cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HEPATIC GLUTATHIONE METABOLISM AND LIPID PEROXIDATION IN RESPONSE TO EXCESS DIETARY SELENOMETHIONINE AND SELENITE IN MALLARD DUCKLINGS

Studies were conducted with mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) ducklings to determine the effects of excess dietary selenium (Se) on hepatic glutathione concentration and associated enzymes, and lipid peroxidation. Day-old ducklings were fed 0.1, 10, 20, or 40 ppm Se as seleno-DL-methionine or sodium selenite for 6 wk. Selenium from selenomethionine accumulated in a dose-dependent manner in the liver, resulting in a decrease in the concentration of hepatic-reduced glutathione (GSH) and total hepatic thiols (SH). These effects were accompanied by a dose-dependent increase in the ratio of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) to GSH, and an increase in malondialdehyde concentration as evidence of lipid peroxidation. Hepatic and plasma GSH peroxidase activity was initially elevated at 10 ppm Se as selenomethionine, whereas GSSG reductase activity was elevated at higher dietary concentrations of Se. Selenium from sodium selenite accumulated in the liver to an apparent maximum at 10 ppm in the diet, resulting in an increase in hepatic GSH and GSSG accompanied by a small decrease in total hepatic SH. Sodium selenite resulted in an increase in hepatic GSSG reductase activity at 10 ppm and in plasma GSSG reductase activity at 40 ppm. A small increase in lipid peroxidation occurred at 40 ppm. These findings indicate that excess dietary Se as selenomethionine has a more pronounced effect on hepatic glutathione metabolism and lipid peroxidation in ducklings than does selenite, which may be related to the pattern of accumulation. Effects of Se as selenite appear to be less pronounced in ducklings than reported in laboratory rodents. The effects of selenomethionine, which occurs in vegetation, are of particular interest with respect to the health of wild aquatic birds in seleniferous locations.
Astrobiological molecularly imprinted polymer sensors

Abstract The purpose of the Astrobiological MIP Sensor (AMS) Project is to develop reliable, low-cost, low-mass, low-power consumption detection technologies for in situ analysis of biochemical markers, and other indicators of astrobiological importance. To this end, we are investigating the potential role that molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) could serve in the recognition of pre-biotic and biotic compounds in planetary, astrobiological and geochemical mission profiles. While MIPs are effective molecular recognition tools, a signal transduction method must be developed so that the recognition of analytes can be realized. In the course of this study, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) will be the detection method of the MIP recognition event. In addition, MIP-coated SPR substrates were subjected to vibration, temperature and radiation testing to demonstrate that they could withstand the rigors of space travel. The methods developed in this study require capture of the biomarkers onto the SPR sensor chip, followed by addition of a MIP. It is the binding of the MIP to the SPR bound analyte that amplifies the SPR signal associated with binding of the low molecular weight analyte. The MIPs, developed in this study are water-soluble processable star polymers while the SPR device used was SensiQ™ by Nomatics. Proof-of-principal experiments were first demonstrated using amino biotin.
Effect of chronic ethanol administration on enzyme and lipid properties of liver plasma membranes in long and short sleep mice.

Mechanisms of alcoholic liver disease are still ill defined. We evaluated in two outbred lines of mice whether chronic ingestion of ethanol alters the lipid composition and/or enzyme activity of liver plasma membranes. Two mouse lines with different sensitivities towards the hypnotic effect of ethanol, designated long sleep and short sleep, were fed a liquid diet containing ethanol for 30 days. Ethanol intake reached 30 gm per kg per day in both lines, and serum ethanol levels were similar. In addition, hepatic triglyceride levels were similarly increased 2-fold with ethanol feeding. The following effects of ethanol treatment were observed in liver plasma membrane fractions: (i) Na+, K+-ATPase was significantly increased to 26% above control in long sleep only; (ii) alkaline phosphatase activity was 2-fold increased in both lines; (iii) 5′-nucleotidase, leucine aminopeptidase and Mg2+-ATPase activities remained unchanged in both lines; (iv) unesterified cholesterol and total phospholipid contents were unaltered in both lines, and (v) cholesteryl esters were increased in both lines, but to a greater extent in short sleep (1.5 vs. 4-fold). Thus, chronic ethanol ingestion induces specific alterations in liver plasma membrane structure and function, suggesting that adaptive responses to ethanol may be determined in part by inherited factors.
Haematopoietic cell transplantation in the treatment of sickle cell disease.

Allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is presently the only treatment which offers the possibility of a cure for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). While ~ 84% of patients survive disease-free after human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-identical sibling donor HCT, this therapy has traditionally been reserved for patients who have suffered serious complications due to the risk of transplant-related morbidity and mortality. Typically, these sickle-related complications have included recurrent episodes of acute chest syndrome, recurrent vaso-occlusive episodes and stroke. The future of HCT for haemoglobinopathies undoubtedly will evolve as transplant-related complications are reduced and as the process of selecting patients for HCT is refined.
The adsorption of methyl radicals on oxygen-modified Mo(100) studied by HREELS

Abstract The adsorption of methyl radicals on two different oxygen-modified Mo(100) surfaces at room temperature has been studied using high-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy (HREELS) and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). Previous experiments have shown that methyl radicals adsorbed to these surfaces produce CH 4 , H 2 and CO as reaction products. Since the data from this earlier study was inconclusive, vibrational spectroscopic evidence was sought in order to obtain a chemical identification of the surface species. This study confirms the previous data, which suggested that methyl radicals do not form surface methoxy but rather a metal alkyl analog when adsorbed at 300 bdK. Methyl groups dehydrogenate at room temperature and reveal an OH stretching vibration as well as the CH 2 scissor mode. This data is compared to the results observed when CH 3 OH is adsorbed on the same surface. In the latter case, no OH vibrations are detected in the spectrum and modes corresponding to adsorbed methoxy are seen.
Palliative care needs and symptom patterns of hospitalized elders referred for consultation.

Context To provide effective palliative care (PC) to the geriatric population, an understanding of the reasons for consultation, main diagnoses related to referral, and symptom severity in chronic disease states is essential.
Inhibition of human neuroblastoma cell proliferation and EGF receptor phosphorylation by gangliosides GM1, GM3, GD1A and GT1B

The inhibitory action of gangliosides GT1B, GD1A, GM3 and GM1 on cell proliferation and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation was determined in the N-myc amplified human neuroblastoma cell line NBL-W. The IC50 of each ganglioside was estimated from concentration-response regressions generated by incubating NBL-W cells with incremental concentrations (5-1000 microm) of GT1B, GD1A, GM3 or GM1 for 4 days. Cell proliferation was quantitatively determined by a colourimetric assay using tetrazolium dye and spectrophotometric analysis, and EGFR phosphorylation by densitometry of Western blots. All gangliosides assayed, with the exception of GM1, inhibited NBL-W cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50s for gangliosides GT1B [molecular weight (MW) 2129], GM3 (MW 1236), and GD1A (MW 1838) were (mean +/- SEM) 117 +/- 26, 255 +/- 29, and 425 +/- 44 m, respectively. In contrast, the IC50 for GM1 (MW 1547) could not be determined. Incubation of NBL-W cells with epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1000 ng/ml progressively increased cell proliferation rate, but it plateaued at concentrations above 10 ng/ml. EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation, however, was incrementally stimulated by EGF concentrations from 1 to 100 ng/ml. The suppression of EGF-induced EGFR phosphorylation differed for each ganglioside, and their respective inhibitory potencies were as follows: EGFR phosphorylation [area under curve (+ EGF)/area under curve (- EGF)]: control (no ganglioside added) = 8.2; GM1 = 8.3; GD1A = 6.7; GM3 = 4.87, and GT1B = 4.09. The lower the ratio, the greater the inhibitory activity of the ganglioside. Gangliosides GD1A and GT1B, which have terminal N-acetyl neuraminic acid moieties, as well as one and two N-acetyl neuraminic acid residues linked to the internal galactose, respectively, both inhibited cell proliferation and EGFR phosphorylation. However, GD1A was a more potent suppressor of cell proliferation and GT1B most effective against EGFR phosphorylation. GM3, which only has a terminal N-acetyl neuraminic acid, inhibited cell proliferation and EGFR phosphorylation almost equivalently. These data suggest that gangliosides differ in their potency as inhibitors of NBL-W neuroblastoma cell proliferation and EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation, and that perturbations in the differential expression of membrane glycosphingolipids may play a role in modulating neuroblastoma growth.
Prevalence of important pathogens and antimicrobial activity of parenteral drugs at numerous medical centers in the United States I. Study on the threat of emerging resistances: Real or perceived?

Abstract Forty-three medical centers participated in a national (United States) surveillance study of parenteral antimicrobial agents as empiric therapy of pathogens isolated from blood, skin wounds, respiratory tract, and urine (> 8500 strains, 200 per laboratory). All laboratories tested each organism by the same reagent disks and/or Etest (AB Biodisk, Solna, Sweden) strips. Quality control results validated all laboratories for analyses. The most common isolates were Escherichia coli (1648), Staphylococcus aureus (1408), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1003), Klebsiella species (792), and the enterococci (684). Among the tested drugs the percent susceptible rates observed were ofloxacin (83.4%), ciprofloxacin (82.0%), and cefuroxime (62.9%) tested against all organisms; cefazolin (54.7%) and ceftazidime (76.7%) tested against all nonfastidious aerobes; gentamicin (91.2%), imipenem (95.3%), ticarcillin-clavulanate (78.2%), and ceftriaxone (66.2%) tested against Gram-negative organisms only; and vancomycin (97.9%) and erythromycin (49.2%) tested against Gram-positive aerobes. Several drug-resistant species appear to be emerging or increasing in the United States: (a) vancomycin-resistant enterococci (7.9%, mostly Enterococcus faecium ); (b) oxacillin-resistant S. aureus (21.0%); (c) third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae , including E. coli and Klebsiella species with extended-spectrum β-lactamases (approximately 1.3%–8.6%); (d) penicillin-resistant Strepto-coccus pneumoniae (17.8%); and (e) crprofloxacin-resistant P. aeruginosa (14.9%). Fluoroquinolone resistance among the enteric bacilli was confirmed in 60 of 66 referred strains (0.8% of total strains), and cross-resistance was high among ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, lomefloxacin, fleroxacin, and norfloxacin (98.3%–100%). Seventeen strains of fluoroquinolone-resistant enteric bacilli (0.2% of total) also harbored an ESBL and resistance to aminoglycosides. Clonal spread within medical centers was observed with the ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. This national clinical isolate data base continues to demonstrate broad fluoroquinolone efficacy (ofloxacin > ciprofloxacin) against hospital-based pathogens and many strains of emerging resistant bacteria. Continued US surveillance studies are urged to monitor emerging antimicrobial resistance and to guide interventions to minimize its occurrence.
Carbidoheptarhenate cluster complexes of cadmium and zinc units: the structure of [PPh(4)](2)[Re(7)C(CO)(21)(mu3-ZnCl)].

