cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sudden onset weakness in an immunocompromised patient.

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Human infection usually occurs via an oral or transplacental route. In adults, most infections are subclinical, but severe infection can occur in patients who are immunocompromised, particularly those with AIDS or a history of transplantation. In our patient, a steroid-induced immunosuppression was likely to blame for her susceptibility to the pathogen. Imaging with a non-contrast CT scan often depicts an isodense lesion with surrounding edema and mass effect. On MRI, T2-weighted FLAIR images reveal a hyperintense signal consistent with the underlying mass and edema. On T1-weighted MRI the lesion is often hypo/isodense to gray matter with ring enhancement following the administration of contrast. Diffusion-weighted images often show restricted diffusion (Fig. 1). Histology demonstrated an area of necrosis with scattered cysts (arrow) containing basophilic bradyzoites consistent with toxoplasma micro-organisms (Fig. 2). In our patient, a mild perivascular lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with scattered cells positive for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was present raising the possibility of an early EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorder. The primary treatment consists of a regimen of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine.
Visualizing a plant defense and insect counterploy: alkaloid distribution in Lobelia leaves trenched by a plusiine caterpillar.

Insects that feed on plants protected by latex canals often sever leaf veins or cut trenches across leaves before feeding distal to the cuts. The insects thereby depressurize the canals and reduce latex exudation at their prospective feeding site. How the cuts affect the distribution and concentration of latex chemicals was not known. We modified a microwave-assisted extraction technique to analyze the spatial distribution of alkaloids in leaves of Lobelia cardinalis (Campanulaceae) that have been trenched by a plusiine caterpillar, Enigmogramma basigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). We produced sharp two dimensional maps of alkaloid distribution by microwaving leaves to transfer alkaloids to TLC plates that were then sprayed with Dragendorff’s reagent to visualize the alkaloids. The leaf prints were photographed and analyzed with image processing software for quantifying alkaloid levels. A comparison of control and trenched leaves documented that trenching reduces alkaloid levels by approximately 50% both distal and proximal to the trench. The trench becomes greatly enriched in alkaloids due to latex draining from surrounding areas. Measurements of exudation from trenched leaves demonstrate that latex pressures are rapidly restored proximal, but not distal to the trench. Thus, the trench serves not only to drain latex with alkaloids from the caterpillar’s prospective feeding site, but also to isolate this section, thereby preventing an influx of latex from an extensive area that likely extends beyond the leaf. Microwave-assisted extraction of leaves has potential for diverse applications that include visualizing the impact of pathogens, leaf miners, sap-sucking insects, and other herbivores on the distribution and abundance of alkaloids and other important defensive compounds.
Relation of hemoglobin A1c to left ventricular relaxation in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and without overt heart disease.

Previous studies using Doppler and M-mode echocardiography have demonstrated that abnormalities of left ventricular (LV) diastolic relaxation are sensitive markers of early myocardial dysfunction. Tissue Doppler echocardiography and color M-mode propagation velocity (Vp) are novel noninvasive techniques that provide an estimate of LV relaxation 1–3 and are less dependent on preload. 4,5 Furthermore, mitral infl ow early fi lling (E) can be used in conjunction with tissue Doppler echocardiography early diastolic velocity (EM) and Vp to estimate LV fi lling pressures. 3,4 The present study examines whether subclinical diastolic dysfunction is found in asymptomatic type 1 diabetic patients, and evaluates the relation between diastolic dysfunction and glycemic control using novel echocardiographic techniques.  The study group included 25 type 1 diabetic patients who were compared with 26 age- and gendermatched normal volunteers. Exclusion criteria were any history of hypertension, myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, or congestive heart failure. Subjects were also excluded if they had any evidence of global or regional LV dysfunction, valvular stenosis, or regurgitation, or abnormal end-diastolic or endsystolic dimensions on transthoracic echocardiography. All participants had normal electrocardiograms. The study protocol was approved by an institutional review board, and all participants provided informed consent. Participants were examined in the supine position by 2-dimensional– guided transthoracic standard pulsed, color Doppler, and tissue Doppler echocardiography using an Acuson Sequoia (Mountain View, California) echocardiographic machine equipped with tissue Doppler echocardiographic technology. Recordings were acquired with a 1.7 to 3.5 harmonic Doppler transducer. Recordings of myocardial wall velocities, transmitral Doppler fl ow, and 2-dimensional images were obtained from the apical acoustic window. M-mode and 2-dimensional echocardiographic images of the left ventricle were obtained for evaluation of ventricular septal and posterior wall
Microbial oxidation of 2-bromostyrene by Pseudomonas Putida 39/D. Isolation and identification of metabolites

Abstract 2-Bromostyrene was subjected to microbial oxidation by two microorganisms. Oxidation by Pseudomonas putida 39/D yielded a mixture of ring dihydroxylated (1 S ,2 R )-4-bromo-3-ethenylcyclohexa-3,5-diene-1,2-diol ( 4a ) (optical purity o.p.>92%) and side chain dihydroxylated (1 R )-1-(2-bromophenyl)ethan-1,2-diol ( 5a ) (o.p. 91%) (ratio 4a:5a = 1:4) in a yield of 100 mg/L. Pseudomonas sp. NCIB 9816-11 afforded only 5a .
Effect of HLA mismatching and antibody status on “homovital” aortic valve homograft performance

