cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Murine TOLL-like Receptor 4 Confers Lipopolysaccharide Responsiveness as Determined by Activation of NFκB and Expression of the Inducible Cyclooxygenase

Genetic evidence indicating that TOLL-like receptor 4 (Tlr4) is the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor in mice was reported. However, biochemical evidence that murine Tlr4 confers LPS responsiveness has not been convincingly demonstrated. Inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2) is selectively expressed in LPS-stimulated macrophages in part mediated through the activation of NF kappa B. Thus, we determined whether murine Tlr4 confers LPS responsiveness as evaluated by the activation of NF kappa B and COX-2 expression. Transfection of a murine macrophage-like cell line (RAW264.7) with the constitutively active form (delta Tlr4) of Tlr4 is sufficient to activate NF kappa B and COX-2 expression. However, the truncated form (delta Tlr4(P712H)) of the missense mutant Tlr4(P712H) found in LPS-hyporesponsive mouse strain (C3H/HeJ) inhibits LPS-induced NF kappa B activation and COX-2 expression. The inability of delta Tlr4(P712H) to activate NF kappa B and induce COX-2 expression is rescued by a constitutively active adapter protein myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), which interacts directly with the cytoplasmic domain of Tlr proteins. Furthermore, MyD88 is co-immunoprecipitated with the wild-type delta Tlr4 but not with the delta Tlr4(P712H) mutant. Together, these results indicate that Tlr4 confers LPS responsiveness in RAW264.7 cells and suggest that hyporesponsiveness of C3H/HeJ mice to LPS is attributed to the disruption of Tlr4-mediated signaling pathways that results from the inability of the mutant Tlr4(P712H) to interact with MyD88.
Hypertension and Sources of Blood Pressure Variability among Mexican—Americans in Starr County, Texas

Previous investigations have established that the Mexican-American community of south Texas has a three- to five-fold elevated risk for non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus when compared to the US population as a whole. In addition, evidence points to similarly increased risks of the related disorders, hypertension and obesity. In this paper, age- and sex-specific rates of borderline and definite hypertension among 1931 Mexican-Americans aged 15 years and above based on a single, at-home blood pressure determination are reported. Observed rates of definite hypertension are uniformly lower than the US population while borderline hypertension is correspondingly higher for all age and sex strata yielding overall prevalences of hypertension which are not significantly different. The Starr sample, however, has one and one-third times as many individuals taking hypertensive medications so that the true rate of hypertension is likely to be higher. Examining sources of blood pressure variability using analyses of covariance indicate that age has the most significant effect. A direct measure of body size was not available, but classification based on simple silhouettes representing body form is shown to be the next most significant effect. Furthermore, the silhouettes appear to provide nearly an equivalent amount of information as does the body mass index as an empirical predictor of blood pressure variability. Diabetic classification is a significant effect for systolic blood pressure in females, but not for males or for diastolic pressure in either.
Does obesity affect the vaginal hysterectomy outcomes

To evaluate the effects of obesity on the perioperative outcomes in women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy. In this retrospective cohort study of all women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy for benign disorders at Temple University from January 1997 to December 2002, perioperative indices were compared between 149 obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and 175 non-obese women (BMI < 30 kg/m2). The groups were similar with respect to age, parity, uterine weight, race, surgical indication, and previous pelvic surgery. Among medical conditions, hypertension and diabetes were significantly more common in obese women. Conversion to laparotomy occurred at similar rates in both obese (3.3%) and non-obese (5.7%) women. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the operative time, length of hospital stay, transfusion rate, perioperative hemoglobin change, and perioperative complications (p < 0.05). Obesity does not affect the perioperative outcomes and surgical complications of vaginal hysterectomy.
Severe brachial plexus palsy in women without shoulder dystocia

To the Editor: Reviewing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) records to identify cases of neonatal brachial plexus injury, Torki et al concluded “severe brachial plexus palsy occurs in women without shoulder dystocia.” Several concerns exist regarding this conclusion, including the authors’ definition of injury severity, reliance upon medical documentation, and limited follow-up duration. The severity of neonatal brachial plexus injury predicates upon factors unrelated to NICU admission, including the degree of structural damage and neurologic deficit. Higher neonatal brachial plexus injury severity corresponds to greater neuronal damage with functional impairment. Additionally, severe neonatal brachial plexus injuries exhibit lower propensity for spontaneous neural regeneration. While nearly two thirds of infants with mild neonatal brachial plexus injury exhibit functional recovery by 6 months of age, only 14% of those with substantial deficits recover function. Published reviews reflecting obstetric and surgical perspectives base neonatal brachial plexus injury severity on multiplicity of nerves involved, degree of functional impairment, and permanence of deficits. Focusing unilaterally on NICU admission and omitting descriptions of neurologic deficits, Torki et al provide a misleading and incomplete depiction of neonatal brachial plexus injury severity. Relying upon medical records and delivery summaries, Torki et al discounted the possibility of unrecognized or undocumented shoulder dystocia in their series of neonatal brachial plexus injury cases. However, the conclusion that an event did not occur based on absent documentation lacks scientific corroboration. Furthermore, the limited follow-up period raises questions regarding the accurate diagnosis of study participants. Experience in our specialty clinic reveals multiple cases in which the initial diagnosis of neonatal brachial plexus injury required modification based on further scrutiny.
A woman with pruritic papules in her tattoo