Combining [PPh4]3[Re7C(CO)21] with excess MCl2 (M = Cd, Zn) in acetone provides the complexes [PPh4]2[Re7C(CO)21(MCl)] (M = Cd, 1; M = Zn, 2) in >70% yields. The crystal structure of [PPh4]2[Re7C(CO)21(μ3-ZnCl)] shows a typical carbidoheptarhenate complex, with the zinc center positioned symmetrically over one Re3 face (average Re−Zn distance = 2.71 A).
MolhadoRef: a refactoring-aware software configuration management tool

Refactoring tools allow programmers to change their source code quicker than before. However, the complexity of these changes cause versioning tools that operate at a file level to lose the history of entities and be unable to merge refactored entities. This problem can be solved by semantic, operation-based SCM with persistent IDs. We propose that versioning tools be aware of program entities and refactoring operations. We present MolhadoRef, our prototype, which uses these techniques to ensure that it never loses history. MolhadoRef can successfully merge edit and refactoring operations which were performed on different development branches.
Large watershed management and restoration: dioxin sediment remediation case study

This paper reviews continuing, long-term remediation of river sediments containing dioxin and other chemical compounds in a large watershed of the Great Lakes Region. Chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins are a ‘family’ of chemically related compounds commonly known as chlorinated dioxins or simply, dioxins. The highest levels are usually found in sediments, soil and animal fats. The most toxic chemical in this group is 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin, the ‘standard’ to which other dioxins are compared and which has been shown to be very toxic in animal studies. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) have made a lengthy effort to assess and remediate portions of the Saginaw Bay Watershed, including the Tittabawassee River. The paper reviews the EPA-proposed ‘phased approach’ to restoration and remediation of a short segment (Segment 1) of the Tittabawassee River sediments. Sediments are contaminated with a number of chemical pollutants other tha...
THE APPEAL OF ISLAMIC POLITICS: Ritual and Dialogue in a Poor District of Turkey

The author explores the reasons underlying the growing effectiveness of Islamic movements by studying ethnographically the interaction between the religious movement and the people in a squatter district of Istanbul, Turkey. The empirical analysis examines how the state and the Islamists impact the lives of the residents, and how secularizing and ritualizing interventions are incorporated and resisted. These interventions and the resulting resistance generate hybrid subjects who embody traces of many conflicting discourses and practices. The Islamist party is widely supported, not because it expresses an Islamic essence or enacts strategic framing, but because it is able to reflect and refract the dialogic religious field produced by the interactions between the residents, the state, and Islamism.
A glutamate-activated chloride conductance on a crustacean muscle

A glutamate-activated inhibitory response on a crustacean neuromuscular preparation that receives cholinergic excitatory innervation is described. Glutamate produced a dose-dependent conductance increase to C1−ions. The response was mimicked by ibotenic acid, but not by quisqualic acid, and was blocked by picrotoxin.
High-T C THz HEB mixers: Progress and prospects

We analyze the pathways for achieving the THz hot-electron bolometer (HEB) mixers using high-T C superconductors. Requirements to the material in order to obtain large (up to 10 GHz) intermediate frequency bandwidth as well as recent results on MgB 2 HEB mixer devices are discussed. Based on a thermal model of the energy relaxation in a thin film, we explain the difference between the mixing behaviors in previously studied HEB materials. We also introduce the concept of the HEB mixer based on the low electron density MBE-grown quasi-2DEG LaCuO/LaSrCuO superconductors with tunable critical temperature.
Sequential decision making: An aggregate scheduling methodology

Recent studies of sequential decision making performance have utilized optimal dynamic programming solutions as the criteria for evaluating the quality of human decisions. The difficulties incumbent in increasing the dimensionality of dynamic programming formulations effectively prohibit their extension beyond the case of a single decision variable. In the following article an alternative optimization formulation for a two-decision-variable case is presented, followed by the development of a corresponding one-decision-variable problem. In addition, related methodological problems limiting the comparability of results among previous studies are presented. It is suggested that the proposed problem formulation and its accompanying interpretation for the decision maker largely eliminate these previous methodological problems. Furthermore, the problem formulation permits quantification of the relative weights that should optimally be placed on future decision periods in the multiple-stage decision problem.
Experimental test of the pupation window model for development of detritivorous insects