Abstract Background . Recipients of "homovital" aortic valve homografts are known to produce specific antibodies to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) determinants present on the cellular compartment of the valve tissue; however, the clinical significance of these antibodies is unknown. Data from 182 patients receiving homovital aortic valve homografts has been analyzed to determine the impact of HLA disparity and HLA antibody production on survival and function of the homograft. Methods . Human leukocyte antigen mismatch data were available for 127 patients (mean follow-up, 6.02 ± 0.26 years). Two patients were considered well matched for HLA A+B antigens (zero or one mismatch) compared with 125 poorly matched (two to four mismatches). Nine patients had a zero HLA-DR mismatch compared with 52 with one mismatch and 59 patients completely mismatched for DR antigens. Results . There was no significant association between the degree of HLA mismatch for either class I or class II antigens whether the loci were considered alone or in combination (ie, A, B, DR, AB, or ABDR mismatching) with markers of long-term valve function including patient mortality, reoperation, valve degeneration, valve stenosis, presence of regurgitation, and postoperative New York Heart Association class. One hundred thirty-six of 167 (82%) were found to have produced antibodies after operation (mean time after operation, 6.42 ± 0.58 years). In 61 cases both antibody specificity and donor HLA typing was available. In 92% of these, the antibodies were of the IgG subclass and were specific for the HLA class I molecules of the donor. The presence of HLA antibodies was associated with an increase in the frequency of mild valve stenosis (not significant) compared with those patients who did not develop HLA antibodies (antibody negative=9.7%; panel reactive antibodies 50% = 22.2%; not significant). There was also an increased prevalence of valve degeneration associated with HLA antibodies. The actuarial freedom from valve degeneration for the 35 HLA antibody-negative patients was 100% at 1, 5, and 10 years compared with 100% at 1 year, 97% at 5 years, and 92% at 10 years for 55 patients with panel reactivity less than 50%, and 98% at 1 year, 94% at 5 years, and 88% at 10 years for the 77 patients who were highly sensitized (not significant). There was no correlation with other markers of long-term valve function. Conclusions . The influence of the immune response on valve function requires further studies involving large numbers of patients followed for a longer period of time. We believe prospective matching for HLA antigens is warranted to produce a well-matched cohort of patients for analysis and to reduce antibody sensitization, which would help to clarify this issue.
Safety and long-term outcome of laparoscopic antireflux surgery in patients in their eighties and older.

BACKGROUND The elderly have more severe reflux disease and paraesophageal hernias than younger patients, leading to a high failure rate of medical therapy. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery has an overall mortality of 0.1% and a low morbidity, making it a safe and beneficial procedure for the elderly. METHODS We performed a retrospective study of octo- and nonogenerians with a mean follow-up of 3.1 years after laparoscopic fundoplication. Thirty (3.5%) patients who were in their eighties or older are reported. Preoperative symptoms, esophageal testing, postoperative symptoms, and satisfaction rate were analyzed. RESULTS Fifty-seven percent of patients had paraesophageal hernias. Mean duration of procedures was 146 +/- 49 min, blood loss was 76 +/- 101 ml, and hospitalization was 2.2 +/- 1.0 days. There was one conversion to laparotomy, two intraoperative complications, and no deaths. Follow-up data were available in 93% of patients. Mean follow-up time was 3.1 years. Two died of unrelated causes. At follow-up 96% stated that their surgical outcome was satisfactory. Two patients were suffering from severe symptoms. Overall well-being at follow-up was 7.5 (range 3-10) on a 10-point scale in comparison to 2.2 (range 1-5) before surgery (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION Laparoscopic surgery is a good option for the treatment of severe gastroesophageal reflux disease in octo- and nonagenarians.
Determinants of CPAP Adherence in Hispanics with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Purpose. We hypothesized that socioeconomic factors and a language barrier would impact adherence with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) among Hispanics with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods. Patients with OSA who were prescribed CPAP for at least 1 year and completed a questionnaire evaluating demographic data, socioeconomic status, and CPAP knowledge and adherence participated in the study. Results. Seventy-nine patients (26 males; &#x2009;yrs; body mass index &#x2009;kg/m2) with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) events/hr completed the study. Included were 25 Hispanics, 39 African Americans, and 15 Caucasians, with no difference in age, AHI, CPAP use, or BMI between the groups. While there was a difference in educational level (), income level (), and employment status () between the groups, these did not influence CPAP adherence. Instead, overall improvement in quality of life and health status and perceived benefit from CPAP influenced adherence, both for the group as a whole (, , and , resp.), as well as in Hispanics (, , , resp.). Conclusion. In Hispanic patients with OSA, perceived benefit with therapy, rather than socioeconomic status or a language barrier, appears to be the most important factor in determining CPAP adherence.
Interaction thresholds for adsorption of quantum gases on surfaces and within pores of various shapes.