From Pa M SU Fund Conf Corre D A 46-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of pruritic, burning papules within a 10-yearold tattoo. The physical examination revealed a large, multicolored tattoo across her back with discrete papules in the black portion (Fig 1). Tender, red subcutaneous nodules were present on the anterior aspect of the lower legs. The patient developed systemic symptoms, including low-grade fevers, fatigue, chest pain, arthralgias, shortness of breath, and cough. A computed tomography scan of the chest was performed, and it revealed bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. Pertinent laboratory tests include an elevated serum angiotensin-converting enzyme titer at 80 U/L (reference range, 8-53 U/L). Punch biopsy specimens were obtained from the mid-back tattoo and a left dorsal thumb papule (Fig 2).
Dual Temperature and pH Responsiveness of Poly(2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-co-n-butyl acrylate) Colloidal Dispersions and their Films

2-(N,N-Dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and n-butyl acrylate (nBA) monomers were copolymerized to form p(DMAEMA/nBA) colloidal particles that exhibit pH- and temperature-responsive behavior. Aqueous p(DMAEMA/nBA) colloidal dispersions exhibit second-order lower critical solution temperature (II-LCST) transition, referred to as stimuli-responsive temperature (TSR) for solid films, in the 27−37 °C range manifested by the particle size changes from 148 to 80 nm. Upon pH changes from 2 to 10, the particle size also changed from 205 to 139 nm. When p(DMAEMA/nBA) colloidal particles were allowed to coalesce which was facilitated by the presence of nBA component, the films retained their dual responsiveness and shrink in all the directions at T> TSR while expanding upon pH changes from basic to acidic. Thermodynamic molecular simulations combined with spectroscopic analysis showed that the temperature-responsive behavior results from the collapse of the (dimethylamino)ethyl groups and twisting/buckling ...
An invitation to compare: Frans van Mieris's Cloth Shop in the context of early modern art collecting

With Frans van Mieris's Cloth Shop as case study, this article explores how the cultural practice of art collecting in the seventeenth-century Dutch Republic informed an artist's pictorial strategies. An analysis of the imagery and execution of the painting shows that Van Mieris makes judgment and comparison the central themes, cleverly urging viewers to compare his creation to the works of his renowned compatriots, including Gerrit Dou and Gerard ter Borch. The notion of judgment was particularly apt in the context of early modern collecting, for it was the site where viewers demonstrated their taste, which in turn was a badge of cultural and social distinction. Combining motifs from diverse conventional subjects, Van Mieris invites viewers to draw connections between The Cloth Shop and numerous other works either on display in the same space or in their memory. In the process, he succeeds in underscoring his technical virtuosity, and in not only satisfying but also surprising viewers with his imagery. Van Mieris thus provides the occasion for privileged viewers to perform their roles as liefhebbers, thereby underlining their cultural superiority.
Chiral analysis by multivariate regression modeling of spectral data using cyclodextrin guest-host complexes--methods for determining enantiomeric composition with varying chiral analyte concentration.

Abstract The determination of the enantiomeric composition of samples by chemometric modeling of UV spectral data was investigated for samples of phenylalanine and norephedrine over a total concentration range of approximately 6–9 mM using β-cyclodextrin as a chiral auxiliary. Three different methods of compensating for variation in total analyte concentration were studied, and the results of all three are compared. This study shows that total analyte concentration need not be held constant during the analysis, as in previous studies, but can be allowed to vary within a given range and still give acceptable results. The choice of method depends on the analyte, and even raw data analysis without adjustment for concentration may be sufficient in some cases. Structural differences in the analytes may contribute to the degree of success for each of the three methods.
A neutrino (antineutrino)-induced four lepton event

Abstract We report observation of a neutrino (antineutrino)-induced event with two electrons, one positron, one positively charged muon, a neutral K meson, and seven gammas in an experiment performed in the FNAL 15-ft. bubble chamber with a 47% atomic mixture of neon in hydrogen. Estimated experimental electron backgrounds are ∼10 −4 per track. At present we have no plausible interpretation of this event.
Reduction of Serum Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels by the Combined Administration of Neomycin and Clofibrate