Cohort size and food availability to larval detritivores are linked to pupal mass, and hence to adult fitness, by the pupation window model. Previous tests of this model have employed artificial food. This paper derives a version of the model that incorporates the dynamics of natural detritus. Tests of the model using cohorts of Aedes triseriatus Say led to successful predictions of numbers of pupae, female pupal mass, and female development time. However, it is recommended that model parameters be estimated separately for different types of leaf litter.
Concurrent Stimulation of Cannabinoid CB1 and Dopamine D2 Receptors Augments cAMP Accumulation in Striatal Neurons: Evidence for a Gs Linkage to the CB1 Receptor

Cannabinoids act at the CB1 receptor to inhibit adenylate cyclase activity via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein. Within the striatum, CB1 receptors have been shown to be localized on the same neurons as Gi-coupled dopamine D2 receptors. In this study we have examined the interactions of CB1 and D2 receptors on adenylate cyclase. In striatal neurons in primary culture, both the CB1 receptor agonist [3-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)-11-hydroxy-Δ8tetrahydrocannabinol] (HU210) and the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation when applied separately. In contrast, HU210 and quinpirole in combination augmented cAMP accumulation. This augmentation was blocked by the CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A or the D2 antagonist sulpride. Pertussis toxin treatment of striatal neurons prevented the inhibition of cAMP accumulation by D2 receptors but unmasked a cannabinoid receptor-mediated stimulatory effect on cAMP accumulation. The cannabinoid receptor-stimulated accumulation of cAMP was blocked in a concentration-dependent manner by SR141716A, suggesting that the response was regulated through the CB1 receptor. Similar augmentation of cAMP accumulation after pertussis toxin treatment was observed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with, and stably expressing, the CB1 receptor. This stimulation of cAMP was not Ca2+-sensitive and was unaffected by a range of protein kinase inhibitors. Treatment of the pertussis toxin-treated cells with cholera toxin before CB1 receptor activation amplified the stimulatory pathway, suggesting that this response was mediated through a Gs-type G-protein. Stimulation of cAMP accumulation was not observed after pertussis toxin treatment of CHO cells expressing the human CB2 receptor, suggesting that this novel signaling pathway is unique to the cannabinoid CB1 receptor.
Autosomal dominant osteosclerosisReport of a kindred

Autosomal dominant osteosclerosis (ADO), a rare inherited craniotubular bone disorder, is a generalized hyperostosis that manifests itself as increased cortical thickening of the skull, mandible, metacarpals, metatarsals, long bones, vertebral bodies, ribs, and clavicles. Jaw abnormalities, which clinically resemble the widening and deepening of the mandible seen in cherubism, begin in childhood and have been reported to stabilize after puberty. Teeth and alveolar bone are normal. ADO must be distinguished from Van Buchem's disease, which is characterized by elevated serum alkaline phosphatase, neurologic complications, exopthalmos, periosteal excrescences, and an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance, as well as from other craniotubular bone disorders such as osteopetrosis. We present clinical and radiographic documentation of members of a kindred representing 4 generations affected with ADO. At initial examination of the proband, a differential diagnosis included cherubism, fibrous dysplasia, osteopetrosis, and Paget's disease. Radiographic examination revealed extensive radiopacity of the inferior border and basal bone of the mandible. The proband's clavicles and humerus were also affected. All family members examined were similarly affected and had mandibular and palatal tori. Authors of a previously published report on the dental and dentoalveolar management of patients with craniotubular bone disorders have recommended prophylactic antibiotics to minimize risk of osteomyelitis in all such cases. The members of our kindred received extensive dental treatment before diagnosis, including extractions of severely carious teeth, preprosthetic dentoalveolar surgery, and endodontic therapy; there was no incidence of osteomyelitis or postsurgical complications. Therefore, the use of prophylactic antibiotics may not be warranted in patients with ADO who have otherwise normal medical histories.
Ionic perylene-3,4-dicarboximide as chromonic mesogens and the use of a fluorescence technique in determining phase-transition temperatures

We report a study of the chromonic liquid-crystalline properties of 2-(N,N-diethyl-N-methylammonium)ethylperylene-3,4-dicarboximide formate (1) in aqueous solution by polarised optical microscopy (POM), 2H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. Compound 1 shows chromonic liquid-crystalline properties at concentrations higher than 4 wt% at room temperature. We showed that fluorescence spectroscopy could be used to determine the concentration-dependent, phase-transition temperatures of this chromonic liquid crystal. The values determined by fluorescence spectroscopy are consistent with the values determined by 2H NMR spectroscopy and POM.
Dispersion Characteristics and Field Structure of an Axially Magnetized Ferrite Loaded Rectangular Waveguide

A basic limitation in an earlier work on the axially magnetized, ferrite loaded rectangular guide has led to a detailed re-examination of this problem. Both a series solution and a perturbational technique are used to find dispersion curves and field patterns.
The New Private International Law of Turkey