Adsorption within pores and on surfaces occurs because of the attractive potential provided by the adsorbent. If the attraction is too weak, however, adsorption does not occur to any significant extent. This paper evaluates the criterion for such adsorption, at zero temperature, of the quantum gases 4He and H2. This criterion is expressed as a relationship between a threshold value of the well-depth (D) of the adsorption potential (on a semi-infinite planar surface) and the hard-core diameter (σ) of the gas-surface pair potential. Six geometries are considered, of which two result in two-dimensional (2D) adsorbed phases, two result in one-dimensional (1D) phases, and two result in zero-dimensional phases. These are monolayer films on semi-infinite substrates or within a slit pore, linear or axial phases within cylindrical pores (within bulk solids) or cylindrical tubes, and single-particle adsorption within spherical pores or hollow spherical cavities, respectively. The criteria for film adsorption are co...
PREGNANCY OUTCOME AND WEIGHT OF INFANTS BORN TO WOMEN WITH SICKLE CELL TRAIT

A significant increase in perinatal mortality in association with anoxic stress has been reported among Nigerian women with sickle cell trait (AS). Moreover, a significantly lower mean birth weight was reported for infants born to American black AS mothers, although this retrospective survey provided no data concerning parity, or sex and gestational age of the newborn infants. A prospective study has been carried out on the outcome of pregnancy and distribution of birth weights of infants delivered by 73 AS women compared with a control group of AA women matched for race, age, parity and sex of their offspring. 67 (92%) of the pregnant AS women delivered infants at term (>37 weeks). The mean ± S. D. birth weights of term infants with uncomplicated gestation in relation to parity was: primipara, male 3.30 kg ± .42, female 2.77 kg ± .28; multipara, male 3.28 kg ± .54, female 3.25 kg ± .26. Eight (11%) of the infants were born at or before 37 weeks gestation or weighed less than 2. 5 kg at birth. The distribution of birth weights and proportion of low birth weights does not differ significantly from the data from infants born to AA mothers. Five AS mothers had preeclampsia, and 4 had diabetes. There was no increased incidence of urinary tract infections or fetal wastage. These findings do not support the impression that there may be definable pathological correlates of childbearing in AS women.
Interference with prolactin release and the maternal behavior of female rats

Abstract The role of prolactin in maintaining the maternal behavior of the rat was investigated. Ergocornine, a drug that interferes with the release of prolactin from the anterior pituitary, was injected daily into postpartum females for a period of 21 days. Those receiving ergocornine did not differ significantly from control females on any measure of maternal behavior, the control females having received either ergocornine plus prolactin or simply the vehicle. Since both lactation and the decidual cell response to uterine traumatization were inhibited after ergocornine, and since each were at least partially reversed by exogenous prolactin, it was evident that ergocornine interfered successfully with the postpartum release of prolactin. That at the same time maternal behavior was unaffected, supports the conclusion that prolactin is not essential in maintaining the maternal responsivity of the postpartum female rat.
Interrelationships among stabilities of important agronomic traits in sugarcane.

The stability-variance statistic, ĝs i (2) , measures the contribution of the i(th) genotype to genotype x environment interaction. In addition to the knowledge of cultivar stability for an agronomic trait, information on whether stability of one trait can be used to predict stability of another should be useful to breeders. Three separate groups of data, respectively involving CP 79 series, CP 80 series, and CP 81 series experimental clones of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) were used in this study. Rank-correlation coefficients (rs) between ranks of genotypes for ĝs i (2) 's for paired traits indicated in both plant-cane and ratoon crops that stability of tons per hectare of sugar can be predicted from the stability of tons per hectare of cane (THC) and also, to a lesser extent, from the stability of stalk number. The stability of THC also can be reasonably well predicted from the stability of stalk number. Brix stability may give some indication of the stabilities for percentage sucrose and sugar concentration (SC). The ĝs i (2) 's for percentage sucrose and SC were almost identical in the CP 79 and CP 81 series (rs varied from 0.93, P<0.01, in plant-cane crop for CP 79 series to 0.98, P<0.01, in plant-cane crop for CP 81 series). Whether correlations were based on ĝs i (2) 's estimated across locations within crops or across crops, the magnitude of rs was about the same. Means of various traits were not correlated with their respective ĝs i (2) 's (for CP 81 series), indicating that identification and selection of high-yielding sugarcane genotypes with a relatively high degree of stability of performance across test environments should be possible.
The unrestricted engineering Bernoulli equation

Abstract Based on a force analysis, B ird recently derived restricted “engineering Bernoulli equations.” The procedure consisted of forming the scalar product of the velocity with the Navier—Stokes equations of motion and then integrating over the volume of the open system to obtain first a general mechanical-energy balance. For the restricted cases of isothermal and isentropic flow at constant composition (or else at chemical equilibrium), and with each species experiencing the same conservative body forces, B ird converted the mechanical-energy balance into “engineering Bernoulli equations.” In the present paper a Bernoulli equation will be derived by a generalized method; the only condition will be that of identical body forces upon the constituents. 1
The boycott of “star wars” by academic scientists: The relative roles of political and technical judgement