The combined oral administration of neomycin (2 g daily) and clofibrate (2 g daily) reduced significantly serum cholesterol levels in 15 of 16 patients. Most of these patients had type II hypercholesterolemia and clinical evidence of arteriosclerosis. The combined regimen of the two drugs was more effective in reducing cholesterol levels in about one third of the patients than administration of either one of these drugs alone. The average decrease of serum cholesterol in these patients while on the combined regimen was 38% from the control values. Control serum triglyceride levels were normal in most patients, thus the effect of the drugs on triglycerides was moderate. No noteworthy side effects were encountered. It is felt that a trial of treatment by the combined administration of neomycin and clofibrate is justified in patients with type II hypercholesterolemia and arterioscleroisis who are resistant to other forms of treatment or to treatment by a single drug.
Non-Darwinian evolution for the source detection of atmospheric releases

A non-Darwinian evolutionary algorithm is presented as search engine to identify the characteristics of a source of atmospheric pollutants, given a set of concentration measurements. The algorithm drives iteratively a forward dispersion model from tentative sources toward the real source. The solutions of non-Darwinian evolution processes are not generated through pseudo-random operators, unlike traditional evolutionary algorithms, but through a reasoning process based on machine learning rule generation and instantiation. The new algorithm is tested with both a synthetic case and with the Prairie Grass field experiment. To further test the capabilities of the algorithm to work in real-world scenarios, the source identification of all Prairie Grass releases was performed with a decreasing number of sensor measurements, and a relationship is found between the precision of the solution, the number of sensors available, and the levels of concentration measured by the sensors. The proposed methodology can be used for a variety of optimization problems, and is particularly suited for problems where the operations needed for evaluating new candidate solutions are computationally expensive.
Juche in international trade

Abstract We show that in trade between two parties, one of whom has much greater endowment that the other, calculated by the Nash bargaining solution, tends to exploit the poorer party, as compared with the competitive equilibrium. This can be interpreted as saying that trade between a developed country and a developing nation, each acting on the basis of self-interest, will result in exploitation of the developing nation. This illustrates one aspect of the idea of Juche. We also show that if trade in two goods among two parties is extended to a third, one of the two parties will be worse off as a result under natural hypotheses. This can be interpreted as explaining why trade between a developing country and a developed country might make some groups in the developing country rich but other groups poor, a second aspect of Juche.
Chloroplast biogenesis 91: Detection of δ-aminolevulinic acid esterases activity in higher plant and insect tissues☆

δ-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) esterase(s) is an enzyme or a family of enzymes that regenerate ALA from ALA esters by hydrolysis. These enzyme(s) are highly active in cancer cells. As a consequence ALA esters have been used to advantage in ALA-dependent photoradiation therapy, since ALA esters translocate better to sites of metabolism in cancer cells and tissues than free ALA. In this work, it is shown that ALA esterase(s) also occur in insect and plant tissues, but are less active than in cancer cells. In plant cells ALA esterase activity is observed in the cytosol as well as in the plastids where most of the activity is observed in the plastid stoma. The ALA esterase activity appears to be sensitive to the nature of the esterifying alcohol as well as to components of the incubation medium. The observed lower activity of ALA ester conversion to tetrapyrroles in insect and plant cells, in comparison to free ALA, suggests that the use of ALA esters in photodynamic insecticidal and herbicidal applications may not be as advantageous as their use in cancer photodynamic therapy treatments. It is proposed that ALA esterase(s) may be involved in the mobilization of sequestered and esterified ALA. Esterification and sequestering of excess ALA may be visualized as a mean of cellular detoxification.
Growth of the cestode Raillietina cesticillus in bacteria-free chickens

Abstract Twenty-two tape-worms were grown to maturity in bacteria-free chickens. These tapeworms, which were normal in morphology and development, produced an average of 92 ± 15 (SE) proglottids (range 52–118) compared to 80 ± 30 proglottids (range 34–121) in 31 tapeworms grown in birds with conventional bacterial flora. The dry weight means for these parasites grown bacteria-free was 6.2 ± 3.3 mg (2.9–16.6) compared to 7.9 ± 6.2 mg (0.4–21.7) for worms grown in control birds. Survival rate of antibiotic-sterilized cysticercoids was 21 worms from 145 cysticercoids (15%) in bacteria-free tapeworms compared to 30 worms from 133 cysticercoids (23%) in similarly parasitized control birds. These trials demonstrated no contribution to or interference from the normal bacterial flora of the digestive tract of the fowl in establishment of infection or in the growth rate of the cestode Raillietina cesticillus.
Novel pathway for assimilation of dimethylsulphoniopropionate widespread in marine bacteria