Turkish private international law is regulated by the Statute Regarding International Private Law and Procedure which was enacted on 20 May 1982 and became effective on 22 November 1982. This law repealed the former Temporary Law on Rights and Duties of Foreigners in Ottoman Lands of 23 February 1330 (1915) (hereinafter ''Temporary Law'), which, although intended as a temporary law when enacted during the Ottoman period, was effective until 1982.As the title indicates, the new statute regulates the substantive and procedural aspects of Turkish private international law. It has 48 Articles and is divided into two parts. Part 1, Section 1 of the Statute contains general provisions in Articles 1 to 7, and, in Section 2. Articles 8 to 26. conflict of law rules. Part 2, in Articles 27 to 45, is devoted to matters of international procedural law such as the jurisdiction of Turkish courts, and the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitration awards. Articles 46 to 48 deal with the repeal of the ''Temporary Law', as well as with the new Statute's effective date and enforcement.The Statute does not claim complete coverage of international private law matters. When compared to the previous ''Temporary Law' it is rather long and inclusive; but it is not as detailed as, for example, the new Swiss Statute on private international law and it does not cover all the main issues likely to arise, as under the 'Temporary Law' one must look to other provisions of Turkish law for rules relating to some problems. For example, the choice of law rules for negotiable instruments are found in the Commercial Code. Other problems are simply not regulated by the Statute and the Turkish Codes. Solutions to such matters will be developed by court decisions and doctrinal writings.The provisions of international agreements to which the Turkish Republic is a party are not affected by the new Statute. Turkey is a signatory to a considerable number of international agreements dealing with problems of private international law. Most of these international agreements are of European origin and are already in force in Turkey. Some provisions of these agreements are also applicable to nationals of non-signatory countries. As a result some provisions of the Statute are not applicable at all; others are in effect only against the nationals of those countries which are not signatories of international agreements.
Using model checking to analyze network vulnerabilities

Even well administered networks are vulnerable to attacks due to the security ramifications of offering a variety of combined services. That is, services that are secure when offered in isolation nonetheless provide an attacker with a vulnerability to exploit when offered simultaneously. Many current tools address vulnerabilities in the context of a single host. We address vulnerabilities due to the configuration of various hosts in a network. In a different line of research, formal methods are often useful for generating test cases, and model checkers are particularly adept at this task due to their ability to generate counterexamples. We address the network vulnerabilities problem with test cases, which amount to attack scenarios, generated by a model checker. We encode the vulnerabilities in a state machine description suitable for a model checker and then assert that an attacker cannot acquire a given privilege on a given host. The model checker either offers assurance that the assertion is true on the actual network or provides a counterexample detailing each step of a successful attack.
Outcomes of a proficiency-based skills curriculum at the beginning of the fourth year for senior medical students entering surgery.

Introduction We hypothesized that a proficiency-based curriculum administered early in the fourth year to senior medical students (MS4) would achieve outcomes comparable to a similar program administered during surgical internship. Methods MS4 ( n = 18) entering any surgical specialty enrolled in a proficiency-based skills curriculum at the beginning of the fourth year that included suturing/knot-tying, on-call problems, laparoscopic, and other skills (urinary catheter, sterile prep/drape, IV placement, informed consent, electrosurgical use). Assessment was at 4–12 weeks after training by a modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS). Suturing and knot tying tasks were assessed by time and OSATS technical proficiency (TP) scores (1 [novice], 3 [proficient], 5 [expert]). Outcomes were compared with PGY-1 residents who received similar training at the beginning of internship and assessment 4–12 weeks later. Data are presented as mean values ± standard deviation; statistical significance was assessed by Student's t test. Results Fifteen of 18 MS4 (83%) reached proficiency on all 15 tasks, and 2 others were proficient on all but 1 laparoscopic task. Compared with PGY-1s, MS4 were significantly faster for 3 of 5 suturing and tying tasks and total task time (547 ± 63 vs 637 ± 127 s; P P = NS). MS4 OSATS scores were higher for IV placement, informed consent, and urinary catheter placement, but lower for prep and drape and for management of on-call problems. Conclusion MS4 who participate in a proficiency-based curriculum taught early in the fourth year are able to meet proficiency targets in a high percentage of cases. This approach should better prepare MS4 for surgical internship.
Variation of lag time and specific growth rate among 11 strains of Salmonella inoculated onto sterile ground chicken breast burgers and incubated at 25C

