cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complications associated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein use in pediatric craniocervical arthrodesis: Clinical article

Object Management of pediatric occipitocervical instability remains especially challenging. The off-label use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)-2 for spinal fusion has increased with a well-documented increase in fusion rate in many case series. Unfortunately, recent reports have documented complications associated with rhBMP use in adult spinal fusions. Complications associated with the use of rhBMP in pediatric spinal surgery is less well understood. In this study the authors report on the fusion rate and complications associated with rhBMP in pediatric occipitocervical arthrodesis. Methods The authors reviewed the medical records of those patients 18 years old and younger who underwent dorsal occipitocervical fusion from January 2004 to December 2007 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Forty-eight patients were identified who received rhBMP-augmented fusion. The clinical outcome and complications of these fusions were analyzed. Results All 48 patients had fusion confi...
Sensor-less checkpoint activation?

DNA damage activates a set of proteins whose job is to delay the cell cycle until the damage is repaired. This process was thought to involve the detection of damage by sensor proteins, which transmit a signal to a key protein kinase and thence to downstream targets. Unexpectedly, damage can also activate the kinase directly.
Carbon nanomaterials rescue phenanthrene toxicity in zebrafish embryo cultures

Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Carbon Blacks (CB) are known to carry wide varieties of adsorbed, potentially toxic chemicals resulting from their manufacturing, typically including metals and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Instead of desorption of these adsorbates into aqueous milieu, substantial high-affinity adsorption of the aqueous dispersed PAH, phenanthrene to MWCNTs and CB from aqueous solutions and dispersions is reported. Phenanthrene adsorption to aqueous dispersed carbon nanomaterials phases was measured using isotherms and then exploited to remove toxic levels of phenanthrene from aqueous media incubating zebrafish embryos (ZFEs) as a whole organism toxicity screening system. Remarkable reduction in phenanthrene-induced ZFE toxicity was observed using two experiments: one comparing PAH concentration-dependent rescue of ZFE viability from MWCNTs compared to carbon black (CB), and a second examining kinetics of the ZFE rescue by MWCNTs vs. CB incubations after initial ZFE exposure to phenanthrene for 2 hours. Phenanthrene LD50 concentration in the absence of any carbon-based sorbent increases dramatically to 10 μg ml−1 in the presence of either 81.3 μg ml−1 MWCNTs or 81.5 μg ml−1 CB materials. When CB and MWCNTs were added to ZFEs previously exposed to 10 μg ml−1 phenanthrene for 2 hours, significant rescue of ZFE viability was observed in CB-treated embryos while no ZFE rescue was observed in MWCNT-treated ZFEs. This result is consistent with an expected carbon nanomaterial surface area-dependent ZFE rescue effect: CB exhibits a higher Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area than the MWCNTs used, with higher adsorption capacity likely for phenanthrene, yielding ZFE rescue from toxicity.
Suppressive role of the islet-acinar axis in the perfused rat pancreas.

Abstract Background: The stimulating effects of insulin on the exocrine pancreas are well known. The effects of other islet hormones, however, are controversial. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the isletacinar axis, as a whole, is stimulatory or inhibitory. Because we have shown that retrograde perfusion reverses the islet-acinar directed microcirculation, retrograde perfusion was expected to remove the overall effects of islet hormones from the acinar tissue. Methods: Rat pancreata were perfused (7 mmol/L glucose plus 3 mmol/L mixed amino acids) either anterogradely or retrogradely. Pancreatic juice flow, protein output, and amylase output were measured. Results: When perfusion was switched from anterograde to retrograde, juice flow increased threefold without changes in protein and amylase output. When cerulein (10 −10 mol/L) was infused, retrograde protein and amylase responses were larger than anterograde responses (each, n=7; 2.71 ± 0.23 vs. 1.71 ± 0.11 mg/40 minutes; 173 ± 17 vs. 98 ± 8 U/40 minutes; mean ± SE; both, P −9 mol/L) reduced the retrograde protein and amylase responses, but not juice flow, to the anterograde response levels. Conversely, these peptides did not affect exocrine function during anterograde perfusion. Conclusions: A suppressive role of the islet-acinar axis via endogenous somatostatin and/or pancreatic polypeptide is suggested.
Nosocomial infections: ethical opinions

This article discuss about nosocomial infections in connection with a practical study made on three Romanian hospitals (St. George County Hospital, County Hospital Emergency Clinic from Brasov and Children's Hospital of Brasov). In daily practice, health professional have a part of responsibility in a nosocomial infection and prove that the ethical rules are founded on the principles of individual wellbeing: regarding nosocomial infection the principle on non malfeasance is the most relevant. The balance between these ethical principles is delicate, however, for doctors; the main concern should be to avoid any distortion of the debate which could result from their confusing use of the principles of good.
Figurative understanding of pictures and sentences