Marine microbes can utilize dimethylsulphoniopropionate as a source of carbon and sulphur, and the metabolic end products are either dimethylsulphide (DMS) or methanethiol. Despite the importance of these pathways in marine ecosystems, and the interest in DMS as a potential 'anti-greenhouse' gas, the enzymes involved in the pathway to methanethiol have remained unidentified. The missing components of the pathway have now been identified as three novel enzymatic reactions and two novel coenzyme A-containing intermediates. The genes encoding these enzymes have also been identified, and are shown to be present in many bacterioplankton, suggesting that the pathway is widespread in the ocean. Dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) accounts for up to 10% of carbon fixed by marine phytoplankton in ocean surface waters1,2, producing an estimated 11.7–103 Tmol S per year3, most of which is processed by marine bacteria through the demethylation/demethiolation pathway4. This pathway releases methanethiol (MeSH) instead of the climatically active gas dimethylsulphide (DMS) and enables marine microorganisms to assimilate the reduced sulphur5,6,7. Despite recognition of this critical microbial transformation for over two decades, the biochemical pathway and enzymes responsible have remained unidentified. Here we show that three new enzymes related to fatty acid β-oxidation constitute the pathway that assimilates methylmercaptopropionate (MMPA), the first product of DMSP demethylation/demethiolation, and that two previously unknown coenzyme A (CoA) derivatives, 3-methylmercaptopropionyl-CoA (MMPA-CoA) and methylthioacryloyl-CoA (MTA-CoA), are formed as novel intermediates. A member of the marine roseobacters, Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS-3, requires the MMPA-CoA pathway for MMPA assimilation and MeSH production. This pathway and the ability to produce MeSH from MMPA are present in diverse bacteria, and the ubiquitous SAR11 clade bacterium Pelagibacter ubique possesses enzymes for at least the first two steps. Analysis of marine metagenomic data indicates that the pathway is widespread among bacterioplankton in the ocean surface waters, making it one of the most important known routes for acquisition of reduced carbon and sulphur by surface ocean heterotrophs.
Constraining Federalism: Formalizing Expectations about Redistributive Policies in Decentralized Systems

Whether states keep welfare benefits low in order to prevent in-migration of benefit-seeking individuals is one of the great questions in the study of federalism. Assessing this question is challenging, however, because it is difficult to specify exactly what constitutes evidence that states inhibit their spending for this reason. This article develops a model which provides a micro-founded framework for thinking about the issue. The model suggests that competition on redistributive programs does not induce “racing” among states, but does constrain spending to be less than what the states would spend if migration were not a concern. The model also provides specific guidance for the form of this downward pressure. Copyright 2007, Oxford University Press.
Paternal incarceration and child-reported behavioral functioning at age 9

Within the last few decades our understanding of the importance of non-cognitive skills for socioeconomic success has grown along with our knowledge of the deleterious impacts of paternal incarceration for child wellbeing. Given the importance of early skills and that elementary-aged children constitute the majority of children with incarcerated parents, understanding the connection between paternal incarceration and the socio-emotional component of children's non-cognitive development is pressing. Using matching models, data from the newest wave of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, and exploring a larger range of behavioral skills than previous literature, this paper provides estimates of the impact of paternal incarceration on children's behavioral functioning at age 9 using children's own self-reports. Comparisons to oft-used parent reports are made and heterogeneity by gender is explored. Findings suggest the incarceration of a father increases the antisocial behaviors children self-report, but has null effects on prosocial skill development.
Microbial surface interactions: Reduction of the haemagglutination activity of the oral bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum by absorption with Streptococcus and Bacteroides

Abstract Oral strains of Fusobacterium nucleatum showed haemagglutination (HA) of sheep red blood cells and attachment of HA-active F. nucleatum fragments to other microorganisms allowed a means of studying microbial surface interactions. HA-active sonicated fragments (SF) prepared from F. nucleatum were mixed with whole cell suspensions of 48 bacterial strains and, after incubation, the whole cells were separated from the non-absorbed fragments by differential centrifugation. Attachment of F. nucleatum fragments to the cells was indicated by a reduction in the HA activity of the SF in the supernatant fluid remaining after absorption with whole cells. HA activity of the microbial cells used for absorption and the detection of F. nucleatum fragments on these cells by an indirect fluorescent antibody technique provided further evidence of attachment. Of the 48 strains tested, 10 absorbed F. nucleatum HA-active fragments. They included Bacteroides gingivalis, Bacteroides fragilis subsp. distasonis, Bacteroides corrodens, Streptococcus morbillorum, Streptococcus sanguis (Blackburn and JC 74) and Streptococcus mutans AHT, BHT, 10449 and 6715. Chelators revealed that F. nucleatum attached to the microorganisms via a Ca2 +-dependent interaction. Sugar inhibition demonstrated that F. nucleatum attached to the microorganisms via a D-galactose-containing moiety on their surface. A reduction in the absorption of F. nucleatum HA-active fragments by Strep. mutans grown in a higher concentration of sucrose was observed.
Thermoplastic properties of coals carbonized at elevated pressures: effects of waste inorganic materials (GOB)

Etude, a l'aide d'un microdilatometre a haute pression, des proprietes thermoplastiques de trois charbons des Etats-Unis avec une vitesse de chauffe de 25°K/m et une charge appliquee de 353 kg/m 2 . Etude de l'influence d'additifs mineraux sur le gonflement de ces charbons
Variation in body fat distribution and breast cancer risk in the families of patients with breast cancer and control families.