One strain of 11 serotypes or 11 strains of Salmonella, which were isolated from the ceca of broilers, were surveyed for their growth kinetics on sterile ground chicken breast burgers incubated at 25C to determine the variation of lag time and specific growth rate. Growth curves, four per strain, were fit to a two-phase linear model to determine lag time (h) and specific growth rate (log 10 /h). Repeatability of growth kinetics measurements for individual strains had a mean coefficient of variation of 11.7% for lag time (range: 5.8 to 17.3%) and a mean coefficient of variation of 6. 7% for specific growth rate (range: 2.7 to 13.3%). Lag time among strains ranged from 2.2 to 3.1 h with a mean of 2.8 h for all strains, whereas specific growth rate among strains ranged from 0.3 to 0.38 logic per h with a mean of 0.35 log 10 per h for all strains. One-way analysis of variance indicated that lag time (P = 0.029) and specific growth rate (P = 0.025) differed slightly among strains. S. Haardt had a shorter (P < 0.05) lag time than S. Agona and S. Brandenburg, whereas the specific growth rate of S. Enteritidis was less than (P < 0.05) the specific growth rates of S. Typhimurium and S. Brandenburg. All other strains had similar lag times and specific growth rates. The coefficient of variation among strains was 9.4% for lag time and 5. 7% for specific growth rate. These results indicate that there were only minor differences in the lag times and specific growth rates among the strains of Salmonella surveyed. Thus, the growth kinetic values obtained with one strain of Salmonella may be useful for predicting the growth of other strains of Salmonella for which data do not currently exist.
Kinetics and equilibria of the reaction between bromine, and ethyl ether. The C-H bond dissociation energy in ethyl ether

The kinetics and equilibria of the reaction: have been studied in the temperature range 298–333 K by using the very low pressure reactor (VLPR) technique. Combining the estimated entropy change of reaction (1), ΔS = 8.1 ± 1.0 eu, with the measured ΔG, we find ΔH = 4.2 ± 0.4 kcal/mol; ΔH(CH3CHOC2H5) = −20.2 kcal/mol, and DH° [Et OCH(Me)-H] = 91.7 ± 0.4 kcal/mol. We find: where θ = 2.3 RT in kcal/mol. It has been shown that the reaction proceeds via a loose transition state and the “contact TS” model calculation gives a very good agreement with the observed value.
A physics-based framework for subdivision surface design with automatic rules control

The recent non-uniform subdivision approach extends traditional uniform subdivision schemes with variable rules, offering additional shape parameters (such as knot spacings) for feature control. Despite its flexibility, shape modification based on non-uniform subdivision usually requires designers to interactively adjust a large number of degrees of freedom (DOFs) to achieve the desired shapes, which can often be laborious. This paper extends the principle of variational subdivision and integrates the non-uniform subdivision schemes with powerful physics-based shape sculpting techniques, providing a universal method for arbitrary subdivision schemes with adjustable rules. The subdivision control points and knot spacings evolve in response to the shape deformation resulting from the numerical integration of Lagrangian dynamics equation or the optimization of shape energy functional. Thus, our system allows users to manipulate the desired shape in a direct and intuitive fashion. In addition, we propose a novel and efficient discrete functional evaluation method for polygonal meshes or point clouds of arbitrary topology based on implicit functions, in which no parameterization is needed. Finally, we develop a simple prototype sculpting system demonstrating many advantages of our novel physics-based, non-uniform subdivision modeling system.
Transhyoid Approach to Excision of Recurrent Vallecular Pseudocysts

INTRODUCTION Vallecular pseudocysts are uncommon in infants and children, with a reported incidence of 18 per 100,000 live births.1 Although often asymptomatic in adults, vallecular pseudocysts can cause stridor, dyspnea, and feeding difficulties in infants and young children. Symptomatic vallecular pseudocysts are typically treated by transoral marsupialization under microscopic, endoscopic, or direct visualization. Patients who fail to respond to these traditional methods pose a surgical challenge to the otolaryngologist. A single previous report described a median laryngofissure approach for the excision of recurrent vallecular cysts.1 We describe a novel application of the transhyoid approach to treat recurrent vallecular pseudocysts in two pediatric patients. Our literature review suggests this is the first description of this surgical approach for this particular indication.
Human Behaviors Elevating Exposure to Ixodes pacificus (Acari: Ixodidae) Nymphs and Their Associated Bacterial Zoonotic Agents in a Hardwood Forest

Abstract Epidemiological evidence suggests that the nymph of the western black-legged tick, Ixodes pacificus Cooley and Kohls, is the primary vector of the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt, and Brenner, to humans in northwestern California. In spring 2002, six different human behaviors were evaluated as potential risk factors for acquiring I. pacificus nymphs in a deciduous woodland in Mendocino County, California. Also, the prevalence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) and the causative agents of human granulocytic (Anaplasma phagocytophilum [Foggie] Dumler, Barbet, Bekker, Dasch, Palmer, Ray, Rikihisa, and Rurangirwa) and monocytic ehrlichioses (Ehrlichia chaffeensis Anderson, Dawson, Jones, and Wilson) was determined in nymphs that had been collected from subjects or by dragging leaf litter. Activities involving a considerable degree of contact with wood resulted in greater acquisition of nymphs than those involving exposure solely to leaf litter. Time-a...
The relationship between myocardial extracellular matrix remodeling and ventricular function