Figurative language use involves the appropriate relatings of normally discrepant domains of knowledge. The present study determined whether college students could match a picture of the literal content of a proverb with a one-sentence target scenario which instantiated an interpretation of the proverb. More specifically, the subjects chose between a target scenario and a foil scenario designed to be a poorer instance of the interpretation. The results indicated that the subjects were successful despite the wide discrepancy in literal meaning between the pictures and scenarios. Supporting studies determined that this finding could not be attributed to response (scenario) bias or to certain characteristics of the pictures or of the scenarios alone. Apparently, the all important interaction between these materials induced the subjects to construct abstract ideas which served to relate the materials figuratively. Idea construction was heuristically described as involving analogic processes.
Bovine-Associated Mucoprotein: De Novo Synthesis by Nonmammary Tissues

Bovine tissues were cultured in vitro in the presence of carbon-14 amino acids and tritiated hexosamine to examine the de novo synthesis of the milk fat globule glycoprotein bovine-associated mucoprotein, by selected tissues. Among tissues examined, the relative synthesis of bovine-associated mucoprotein was highest in mammary tissue. The de novo synthesized bovine-associated mucoprotein in mammary and lacrimal gland cultures when examined for incorporation of carbon-14, had similar sedimentation profiles in sucrose density gradients and incorporated the same relative amount of carbohydrate. The bovine-associated mucoprotein synthesized by lung and spleen cultures sedimented in similar fashion to mammary gland bovine-associated mucoprotein when incorporation of carbon-14 was used as the marker, but it displayed greater heterogeneity when evaluated for tritium incorporation. Bovine-associated mucoprotein in the lung and spleen incorporated relatively less carbohydrate than that synthesized by mammary tissue. These findings support the concept of intertissue heterogeneity, which had been suggested by previous studies.
Proximity detector circuits: an alternative to tunnel diode oscillators for contactless measurements in pulsed magnetic field environments.

A new radio frequency oscillator circuit based on a proximity detector integrated circuit is described as an alternative for the traditional tunnel diode oscillator used for pulsed magnetic field measurements at low temperatures. The new circuit has been successfully applied to measure the superconducting upper critical field in Ba{sub 0.55}K{sub 0.45}Fe{sub 2}As{sub 2} single crystfl.ls up to 60 T. The new circuit design avoids many of the problems associated with tunnel diode circuits while keeping the advantages of contact less measurements in pulsed magnets.
Development of the human brain: In vivo quantification of metabolite and water content with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Cerebral metabolite concentrations and water content were measured by means of localized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in 50 children, while metabolite peak ratios in short echo time spectra were evaluated in 173 examinations. Normative curves for normal development were established for two cerebral locations. The current report presents the first study of absolute metabolite concentrations and T1- and T2- relaxation as a function of age. Myo-inositol was found dominating the spectra at birth (12 mmoles/kg), while choline is responsible for the strongest peak in older infants (2.5 mmoles/kg). Creatine and N-acetyl groups are at significantly lower concentrations in the neonate than in the adult (Cr: 6, NA: 5 mmoles/kg). NA and Cr are determined by gestational age, whereas the concentration of ml correlates best with postnatal age. Quantitative 1H MRS is expected to be of particular value in diagnosis and monitoring of pathology in infants, since metabolite ratios are often misleading.
Open problems in the physics of charmonium and QCD exotics

Abstract Recent developments in charmonium physics are presented in order to highlight the still open problems. The current status of searches for exotic particles predicted by QCD, dibaryons, hybrids, and glueballs is reviewed.
Agreement between clinicians and a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope in estimating cup/disk ratios.

Purpose We assessed agreement between cup/disk ratio measurements obtained by glaucoma expert evaluation of stereoscopic photographs of the optic disk and those obtained with a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Methods Three glaucoma experts estimated vertical and horizontal cup/disk ratios from stereoscopic photographs of 15 normal subjects and 15 patients with glaucoma. These estimates were compared to vertical, horizontal, and area cup/disk ratios measured with a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Intraobserver and interobserver agreements were also estimated. Results Agreement between clinicians and the confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope varied by clinician. Agreement was moderate to substantial for vertical cup/disk ratio and fair to moderate for horizontal cup/disk ratio; kappas ranged from 0.57 to 0.72 and from 0.21 to 0.55, respectively. The mean confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope area cup/disk ratio measurements were smaller than each clinician's mean vertical and horizontal cup/disk ratio estimates; differences ranged from 0.10 to 0.24 and from 0.06 to 0.16, respectively. Differences were smaller between clinician estimates and instrument measurements of horizontal and vertical cup/disk ratios of patients with glaucoma than normal subjects. Conclusions These results demonstrate good agreement between confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope measurements and clinician estimates of the vertical cup/disk ratios from stereoscopic photographs, particularly of patients with glaucoma. However, as differences between clinician and instrument estimates of cup/disk ratios were found, new quantitative criteria must be established for characterizing a disk as glaucomatous using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy.
Total Phosphorus and Dissolved Oxygen Trends in the Central Basin of Lake Erie, 1970–1991

