cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modification of monoclonal antibody carbohydrates by oxidation, conjugation, or deoxymannojirimycin does not interfere with antibody effector functions.

Site-specific attachment of metal chelators or cytotoxic agents to the carbohydrate region of monoclonal antibodies results in clinically useful immunoconjugates [Doerr et al. (1991) Ann Surg 214: 118, Wynant et al. (1991) Prostate 18: 229]. Since the capacity of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to mediate tumor cell lysis via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) may accentuate the therapeutic effectiveness of immunoconjugates, we determined whether site-specific modification of mAb carbohydrates interfered with these functions. The chemical modifications examined consisted of periodate oxidation and subsequent conjugation to either a peptide linker/chelator (GYK-DTPA) or a cytotoxic drug (doxorubicin adipic dihydrazide). mAb-associated carbohydrates were also modified metabolically by incubating hybridoma cells in the presence of a glucosidase inhibitor deoxymannojirimycin to produce high-mannose antibody. All four forms (unaltered, oxidized, conjugated and high-mannose) of murine mAb OVB-3 mediated tumor cell lysis via CDC. Similarly, equivalent ADCC was observed with native and conjugated forms of mAb OVB-3 and EGFR.1. ADCC was achieved with different murine effector cells such as naive (NS), poly (I*C)- and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated (SS) spleen cells, orCorynebacterium-parvum-elicited peritoneal cells (PEC). All murine effector cell types mediated tumor cell lysis but differed in potency such that PEC>SS>NS. Excellent ADCC activity was also demonstrable by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with OVB-3-GYK-DTPA and high-mannose OVB-3 mAb. ADCC activity was detectable in vivo: both native and conjugated OVB-3 inhibited growth of OVCAR-3 xenografts in nude mice primed withC. parvum. In conclusion, modification of mAb carbohydrates did not compromise their in vivo or in vitro biological functions. Therefore, combination therapy using immunomodulators to enhance the effector functions of site-specific immunoconjugates could be seriously contemplated.
MAINTENANCE OF CONSTANT LEAF TEMPERATURE BY PLANTS--II. EXPERIMENTAL OBSERVATIONS IN COTTON

Abstract Plants are generally assumed to be eurythermal poikilotherms. Several species have, however, exhibited narrow temperature ranges for optimum enzyme function that are uncharacteristic of eurythermic organisms. In order to determine the extent to which cotton plants are eurytherms, the leaf temperatures of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) grown in a fiberglass-covered greenhouse were monitored under eurythermal conditions. Leaf temperature, relative humidity, global and photosynthetically active radiation, air temperature and water use were measured continuously for 60 days. Homeothermic behavior by cotton plants was consistently observed when three environmental conditions were satisfied. These conditions were: (1) sufficient energy input to raise the leaf temperature to 27°C, (2) sufficient water available for transpiration, and (3) humidity low enough to allow evaporative cooling. Even with wide variations in air temperature (27–40°C), cotton maintained a normative plant temperature (Tn) of 27 ± 2°C. On the basis of this observation we conclude that cotton plants can function as limited homeotherms.
Treatment of Comorbid Conduct Problems and Depression in Youth: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this study was to pilot a cognitive behavioral treatment protocol for adolescents with co-occurring conduct problems and depression. A non-concurrent multiple baseline design was used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. A sample of five adolescents, aged 11 to 14 years, participated; all five families completed the protocol. Results indicated that symptoms of oppositionality were significantly reduced. Moreover, maternal ratings suggested significant improvements in emotion regulation in their children and cohesion in the family. However, symptoms of depression showed little improvement. Results of this study have implications for improving treatment outcomes for youth with these comorbid conditions and may lead to increased conceptual understanding of these comorbid problems.
Our Initial Experience With the Technique of Complete Primary Repair for Bladder Exstrophy

Objective: We reviewed our initial results with complete primary repair of exstro- phy in regard to continence status and the need for subsequent continence procedures. Patients and methods: We performed a retrospective review of our surgical records from 1996 to 2008 to identify all patients with bladder exstrophy managed at our center. Results: Sixteen children were closed successfully. Six patients (37.5%) experienced complica- tions: umbilical hernias in two, transient penopubic fistula in three, and subcoronal fistula due to meatal stenosis in one. Of the 12 males, seven (58.3%) were left with a hypospadias at the time of primary closure. Two (22.2%) children required a formal bladder neck reconstruction to achieve continence. Bladder augmentation and continent catheterizable stoma was performed in four cases (44.4%), and bladder neck injection in one case (11.1%). Bladder neck closure was also performed in another child following primary closure. Three of these children are conti- nent and void spontaneously (33.3%). The remaining six require clean intermittent catheteri- zation four to six times a day, resulting in four (44.4%) being continent. The number of continence procedures and mean number per patient were 15 and 1.66, respectively. Conclusion: Our early experience with this technique has been encouraging, with few major
Executives Sometimes Lose it, Just Like the Rest of Us

