with an explicit request from the patient and 66 (weighted prevalence 1.8%) without an explicit request. The following is a summary of the patients’ characteristics and study results of the 2 groups:
The Effect of High-Temperature Stress on Ripening of Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum)

Summary The effects of high temperature stress on tomatoes ( Lycopersicon esculentum L. cv. «Flora-Dade») were studied at both the tissue and cellular levels. Ethylene-treated, mature-green fruit were stored at 37 °C, 55 % RH for 3 and 7 days, then ripened at 21 °C, 55 % RH. A control group was ripened at 21 °C, 55 RH continuously. Effects were monitored for a total period of 17 days. Tissue softening, red color development, and climacteric production of ethylene were delayed by high temperature. The rate of respiration and the respiratory control ratio were higher in mitochondria isolated from the stressed fruit than from the control. ATPase activity of mitochondria in the presence of Ca 2+ was affected by heat treatment within 3 days of storage at 37 °C. No effect due to high temperature storage was observed using electron microscopy.
Experimental Investigation of a Transonic Aspirated Compressor

The experimental investigation of a transonic aspirated stage demonstrating the application of boundary layer aspiration to increase stage work is presented. The stage was designed to produce a pressure ratio of 1.6 at a tip speed of 750 ft/s resulting in a stage work coefficient of 0.88. The primary aspiration requirement for the stage is a bleed fraction 0.5% of the inlet mass flow on the rotor and stator suction surfaces. Additional aspiration totaling 2.8% was also used at shock impingement locations and other locations on the hub and casing walls. Detailed rotor and stator flow field measurements, which include time-accurate and ensemble-averaged data, are presented and compared to three-dimensional viscous computational analyses of the stage. The stage achieved a peak pressure ratio of 1.58 and through-flow efficiency of 90% at the design point. In addition, the stage demonstrated good performance with an aspiration lower than the design requirement, and a significant off-design flow range below that predicted by the computational analysis.
THE HEART IN GAUCHER DISEASE: AN ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC STUDY

Gaucher disease (GD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of lysosomal storage resulting in accumulation of glucosylceramide in various organs. Cardiovascular involvement is well recognized, but the complete spectrum of cardiovascular phenotypes has never been documented. The aim of our study was to
Synthesis and Characterization of [NH2C(I)NH2]2ASnI5 with A = Iodoformamidinium or Formamidinium: The Chemistry of Cyanamide and Tin(II) Iodide in Concentrated Aqueous Hydriodic Acid Solutions

Crystals of the organic−inorganic compounds [NH2C(I)NH2]2ASnI5 (A = NH2C(I)NH2+ and NH2CHNH2+) have been grown in an inert atmosphere from slowly cooled aqueous hydriodic acid solutions, each with the same starting concentration of dissolved cyanamide and tin(II) iodide. Each compound can be achieved in high purity and yield simply by varying the thermal history of the solution during cooling. If one starts from lower temperatures, cyanamide rapidly undergoes an addition reaction to generate the iodoformamidinium cation, yielding crystals of [NH2C(I)NH2]3SnI5. At higher temperatures, iodoformamidinium is reduced to formamidinium and is ultimately hydrolyzed if heated further or left for long periods of time. When the solution is subjected to an intermediate thermal treatment of 24 h at 80 °C before slow cooling, both cations can be stabilized in the solid-state compound [NH2C(I)NH2]2(NH2CHNH2)SnI5. The [NH2C(I)NH2]3SnI5 structure has recently been reported in the monoclinic space group P21/c and consists ...
Binding of the protoxin and toxin proteins of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki on clay minerals