Abstract Despite scientists' ability to claim special status as experts on policy issues related to their areas of expertise, political activity by scientists as scientists is rarely viewed as being motivated by this expertise. Often, as in weapons systems debates, scientists' participation has been viewed as being motivated out of political interests. Having surveyed faculty signers of the Star Wars Boycott Pledge however, our research found concerns about the technical feasibility of SDI were a primary source of motivation for 40% of the pledge signers. A comparison of characteristics of signers based upon their motivations is presented and implications of these findings are discussed.
Stereospecificity of interaction of neuroleptic drugs with neurotransmitters and correlation with clinical potency.

THE molecular mechanism responsible for the therapeutic activity of a drug is often suggested by the biochemical event which correlates best with clinical potency. Thus, if optical or geometrical isomers of a drug have markedly different clinical potencies, the most relevant biochemical effect should also exhibit isomeric specificity.
The Peaceful Atom as Political Weapon: Euratom and American Foreign Policy in the Late 1950s

The U.S. emerged from World War II as the world's leading scientific and technological nation, consolidating its advantage for the next two or three decades. This paper describes how the State Department used the nation's dominance in the nuclear field, inherited from the Manhattan Project, to divert the resources of Western European states, notably France and Germany, into a civilian nuclear power program undertaken by a new supranational organization, Euratom. The determination on the continent to re-launch the European integration process in 1955, the Suez crisis in 1956, and the launch of the Sputniks in 1957 were opportunities ably exploited by officers in the State Department to use America's scientific, technological, and industrial depth in nuclear power as a political weapon. To this end they withheld the supply of enriched uranium for as long as possible from nations that wanted the fuel through bilateral agreements with the Atomic Energy Commission. In parallel they offered nuclear materials and know how, along with economic and political incentives, to encourage nations to commit to Euratom. This policy was strongly opposed by senior officials in the AEC and in the fledgling International Atomic Energy Agency, as well in Britain and in some continental countries, but to no avail. Though the State Department's efforts eventually bore little fruit, the paper clearly shows how U.S. leadership in science and technology was mobilized to promote America's foreign policy agenda in Western Europe in the early Cold War.
The role of laminin-5 in TGFα/EGF-mediated corneal epithelial cell motility

Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulate corneal epithelial cell wound closure. However, the role of these growth factors in regulating corneal epithelial cell motility on basement membrane proteins such as laminin has not been elucidated. In the present study we demonstrate that in an in vitro model of corneal wound healing, TGF alpha has no deleterious effects on the deposition of the laminin-5 isoform into the extracellular matrix structure underlying epithelial cells resurfacing bare collagenous stroma. In primary culture, a population of corneal epithelial cells are stimulated by TGF alpha or EGF to become highly motile. These cells are associated with an endogenously secreted, and extracellularly deposited, 'trail' of laminin-5. The laminin-5 trail is specifically associated with motile cells, as non-motile corneal epithelium exhibiting numerous cell-cell contacts does not display a similar laminin-5 localization pattern. In contrast to these observations, a preparation of laminin-5 known to promote cell spreading, adhesion, and formation of hemidesmosomes, when presented exogenously to cultured corneal epithelial cells, does not stimulate motility. However, a commercially available preparation of laminin derived from human placenta which does not contain laminin-5 does significantly promote the migration of TGF alpha- or EGF-stimulated corneal epithelial cells. From these results, it is hypothesized that endogenously secreted laminin-5 functions to promote migration in corneal epithelial cells which have been treated with TGF alpha or EGF. Exogenously presented laminin-5 does not function similarly, but functions to promote corneal epithelial cell adhesion.
Leading Change of a School District Reorganization

Using Kotter's (1995, 1996; Kotter & Cohen 2002) eight-step change framework, we assess the leadership of the 2005-07 Little Rock School District reorganization. Following the new public management (NPM) reform approach, the reorganization sought to (a) establish a clear line of authority and (b) streamline the organization by eliminating central office positions and redistributing resources to schools. In-depth interviews were conducted with the superintendent, his executive staff, and members of the school board; 44 school principals completed in-depth written surveys; and more than 500 telephone surveys of teachers and school staff were conducted. We conclude that the change process began to break down during Kotter's fourth step. The vision was not communicated throughout the district, and teachers and staff did not understand the goals of the reorganization, nor how to reach them. The change process completely broke down during Kotter's fifth step. School personnel were not empowered to act on the ch...
The 23Na(p, γ)24Mg reaction and the giant dipole resonance in 24Mg☆

Abstract The 23 Na(p, γ) 24 Mg reaction has been studied over the region of excitation corresponding to the giant dipole resonance. Gamma rays to the ground state and to the first and to the second plus third excited states have been observed. The (p, γ 0 ) cross section is on the average smaller than it is in other doubly even nuclei in this region. The (p, γ 1 ) cross section is considerably larger than the (p, γ 0 ) and clearly follows a giant-resonance shape. A part of the giant resonance built upon the second and/or third excited states is also observed. A fluctuation analysis finds the coherence width to be about 75 keV. The angular distributions of both γ 0 and γ 1 show the usual small energy variation that has come to be associated with the giant resonance.
Jeronimo Pardo on the Necessity of Scientific Propositions