In our conceptualization of executive job demands, we sought to integrate a diverse body of literature from strategy, organization theory, and organizational behavior. Ganster suggests that such an integration of ideas is highly welcome but also incomplete. We build on several of Ganster's key points to further clarify the executive job demands construct, and we expand the range of possible research questions that come out of a more complete integration of ideas from the macro and micro spheres of organizational science.
THE ELITE QUESTION Toward a Normative Elite Theory of Organization

This article reviews different theoretical perspectives on elite theory, raises the long neglected elite question as a central issue in the analysis of power structure in modern organizations, and offers, for the first time, a normative elite theory of organization that is both descriptive and prescriptive and that has predictive as well as prescriptive powers. Noting the deficiencies of the traditional theories of organization premised on instrumental rationality and void of normative dimensions of politics and power structure, the article stresses the need for research in the neglected area of organizational elite to understand better and predict organizational behavior for the elites and nonelites, especially in the age of rapid structural changes that affect billions of people around the globe. Discussions cover the concept and assumptions of organizational elite, the macro and micro levels of organizational elite analysis, the concept of organizational elite cohesion, and the significance and implica...
Exogenous l-Arginine Ameliorates Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension and Renal Damage in Rats

Experiments were performed to determine whether exogenous L-arginine could ameliorate angiotensin II-induced hypertension and renal damage. Rats were instrumented with chronic indwelling femoral venous and arterial catheters for infusions of drugs and measurement of conscious arterial pressure. Arterial blood pressure significantly increased from 124±1 to 199±4 mmHg, following 9 days of continuous infusion of angiotensin II (20 ng/kg/min; i.v; n=6–9). In contrast, the increase in arterial pressure after 9 days of angiotensin II infusion was significantly blunted by 45% (P = 0.0003) in rats co-administered L-arginine (300 µg/kg/min; i.v; n=7–9). The glomerular injury index was significantly greater in rats administered angiotensin II in comparison to rats administered saline vehicle (P<0.001). Co-infusion of L-arginine significantly increased plasma nitrate/nitrite concentrations (P<0.001), and completely prevented angiotensin II-induced glomerular damage (P<0.001). Angiotensin II infusion alone, and combined angiotensin II plus L-arginine infusion significantly increased urinary albumin excretion. Albuminuria in rats administered angiotensin II plus L-arginine is likely to be due to increased intraglomerular pressure. Our experiments demonstrate that L-arginine can blunt angiotensin II induced hypertension and associated renal damage. This latter observation is most exciting as it indicates that increasing nitric oxide bioavailability, in addition to lowering arterial pressure, can greatly reduce hypertension induced renal damage.
Hypoxia promotes oxidative base modifications in the pulmonary artery endothelial cell VEGF gene

SPECIFIC AIMSThe conclusion that mitochondrially derived oxidants play a role in hypoxic signal transduction has remained controversial in part because of doubts concerning methods of free radical detection and because of theoretical objections to the notion that mitochondria are capable of increasing oxidant generation in a low oxygen environment. To help resolve this controversy, the present study tested the hypothesis that hypoxia causes oxidative modifications in mtDNA or in the nuclear vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) gene, the latter of which should serve as a negative control based on the relatively insensitive nuclear genome to oxidant stress in comparison to that in the mitochondria.PRINCIPAL FINDINGS1. Hypoxia causes an oxidant stress in pulmonary artery endothelial cells as detected by fluorescence of dichlorfluorescein (DCF)We used rat cultured main pulmonary artery cells (PAECs) as the model system for these studies because they are important in the integrated pulmonary vascular...
Long-term outcome in patients with pTxN+ adenocarcinoma of prostate treated with radical prostatectomy and early androgen ablation.

AbstractPurpose: We assessed retrospectively the outcome after bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy and radical prostatectomy for pathological pTxN+ adenocarcinoma of the prostate when treated with or without adjuvant androgen ablation therapy.Materials and Methods: A total of 790 men treated with radical prostatectomy for prostatic adenocarcinoma were found to have pTxN+ disease and treated further with or without androgen ablation therapy. Mean patient age was 64 years (range 40 to 79). Mean followup was 6.5 years, (range up to 25). Clinical stages were T2 or less in 60% of the cases, T3 in 38% and N+ in 2%. Gleason scores were 6 or less in 31% and 7 or greater in 69%. Deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy was diploid in 43%, tetraploid in 39% and aneuploid in 18%. Of the patients 96 (12%) received no androgen ablation therapy, with the remainder getting ablation therapy within 90 days of radical prostatectomy.Results: Of the patients 186 (24%) died, with 109 (14%) dying of prostatic anedocarcinoma. Overall (and cau...
Translating Innate Immunity into Immunological Memory: Implications for Vaccine Development

Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing infectious diseases. Despite the success of many vaccines, there is presently little knowledge of the immunological mechanisms that mediate their efficacy. Such information will be critical in the design of future vaccines against old and new infectious diseases. Recent advances in immunology are beginning to provide an intellectual framework with which to address fundamental questions about how the innate immune system shapes adaptive immunity. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about how the innate immune system modulates the quantity and quality of long-term T and B cell memory and protective immune responses to pathogens. In addition, we point out unanswered questions and identify critical challenges, the solution of which, we believe, will greatly facilitate the rational design of novel vaccines against a multitude of emerging infections.
Cholesterol Homeostasis Regulation by miR-223: Basic Science Mechanisms and Translational Implications

Cholesterol homeostasis is a tightly regulated process. Previous work has been dominated by sterol-response element—related mechanisms, but the influence of micro-RNAs (miRs) is increasingly recognized, with miR-223 becoming a recent member of this group. Several micro-RNAs (miRNAs or miR-) have been reported to be involved in cholesterol homeostasis.1–4 In a recent study, Vickers et al5 presented miR-223 as an important new player in this arena, one that they propose to be a coordinator of cholesterol homeostasis.5 This miRNA had been previously found to be rich in myeloid cells, where it regulates differentiation and inflammation,6,7 but the authors found that its abundance in hepatic cells is at least comparable with that of many functionally validated miRNAs. A relationship between miR-223 and cholesterol metabolism was suggested by finding its expression in human hepatoma (Huh7) cells was positively associated with intracellular cholesterol levels. In a series of studies in Huh7 cells, it was then shown that miR-223 (1) inhibited high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) uptake, (2) promoted cholesterol efflux, and (3) suppressed cholesterol biosynthesis. The authors also showed increased cholesterol levels in liver and plasma of miR-223 knockout mice, extending its involvement in cholesterol homeostasis in vitro to the in vivo setting. The experimental approaches taken are well established in the miRNA field and were coupled to a productive use of bioinformatics. This included investigating whether the effects of miR-223 on a particular RNA were direct, by cloning into a luciferase reporter plasmid the putative target sequence in the 3′-UTR of that mRNA (or this sequence deleted in nucleotides required for miR-223 binding). The effect of exogenously supplied miR-223 on luciferase activity in transfected HEK293 cells was then measured. Thus, they determined that the molecular mechanisms for the functional reductions in HDL-C uptake and cholesterol biosynthesis …
Growth responses to and accumulation of mercury by ectomycorrhizal fungi.

Abstract Heavy metals have been shown to negatively affect the growth of ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF). In addition, ECMF have been shown to accumulate heavy metals and to protect host trees from metal toxicity. However, specific literature on the interactions between ECMF and mercury (Hg) is scant. This paper describes the responses of ECMF to Hg in axenic culture conditions. Six ECMF from an area with no known history of direct Hg contamination were tested to determine their sensitivity to Hg. ECMF were incubated on solid medium amended with Hg (0–50 μM) as HgCl 2 and the effect of Hg on radial growth was determined. The effect of preexposure cultivation on Hg sensitivity, the effect of Hg on biomass production, and the ability to accumulate Hg were determined for four of the ECMF. At micromolar concentrations, Hg significantly inhibited the radial growth rate of ECMF. This inhibitory effect was lessened in some ECMF when an established colony was exposed to Hg. Mercury lowered biomass production by some ECMF, and ECMF accumulate Hg from a solid growth substrate in direct relation to the amount of Hg added to the media. Possible implications for ECMF communities in Hg-impacted areas are discussed.
Activation and characterization of a cryptic polycyclic tetramate macrolactam biosynthetic gene cluster

Polycyclic tetramate macrolactams (PTMs) are a widely distributed class of natural products with important biological activities. However, many of these PTMs have not been characterized. Here we apply a plug-and-play synthetic biology strategy to activate a cryptic PTM biosynthetic gene cluster SGR810-815 from Streptomyces griseus and discover three new PTMs. This gene cluster is highly conserved in phylogenetically diverse bacterial strains and contains an unusual hybrid polyketide synthase-nonribosomal peptide synthetase, which resembles iterative polyketide synthases known in fungi. To further characterize this gene cluster, we use the same synthetic biology approach to create a series of gene deletion constructs and elucidate the biosynthetic steps for the formation of the polycyclic system. The strategy we employ bypasses the traditional laborious processes to elicit gene cluster expression and should be generally applicable to many other silent or cryptic gene clusters for discovery and characterization of new natural products.
A Line-Balancing Strategy for Designing Flexible Assembly Systems

We present a rough-cut analysis tool that quickly determines a few potential cost-effective designs at the initial design stage of flexible assembly systems (FASs) prior to a detailed analysis such as simulation. It uses quantitative methods for selecting and configuring the components of an FAS suitable for medium to high volumes of several similar products. The system is organized as a series of assembly stations linked with an automated material-handling system moving parts in a unidirectional flow. Each station consists of a single machine or of identical parallel machines. The methods exploit the ability of flexible hardware to switch almost instantaneously from product to product. Our approach is particularly suitable where the product mix is expected to be stable, since we combine the hardware-configuration phase with the task-allocation phase. For the required volume of products, we use integer programming to select the number of stations and the number of machines at each station and to allocate tasks to stations. We use queueing network analysis, which takes into account the mean and variance of processing times among different products to determine the necessary capacity of the material-handling system. We iterate between the two analyses to find the combined solution with the lowest costs. Work-in-process costs are also included in the analysis. Computational results are presented.
Treatment Strategies for Auricular Avulsions: Best Practice

