cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Colon diseases in the cotton-top tamarin: Evaluating a primate model for ulcerative colitis and colorectal carcinoma in humans

Recognition of spontaneous ulcerative colitis in the cotton-top tamarin (CTT) that predisposes the animal to high incidences of colonic carcinoma strongly suggests an animal model that closely parallels these human diseases. This study compares a comprehensive review of the current literature from researchers associated with three of the largest biomedical research CTT colonies in the world with current observations in humans. The natural history and clinical characteristics of CTT colitis and CTT colonic carcinoma pathogenesis compare remarkably well with the colitis/carcinoma sequence of the human diseases; exceptions are CTT cancer incidences are higher and liver metastases are rare. The immunobiological characteristics are also very similar except that CTT CEA recognition is less consistent, LDHk values were inconsistent with cancer diagnosis, and CA-19-9 and Lex values were negative in CTTs. Because many similarities exist between the development of colitis and colonic carcinoma in CTTs and humans, the merits of this animal model should be recognized for future colitis and colon cancer research.
About the Formulation of Charge Transfer Processes Occurring with Adsorbed Species

Response to issues raised in the preceding communication related to models of voltammetry of adsorbed species.
Pregnancy after thoracic organ transplantation.

A growing number of heart, heart–lung, or lung transplant recipients are women of reproductive age. Fertility and pregnancy are important issues in this group of patients and often pose complex medical, psychosocial, and ethical problems. Many successful pregnancy outcomes have been reported following heart or lung transplantation. Nevertheless, these patients are at risk of certain maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications, including hypertension, preeclampsia, infection, preterm birth, and low birth weight. The physiological changes that occur in pregnancy are generally well tolerated by patients who have undergone thoracic organ transplant(s). The risk of allograft rejection during and after pregnancy is significant, and it is important to maintain an adequate level of immunosuppression. Pregnancies among lung transplant recipients are at higher risk for certain complications. The rate for graft rejection, independent of pregnancy status, is higher in this population. The long-term graft and patient outcomes citing a 50% 5-year mortality will be critical while counseling these patients regarding the impact of pregnancy on survival, and the ability to participate in raising the child. A multi-disciplinary team, involving specialists in maternal fetal medicine, cardiology or pulmonary medicine, transplant medicine, anesthesiology, high-risk nursing, neonatology, psychology, genetics, and social service, is crucial to the care of these patients. This team approach should be initiated at the time of pretransplant and preconception counseling and be continued through the prenatal and postpartum periods. The management plan should be individualized according to the status of the mother, the fetus, and the allograft. For most cases, given the need for close collaboration and frequent monitoring, these patients are best managed at their primary transplant institution in collaboration with local or referring physicians.
Self‐deactivation of water vapor: Role of the dimer

Past efforts to interpret experimental data on the self‐deactivation rate of the ν2 (1→0) vibrational mode of water vapor have been thwarted because of the attempt to fit the data to a single relaxation time. In a phenomenological theory proposed here the deactivation takes place by means of three parallel processes: (1) collisional de‐excitation of the excited monomer, (2) a two‐step reaction involving association and spontaneous redissociation of an H2O collision complex, and (3) spontaneous dissociation of the stably bound H2O dimer. In pure H2O and in mixtures without O2, the reaction rate for association of the collision complex is found to be very slow, and the remaining relaxation modes (1) and (3) are effectively decoupled. In mixtures of H2O–air and H2O–O2 the association rate of the complex increases strongly, suggesting that O2 serves as an effective ‘‘chaperon’’ for this reaction, and the relaxation modes of the monomer (1) and complex (2) become strongly coupled. Fourteen sets of past data, representing a wide variety of test conditions and experimental methods, both acoustical and nonacoustical, are organized into three groups—each corresponding to a relaxation mode predicted by the theory. An analysis of an ultrasonic absorption peak, based on process (3), yields values for the standard entropy and enthalpy of dissociation of the stably bound H2O dimer.
The carboxylesterase family exhibits C-terminal sequence diversity reflecting the presence or absence of endoplasmic-reticulum-retention sequences

Resident proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum lumen are continuously retrieved from an early Golgi compartment by a receptor-mediated mechanism. The sorting or retention sequence on the endoplasmic reticulum proteins is located at the C-terminus and was initially shown to be the tetrapeptide KDEL in mammalian cells and HDEL in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The carboxylesterases are a large family of enzymes primarily localized to the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. Retention sequences in these proteins have been difficult to identify due to atypical and heterogeneous C-terminal sequences. Utilizing the polymerase chain reaction with degenerate primers, we have identified and characterized the C-termini of four members of the carboxylesterase family from rat liver. Three of the carboxylesterases sequences contained C-terminal sequences (HVEL, HNEL or HTEL) resembling the yeast sorting signal which were reported to be non-functional in mammalian cells. A fourth carboxylesterase contained a distinct C-terminal sequence, TEHT. A full-length esterase cDNA clone, terminating in the sequence HVEL, was isolated and was used to assess the retention capabilities of the various esterase C-terminal sequences. This esterase was retained in COS-1 cells, but was secreted when its C-terminal tetrapeptide, HVEL, was deleted. Addition of C-terminal sequences containing HNEL and HTEL resulted in efficient retention. However, the C-terminal sequence containing TEHT was not a functional retention signal. Both HDEL, the authentic yeast retention signal, and KDEL were efficient retention sequences for the esterase. These studies show that some members of the rat liver carboxylesterase family contain novel C-terminal retention sequences that resemble the yeast signal. At least one member of the family does not contain a C-terminal retention signal and probably represents a secretory form.
Fluorescence excitation studies of molecular photoionization in external electric fields