Five yearly estimators of total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in the central basin of Lake Erie from 1970 to 1986 were calculated and compared to evaluate their utility in the assessment of long term trends. Data were selected from stations within a defined polygon for those years in which at least four surveys were conducted, including spring and fall isothermal conditions and at least two surveys during stratification. Included were an arithmetic average of all survey means during each year, a time-weighted average of all survey means, a spring (isothermal) average, a summer (stratified) average, and an autumn (isothermal) average. The rate of decline in TP concentrations from the spring-only estimator (−0.276 μg TP L-1 yr-1) was similar to that of the time-weighted multiple survey estimator (−0.214 μg TP L-1 yr-1). Additional spring survey data from 1987 through 1991 confirmed that the negative trend continued. The stratified season and the autumn-only estimators exhibited no significant trends, but were biased low and high, respectively, relative to the spring and multiple survey estimators. Despite the reductions in TP concentrations since 1970, the annual normalized rate of oxygen depletion in the hypolimnion of the central basin showed only a slight downward trend (-0.03 mg L-1 mo-1). In 1988 and 1989, however, the depletion rates were lower than any reported during the previous 20 years.
A pharmacological study of the hyperneural muscle of Periplaneta americana

Abstract Contractions of the hyperneural muscle of Periplaneta americana L., in response to various neurochemicals, were studied. Proctolin and glutamate were found to cause contractions, in a dosedependent manner. Octopamine, in the range of 1 μM to 1 mM suppressed chemically induced and neurally evoked contractions in a dose-dependent manner. Octopamine also reduced the basal tension of the muscle. Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), in the range of 100 μM to 1 mM also suppressed the neurally evoked hyperneural muscle contractions in a dose-dependent manner. GABA also reduced the basal tension of the muscle. Micromolar avermectin Bla abolished neurally evoked contractions. Although it is not known whether the neurochemicals have a physiological role in the hyperneural muscle function, it appears that the regulation of the muscle is not simple.
α-KDOase Activity in Oyster and Synthesis of α- and β-4-Methylumbelliferyl Ketosides of 3-Deoxy-d-manno-octulosonic Acid (KDO)

Abstract Although α- and β-linked 3-deoxy-d-manno-octulosonic acid (KDO) is found in lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) of Gram-negative bacteria, capsular polysaccharides of microorganisms, and plants, very little is known about its degradation. Using both thin-layer chromatography and the periodate-thiobarbituric acid reaction, we found that the hepatopancreas of oyster (Crassostrea virginica) contained an enzyme (α-KDOase) capable of releasing α-linked KDO from LPSs. To facilitate the studies of α-KDOase, we have carried out the synthesis of 4-methylumbelliferyl-α-KDO (α-KDO-MU) by conjugating the glycosyl chloride of the per-O-acetylated methylester of KDO with methylumbelliferone by the SN2 type reaction and the catalyzed phase-transfer. In both cases, the β-anomer was obtained as the major product with a yield of about 80%, whereas the yield of α-anomer was only about 7%. Attempts to increase the yield of α-anomer were not successful. α-KDO-MU was used as substrate to follow the purification of α-KDOase from oyster hepatopancreas. The pH optimum for oyster α-KDOase was determined to be 4.5 using Re-LPS as substrate and 3.0 using α-KDO-MU as substrate. The enzyme was found to be stable in the pH range of 3–8. This enzyme released KDO from different LPSs, including Re-LPS from Escherichia coliand Salmonella minnesota, Rd-LPS from S. minnesota, and de-O-acyl-Re-LPS (Kiang, J., Szu, S. C., Wang, L.X., Tang, M., and Lee, Y. C. (1997)Anal. Biochem. 245, 97–101).
Taboo Topics in Close Relationships

This study is placed within a dialectic framework, illustrating the contradictory needs that exist for relationship openness and closedness. It explores one type of closedness in close relationships - the `taboo topic'. Ninety ethnographic interviews solicited informant accounts of topics which were `off limits' in the context of an opposite-sex relationship in which they were involved. Results indicated that there were six primary types of `taboo topics': the state of the relationship, extra-relationship activity, relationship norms, prior relationships with opposite-sex parties, conflict-inducing topics, and negatively-valenced self-disclosures. Of these topic categories, the state of the relationship was the most pervasive as a `taboo'. In an analysis of the reasons why topics were `taboo', it was apparent that the informants held a negative vision of relationship talk as destructive, inefficient, futile and risky. Extra-relationship activity, relationship norms, prior relationships, and conflict-induc...
The effect of centralized hospital administration on financial control and hospital service delivery: The case of Hong Kong

Administration, financial control and service delivery are three mutually influential dimensions of a hospital system. The centralized hospital system of Hong Kong is a case-in-point that illustrates such influence. By spending only a small fraction of the Gross Domestic Product each year, the government has been able to provide limited modern health care services at nominal financial cost to the public. At the same time, hospitals are subject to a strict system of administrative and financial controls. Consequently, Hong Kong hospitals must utilize their limited facilities effectively to provide modern health services to the public. However, the trade-off between low-cost health services and limited facilities is the incurrence, by the public, of non-monetary costs in obtaining hospital admission.
Narratives of Participation, Identity, and Positionality: Two Cases of Saudi Learners of English in the United States