Traumatic amputation and lacerations of the auricle pose a special challenge to the facial plastic surgeon for several reasons. There is considerable variability in terms of injury location, severity, and etiology, all of which can affect the outcome of the patient’s repair. Second, the complexity and visibility of the external ear anatomy creates a reconstructive challenge both in the immediate postinjury period and later, if a definitive reconstruction is necessary. Lastly, there are a multitude of reconstructive options with no gold standard technique showing consistent results. The auricle is susceptible to trauma due to its protrusion from the lateral aspect of the head, which increases its vulnerability to shearing injuries and lacerations. Injuries are most often caused by motor vehicle crashes, followed by fights, including human bites. 1 For the purposes of this article, we define auricular avulsion as loss of any portion or the entirety of the auricle, with no existing skin bridges or soft-tissue attachments to the head. The auricular anatomy is unique compared with any other structure in the body. The finely detailed architecture of the auricular cartilage creates the framework, but the ear relies on the perichondrium from its thin skin covering to provide its vascular supply. While the precise depressions and landmarks that define the anatomy of the auricle may be difficult for a layperson to describe, minor distortion can be perceived as disfig
Markedly Increased Mesiotemporal Lobe Metabolism in a Case with PLEDs: Further Evidence that PLEDs are a Manifestation of Partial Status Epilepticus

Summary: The pathophysiologic and clinical significance of periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) is unclear; whether PLEDs represent an ictal condition that should be treated remains uncertain. We performed FDG-positron emission computed tomography (FDG-ET) in a patient with PLEDs at 3 days, 18 days, and 10 weeks after onset. During left temporal PLEds, the initial scan showed intense hypermetabolism of the left mesiotemporal region. The second scan, performed when PLEDs were resolving, displayed reduced hypermetabolism. The follow-up scan, when PLEDs had resolved, showed left temporal hypometabolism. These findings, together with clinical evidence from the literature, are compatible with the interpretation that PLEDs represent partial status epilepticus (SE); whether vigorous therapy is required to prevent neuronal damage from this focal seizure activity remains uncertain.
Communication complexity in distributed algebraic computation

Consideration is given to a situation in which two processors, P/sub 1/ and P/sub 2/, are to evaluate a collection of functions f/sub 1/, . . . f/sub s/ of two vector variables x, y under the assumption that processor P/sub 1/ (respectively, P/sub 2/) has access only to the value of the variable x (respectively, y) and the functional form of f/sub 1/,. . ., f/sub s/. Bounds on the communication complexity (the amount of information that has to be exchanged between the processors) are provided. An almost optimal bound is derived for the case of one-way communication when the functions are polynomials. Lower bounds for the case of two-way communication that improve on earlier bounds are also derived. As an application, the case in which x and y are n*n matrices and f(x,y) is a particular entry of the inverse of x+y is considered. Under a certain restriction on the class of allowed communication protocols, an Omega (n/sup 2/) lower bound is obtained. The results are based on certain tools from classical algebraic geometry and field extension theory. >
Temperature and the Retrogradation of Starch

SUMMARY Cornstarch sols (2%) were prepared at a series of gelatinization temperatures (80–127°C) and stored at 1, 37, and 70°C. At 1°C storage, retrogradatios was slower as the temperature of gelatinization was greater. At 37°C storage, no retrogradation occurred in samples gelatinized at lower temperatures, and solubilization took place in samples gelatinized at higher temperatures. At 70°C storage, solubilization occurred in all samples, but more rapidly as the temperature of gelatinization was greater.
Bizarre delusions and DSM-III-R schizophrenia.

Objective: Bizarre delusions are assigned greater weight relative to other delusions in the DSM-III-R diagnosis ofschizophrenia. The decision to emphasize bizarre delusions was based largely on historical tradition rather than empiricalevidence. This study examined 1) the extent to which a history of bizarre delusions contributes to the diagnosis of schizophrenia and 2) whether schizophrenic patients with bizarre delusions constitute a clinically distinguishable subgroup. Method: Two hundred fourteen consecutively admitted psychotic inpatients were assessed for bizarre delusions according to the DSM-III-R criteria. Clinical and demographic correlates ofbizarre delusions were examined in subsets ofpatients diagnosed as schizophrenic according to DSM-III-R who also received CT scans and neuropsychological testing. Results: With the base prevalence rate for schizophrenia of 0. 71, bizarre delusions had a sensitivity of 0. 79, a specificity of 0.56, and a positive predictive power of 0.82 for the diagnosis of schizophrenia (N=152) relative to other psychotic disorders (N=62). Clinical, neurobehavioral, CT scan, and premorbid adjustment data on the schizophrenic patients indicated that beyond manifesting more severe positive symptoms, patients with bizarre delusions did not otherwise constitute a clinically distinguishable subgroup. Conclusions: The data suggest that criterion A for the diagnosis of schizophrenia in DSM-IV could be improved by removing the special emphasis that was placed on bizarre delusions in DSM-III-R. (Am J Psychiatry 1992; 149:494-499)
Fifty Years of Grief: Accounts and Reported Psychological Reactions of Normandy Invasion Veterans