The equilibrium adsorption and binding of the delta-endotoxin proteins, i.e., the protoxins (Mr=132 kDa) and toxins (Mr=66 kDa), fromBacillus thuringiensis subsp.kurstaki were greater on montmorillonite than on kaolinite (five-fold more protoxin and three-fold more toxin were adsorbed on montmorillonite). Approximately two- to three-fold more toxin than protoxin was adsorbed on these clay minerals. Maximum adsorption occurred within 30 min (the shortest interval measured), and adsorption was not significantly affected by temperatures between 7° and 50°C. The proteins were more easily desorbed from kaolinite than from montmorillonite; they could not be desorbed from montmorillonite with water or 0.2% Na2CO3, but they could be removed with Tris-SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) buffer. Adsorption was higher at low pH and decreased as the pH increased. Adsorption on kaolinite was also dependent on the ionic nature of the buffers. The molecular mass of the proteins was unaltered after adsorption on montmorillonite, as shown by SDS-PAGE (polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) of the desorbed proteins; no significant modifications occurred in their structure as the result of binding on the clay, as indicated by infrared analysis; and there was no significant expansion of the clay by the proteins, as shown by x-ray diffraction analysis. The bound proteins appeared to retain their insecticidal activity against the third instar larvae ofTrichoplusia ni.
Soluble phosphate removal in the activated sludge process

Abstract This study is intended to be a full scale process feasibility study which will translate experimental results into a form which can be used by practicing engineers as part of the overall effort to combat eutrophication of our waters. Data collected to date show the process to be a reliable method for precipitating phosphorus from domestic wastewater while at the same time realizing enhanced removal of BOD. Detailed operating procedures and cost data are being developed and will be part of the final report.
Performance of and software for a modified Mantel-Haenszel statistic for correlated data

This paper presents the results of a small sample simulation study designed to evaluate the performance of a recently proposed test statistic for the analysis of correlated binary data. The new statistic is an adjusted Mantel-Haenszel test, which may be used in testing for association between a binary exposure and a binary outcome of interest across several fourfold tables when the data have been collected under a cluster sampling design. Al- though originally developed for the analysis of periodontal data, the proposed method may be applied to clustered binary data arising in a variety of settings, including longitu- dinal studies, family studies, and school-based research. The features of the simulation are intended to mimic those of a research study of periodontal health, in which a large number of observations is made on each of a relatively small number of patients. The simulation reveals that the adjusted test statistic performs well in finite samples, having empirical type I error rates close to no...
Melanoma of the feet: misdiagnosed and misunderstood

Acral lentiginous melanoma of the foot is a relatively rare but often very aggressive variant of melanoma. More commonly identified in patients with darker skin, diagnosis of the lesions is often delayed because the area is not routinely examined by patients or primary care physicians. In addition, these lesions often mimic other entities, including vascular lesions and infections. Greater awareness of this entity and performing appropriate biopsies will result in more timely diagnoses and improved survival.
Responses of Yield Characteristics to High Temperature During Flowering Stage in Hybrid Rice Guodao 6

Abstract By sowing at different dates during 2005 and 2006 both in paddy fields and greenhouse, a super hybrid rice combination Guodao 6 and a conventional hybrid rice combination Xieyou 46 (as control) were used to analyze the differences in heat injury index, seed setting rate, grain yield and its components. Guodao 6 showed more stable yield and spikelet fertility, and lower heat injury index than Xieyou 46. Further studies indicated that the spikelet sterility is positively correlated with the average daily temperature and the maximum daily temperature, with the coefficients of 0.8604 and 0.9850 (P
Non-invasive Field Measurements of Soil Water Content Using a Pulsed 14 MeV Neutron Generator

Abstract Current techniques of soil water content measurement are invasive and labor-intensive. Here, we demonstrate that an in situ soil carbon (C) analyzer with a multi-elemental analysis capability, developed for studies of terrestrial C sequestration, can be used concurrently to non-invasively measure the water content of large-volume (∼0.3 m3) soil samples. Our objectives were to investigate the correlations of the hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) signals with water to the changes in the soil water content in laboratory experiments, and in an agricultural field. Implementing prompt gamma neutron activation analyses we showed that in the field, the signal from the H nucleus better indicates the soil water content than does that from the O nucleus. Using a field calibration, we were able to use the H signal to estimate a minimum detectable change of ∼2% volumetric water in a 0–30 cm depth of soil.
Spread and Control of Potato Leafroll Virus in Minnesota