This article reports a study that investigated how two Saudi Arabian men negotiated their positionality vis-a-vis a host community in the United States and how they engaged in different discursive practices in order to achieve fuller participation in the various worlds that became important to them. The study takes data from a larger research project that looked at the narrated experiences of nine adult learners enrolled in an intensive English program in the United States. Data were collected over a 6-month period using ethnographic data collection tools such as classroom observations, individual interviews, and student-designed second language (L2) photo narratives. The article focuses on the processes by which two language learners of a particularly politicized and racialized cultural group (Muslims of Arab descent) were able to renegotiate their peripherality through their ongoing interactions as “novices” in new L2 “expert” communities (Lave & Wenger, 1991). Although the two cases diverge in critical ways, the findings show not only how post-9/11 discourses served as powerfully marginalizing structures, but also how the learners actively managed those structures in their bids for fuller participation in L2 communities.
Preverbal infants expect members of social groups to act alike

The short ontogenetic time courses of conformity and stereotyping, both evident in the preschool years, point to the possibility that a central component of human social cognition is an early developing expectation that social group members will engage in common behaviors. Across a series of experiments, we show that by 7 months of age preverbal infants differentiate between actions by individuals that are and are not consistent with the actions of their social group members. Infants responded to group-inconsistent actions only in a social context: they failed to distinguish the same behavioral differences when presented with collections of nonsocial agents or inanimate objects. These results suggest that infants expect social group membership and behavior to covary, before extensive intergroup experience or linguistic input. This expectation is consistent with the socially motivated imitation and stereotyping evident in toddlers and preschoolers, and may play a role in the early emergence of one or both of these aspects of social behavior and cognition.
Phosphorescence as a Probe of Exciton Formation and Energy Transfer in Organic Light Emitting Diodes

The development of highly efficient phosphorescent molecules has approximately quadrupled the quantum efficiency of organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). By harnessing triplet as well as singlet excitons, efficient molecular phosphorescence has also enabled novel studies of exciton physics in organic semiconductors. In this review, we will summarize recent progress in understanding exciton formation and energy transfer using phosphorescent molecular probes. Particular emphasis is given to two topics of current interest: energy transfer in blue phosphorescent OLEDs, and quantifying the formation ratio of singlet to triplet excitons in small-molecular weight materials and polymers. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Divergence in pharmacokinetic parameters of quinidine obtained by specific and nonspecific assay methods

Previously published estimates of pharmacokinetic characteristics of quinidine can be shown to be dependent on whether the investigators have used analytical methods which are specific for quinidine. Areas under the plasma concentration-time curve and peak plasma concentrations after administration of the drug were higher and clearance values consequently lower in studies utilizing nonspecific assays unable to distinguish quinidine from its metabolites. The error introduced is larger after oral administration as a result of marked first-pass metabolism of quinidine. The absolute oral bioavailabilities from pharmaceutical preparations might therefore be estimated higher in studies with assays including metabolites in the determination. Although the pharmacodynamic response to quinidine is related to the plasma concentration, the therapeutic window of drug concentrations has been defined only using nonspecific assays. In light of the availability of newly developed specific assays, redefinition of the range of therapeutic plasma concentrations is opportune.
Black–White Differences in Inflation: 1974–1991

Abstract Food's budget share for blacks fell substantially relative to that of whites from 1974 to 1991. Much of this decline cannot be explained by improvements in blacks' CPI-deflated income or any other variables. I attribute this unexplained fall in food's share (much larger for blacks than whites) to an unmeasured rise in income. In the case of whites, the unmeasured rise in real income is attributable to CPI bias. In the case of blacks, I believe that in addition to CPI bias there is a pattern of declining race-specific price premia from 1974–1991.
Variable Structure Control of a Robotic Arm in the Presence of Uncertainty

Based on the theory of variable structure systems (VSS), control system design for the trajectory control of robotic systems is presented. It is assumed that the parameters of the system are uncertain and unknown frictional torques are acting at the various joints of the arm. For simplicity, the control of a three-link PUMA arm is considered. For trajectory following, two control laws, CH and Cθ, based on the choice of coordinates of the end effector or joint angles as the controlled outputs, respectively, are derived. It is seen that whereas control Cθ has no singularity, certain singular surfaces arise where feedback elements of CH become infinity. These singular surfaces describe the boundary of the reachable region (workspace). Digital simulation results are presented to show that accurate trajectory following can be accomplished using the control CH or Cθ for large maneuvers of the arm in spite of the uncertainty in the system.
THE INTERDIURNAL VARIABILITY OF SURFACE-AIR TEMPERATURE OVER THE NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN

Abstract This paper gives the results of an investigation of the interdiurnal variability of surface-air temperature at 9 of the North Atlantic Ocean Vessel Stations. Computations were performed for each month of the year over a four-year study period. Several aspects of the computational results are discussed in relation to the analogous statistics at land stations.
Mass and in situ activity of tyrosine hydroxylase in the median eminence: effect of hyperprolactinemia.