AbstractFrom Normandy combat veterans, we obtained narrative evidence on the experiences of loss and grief associated with their involvement in the invasion in France, June 6, 1944. Twelve veterans were interviewed in person in Nor-mandy at the time of the 1994 reunion, and 31 were subsequently interviewed by telephone. We present veterans' reports of battle experiences on D-Day and how they believe those experiences were manifest in psychological reactions over the last 50 years. Our analysis of these reports is framed by a theoretical conception that emphasizes the value of developing and communicating story-like constructions, which we refer to as accounts, as a constructive way of psychologically coping with severe stressors and loss over time. Most of the veterans reported lifelong grieving associated with their losses at Normandy. This grief recurred for most on anniversary dates and when thinking of war and death in general. For some, it was manifest in compelling, regular thoughts about the loss of their friends and their firsthand experiences of loss during the D-Day fighting. Many veterans also reported years of depression associated with their war experience. Some indicated that they kept their stories and feelings mostly private over the half century, and only now, around the time of the commemoration, did they open up. Veterans who indicated that they coped best with their trauma over time emphasized the healing power of working on and telling their stories to close others. (Grief Work, Social and Clinical Psy-chology)"These are the fathers we never knew, the uncles we never met, the friends who never returned, the heroes we can never repay."-President Bill Clinton speak-ing at the American cemetery near Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, June 6, 1994."I don't think there's a day that goes by that I don't think and grieve about it. When you think about it, you think it was just yesterday. It's so clear in my mind. I'll never forget."-Normandy combat veteran, age 74, reflecting on his experience during the D-Day invasion.
Omega Production in π + d-->π + π - π 0 pp at 4.19 GeV/c

We report on \ensuremath{\sim}340 events of the reaction ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\omega}}^{0}p$ at a beam momentum of 4.19 GeV/c. The differential cross section shows neither a broad dip for $tl\ensuremath{-}0.2$ ${(\mathrm{G}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{2}$ nor a dip in the region $t\ensuremath{\approx}\ensuremath{-}0.6$ ${(\mathrm{G}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{2}$. There is a 2-standard-deviation dip in ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{00}$ between $t=\ensuremath{-}0.2$ and $t=\ensuremath{-}0.3$ ${(\mathrm{G}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{2}$ and a small negative value of $\mathrm{Re}{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{10}$ for $tl\ensuremath{-}1.0$ ${(\mathrm{G}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{2}$. The dip in ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{00}$ is consistent with the vanishing, in that region of $t$, of an exchanged trajectory with unnatural parity. A simple Regge-model calculation with $\ensuremath{\rho}+B$ exchange does not reproduce the data.
Basic Principles of Gastric Surgery

(1957). Basic Principles of Gastric Surgery. Postgraduate Medicine: Vol. 22, No. 4, pp. 376-381.
Post-feminism for children: feminism ‘repackaged’ in the Bratz films

After their release in 2001, Bratz dolls carved into Barbie’s previously monopolistic share of teen doll sales. Amidst their growing popularity, cultural critics expressed a host of concerns about Bratz dolls, especially over how they sexualize youth, but the line grew to include a host of products like costumes, makeup kits, games, books, clothing, and movies. It also inspired new, similar doll lines from other toy companies. In this article, we situate the Bratz’s popularity in a specific cultural moment tied to the history of modern feminism. We use a content analysis of the Bratz movie series to explore the feminist and post-feminist thematics it contains. We identify the images of girlhood that are being marketed through the films and explore how the series repackages not only girlhood but also feminism itself in a way that encourages girls to exchange political power for purchasing power.
318 INTRA-ABDOMINAL FAT PREDICTS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE METABOLIC SYNDROME IN NON-DIABETIC JAPANESE-AMERICANS