BACKGROUND The pattern of body fat distribution in women has been correlated with the risk of developing breast and endometrial cancer. The authors determined whether body fat distribution varied between first-degree relatives of patients with breast cancer and in cancer-free families by comparing the body fat distribution of first-degree relatives of patients with breast cancer with age and Quetelet Index-matched controls. METHODS Fifty-six first-degree relatives of newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer were compared with 56 controls (non-cancer family members) matched for age and Quetelet Index and were studied for variation in body fat distribution. Anthropometric measurements were taken for the abdomen, thigh, suprailiac, subscapular, biceps, and triceps skinfold thickness; waist and hip circumference; weight; and height. The distribution of body measurements and derived ratios in both case and control family members were compared using the Student t test. RESULTS A significant variation in body fat distribution occurred among first-degree relatives in breast cancer and control families. In families with a history of breast cancer, first-degree family members were found to have significantly greater waist:hip ratio (P < 0.001) compared with controls without family history matched for age and Quetelet Index. Other variables indicating upper body fat localization, such as abdomen and suprailiac skinfold were significantly greater in family members of patients with breast cancer compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS A marked variation occurred in body fat localization among first-degree relatives of patients with breast cancer and in cancer-free families. This finding implies a variation in breast cancer risk in these families. Identifying family members with upper body fat distribution in breast cancer families would allow targeting of these individuals for energetic screening and risk factor reduction interventions.
Competitive strategies and business performance: evidence from the adhesives and sealants industry

Synthesizes the contributions of a number of scholars on competitive strategies. Discusses several imperfections in the literature. Submits three propositions for empirical testing in a fragmented industry ‐ the adhesives and sealants industry. The results of the investigation suggest that business units which compete with the low cost strategy and differentiation strategy have higher ROIs than enterprises which compete with low costs only or differentiation only. As a group, however, the high profit firms are not significantly larger in size than the groups of low profit companies studied. Thus, what is elaborated is that competing with both strategies may involve benefits that are not based on advantages of larger market shares and scale economies.
In Situ High Temperature Electrical Characterization of RF Sputtered SiCBN Thin Films

Electrical properties of reactively sputtered SiCBN thin films were studied at high temperature conditions. In situ electrical characterization was performed through sheet resistance measurements in the temperature range from room temperature to 900°C. The electrical properties were observed to be extremely sensitive with respect to variations in the chemical composition, and bonding structure of the SiCBN films. The film stoichiometry, obtained with no N 2 gas flow, showed very interesting electrical characteristics that have been correlated with the chemical structure of the material. Multiple heating and cooling cycles show uniquely stable resistance readings. This is presumed to be due to the formation of a stable surface passivation oxide layer leaving the bulk of the thin film unaffected. This was further confirmed through secondary ion mass spectroscopy depth profile. The thermal stability and stable reproducible electrical properties indicate potential for low cost high temperature thin film applications.
“Room to Grow” Urban Ambitions and the Limits to Growth in Weld County, Colorado

This study reconsiders the political conditions behind the geographically extensive pattern of urbanization in the United States by focusing on a rapidly urbanizing county on the northeast fringe of the Denver metropolitan area. Unusual for Colorado but typical of the industrialized northeast where this pattern first emerged, Weld County has a high concentration of small towns, the primary repository of statutory authority and ideological legitimacy to convert agricultural land to urban use. The urbanization of Weld County in the 1990s was amplified by the expansion of the towns into their surrounding farmland, which flooded the market with newly urbanized land. The study goes on to consider the prospects of this distinctively American political form in the wake of the property tax revolts of the late 1970s and early 1980s and the structural changes in the American economy during the past 30 years.
Electrophysiologic Effects of Procainamide in Subtherapeutic to Therapeutic Doses On Human Atrioventricular Conduction System

Abstract The effects of single intravenous infusions of 50 to 400 mg of procainamide on the functional properties of the atrioventricular (A-V) conduction system were studied in 36 patients and correlated with plasma concentrations. A 50 mg dose of procainamide resulted in a plasma concentration of less than 1.0 μg/ml and produced no electrophysiologic changes. Doses of 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg resulted in progressively increasing plasma concentrations (1.2, 1.8, 3.5 and 4.2 μg/ml, respectively). The effects of procainamide on the sinus rate were variable and not dose-related. The effects of doses of up to 300 mg on A-V nodal conduction were variable and not dose-related. Only in a dose of 400 mg did procainamide prolong A-V nodal conduction in six of seven patients. Whereas 100 mg had no effect on His-Purkinje system conduction, doses of 200, 300 and 400 mg prolonged His-Purkinje system conduction time by 6, 8 and 9 msec, respectively. Dose-related increases in atrial refractoriness started with a dose of 200 mg and became statistically significant with doses of 300 and 400 mg. The effects of procainamide on A-V nodal functional refractoriness were variable and not dose-related, but in doses of 100 to 400 mg, procainamide produced significant and progressively dose-related increases in His-Purkinje system refractoriness. Suppression of some types of ventricular arrhythmia by small doses of this drug may be explained by changes in refractoriness of the His-Purkinje system produced by doses of procainamide as small as 100 mg.
Electron beam tomography: current practice and implications for nuclear cardiology.