L'A. etudie la notion d'ampliation telle qu'elle etait comprise par les logiciens du XVI e siecle, dont J. Pardo qui tente de preserver la necessite des propositions scientifiques en meme temps qu'il etablit la premiere regle pour determiner la verite ou la faussete des propositions qui font difficulte a cause de l'ampliation
Four colors do not suffice

Zenopia is a two-dimensional island country with six provinces, each of which is fiercely proud of its infinite perimeter and charmingly modest concerning its finite area. Topologically, Zenopia is a partially-open rectangle (partially-open owing to a line-segment-region missing from the very center of its interior and running north to south). None of the inhabitants of Zenopia has ever raised a fuss about the respectability of partially-open regions, however, and neither, of course, should we. Let us call the sliver of space that is missing from the interior of Zenopia by the suggestive name "Border," and let us mark it with the solid line that appears in Figure 1. (Remember, though, that whereas the line has width, Border does not. Such are the hazards of convenient representations.) The first (and oldest) province in Zenopia is Redland, and it is a curious province indeed. Just a bit south and a tad east from the northwest corner of Zenopia, Redland begins its long and winding path through the Western half of the country. Figure 2 provides an image to orient you.
Within-session analysis of amphetamine-elicited rotation behavior reveals differences between young adult and middle-aged F344/BN rats with partial unilateral striatal dopamine depletion

Preclinical modeling of Parkinson's disease using 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) has been valuable in developing and testing therapeutic strategies. Recent efforts have focused on modeling early stages of disease by infusing 6-OHDA into the striatum. The partial DA depletion that follows intrastriatal 6-OHDA is more variable than the near-complete depletion following medial forebrain bundle infusion, and behavioral screening assays are not as well characterized in the partial lesion model. We compared relationships between amphetamine-elicited rotation behavior and DA depletion following intrastriatal 6-OHDA (12.5 μg) in 6 month vs. 18 month F344/BN rats, at 2-weeks and 6-weeks post-lesion. We compared the total number of rotations with within-session (bin-by-bin) parameters of rotation behavior as indicators of DA depletion. Striatal DA depletion was greater in the young adult than in the middle-aged rats at 2 weeks but not at 6 weeks post-lesion. The total number of rotations for the whole session and striatal DA depletion did not differ between the two age groups. Regression analysis revealed a greater relationship between within-session parameters of rotation behavior and DA depletion in the middle-aged group than in the young adult group. These results have implications for estimating DA depletion in preclinical studies using rats of different ages.
Polycrystalline 3C-SiC thin films deposited by dual precursor LPCVD for MEMS applications

Abstract Polycrystalline silicon carbide (poly-SiC) thin films were deposited in a high-throughput, low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) furnace using dichlorosilane (SiH2Cl2) and acetylene (C2H2) dual precursors. The deposition temperature ranged from 800 to 900 °C, and the pressure was varied between 0.46 and 5.00 Torr. Poly-SiC deposition with good uniformity is demonstrated on 150 and 100 mm diameter (1 0 0) silicon wafers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data indicated that stoichiometric SiC films were deposited over the entire range of temperatures and pressures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data showed that all the stoichiometric films were highly textured (1 1 1) oriented, polycrystalline 3C-SiC (poly-SiC). The surface morphology and roughness as determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that the surface features consisted of spherulitic aggregates, and the surface roughness increased with increasing film thickness. The residual stress of the films varied from about 700 MPa (tensile) to −100 MPa (compressive) with the deposition pressure changing from 0.46 to 5.00 Torr at a deposition temperature of 900 °C. This observation indicates that the residual stress in poly-SiC can be controlled during deposition without affecting the process thermal budget.
In Vitro Susceptibility Testing for the New Ketolide Antibacterial Telithromycin — Influence of Methodologic Factors

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of common bacterial pathogens responsible for community-acquired respiratory tract infections is essential for monitoring the prevalence and distribution of drug resistance and for detecting new patterns of resistance at both the global and local levels. However, a number of factors may affect antimicrobial susceptibility testing results (including the test method used, the composition and pH of test media, the size and age of bacterial inocula, and incubation conditions), thus making comparison of data among studies problematic. This review summarizes the impacts of these factors on in vitro susceptibility test results for telithromycin, the first ketolide antibacterial agent approved for clinical use in the treatment of community-acquired respiratory tract infections.
Merging General and Special Education Teacher Preparation Programs to Create an Inclusive Program for Diverse Learners

This article describes a number of internal organizational initiatives within an urban teacher education program designed to foster inclusive, responsive practices by newly licensed general and special education teacher candidates. After implementing a merged preparation program for both special and general educators, we captured faculty and student perspectives.
Integrated nanophotonics: dynamic optical isolation, and nanoscale far-field focusing in aperiodic plasmonic waveguide array