Visceral adiposity is an important risk factor for both coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Recent cross-sectional studies demonstrated that intra-abdominal fat (IAF) was a major determinant of the metabolic syndrome. We hypothesized that higher intra-abdominal fat independently predicts the development of the metabolic syndrome and each of the individual criteria in Japanese-Americans. Research Design and Methods 495 Japanese-American men (n=250, mean age 51.8 years, mean BMI 25.0 kg/m2) and women (n=245, mean age 52.3 years, mean BMI 22.8 kg/m2) without diabetes or the metabolic syndrome at baseline were studied. At baseline and at 5-year and 10-year follow-up, IAF area by CT, fasting plasma glucose and insulin, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and waist circumference were measured. Insulin resistance (IR) was estimated by the fasting insulin (FI) level. Linear regression was used to estimate the association between IAF, IR and the development of metabolic syndrome as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III at 5- and 10-year follow-up. Results The 5-year incidence of the metabolic syndrome was 7.1% (7.0% in men and 7.2% in women), and the 10-year incidence was 9.1% (11.3% in men and 6.8% in women). IAF area at baseline was associated with metabolic syndrome incidence at 5 years (coefficient=0.022, p≤0.001) and at 10 years (coefficient=0.017, p≤0.001) after adjusting for age and gender. FI level at baseline was also significantly associated with metabolic syndrome incidence at 5 years (coefficient=0.073, p=0.001) and at 10 years (coefficient=0.074, p = 0.001), but this finding was not independent of IAF. Furthermore, baseline IAF was significantly associated with each individual criteria of the metabolic syndrome at both 5- and 10-year follow-up. Conclusions IAF area at baseline independently predicts the development of the metabolic syndrome and each of its individual criterion in Japanese-Americans in both short (5 years) and long term (10 years) follow-up. IAF appears to have a stronger association with metabolic syndrome incidence than does insulin resistance.
Vaginal colonization with resistant aerobic bacteria after antibiotic therapy for endometritis

To assess the effect of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy upon vaginal colonization, we collected vaginal specimens for culturing at the end of therapy from 50 patients treated for postcesarean section endometritis. Infected patients had participated in a double-blind therapy protocol and had received either clindamycin plus gentamicin or cefamandole plus placebo. Repeat vaginal culturing was performed 6 weeks later. Similar vaginal specimens for culturing were collected from 25 control patients who also had undergone cesarean section but had not received antibiotics. Of 26 patients treated with cefamandole, 16 (62%) developed vaginal colonization with isolates resistant to that drug; of 24 patients treated with clindamycin-gentamicin, two (8%) developed isolates resistant to these agents (p less than 0.001). Among 25 control patients, there was only one isolate resistant to cefamandole and none resistant to clindamycin-gentamicin. Compared to controls, more antibiotic-treated patients developed isolates resistant to cefamandole (p = 0.001) and to clindamycin-gentamicin (p = 0.06). Colonization did not persist, and there were no late infections in this population.
Levetiracetam for the Treatment of Seizures in Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam in treatment of neonatal seizures due to hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Seizures often persist in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy despite phenobarbital. A retrospective single-center study was conducted in neonates ≥36 weeks gestation with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. A total of 127 neonates were identified born 2008-2015. Clinical seizures occurred in 83 infants. Fifty-one neonates (61%) had cessation of seizures with only phenobarbital. Thirty-two neonates received levetiracetam after phenobarbital, and the seizures stopped in 27 of these neonates. The mean total loading dose of levetiracetam was 63 mg/kg. Mean maintenance dose of levetiracetam was 65 mg/kg/d. We found no negative side effects in neonates following levetiracetam use. Our study finds that levetiracetam is an efficacious medication in treatment of seizures in the setting of neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Future prospective studies should explore its use as a first-line medication.
Performance space diagram for the evaluation of high- and low-temperature asphalt mixture performance

This paper presents a simple, yet powerful method for simultaneously evaluating the high- and low-temperature performance of asphalt paving mixtures for the purpose of mixture design, evaluation, and forensic investigation. A performance-space diagram approach is described, with an emphasis on Hamburg-DC(T) plots presented in this paper. Specifically, a plot of Hamburg wheel tracking results, plotted in reverse order on the y-axis using an arithmetic scale, along with DC(T) fracture energy results, plotted on the x-axis, constitutes the Hamburg-DC(T) plot. Plotting candidate mixture designs, research results, and so on yields a surprising amount of insight into mixture variables that affect overall performance. For instance, substitution of one straight-run binder grade for another results in a clear, predictable trade-off in the Hamburg-DC(T) performance space. Polymer-modified grades, on the other hand, provide a more beneficial shift in the Hamburg-DC(T) space. The benefits of using this approach in th...
On quasi maximum-likelihood estimation of dynamic panel data models

This note gives a simplification of the parameter identification condition provided in Phillips (2010) for quasi maximum-likelihood estimation of dynamic panel data models. Using this simplification, the note shows that for the first-order autoregressive panel data model the parameters are guaranteed to be identified if the number of observations per cross-sectional unit is large enough. The simplification is also used to provide numerical evidence that “large enough” is small.
The value of 4D seismic: Has the promise been fulfilled?