The role of PRL in the control of catecholaminergic hypothalamic neurons of female rats was investigated. The in situ activity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in neurites of these neurons was assayed by measuring the rate of accumulation of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) in the median eminence (ME) after the administration of a DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor. The mass of TH was measured by an immunoblot assay using rat TH as the standard. Hyperprolactinemia was induced by pituitaries implanted beneath a renal capsule. Hyperprolactinemia resulted in a significant increase in the in situ activity of TH without an increase in TH mass. The release of dopamine from hypothalamic neurons was assessed by measuring the concentration of dopamine in hypophysial portal plasma. The mean concentration of dopamine in portal plasma of rats bearing pituitary implants was 3 times that in controls. When circulating PRL was neutralized by administration of antiserum against rat PRL, the activity of TH was reduced significant...
Purification, composition, and31P NMR spectroscopic properties of a noncollagenous phosphoprotein isolated from chicken bone matrix

Fractionation of the EDTA-soluble, noncollagenous proteins of the organic matrix of chicken bone by Sephadex G-100 molecular sieving has revealed that the majority of the organic phosphorus is present in two fractions, from one of which a homogeneous phosphoprotein has been isolated. The purified phosphoprotein has an apparent molecular weight of 12,000 and contains bothO-phosphoserine andO-phosphothreonine.31P-NMR spectroscopy demonstrates that all of the organic phosphorus exists in the form of phosphomonoesters which have an average pK2 of 6.8. The phosphoprotein is highly acidic due to its high content of dicarboxylic acids in addition to the presence of organic phosphorus. The characteristic amino acid composition of the phosphoprotein establishes its noncollagenous nature and highlights the differences among bone, dentin, and enamel phosphoproteins. The absence ofγ-carboxyglutamic acid distinguishes it from osteocalcin, the noncollagenousγ-carboxyglutamic acid-containing peptide of bone matrix.
The role of substrate interactions in the modification of surface forces by self-assembled monolayers

Self-assembled monolayers have been used extensively as surface modifications and model systems for friction and adhesion mitigation on surfaces. From experiment, it is unclear to what extent and under what conditions the substrate plays a role in the modification of these surface forces, but because SAMs are relatively compliant and thin, it is reasonable to assume that the unique frictional characteristics of these monolayers is driven in part by substrate effects. Molecular dynamics simulation and methods developed for analysis of total interaction area, and direct substrate interaction, have been employed to investigate the structure of surface asperity contacts coated with SAMs, examining these interactions and determining what role substrate interactions and other possible dissipation mechanisms are involved in the friction response of SAMs. It was observed that for sparse OTS films, typical of films formed on rough or asperity surfaces, substrate interactions are extensive, leading to increased tribochemistry and strain at sliding interfaces. For densely packed films, it was found that even pressures on the order of a few GPa do not lead to direct substrate interaction, but there is a distinct and localized increase in the compressive strain on the film, indicating the development of new dissipative modes during sliding at high pressures including conformational changes and wear of the films.
Rational design, synthesis, and characterization of chromophoric supermolecular self-assembled multilayer thin films having very large optical nonlinearities

Abstract A method for preparing organized, highly aligned, multifunctional donor-acceptor covalently bonded self-assemblies on silica surfaces is described. Using the organosilane coupling reagent, I 3 Si(CH 2 ) 2 C 6 H 4 CH 2 I (Cp), the high-β chromophore, 4-[N,N-bis(3-hydroxypropyl)amino]styryl-4′-pyridine (Ch) can be easily linked to surfaces via quaternization. Additional chromophore layer can be built up in this manner using chlorosilane/polyvinylalcohol as an intervening structural layer. These multilayer structures have been characterized by FTIR-ATR, UV-vis spectroscopy, advancing contact angle, and second harmonic generation measurements. The studies of NLO properties reveal good structural uniformity and second order susceptibilities χ zzz (2) as high as 6 × 10 −7 esu for a single CpCh monolayer and 2 × 10 −7 esu for multilayer superlattices ( λ = 1064 nm).
Growth of human embryonic fibroblasts at clonal density: Concordance with results from mass cultures

In the past, it has been difficult to grow human diploid fibroblast cells at clonal densities. Newly devised cell culture media and rigorously controlled environmental conditions have greatly increased the ease with which such cells can be cloned. The present work was undertaken to determine whether, under appropriate conditions, diploid fibroblast cells from human embryonic lung, grow as well at clonal densities as in mass culture. The parameters studied were: (1) population doubling time, (2) in vitro proliferative capacity, (3) attachment, (4) percentage of non-dividing cells. In all cases essentially the same results were obtained for cultures at clonal densities and mass cultures. These results indicate that the behavior of these types of cells in clonal culture can be used to infer the behavior of individual cells and clones within a mass culture.
Need for inferior vena cava filters in cancer patients: a surrogate marker for poor outcome.