We show that dynamic modulation of nanophotonic structures achieves complete optical isolation and non-reciprocal optical circulator using standard non-magnetic optoelectronic materials. We also numerically demonstrate nano-scale far-field focusing in an aperiodic array of plasmonic waveguides.
Distribution of 14C-Morphine and Macromolecules in the Brain and Liver and their Nuclei in Pregnant Rats and their Foetuses after Infusion of Morphine into Pregnant Rats at Near-Term

: Timed-pregnant (day 21 or 22) Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 14C-morphine (2.85 mci/mmol) 5 mg/kg/hr, or saline in equivalent volumes, by continuous intravenous infusion for periods of up to 4 hrs. The brains and livers of the maternal rats and of their foetuses were collected and their nuclei were isolated. The tissues and nuclei isolated from them were analyzed for DNA, RNA, protein content and radioactivity. Morphine infused maternal rats exhibited no significant difference in the total amounts of DNA, RNA and protein in the brain or in the concentration of these constituents in brain nuclei. Foetuses of morphine infused mothers exhibited no significant difference in the total amounts of macromolecules in the brain or in the concentration of DNA and protein in brain nuclei. It was found, however, that the concentration of nuclear RNA in foetal brain of morphine infused mothers was significantly lower at 4 hrs than that of saline infused controls. It was concluded that RNA synthesis in foetal brain must be much more sensitive to the inhibitory effect of morphine on macromolecular synthesis than that in maternal brain. The change in nuclear RNA concentration in foetal brain became significantly different when morphine reached its highest level in foetal brain nuclei. The morphine concentration (pmol 14C-morphine equivalents per mg DNA) in the brain of foetal and maternal rats was the same at each time period, whereas the maternal liver levels were at least eight times greater than those in foetal liver. The concentrations in foetal brain nuclei were 2–14 times greater than those in maternal brain nuclei, whereas levels in the latter were found to be low and virtually constant at all time periods tested. Similar differences were found between foetal and maternal liver nuclei when the results were expressed as a percentage of the concentration in respective liver tissue. It was concluded that foetal brain nuclei have a greater capacity to bind or retain morphine than maternal brain nuclei and the phenomenon of differential distribution of morphine within brain cells is, among other factors, related to differences in sensitivity to morphine analgesia and other effects of morphine in young and old rats. The results were interpreted in terms of an inhibitory effect of morphine on transcription in foetal brain resulting from intranuclear accumulation of morphine.
Short-term impacts of nutrient manipulations on leaf gas exchange and biomass partitioning in contrasting 2-year-old Pinus taeda clones during seedling establishment

We conducted a 1-year greenhouse experiment to assess the impact of nutrient manipulations on seedling growth, biomass partitioning, and leaf gas exchange between two fast growing Pinus taeda clones that differed in growth efficiency. After 1 year we observed significant treatment and treatment by clone effects on growth, biomass partitioning, and gas exchange parameters. Fertilization increased total seedling biomass 18% primarily through an increase in foliage and coarse-roots. Clones did not differ in total seedling biomass, however, clone 85 produced more stem than clone 93 leading to 37% greater stem:leaf, while clone 93 maintained more branch biomass. The logging residue treatment increased stem:leaf by 30%, but had no effect on total biomass or partitioning. Differences in leaf morphology resulted in significantly greater canopy leaf area in clone 93 than clone 85. Increased foliar N concentration from fertilization had only minor effects on specific photosynthesis under saturating light (ASat), but lowered stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration (E), and internal to external CO2 concentration ratio (Ci/Ca) as well as improved water use efficiency (WUE) independently of genotype. When gas exchange data was scaled to the canopy level both genotypes achieved similar canopy level CO2 assimilation rates, but our data suggests they did this by different means. Although we did see a small effect of nutrient limitations in total canopy photosynthesis under saturating light (ACanopy), ASat, and total leaf area (TLA), our foliar N concentration ([N]) indicated that our level of logging residue incorporation did not cause [N] to decrease below sufficiency limits. From a practical standpoint, a better understanding of strategies for capturing and partition C may lead to better selection of clonal material, thereby, optimizing productivity.
Incidence, correlates, management, and clinical outcome of coronary perforation: analysis of 16,298 procedures.

Abstract Background Coronary perforation is a serious but uncommon complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Methods We performed an analysis of the Mayo Clinic PCI database. Clinical records, procedural reports, and angiographic studies were reviewed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify clinical, procedural, anatomic, and angiographic correlates of coronary perforation. Results A total of 16,298 PCI procedures were performed between January 1990 and December 2001. We identified 95 coronary perforations (0.58%; 95% CI, 0.47–0.71). The incidence of coronary perforation varied with time. Correlates of coronary perforation included the use of an atheroablative device and female sex. Twelve patients (12.6%) sustained an acute myocardial infarction, and cardiac tamponade developed in 11 patients (11.6%). Management strategies included reversal of heparin, pericardiocentesis, placement of a covered stent, and surgical repair. Seven patients died (7.4%). Conclusions Coronary perforation during PCI is rare, but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The variable frequency of perforation may be explained by temporal variations in the use of atheroablative devices.
Raman Scattering from Tunneling of Substitutional Molecules in Cubic Crystals