EBT and nuclear cardiology are complementary, noncompetitive modalities for evaluating patients with suspected or known coronary atherosclerosis; they are partners, not antagonists. The inevitable dissemination of EBT will have an impact on SPECT imaging by dramatically and appropriately increasing the number of nuclear stress imaging procedures; available imaging resources may be insufficient. Application of Bayes' theorem indicates that restricting SPECT imaging to only the higher calcium score individuals will significantly improve its positive predictive accuracy in the primary prevention population by eliminating those with a low pretest likelihood. It will also increase the ability of the nuclear stress test to yield a more definitive posttest likelihood by increasing the disease prevalence to the approximately 50% range.
The futility of chest roentgenograms following routine central venous line changes.

Abstract Objective: To demonstrate chest roentgenograms after central venous line changes over a guidewire delay the use of the central lines and increases charges with no change of morbidity or the rate of complication. Methods: Retrospective study using the Surgical Intensive Care database followed by a nonrandomized, prospective study of central venous line changes. The total time from the catheter change until chest radiograph confirmation and an analysis of charges was done. Results: The retrospective study of 1,201 central line changes demonstrated no pneumothorax and two central lines malpositioned. The prospective study of 100 patients demonstrated no pneumothorax and one catheter malpositioned. The average time from completion of the central line change until the radiographic confirmation was 60.2 minutes. The charge for the chest x-ray film was $156. Conclusions: The combined studies composed of 1,301 patients demonstrated no pneumothorax and three malpositioned catheters. This study demonstrates that radiographic confirmation of central venous line placement after routine line change is of no benefit as the malpositioned catheters caused no morbidity, produces significant delays and increases medical charges to the patient. Extrapolation predicts an annual reduction of $46,800 in the Vanderbilt Surgical Intensive Care Unit.
A quantitative analysis of lectin binding to adult rat hepatocyte cell surfaces

A quantitative evaluation of lectin binding to adult rat hepatocyte cell surfaces was done using cells isolated by two different collagenase perfusion methodologies and cultured as monolayers with two different tissue culture media formulations (protocol I vs. protocol II). The presence of α-D-mannosyl and α-D-glucosyl groups was detected by the binding of Concanavalin A (Con A), Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA), and Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA) to freshly isolated cells. Furthermore, β-D-galactose [Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA)] and sialic acid residues [wheat germ (WGA)] were also found. Protocols I and II served as models for evaluation of: a) the stripping effect of collagenase separation procedures, b) the restoration in culture of collagenase-stripped sugar residues, c) the effect of the culture environment on cell viability [as measured by lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage] and the protein content of hepatocytes, and d) the presence of cell surface sugar residues as a function of culture duration. The ultrastructural morphology of freshly isolated and cultured hepatocytes was also evaluated. These studies indicated that a decline in lectin binding invariably occurred earlier than a massive leakage of LDH and a decrease in the protein content of the cells in culture. Ultrastructurally, autophagocytosis was an early phenomenon in cells isolated and cultured by protocol I, which was also inferior to protocol II regarding the preservation of hepatocyte glycocalyces. Sugar residues lost due to the collagenase-stripping effect were restored, as shown by lectin binding, within the first 24 h of culture. This stripping effect was confirmed by quantitative evaluations of lectin binding to hepatocytes in culture after an incubation with collagenase. This study shows that the binding of peroxidase-labeled lectins is a useful tool for quantitative evaluation of the sugar composition of hepatocyte cultures.
Periplasmic superoxide dismutase protects Salmonella from products of phagocyte NADPH-oxidase and nitric oxide synthase

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalyzes the conversion of superoxide radical to hydrogen peroxide. Periplasmic localization of bacterial Cu,Zn-SOD has suggested a role of this enzyme in defense against extracellular phagocyte-derived reactive oxygen species. Sequence analysis of regions flanking the Salmonella typhimurium sodC gene encoding Cu,Zn-SOD demonstrates significant homology to λ phage proteins, reflecting possible bacteriophage-mediated horizontal gene transfer of this determinant among pathogenic bacteria. Salmonella deficient in Cu,Zn-SOD has reduced survival in macrophages and attenuated virulence in mice, which can be restored by abrogation of either the phagocyte respiratory burst or inducible nitric oxide synthase. Moreover, a sodC mutant is extremely susceptible to the combination of superoxide and nitric oxide. These observations suggest that SOD protects periplasmic or inner membrane targets by diverting superoxide and limiting peroxynitrite formation, and they demonstrate the ability of the respiratory burst and nitric oxide synthase to synergistically kill microbial pathogens in vivo.
Nonlinear stabilization through long input delay—Part II: The strict-feedforward class