Background. Cancer patients have an increased incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used extensively in the US, and more than 40 000 are inserted annually. The impact on survival of cancer patients receiving IVC filters has not been studied. Methods. A retrospective study examined 206 consecutive cancer patients with VTE to compare the effects of IVC filter placement with anticoagulation (AC) therapy on overall survival (OS), as measured from the time of VTE. Patients were classified into 3 treatment groups: AC (n = 62), IVC filter (77), or combination IVC filter + AC (67). Results. Treatment groups did not differ with respect to age, sex, or albumin levels. Median OS was significantly greater in patients treated with AC (13 months) compared with those treated with IVC filters (2 months) or IVC + AC (3.25 months; P < .0002). IVC patients were 1.9 times more at risk of death than AC only (hazard ratio = .528; 95% confidence interval = .374 to .745). Multivariate an...
Rifampin Reduces Oral Morphine Absorption: A Case of Transdermal Buprenorphine Selection Based on Morphine Pharmacokinetics

A 51-year-old male was referred to the Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center Pain Service after hospital admission for endocarditis with a history of heroin use and chronic low back pain. During his hospital stay he experienced a reduction in his serum morphine level ostensibly as a result of concomitant rifampin administration. We hypothesize that diminished absorption was from rifampin-mediated intestinal P-glycoprotein induction, ultimately decreasing serum free morphine and metabolites. The case became more complex in an attempt to balance managed pain, history of substance abuse, completion of antibiotic therapy, and a reasonable pain regimen upon discharge. Ultimately, the patient was titrated onto a buprenorphine transdermal patch, the initiation of which was based on serum free morphine and an extrapolated oral morphine dose by calculation.
Development of Secretory Function in Rat Parotid Gland

Summary: Because very little is known regarding the control of enzyme secretion in developing parotid glands, the effects of various secretagogues on cyclic AMP levels and amylase release were studied in rats at various times after birth. In parotid fragments or slices incubated with isoproterenol or epinephrine (40 μM) in vitro, neither cyclic AMP elevation nor amylase release was achieved at 8 days postnatally. In in vivo studies, secretion of amylase at this age was also refractory to stimulation with these hormones or carbamylcholine. In animals older than 15 days, highly significant rise in cyclic AMP content occurred 5 min after exposure of the glands to the catecholamines in vitro, and the magnitude of this elevation was incremental with age. Thus, in 15-day-old animals adrenergic stimulation produced a 2-fold rise in cyclic AMP levels (from 9.3 ± 1.0 pmol/mg protein to 20.9 ± 4.7, mean ± SE); at 25 days the increase was 7–8 times the basal value (from 2.7 ± 0.3 to 21.3 ± 3.9); and at 8 weeks the rise was 8-fold with epinephrine (from 3.2 ± 0.3 to 24.4 ± 7.5) and 12-fold after isoproterenol (from 3.2 ± 0.3 to 39.2 ± 9.2). At these ages, adrenergic stimulation led to a 2− to 3-fold increase in amylase secretion compared to unstimulated control levels. When isoproterenol (16 μg/g body weight) was injected intraperitoneally in intact animals 15 days of age or older cyclic AMP levels 5 min later were increased 2–3 times in 15− and 25-day-old animals (from 13.9 ± 4.4 to 49.3 ± 3.9 and 31.3 ± 4.0, respectively) and >100-fold in mature animals (1211 ± 437). Greater than 40% of the stored amylase was released from the glands in 30 min, a quantity comparable to that found in vitro. The data demonstrate that the responsiveness of the parotid gland to catecholamines is age dependent, and that development of secretory function precedes full morphologic and biochemical development. Speculation: The identification of a stage in exocrine development when the immature parotid glands are refractory to secretory stimuli represents an important model for the study of stimulus-secretion coupling. The acquisition of mature secretory function may depend upon the relationship between the number of cell surface hormone receptors and acinar maturation.
Worlds, Capabilities and Well-Being

Critics suggest that without some “objective” account of well-being we cannot explain why satisfying some preferences is, as we believe, better than satisfying others, why satisfying some preferences may leave us on net worse off or why, in a range of cases, we should reject life-adjustment in favor of life-improvement. I defend a subjective welfarist understanding of well-being against such objections by reconstructing the Amartya Sen’s capability approach as a preferentist account of well-being. According to the proposed account preference satisfaction alone—possible as well as actual—is of value. States of affairs contribute to well-being because and to the extent that they satisfy actual or nearby possible preferences, and are fruitful, that is, compatible with a range states that satisfy further actual or nearby possible preferences. The proposed account solves the problem of adaptive preference. Individuals whose preferences are “deformed” are satisfied with fruitless states of affairs, which constrain their options so that they are incapable of satisfying a wide range of nearby possible preferences—preferences they “could easily have had.” Recognizing the value of capabilities as well as actual attainments allows us to explain why individuals who satisfy “deformed” or perverse preferences may not on net benefit from doing so. More fundamentally, it explains why some states are, as Sen suggests, bad, awful or gruesome while others are good, excellent or superb without appeal to any objective account of value.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interactions of Propafenone and Cimetidine