Raman scattering cross-sections for tunneling transitions of diatomic molecular or off-center defects in cubically symmetric environments are derived for 〈100〉, 〈111〉, and 〈110〉 defects for arbitrary scattering geometry. These cross-sections are expressed in terms of the anisotropic electronic polarizability components of the defect. Ramanstreuquerschnitte fur Tunnelubergange eines zweiatomigen Molekul-oder Off-center-Defekts in kubisch symmetrischer Umgebung werden fur 〈100〉-, 〈111〉- und 〈110〉-Defekte bei beliebiger Streugeometrie abgeleitet. Die Querschnitte werden durch die anisotropen Komponenten der elektronischen Polarisierbarkeit ausgedruckt.
Exploring spatial patterns of gene expression from Fruit Fly embryogenesis on the iPhone

Mobile technologies provide unique opportunities for ubiquitous distribution of scientific information through user-friendly interfaces. Therefore, we have developed a new FlyExpress mobile application that makes available a growing collection (>100 000) of standardized in situ hybridization images containing spatial patterns of gene expression from Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) embryogenesis. Using this application, scientists can visualize and compare expression patterns of >4000 developmentally relevant genes. The FlyExpress app displays the expression patterns of the selected gene for different visual projections (e.g. lateral) and displays them according to their developmental stages, which shows a gene’s progression of spatial expression over developmental time. Ultimately, we envision the use of FlyExpress app in the laboratory where scientists may wish to immediately conduct a visual comparison of a known expression pattern with the one observed on the bench top or to display expression patterns of interest during scientific discussions at large. Availability: Search “FlyExpress” on the Apple iTunes store Contact: [email protected]
Mutagenesis of the DI/DIII linker in Dengue Virus envelope protein impairs viral particle assembly

The dengue virus (DV) envelope (E) protein is important in mediating viral entry and assembly of progeny virus during cellular infection. Domains I and III (DI and DIII, respectively) of the DV E protein are connected by a highly conserved but poorly ordered region, the DI/DIII linker. Although the flexibility of the DI/DIII linker is thought to be important for accommodating the structural rearrangements undergone by the E protein during viral entry, the function of the linker in the DV infectious cycle is not well understood. In this study, we performed site-directed mutagenesis on conserved residues in the DI/DIII linker of the DV2 E protein and showed that the resulting mutations had little or no effect on the entry process but greatly affected virus assembly. Biochemical fractionation and immunofluorescence microscopy experiments performed on infectious virus as well as in a virus-like particle (VLP) system indicate that the DI/DIII linker mutants express the DV structural proteins at the sites of particle assembly near the ER but fail to form infectious particles. This defect is not due to disruption of E's interaction with prM and pr in immature and mature virions, respectively. Serial passaging of the DV2 mutant E-Y299F led to the identification of a mutation in the membrane-proximal stem region of E that fully compensates for the assembly defect of this DI/DIII linker mutant. Together, our results suggest a critical and previously unidentified role for the E protein DI/DIII linker region during the DV2 assembly process.
Functional Annotation and Three-Dimensional Structure of an Incorrectly Annotated Dihydroorotase from cog3964 in the Amidohydrolase Superfamily

The substrate specificities of two incorrectly annotated enzymes belonging to cog3964 from the amidohydrolase superfamily were determined. This group of enzymes are currently misannotated as either dihydroorotases or adenine deaminases. Atu3266 from Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58 and Oant2987 from Ochrobactrum anthropi ATCC 49188 were found to catalyze the hydrolysis of acetyl-(R)-mandelate and similar esters with values of kcat/Km that exceed 105 M–1 s–1. These enzymes do not catalyze the deamination of adenine or the hydrolysis of dihydroorotate. Atu3266 was crystallized and the structure determined to a resolution of 2.62 A. The protein folds as a distorted (β/α)8 barrel and binds two zincs in the active site. The substrate profile was determined via a combination of computational docking to the three-dimensional structure of Atu3266 and screening of a highly focused library of potential substrates. The initial weak hit was the hydrolysis of N-acetyl-d-serine (kcat/Km = 4 M–1 s–1). This was followed by ...
BRAF V600E and TERT Promoter Mutations Cooperatively Identify the Most Aggressive Papillary Thyroid Cancer With Highest Recurrence