Abstract Time-lapse (4D) seismic is a key component of an asset's reservoir surveillance strategy. Its value lies in optimizing field developments because it enables the detection of reservoir changes due to production, and it allows for timely corrective action toward optimal field management. In producing assets, 4D seismic adds incremental economic value by providing 3D information on the dynamic performance of reservoirs. This can occur during each of the four phases of the life of a field: first, by helping extend the field's base production and injection plateau through the identification of infill target areas (bypassed hydrocarbons) or areas of inefficient injection support; second, by adjusting depletion plans and optimizing hydrocarbon recovery mechanisms and their efficiency; third, by rejuvenating the field through taking advantage of existing infrastructure to develop stranded pools and targeting poorly swept areas of the field; and fourth, by managing the life of field more effectively throu...
Effect of Thirst Drive Conditioning on Shuttle Performance by Satiated Rats

Shuttle runs between white and black sides of a shuttle box by satiated rats previously exposed to one side of the shuttle box during the 22nd hr. of water privation were faster than runs by a control group conditioned in a distinctively different apparatus. Less stable, statistically insignificant differences occurred among groups conditioned during the 2nd hr. of privation. Experimental groups failed to run faster on trials started in the conditioned compartment (escape trials) than on trials terminating in the conditioned compartment (avoidance trials); but comparable groups showed such a difference after shuttle compartments were made discriminable by floor cues as well as by color. The escape-avoidance difference was then largest for groups conditioned during the 2nd hr. of privation.
Influence of race, insurance status, and geographic access to plastic surgeons on immediate breast reconstruction rates.

Abstract Background This study evaluates the rates of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) among racial and insurance status subgroups, in the setting of a changing plastic surgeon workforce. Methods Using state level inpatient and ambulatory surgery data, we identified discharges for adult women who underwent mastectomy for breast cancer. This information was supplemented with plastic surgeon workforce data and aggregated to the health service area-level (HSA). Hierarchical linear models were used to risk standardized IBR rates for 8 race-payer subgroups. Results The final cohort included 65,246 women treated across 67 HSAs. The plastic surgeon density per 100,000 population directly related to the IBR rate. While all subgroups saw a modest increase in IBR rates, Caucasian women with private insurance realized the largest absolute increase (46%) while African-American and Asian women with public insurance saw the smallest increase (6%). Conclusion Significant disparities persist in the provision of IBR according to the form of insurance a patient possesses. Of heightened concern is the novel finding that even within privately insured patients, women of color have significantly lower IBR rates compared to Caucasian women.
Two new species of Monstera (Araceae: Monsteroideae) with entire leaves from Panama and Costa Rica.

The genus Monstera (Araceae) has a history of problematic taxonomy due to the large number of existing names, their incorrect application, and prevalence of incomplete herbarium specimens. Recent field exploration and study of herbarium collections has led to the discovery of several new species of Monstera, especially in Central America. Here we describe Monstera anomala and M. integrifolia, two new species from Panama and Costa Rica with entire, non-fenestrate mature leaves.
NON-SUSTAINED VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA IN EXERCISE TESTING: NOT SO BENIGN

Relevance of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) recorded during treadmill exercise testing (TMET) is unknown. Residents of Olmsted and neighboring counties undergoing clinically indicated TMET with the Bruce or modified McNaughton protocol at the Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota between
Gendered Social Institutions and Preventive Healthcare Seeking for Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: The Promise of Biomedical HIV Prevention

Research on gender and health, including research conducted among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM), has primarily focused on how gender norms and roles shape healthcare engagement. Here we advance that work by demonstrating how a broader theorization of gender, particularly one that moves beyond gender norms and performance to incorporate structures such as the healthcare system and the labor market, can facilitate an understanding of how gender affects preventive healthcare seeking among BMSM, particularly the uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a promising approach to alleviate HIV disparities. This article is based on a year-long ethnographic study conducted in New York City with BMSM (n = 31; three interviews each) and community stakeholders (n = 17). Two primary findings emerged: (1) the labor market systematically excluded the men in our sample, which limited their ability to access employer-sponsored healthcare. Such discrimination may promote overt demonstrations of masculinity that increase their HIV vulnerability and decrease healthcare seeking, and (2) healthcare systems are not structured to promote preventive healthcare for men, particularly BMSM. In fact, they constrained men’s access to primary providers and were usually tailored to women. Applying a structural, gendered lens to men’s health—in addition to the more frequently researched individual or interpersonal levels—provides insight into factors that affect healthcare seeking and HIV prevention for BMSM. These findings have implications for the design of policies and institutional reforms that could enhance the impact of PrEP among BMSM. Findings are also relevant to the management of chronic disease among men more broadly.
Discrimination of Blur in Normal and Amblyopic Eyes

The ability to respond and accommodate appropriately to a defocused and perceptually blurred target requires one to be able to discriminate changes in overall contrast and edge sharpness (Fry., 1955; Fujii et al, 1970; Hamerly and Dvorak, 1981; Watt and Morgan, 1983; Ciuffreda and Rumpf, 1985; Ciuf-freda et al., 1987) as well as other attributes (such as chromatic aberration, spherical aberration, etc.) of the retinal image (Fry., 1955; Campbell and West-heimer, 1959; Fujii et al., 1970). Inability to do so would adversely affect accommodative accuracy and quality of the retinal image (Fry., 1955; Fujii et al., 1970; Ciuffreda and Rumpf, 1985). This, in turn, could impair one’s visual resolution and visual efficiencY., perhaps even leading to general visual discomfort. Such results might be predicted to be found, and indeed exaggerated, in amblyopic eyes in which overall reduced sensitivity is the norm (Schapero, 1971; Ciuffreda et al., 1991).
Can euphoria be bad