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the extensively metabolized antiarrhythmic agent propafenone were assessed alone and during concomitant administration of cimetidine. Twelve healthy subjects were given successively the following treatments: propafenone 225 mg q8h plus cimetidine placebo; cimetidine 400 mg q8h plus propafenone placebo; and propafenone 225 mg plus cimetidine 400 mg q8h. After a minimum of 5 days on each regimen, plasma drug concentrations and electrocardiogram conduction intervals were measured during a drug washout period. The maximum concentration of propafenone in plasma was 993 +/- 532 ng/mL when propafenone was given alone compared with 1230 +/- 591 ng/mL when propafenone was given with cimetidine (P = .0622). Differences in tmax, t1/2, and Cp ss did not approach statistical significance when propafenone alone was compared with propafenone plus cimetidine. When compared with cimetidine, propafenone significantly increased the PR interval from 161 +/- 5 msec to 192 +/- 6 msec (P less than .01) and the QRS duration from 89 +/- 3 msec to 98 +/- 4 msec (P less than .01). Combination therapy caused a modest additional increase in QRS duration to 103 +/- 3 msec (P less than .01). In conclusion, cimetidine caused small changes in propafenone pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; but these changes are unlikely to be clinically important.
Volatile Halocarbon Contaminants in the Niagara River and in Lake Ontario

Water samples from 95 stations in Lake Ontario and 16 stations in the lower Niagara River Were analyzed for volatile halocarbons and carbon disulfide. The following contaminants were observed at many stations with their lake-wide means and standard deviations: trichloro-fluoromethane (Freon 11), 249 ± 882 ng · L−1; methylene chloride, 572 ± 1,826 ng · L−1; chloroform, 18 ± 92 ng · L−1; bromodichloromethane, 3 ± 9 ng · L−1; and tetrachloroethylene, 9 ± 65 ng · L−1. Eleven other compounds, including carbon disulfide, 1, 1–dichloroethylene, 1,1,1–trichloroethane, carbon tetra-chloride, and tetrachloroethylene were observed at trace levels or absent at most stations. Six compounds were observed in virtually all Niagara River samples and were traceable into the lake. As apparent from the large relative standard deviations for the above, contaminant concentrations varied strongly between stations, indicating areas of contaminant sources. Both industrialized and urban areas, such as Toronto, Hamilton, and the Niagara River, as well as comparatively small tributaries, such as Twelve Mile, Eighteen Mile, and Oak Orchard Creeks, Black River, and the Welland Canal, appear to be sources for several of the observed contaminants.
A Type Architecture for Hybrid Micro-Parallel Computers

Recently, platform FPGAs that integrate sequential processors with a spatial fabric have become prevalent. While these hybrid architectures ease the burden of integrating sequential and spatial code in a single application, programming them, and particularly their spatial fabrics remains challenging. The difficulty arises in part from the lack of an agreed upon computational model and family of programming languages. In addition, moving algorithms into hardware is an arcane art far removed from the experience of most programmers. To address this challenge, we present a new type architecture, an abstract model analogous to the von Neumann machine for sequential computers, that can serve as common ground for algorithm designers, language designers, and hardware architects. We show that many parallel architectures, including platform FPGAs, are implementations of this type architecture. Using examples from a variety of application domains, we show how algorithms can be analyzed to estimate their performance on implementations of this type architecture. This analysis is done without having to delve into the details of any architecture in particular. Finally, we describe some of the common features of languages designed for expressing micro-parallelism, highlighting connections with the type architecture.
Amino Acid Substitutions in PilD, a Bifunctional Enzyme ofPseudomonas aeruginosa: EFFECT ON LEADER PEPTIDASE AND N-METHYLTRANSFERASE ACTIVITIES IN VITRO AND IN VIVO

Subunits of type IV pili and a subset of proteins of the type II extracellular protein secretion apparatus undergo two consecutive post-translational modifications: leader peptide cleavage, followed by methylation of the newly created N-terminal amino acid. These two reactions are carried out by a single bifunctional enzyme encoded in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by the pilDgene. Properties of PilD mutants at positions Gly95 and/or Lys96 which were differentially affected in leader peptidase and N-methyltransferase function were characterized. None of the single amino acid substitutions showed a significant alteration in their ability to cleave the prepilin leader peptide; however, two double mutants did exhibit a modest reduction in the efficiency of cleavage. In contrast, a significant decrease ofN-methyltransferase activity was detected in PilD having substitutions at Gly95. Mutants with substitutions at position Lys96 showed a variable effect onN-methyltransferase activity with an apparent requirement for any charged amino acid at this position. Absence ofN-methyltransferase activity did not appear to interfere with the ability of P. aeruginosa to assemble functional pili. Moreover, pilin monomers isolated from P. aeruginosaexpressing PilD with Gly95 substitutions were not methylated. Although complete methylation does not appear to be absolutely required for pilus assembly in P. aeruginosa, this modification may be important for pilus function in its natural habitat.
Expression of feline immunodeficiency virus Vif is associated with reduced viral mutation rates without restoration of replication of vif mutant viruses