Elevations in myocardial stress initiate structural remodeling of the heart in an attempt to normalize the imposed stress. This remodeling consists of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and changes in the amount of collagen, collagen phenotype and collagen cross-linking. Since fibrillar collagen is a relatively stiff material, a decrease in collagen can result in a more compliant ventricle while an increase in collagen or collagen cross-linking results in a stiffer ventricle. If continued elevations in wall stress exceed the ability of the heart to compensate, then the ventricular wall thickness is disproportionately reduced compared to chamber volume and diastolic and systolic dysfunction ensues. This review describes the structural organization of collagen within the myocardium, discusses its effect on ventricular function and considers whether therapy aimed at reducing fibrosis is efficacious in heart failure. The evidence indicates that chamber stiffness can clearly be affected by alterations in both collagen quantity and quality, with the effect of changes in collagen concentration being modified by the extent of collagen cross-linking. The limited evidence available regarding the effects of collagen on systolic function indicates that pharmacological attempts to reduce interstitial collagen have a negative impact. Accordingly, a shift in treatment strategies directed more specifically at affecting collagen cross-linking, rather than reducing the concentration of collagen, may be warranted in the prevention of the adverse impact of collagen alterations on myocardial remodeling.
Effects of electroacupuncture versus manual acupuncture on the human brain as measured by fMRI

The goal of this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study was to compare the central effects of electroacupuncture at different frequencies with traditional Chinese manual acupuncture. Although not as time-tested as manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture does have the advantage of setting stimulation frequency and intensity objectively and quantifiably. Manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture at 2 Hz and 100 Hz, and tactile control stimulation were carried out at acupoint ST-36. Overall, electroacupuncture (particularly at low frequency) produced more widespread fMRI signal increase than manual acupuncture did, and all acupuncture stimulations produced more widespread responses than did our placebo-like tactile control stimulation. Acupuncture produced hemodynamic signal increase in the anterior insula, and decrease in limbic and paralimbic structures including the amygdala, anterior hippocampus, and the cortices of the subgenual and retrosplenial cingulate, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, frontal, and temporal poles, results not seen for tactile control stimulation. Only electroacupuncture produced significant signal increase in the anterior middle cingulate cortex, whereas 2-Hz electroacupuncture produced signal increase in the pontine raphe area. All forms of stimulation (acupuncture and control) produced signal increase in SII. These findings support a hypothesis that the limbic system is central to acupuncture effect regardless of specific acupuncture modality, although some differences do exist in the underlying neurobiologic mechanisms for these modalities, and may aid in optimizing their future usage in clinical applications.
Areal-Density Capability of a Magnetic Recording System Using a “747” Test Based Only on Data-Block Failure-Rate

The ldquo747rdquo test provides a well-established basis for determining the areal-density capability of a magnetic recording system. When new record areal densities are announced, they are usually accompanied by a 747 plot to support the claim. The 747 curve plots how far the read-head can be moved off-track versus the distance to an adjacent ldquosqueezingrdquo track. The criterion for off-track failure is defined as a threshold on raw error-rate, e.g., 1-bit error per 1000 customer bits. There are two concerns with this approach. First, the raw error rate from the readback channel is not the final measure of performance and may vary from channel to channel or, for next generation channels, may not even be defined. Second, the areal densities achieved are usually quoted exclusive of the necessary error correction code (ECC) overhead. So there is no credit given for channels that require little or no ECC. This paper describes the traditional 747 test and then a modification of that test that relies only on measuring the final data-block failure rate. Also, the proposed new definition requires that the resulting areal-densities be quoted inclusive of any added ECC overhead.
Fear in animals: a meta-analysis and review of risk assessment

The amount of risk animals perceive in a given circumstance (i.e. their degree of ‘fear’) is a difficult motivational state to study. While many studies have used flight initiation distance as a proxy for fearfulness and examined the factors influencing the decision to flee, there is no general understanding of the relative importance of these factors. By identifying factors with large effect sizes, we can determine whether anti-predator strategies reduce fear, and we gain a unique perspective on the coevolution of predator and anti-predator behaviour. Based on an extensive review and formal meta-analysis, we found that predator traits that were associated with greater risk (speed, size, directness of approach), increased prey distance to refuge and experience with predators consistently amplified the perception of risk (in terms of flight initiation distance). While fish tolerated closer approach when in larger schools, other taxa had greater flight initiation distances when in larger groups. The presence of armoured and cryptic morphologies decreased perception of risk, but body temperature in lizards had no robust effect on flight initiation distance. We find that selection generally acts on prey to be sensitive to predator behaviour, as well as on prey to modify their behaviour and morphology.
The transcription factor Fli-1 modulates marginal zone and follicular B cell development in mice