We study global stabilization of strict-feedforward systems with arbitrarily long input delay. These systems may be open-loop unstable but cannot exhibit finite escape instability, providing for a possibility of global stabilization even in the presence of long delay. We derive predictor-based feedback laws for exact compensation of input delay. These feedbacks are given explicitly due to the fact that a predictor state can be written explicitly for strict-feedforward systems. Stability is established in the sense of an L 2 norm on the actuator state, which is not necessarily possible for the broader class of forward complete systems which are stabilizable in the presence of arbitrarily long delay in L ∞ norm. The paper includes a third-order worked example which is not feedback linearizable.
Low- and High-Dose Plant and Marine (n-3) Fatty Acids Do Not Affect Plasma Inflammatory Markers in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome

Chronic inflammation is considered to play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease. Various (n-3) fatty acids (FA) have been reported to have antiinflammatory effects, but there is a lack of consensus in this area, particularly in regard to optimal source(s) and dose(s). This study aimed to determine the effects of high and low doses of (n-3) FA from plant and marine sources on plasma inflammatory marker concentrations. One-hundred adults with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to a low or high dose of plant- (2.2 or 6.6 g/d α-linolenic acid) or marine- (1.2 or 3.6 g/d EPA and DHA) derived (n-3) FA or placebo for 8 wk, using a parallel arm design (n = 20/arm). Fasting blood samples collected at 0, 4, and 8 wk were analyzed for concentrations of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), IL-6, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and for cardiovascular risk factors. Baseline concentrations across all 5 groups combined were (mean ± SD) 103 ± 32 ng/L for MCP-1, 1.06 ± 0.56 ng/L for IL-6, and 0.197 ± 0.041 ng/L for sICAM-1. There were no significant differences in 8-wk changes in plasma inflammatory marker concentrations among the 5 groups. Plasma TG and blood pressure decreased significantly more and the LDL cholesterol concentration increased more in the high-dose fish oil group compared to the 8-wk changes in some of the other 4 groups (P ≤ 0.04). In conclusion, no beneficial effects were detected for any of the 3 inflammatory markers investigated in response to (n-3) FA in adults with metabolic syndrome regardless of dose or source.
Congenital cytomegalovirus and hearing loss: clinical and experimental observations.

The effects of congenital cytomegalovirus infection vary from severe central nervous system destruction to asymptomatic viuria. Yet children with the latter have a high incidence of unsuspected hearing loss. Histopathology of temporal bones from children who die with cytomegalic inclusion disease shows viral infected cells in non-sensory endolabyrinthine epithelium. Experimental mouse cytomegalovirus causes an age related cranial neuronitis and perilabyrinthitis. Immunopathologic localization of different viral antigens in experimental inner ear infections shows differential vulnerability of labyrinthine structures to infections. Adaptation of such techniques to human temporal bone, pathology could yield information regarding pathogenesis of viral labyrinthitis. The development of a human cytomegalovirus vaccine may eliminate the risks of this congenital infection.
Optimal dynamic remapping of data parallel computations

A large class of data parallel computations is characterized by a sequence of phases, with phase changes occurring unpredictably. Dynamic remapping of the workload to processors may be required to maintain good performance. The problem considered, for which the utility of remapping and the future behavior of the workload are uncertain, arises when phases exhibit stable execution requirements during a given phase, but requirements change radically between phases. For these situations, a workload assignment generated for one phase may hinder performance during the next phase. This problem is treated formally for a probabilistic model of computation with at most two phases. The authors address the fundamental problem of balancing the expected remapping performance gain against the delay cost, and they derive the optimal remapping decision policy. The promise of the approach is shown by application to multiprocessor implementations of an adaptive gridding fluid dynamics program and to a battlefield simulation program. >
Avoiding a “me” versus “we” dilemma: Using performance management to turn teams into a source of competitive advantage

management; Teams; Human resources; Measurement; Evaluation; Feedback; Rewards Abstract Teams are pervasive in today's world of work. Unfortunately, in many cases teams do not live up to their promise and, instead, lead to disappointing results. In this installation of Human Performance, we discuss how to design and implement performance management systems that include a good combination of both ''me'' and ''we'' considerations. We offer the following research-based recommendations: (1) use measures of individual and team performance, (2) use measures of processes and outcomes, (3) develop performance measures using input from inside and outside the team, (4) gather performance information using sources from inside and outside the team, (5) foster team learning and development, and (6) reward both individual and team performance. We discuss implementation guidelines for each of these recommendations that will help maximize individual and team performance as well as alignment among individual, team, and organizational goals. Implementing performance management systems following our recommendations will help orga- nizations turn teams into an inimitable and sustainable source of competitive human capital advantage.
Golden parachutes and managerial incentives in corporate acquisitions: evidence from the 1980s and 1990s