We compared importance of green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), and potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphormae (Thomas), apterae and alatae in secondary spread of potato leafroll virus (PLRV) and the control achieved with foliar sprays alone to that of conventional practice using a soil systemic. Density gradients of apterae were produced by application of insecticidal sprays. Spread of PLRV from centrally located infector units was monitored in foliage serologically. PLRV infection ranged from 23.7 to 74% in 1985 and 12.3 to 77.2% in 1986. PLRV infection was significantly correlated with cumulative green peach aphid and with potato aphid apterae-days both years. Green peach aphid was more abundant than potato aphid and alatae were few both years. At all distances (1-5 m) from infector units, infection across rows was 38.7-60.6% of that within rows. Steep gradients of PLRV infection with distance from infector units indicated short-distance movement of vectors and suggested that apterae were of prime importance in PLRV spread. Check plots without a PLRV source and not augmented with green peach apllid (1986 only) had a final PLRV incidence of 1.5%, indicating only minor invasion of these plots by viruliferous alatae. Weekly application of methamidophos sprays reduced PLRV incidence to that in plotstreated with aldicarb at planting and weekly methamidophos sprays. It should be feasible to develop a seed potato pest management program for Minnesota based on foliar sprays alone.
A note on the Hecke hypothesis and the determination of imaginary quadratic fields with class-number 1

Abstract The authors propose a hypothesis whose proof would provide, in particular, a solution of the “class-number 1” problem, recently solved by Stark and Baker.
Sugar and Amino Acid Transport from the Rat Uterine Lumen: Effects of Estrogen and Progesterone*

Sugar and amino acid transport and diffusion from the uterine lumen were evaluated in either castrated rats 4 or 24 h after iv injection of 17β-estradiol (0.1–10 μg) or in estrogen-primed castrated rats 12 or 24 h after iv injection of progesterone (25–250 μg). Uptake phenomena were evaluated by selectively exposing the uterine luminal surface to a Ringer's solution containing [U-14C]D-mannitol and [3H]3-O-methyl-D-glucose or [3H]α-aminoisobutyric acid for a 30-sec incubation. Diffusion (D-mannitol uptake) decreased significantly 4 h (but not 24 h) after estrogen and 12 and 24 h after progesterone treatment. [3H]3-O-methyl-D-glucose transport increased significantly both 4 h (120–380%) and 24 h (50–200%) after estrogen. Although [3H]3-O-methyl-D-glucose transport was not significantly changed from that in the vehicle-injected control 12 or 24 h after progesterone, comparison of the transport at 12 h (reduced) to that at 24 h (increased) revealed a significant difference in the responses to progesterone tr...
Growth and differentiation of secondary malpighian tubules in the cockroach, Periplaneta americana

Four differentiated Malpighian tubules (primary tubules) extend from the junction of the midgut and hindgut in newly hatched Periplaneta americana. Secondary tubules begin to develop near the base of the primary tubules before hatching and successive nymphal molts. The newly initiated tubules undergo cell division and extensive elongation through the middle of the following intermolt period. During this time, the cells of the distal, middle, and lower middle tubule regions are surrounded by a cellular sheath, have few cytoplasmic processes extending along their basal surfaces, have a small or nonexistent lumen, and contain extremely dilated cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum. The cellular sheath differentiates into the muscle which coils around the mature tubule. Tubules which begin development toward the end of one intermolt period begin to undergo cytodifferentiation toward the end of the next intermolt period. By the middle of an additional intermolt period, the basal infoldings and microvilli of cells in the distal, middle, and lower middle regions have the conformations typical for those regions in differentiated tubules; granular concretions and stellate cells are present within the middle region of the tubule.
New drug treatments for urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence remains a common and distressing condition affecting many women and is known to have a significant effect on quality of life (QoL). Whilst conservative and behavioural therapy are important in the management of women with both stress incontinence and overactive bladder (OAB) ultimately many may benefit from pharmacological therapy. Antimuscarinic drugs are the commonly used agents in the treatment of OAB although often compliance and persistence are affected by adverse effects. Consequently many newer agents remain under investigation. In addition duloxetine has recently been introduced for the management of women with stress incontinence and may offer an alternative to surgery in selected cases. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current and new developments in the management of women with urinary incontinence as well as reviewing the role of oestrogen therapy in relation to lower urinary tract dysfunction.