Fli-1 belongs to the Ets transcription factor family and is expressed primarily in hematopoietic cells, including most cells active in immunity. To assess the role of Fli-1 in lymphocyte development in vivo, we generated mice that express a truncated Fli-1 protein, lacking the C-terminal transcriptional activation domain (Fli-1(DeltaCTA)). Fli-1(DeltaCTA)/Fli-1(DeltaCTA) mice had significantly fewer splenic follicular B cells, and an increased number of transitional and marginal zone B cells, compared with wild-type controls. Bone marrow reconstitution studies demonstrated that this phenotype is the result of lymphocyte intrinsic effects. Expression of Igalpha and other genes implicated in B cell development, including Pax-5, E2A, and Egr-1, are reduced, while Id1 and Id2 are increased in Fli-1(DeltaCTA)/Fli-1(DeltaCTA) mice. Proliferation of B cells from Fli-1(DeltaCTA)/Fli-1(DeltaCTA) mice was diminished, although intracellular Ca(2+) flux in B cells from Fli-1(DeltaCTA)/Fli-1(DeltaCTA) mice was similar to that of wild-type controls after anti-IgM stimulation. Immune responses and in vitro class switch recombination were also altered in Fli-1(DeltaCTA)/Fli-1(DeltaCTA) mice. Thus, Fli-1 modulates B cell development both centrally and peripherally, resulting in a significant impact on the in vivo immune response.
Binding Interactions between the Encephalomyocarditis Virus Leader and Protein 2A

ABSTRACT The leader (L) and 2A proteins of cardioviruses are the primary antihost agents produced during infection. For encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), the prototype of the genus Cardiovirus, these proteins interact independently with key cellular partners to bring about inhibition of active nucleocytoplasmic trafficking and cap-dependent translation, respectively. L and 2A also bind each other and require this cooperation to achieve their effects during infection. Recombinant L and 2A interact with 1:1 stoichiometry at a K D (equilibrium dissociation constant) of 1.5 μM. The mapped contact domains include the amino-proximal third of 2A (first 50 amino acids) and the central hinge region of L. This contact partially overlaps the L segment that makes subsequent contact with Ran GTPase in the nucleus, and Ran can displace 2A from L. The equivalent proteins from Theiler9s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV; BeAn) and Saffold virus interact similarly in any subtype combination, with various affinities. The data suggest a mechanism whereby L takes advantage of the nuclear localization signal in the COOH region of 2A to enhance its trafficking to the nucleus. Once there, it exchanges partners in favor of Ran. This required cooperation during infection explains many observed codependent phenotypes of L and 2A mutations. IMPORTANCE Cardiovirus pathogenesis phenotypes vary dramatically, from asymptomatic, to mild gastrointestinal (GI) distress, to persistent demyelination and even encephalitic death. Leader and 2A are the primary viral determinants of pathogenesis, so understanding how these proteins cooperate to induce such a wide variety of outcomes for the host is of great important and interest to the field of virology, especially to those who use TMEV as a murine model for multiple sclerosis.
Stability analysis of dynamical systems for minor and principal component analysis

Algorithms that extract the principal or minor components of a signal are widely used in signal processing and control applications. This paper explores new frameworks for generating learning rules for iteratively computing the principal and minor components (or subspaces) of a given matrix. Stability analysis using Lyapunov theory and La Salle invariance principle is provided to determine regions of attraction of these learning rules. Among many derivations, it is specifically shown that Oja's rule and many variations of it are asymptotically globally stable. Lyapunov stability theory is also applied to weighted learning rules. Some of the essential features for the proposed MCA/PCA learning rules are that they are self normalized and can be applied to non-symmetric matrices. Exact solutions for some nonlinear dynamical systems are also provided.
Variations on the theme of the Witsenhausen counterexample

This is a semi-tutorial paper that places Witsenhausen?s celebrated 1968 counterexample within a broad class of dynamic decision problems with nonclassical information, which includes stochastic linear-quadratic Gaussian (LQG) teams as well as LQG zero-sum stochastic games. For a fixed (nonclassical) information structure, there are instances (depending on the structure of the objective function) when linear policies are optimal and other instances (including Witsenhausen?s counterexample) when the optimal policies are nonlinear. The paper discusses these instances, optimality as well as saddle-point property (in the case of zero-sum games) of linear policies, and implications of these results for general multi-stage decision problems with specific information structures. It also discusses possible extensions to nonzero-sum stochastic dynamic games where the solution concept is Nash equilibrium.
Robust deconvolution of high-frequency ultrasound images using higher-order spectral analysis and wavelets

Deconvolution of high-frequency (30-40 MHz) ultrasonic images of human skin was studied in vivo. Separate one-dimensional (1-D) functions for the axial and lateral profiles were first estimated using higher-order spectral methods. Subsequently, deconvolution was implemented using a regularized inverse Wiener filtering of the wavelet and scaling coefficients that were obtained after a wavelet decomposition of the RF signals. Deconvolution was first performed in the axial direction, then in the lateral direction. The methods were applied to data obtained from the skin of 16 volunteers using three different transducers. Significant improvements in both the axial and lateral resolutions were obtained in all the cases. Features such as hair follicles in the dermis and fingerprints on the surface of the finger were more clearly displayed in the processed images compared to the original images. The results indicate that the deconvolution method using higher-order spectral methods and wavelet analysis could significantly improve the quality of high-frequency ultrasonic skin images.
Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Nitride Films Deposited in Various PECVD Systems

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitride films, prepared in various commercially available plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition systems, have been investigated in terms of different deposition conditions. The full characterization of these gate insulators has been carried out by different techniques. Experimental data and interesting findings obtained from this study are presented. Indeed, some valuable relationships between physico-chemical and mechanical properties have been established. Special attention has been devoted to the influence of hydrogen on these properties.