Abstract We investigate the extent to which managerial incentives, including golden parachute (GP) payments, have influenced target acquisition gains over the past two decades. We find that the use and scope of GP contracts expanded dramatically for a large sample of firms acquired from 1980 through 1995. To investigate the effect of managerial incentives on target acquisition gains, we estimate a regression of abnormal stock returns for acquisitions on variables including managerial incentives, the value of GP payments, and the interaction between GPs and management incentives. The regression results indicate that management incentives are positively associated with target acquisition returns and that GP payments serve to mitigate this influence. We do not, however, detect any direct association between the level of GP payments and target gains.
Prostatitis in chronic granulomatous disease

On rapporte le premier cas d'abces de la prostate (Ps. cepacia) chez un adulte atteint de maladie granulomateuse chronique
Triblock peptide–linker–lipid molecular design improves potency of peptide ligands targeting family B G protein-coupled receptors

Two peptide–linker–lipid constructs were designed and prepared which target the parathyroid hormone 1 receptor, a family B G protein-coupled receptor. Both show increased agonist activity in a cell-based assay. The lipid moiety enables the formation of micelle-like nanostructures, which is shown to hinder proteolytic digestion and is expected to reduce renal clearance.
High indium composition (≫20%) InGaN epi-layers on ZnO substrates for very high efficiency solar cells

In this report we present recent results for MOCVD growth of high indium content InGaN films on ZnO substrates. Growth was attempted on both bulk ZnO as well as ZnO epilayers grown on sapphire by MOCVD. ZnO is an attractive alternative substrate for III-Nitrides because of its superior lattice match: specifically ZnO is perfectly matched with In 0.18 Ga 0.82 N and low cost of substrates. Stable InGaN films with ≫18% indium were achieved on the bulk substrates and were characterized by HRXRD, PL, and optical transmission. Varying the growth parameters - primarily growth temperature and In/(In + Ga) flow ratio - was found to affect the optical and structural properties of the films. By growing on a better matched substrate the high indium composition InGaN epitaxial films experience less strain and can therefore be grown thicker without creating relaxation-induced extended crystal defects. This is important, as high indium content InGaN films cannot be grown on GaN thick enough for full above-bandgap absorption without introducing detrimental extended crystal defects. This limitation is thought to be a limiting factor in the achievable I SC in InGaN solar cells.
Description of a Practitioner Model for Identifying Preferred Stimuli with Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The rich technology of stimulus preference assessment (SPA) is a product of 40 years of experimental research. Basic principles of reinforcement and a modest empirical literature suggest that high-preference stimuli identified via SPA may enhance treatment efficacy and decrease problem behavior more effectively than less-preferred stimuli. SPAs can be conducted using one of several methods associated with different time requirements and outcomes. Despite the broad applicability of preference assessments, we are unaware of widely available practitioner guidelines that prescribe when to use SPAs, how to select and modify specific SPA procedures, and how to supplement SPAs with other procedures for maximizing performance. The purpose of the current article is to describe a model for practitioners to select and conduct preference assessments based on practical considerations and research findings. Data are also reported from the application of the proposed model to preference assessments for 20 individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.
Mechanisms of Immune Privilege in the Posterior Eye

Immune privilege protects vital organs and their functions from the destructive interference of inflammation. Because the eye is easily accessible for surgical manipulation and for assessing and imaging the outcomes, the eye has been a major tissue for the study of immune privilege. Here, we focus on the immune regulatory mechanisms in the posterior eye, in part, because loss of immune privilege may contribute to development of certain retinal diseases in the aging population. We begin with a background in immune privilege and then focus on the select regulatory mechanisms that have been studied in the posterior eye. The review includes a description of the immunosuppressive environment, regulatory surface molecules expressed by cells in the eye, types of cells that participate in immune regulation and finally, discusses animal models of retinal laser injury in the context of mechanisms that overcome immune privilege.
Renal Damage Caused by Heavy Metals

Studies of tubular injury and necrosis caused by heavy metals have indicated involvement by various parts of the proximal tubule. This paper describes the patterns of injury seen after administration of mercuric chloride, uranyl nitrate, and cisplatin to animal models. Studies describing a possible role of the mesangium of the renal corpuscle in proximal tubular injury are included.
Passivity based iterative learning control for mechanical systems subject to dry friction

This paper considers iterative learning control applied to a mass-damper system subject to dry friction. The dry friction nonlinearity is discontinuous, and therefore poses challenges to the conventional learning control methods. We apply the passivity based analysis in learning control and show that it is applicable to the case with velocity output. In the case of combined position and velocity output, the passivity approach is not directly applicable. We derive a modified update law based on the 2D system perspective and adjust the combination coefficient in every iteration step to ensure passivity. Asymptotic convergence is shown under the condition that the combination coefficient does not asymptotically vanish. Simulation results are included to demonstrate the performance of these algorithms.