Purpose To investigate the prognostic value of the BRAF V600E mutation and the recently identified TERT promoter mutation chr5:1,295,228C>T (C228T), individually and in their coexistence, in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective study of the relationship of BRAF and TERT C228T mutations with clinicopathologic outcomes of PTC in 507 patients (365 women and 142 men) age 45.9 ± 14.0 years (mean ± SD) with a median follow-up of 24 months (interquartile range, 8 to 78 months). Results Coexisting BRAF V600E and TERT C228T mutations were more commonly associated with high-risk clinicopathologic characteristics of PTC than they were individually. Tumor recurrence rates were 25.8% (50 of 194;77.60 recurrences per 1,000 person-years; 95% CI, 58.81 to 102.38) versus 9.6% (30 of 313; 22.88 recurrences per 1,000 person-years; 95% CI, 16.00 to 32.72) in BRAF mutation–positive versus –negative patients (hazard ratio [HR], 3.22; 95% CI, 2.05 to 5.07) and 47.5% (29 of 61; 108.55...
Genes Associated with Human Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a common blinding disease worldwide. Most forms of the disease are inherited in some way. The identification of genes responsible for glaucoma will lead to insights into the underlying biochemical defects as well as provide the basis for new methods of diagnosis and therapy. Glaucoma patients who are identified early and treated appropriately have the best chance of maintaining useful sight.
Mechanisms Underlying the Training Effects Associated with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Although neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can increase the ability of muscle to exert force, the means by which this is accomplished seem to be different from those associated with voluntary exercise. The aim of the study was to determine whether the recruitment order of motor units elicited by over-the-muscle electrical stimulation is different from that achieved with voluntary activation of muscle. This difference was tested by comparing muscle twitch responses that were elicited by Hoffmann reflexes (H-reflexes) and direct motor responses (M-responses) and by examining the effect of submotor NMES on the twitch force associated with H-reflexes. Because H-reflexes represent the summed activity of many motor units, in a manner that is consistent with volitional activation, variation in the time to peak twitch force indicates changes in the population of motor units that contribute to the response. The results demonstrated that the percutaneous application of submotor NMES to the limbs of human subjects causes a faster-contracting population of motor units to be activated during a test H-reflex. Consequently, it seems that the application of NMES preferentially activates faster-contracting motor units, perhaps those that are normally only active at high exercise intensities under voluntary conditions.
Stand-off Raman spectroscopic detection of minerals on planetary surfaces

We have designed and developed two breadboard versions of stand-off Raman spectroscopic systems for landers based on a 5-in. Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope and a small (4-in. diameter) Newtonian telescope receiver. These systems are capable of measuring the Raman spectra of minerals located at a distance of 4.5-66 m from the telescope. Both continuous wave (CW) Ar-ion and frequency doubled Nd:YAG (532 nm) pulsed (20 Hz) lasers are used as excitation sources for measuring remote Raman spectra of rocks and minerals. We have also made complementary measurements on the same rock samples with a micro-Raman system in 180 and 135 degrees geometry for evaluating the system performance and for estimating effect of grain size and laser-induced heating on the spectra of minerals using alpha-quartz as a model mineral. A field portable remote pulsed Raman spectroscopic system based on the 5-in. telescope and an f/2.2 spectrograph has been developed and tested. We have also demonstrated a prototype of a combined Raman and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system, capable of providing major element composition and mineralogical information on both biogenic and inorganic minerals at a distance of 10 m from the receiver.
TIME-RESOLVED PHOTOLUMINESCENCE STUDY OF TYPE II SUPERLATTICE STRUCTURES WITH VARYING ABSORBER WIDTHS

We report time-resolved photoluminescence measurements on a set of long-wave infrared InAs/GaSb type II superlattice absorber samples with various widths as a function of temperature and excitation density. Careful analysis of the photoluminescence data determines the minority carrier lifetime and background carrier density as a function of temperature, and provides information on the acceptor energy and density in each sample. Results indicate that carrier lifetime is dominated by Shockley-Read-Hall recombination with a lifetime of ~30 ns at 77 K for all samples. Below 40 K, background carriers are observed to freeze-out in conjunction with increased contributions from radiative recombination. An acceptor energy level of ~20 meV above the valance band is also determined for all samples. Variations of carrier lifetime between each sample do not strongly correlate with absorber width, indicating that barrier recombination is not the dominant factor limiting the carrier lifetime in our samples.
Multiple Levels of Analysis From a Longitudinal Perspective: Some Implications for Theory Building

Building on prior work on levels of analysis, we present an approach for understanding changes in multiple levels of analysis or entities over time. The conceptual framework describes how entities may remain stable over time, shift toward independence at a lower level of analysis, or change to homogeneous or heterogeneous interdependence at a higher level of analysis. We discuss examples and implications of the approach for theory building.
Duration prediction for proactive replanning

Proactive replanning attempts to predict scheduling problems or opportunities and adapt to them throughout a schedule's execution. By continuously predicting a task's remaining duration, a proactive replanner is able to accommodate upcoming problems or opportunities before they manifest themselves. We have developed a kernel density estimation-based method for predicting a task's duration distribution as it executes, and have integrated our prediction algorithm with an existing planner based on heuristic repair. Our predictor allows the planner to anticipate problems, or opportunities, early enough to avoid, or take advantage of, them, resulting in executed schedules that score significantly higher on a number of metrics. We have evaluated a limited form of our approach in simulation, and present the results of our experiments. The addition of duration prediction resulted in a 11.1% improvement in average reward. Compared with an omniscient planner, this is 45.0% of the maximum possible improvement.