The vif gene of lentiviruses has been demonstrated to be essential for efficient viral replication in many cell types. Although the Vif protein of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) displays limited homology to HIV-1 Vif, the role of vif in FIV replication is not known. We have examined the requirements of vif for replication of a FIV strain isolated from a non-domestic felid, Otocolobus manul (FIV-Oma). In agreement with others, we find that replication of FIV vif mutant molecular clones in CrFK cells is highly attenuated. Initial attempts to rescue vif mutant viruses in trans were limited by lack of detectable wild-type Vif expression from DNA constructs. We demonstrate that FIV-Oma Vif expression can be increased by re-synthesis of the gene to remove splice donor and acceptor sites as well as improving codon usage to a mammalian codon optimized model. Cellular localization of resynthesized Vif (Vif-RS) is cytoplasmic. Clonal stable transfectants expressing HA-tagged Vif-RS do not restore replication levels of vif mutant virus. However, in such cell lines, G-to-A mutation rates in replicating wild-type viruses are reduced.
Abstract B23: Epigenetic regulation of OPA1 sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib-induced apoptosis

Sorafenib is a multi-kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of un-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patient response to this therapy is variable. In this study we show that treatment with Sorafenib induces rapid mitochondrial fragmentation, which is associated with the deregulation of mitochondria-fusion-related protein OPA1, thus inducing apoptosis. Exposure of HCC cells or isolated mitochondria to Sorafenib induces cytochrome c release. Our data indicate that siRNA-mediated OPA1 knockdown significantly sensitizes HCC cells to Sorafenib-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, Sorafenib inhibits HCC xenograft tumor growth in vivo, and does not induce apoptosis in healthy primary hepatocytes. Murine xenograft tumor tissue samples revealed mitochondria fusion protein OPA1 expression levels are strongly associated with the sensitivity of HCC to sorafenib treatment. We have shown that Sorafenib suppresses the tumorigenesis of HCC through the induction of mitochondrial injury via OPA1. Epigenetic analysis of the OPA1 gene promoter indicates a role for DNA methylation in the suppression of OPA1 expression, and a potential biomarker which can be utilized for the identification of patients whom may benefit from treatment with Sorafenib. Our results provide new insights into the pathogenesis of HCC and suggest that OPA1 is a novel therapeutic target in patients with HCC. Citation Format: William Matthew Puszyk, Hui-Jia Dong, Frank Zhao, Olorunseun Ogunwobi, Chen Liu. Epigenetic regulation of OPA1 sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib-induced apoptosis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Chromatin and Epigenetics in Cancer; Jun 19-22, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(13 Suppl):Abstract nr B23.
Experience using the C preprocessor to implement CCR, monitor, and CSP preprocessors for SR

We have recently implemented three preprocessors that, respectively, convert conditional critical region (CCR) notation, monitor notation, and Communicating Sequential Processes (CSP) notation into equivalent programs written in the SR concurrent programming language. The three preprocessors were built with \verb-cpp-, the C preprocessor. This paper describes our experience in this use of \verb-cpp- and especially how using \verb-cpp- influenced the design and implementation of the extended notations. This paper also describes the favorable experience obtained in using the preprocessors in several courses. The results should be of interest to others who are contemplating implementing language extensions.
Simulation framework for spatio-spectral anomalous change detection

We describe the development of a simulation framework for anomalous change detection that considers both the spatial and spectral aspects of the imagery. A purely spectral framework has previously been introduced, but the extension to spatio-spectral requires attention to a variety of new issues, and requires more careful modeling of the anomalous changes. Using this extended framework, we evaluate the utility of spatial image processing operators to enhance change detection sensitivity in (simulated) remote sensing imagery.
Natural enemy impact on the abundance of Diuraphis noxia (Homoptera: Aphididae) in wheat in southern France.

Natural enemy impact on Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko) abundance was mea- sured with field exclosure experiments in wheat near Montpellier, France, during three springs. Plants were artificially infested with D. noxia; predators, parasitoids, and aphid-borne patho- gens were excluded from some plants but not others; and subsequent changes in aphid den- sities were compared by destructive plant sampling. Each year, D. noxia density in all treat- ments increased and then declined as plant quality deteriorated, but peak densities were 10- to 18-fold higher on closed-caged plants than on open-caged or uncaged plants. Differences in inicrodimate, emigration, and aphid competition were eliminated as explanations for dif- ferences in D. noxia densities. The mortality required to explain differences in dynamics be- twee t' closed-caged and open-caged/uncaged D. noxia populations was calculated. Natural enemies were sampled in the surrounding wheat to assess their capacity to inflict this required mortality. The predatory coccinellid Coreinella septempniwtata L. readied densities of 4-16 per square meter and the predatory syrphids Episyrphus balteatits De Geer, Illetasytplins enrollee E, and Spluterophoria veripta L. together reached one per spore meter. The para- sitoids Aphelnius asyclas Walker, Aphelinus varipes (Foerster), Diaeretidla rupee (McIntosh), acid Aphadius matrieariat were also abundant. Given predator search capacities and observed parasitism rates, mortality from natural enemies could easily account for the differences in D. flax*: densities between dosed-caged and open-caged/uncaged plants. � -