Mesmerized by euphoria over the promise of drug-eluting stents, cardiologists have paid surprisingly scant attention to the results of the Intracoronary Stenting and Angiographic Results-Strut Thickness Effect on Restenosis Outcome (ISAR-STEREO-2) trial since its first report in March 2002. This
Direct Electrical Stimulation of Lateral Orbitofrontal Cortex Acutely Improves Mood in Individuals with Symptoms of Depression

Mood disorders cause significant morbidity and mortality, and existing therapies fail 20%-30% of patients. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an emerging treatment for refractory mood disorders, but its success depends critically on target selection. DBS focused on known targets within mood-related frontostriatal and limbic circuits has been variably efficacious. Here, we examine the effects of stimulation in orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), a key hub for mood-related circuitry that has not been well characterized as a stimulation target. We studied 25 subjects with epilepsy who were implanted with intracranial electrodes for seizure localization. Baseline depression traits ranged from mild to severe. We serially assayed mood state over several days using a validated questionnaire. Continuous electrocorticography enabled investigation of neurophysiological correlates of mood-state changes. We used implanted electrodes to stimulate OFC and other brain regions while collecting verbal mood reports and questionnaire scores. We found that unilateral stimulation of the lateral OFC produced acute, dose-dependent mood-state improvement in subjects with moderate-to-severe baseline depression. Stimulation suppressed low-frequency power in OFC, mirroring neurophysiological features that were associated with positive mood states during natural mood fluctuation. Stimulation potentiated single-pulse-evoked responses in OFC and modulated activity within distributed structures implicated in mood regulation. Behavioral responses to stimulation did not include hypomania and indicated an acute restoration to non-depressed mood state. Together, these findings indicate that lateral OFC stimulation broadly modulates mood-related circuitry to improve mood state in depressed patients, revealing lateral OFC as a promising new target for therapeutic brain stimulation in mood disorders.
A Bayesian model updating approach for detection-related problems in water distribution networks

Abstract A Bayesian system identification technique is proposed for detection-related problems in the context of water distribution networks. The identification process is combined with a hydraulic simulation model for performing steady and unsteady analyses. In particular, leakage detection in water pipe networks is examined. A number of hydraulic model classes are defined as potential leakage events. Based on information from flow rates in the pipes, the implemented simulation-based Bayesian model updating technique provides estimates of the most probable leakage scenarios. Such scenarios correspond to the model classes that maximize their posterior probabilities. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is illustrated by applying the leakage detection approach to a complex water distribution system. Issues such as the effect of model and measurement errors, number of flow tests at each monitoring location, and sensor number and location on the performance of the detection methodology are addressed.
Method of lines with boundary elements for 1-D transient diffusion-reaction problems

Time-dependent differential equations can be solved using the concept of method of lines (MOL) together with the boundary element (BE) representation for the spatial linear part of the equation. The BE method alleviates the need for spatial discretization and casts the problem in an integral format. Hence errors associated with the numerical approximation of the spatial derivatives are totally eliminated. An element level local cubic approximation is used for the variable at each time step to facilitate the time marching and the nonlinear terms are represented in a semi-implicit manner by a local linearization at each time step. The accuracy of the method has been illustrated on a number of test problems of engineering significance. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2006
Tips for Teaching Library Instruction and Information Literacy to First-Gen College Students, Nontraditional Students, or English as a Second Language (ESL) Students

Librarians are charged with providing effective library instruction (i.e., how to utilize the library, how to conduct research, etc.) while also effectively teaching library users information liter...
Immunity to commensal papillomaviruses protects against skin cancer

Immunosuppression increases the risk of cancers that are associated with viral infection1. In particular, the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin-which has been associated with beta human papillomavirus (β-HPV) infection-is increased by more than 100-fold in immunosuppressed patients2-4. Previous studies have not established a causative role for HPVs in driving the development of skin cancer. Here we show that T cell immunity against commensal papillomaviruses suppresses skin cancer in immunocompetent hosts, and the loss of this immunity-rather than the oncogenic effect of HPVs-causes the markedly increased risk of skin cancer in immunosuppressed patients. To investigate the effects of papillomavirus on carcinogen-driven skin cancer, we colonized several strains of immunocompetent mice with mouse papillomavirus type 1 (MmuPV1)5. Mice with natural immunity against MmuPV1 after colonization and acquired immunity through the transfer of T cells from immune mice or by MmuPV1 vaccination were protected against skin carcinogenesis induced by chemicals or by ultraviolet radiation in a manner dependent on CD8+ T cells. RNA and DNA in situ hybridization probes for 25 commensal β-HPVs revealed a significant reduction in viral activity and load in human skin cancer compared with the adjacent healthy skin, suggesting a strong immune selection against virus-positive malignant cells. Consistently, E7 peptides from β-HPVs activated CD8+ T cells from unaffected human skin. Our findings reveal a beneficial role for commensal viruses and establish a foundation for immune-based approaches that could block the development of skin cancer by boosting immunity against the commensal HPVs present in all of our skin.