Abstract Using molecular nitrogen as an example, we show that fluorescence excitation spectroscopy can be used to measure partial photoionization cross sections of free molecules in external electric fields. The production of the N2+(B 2 v u+) state was studied and the threshold for this process was found to shift linearly with the square root of the applied field. This behavior is compared with the hydrogenic case and with previously studied systems.
Enhanced facial recognition for thermal imagery using polarimetric imaging

We present a series of long-wave-infrared (LWIR) polarimetric-based thermal images of facial profiles in which polarization-state information of the image-forming radiance is retained and displayed. The resultant polarimetric images show enhanced facial features, additional texture, and details that are not present in corresponding conventional thermal imagery. It has been generally thought that conventional thermal imagery (MidIR or LWIR) could not produce the detailed spatial information required for reliable human identification due to the so-called "ghosting" effect often seen in thermal imagery of human subjects. By using polarimetric information, we are able to extract subtle surface features of the human face, thus improving subject identification. Polarimetric image sets considered include the conventional thermal intensity image, S0, the two Stokes images, S1 and S2, and a Stokes image product called the degree-of-linear-polarization image.
The semantics of graphical languages

Visual notations are pervasive in circuit design, control systems, and increasingly in mainstream programming environments. Yet many of the foundational advances in programming language theory are taking place in the context of textual notations. In order to map such advances to the graphical world, and to take the concerns of the graphical world into account when working with textual formalisms, there is a need for rigorous connections between textual and graphical expressions of computation.To this end, this paper presents a graphical calculus called Uccello. Our key insight is that Ariola and Blom's work on sharing in the cyclic lambda calculus provides an excellent foundation for formalizing the semantics of graphical languages. As an example of what can be done with this foundation, we use it to extend a graphical language with staging constructs. In doing so, we provide the first formal account of sharing in a multi-stage calculus.
Saltation threshold on Earth, Mars and Venus

New formulations valid for wide ranges of particle diameter and density and gas density are presented for prediction of saltation threshold speed for small particles. A low-air-density wind tunnel was used to extend the range of previous investigations and to separate the effects of Reynolds number and interparticle forces of cohesion. The new formulations are used to predict saltation threshold for atmospheric conditions on the surface of the Earth, Mars, and Venus.
Shifting energy performance in U.S. cement production

In the mid-1990's, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approached U.S. cement producers to work together to improve the energy efficiency of U.S. cement plants. Initially, EPA and the producers developed basic tools for identifying potential energy reductions and for estimating cement plant greenhouse gas emissions. Then, through EPA's ENERGY STAR® Partnership, the need for corporate energy management was emphasized along with careful measurement and tracking of energy and benchmarking of plant energy performance among the industry nationwide. This paper describes the engagement strategy EPA employed, the tools that were produced to aid cement producers to improve, and the results accomplished through this partnership.
Resistance to extinction as a function of partial reinforcement and external stimuli: A within- S design

Ninety-six male albino rats were conditioned to leverpress for sucrose. The basic design of within-S groups was a 2 by 2 by 2 factorial, incorporating light-ON or light-OFF extinction conditions; CRF(ON)-PR(OFF) or PR(ON)-CRF(OFF) training schedules; and 1,600 or 3,200 total training trials. In addition, there was a 100% reinforcement condition constituting a 2 by 2 factorial of between-S groups incorporating light ON or light OFF, and 1,600 or 3,200 total training trials. Results showed that for within-S groups there were no differences in resistance to extinction and that for between-S groups there were no differences in resistance to extinction; however, all Ss which experienced PR training were significantly more resistant to extinction than Ss which experienced CRF training only. Results were discussed in terms of the response specificity of the PRE.
Common prefrontal regions coactivate with dissociable posterior regions during controlled semantic and phonological tasks

One of the most ubiquitous findings in functional neuroimaging research is activation of left inferior prefrontal cortex (LIPC) during tasks requiring controlled semantic retrieval. Here we show that LIPC participates in the controlled retrieval of nonsemantic representations as well as semantic representations. Results also demonstrate that LIPC coactivates with dissociable posterior regions depending on the information retrieved: activating with left temporal cortex during the controlled retrieval of semantics and with left posterior frontal and parietal cortex during the controlled retrieval of phonology. Correlation of performance to LIPC activation suggests a processing role associated with mapping relatively ambiguous stimulus-to-representation relationships during both semantic and phonological tasks. These findings suggest that LIPC participates in controlled processing across multiple information domains collaborating with dissociable posterior regions depending upon the kind of information retrieved.
Two-generation reproduction study of lewisite in rats.

Lewisite, a potent toxic vesicant and chemical warfare agent, is used in a number of research laboratories, is stored in large quantities at depot sites throughout the USA and is occasionally transported to distant sites. Thus, the potential for environmental or occupational exposure exists where lewisite is present. A 42-week two-generation study was conducted to determine the reproductive consequences of lewisite in parental male and female rats and their offspring. Rats were administered lewisite in sesame oil (0, 0.10, 0.25 or 0.60 mg kg -1 day -1 for 5 days a week) via intragastic intubation before mating, during mating and after mating until the birth of their offspring. The dams continued to receive lewisite during lactation. At weaning, male and female offspring of each group were selected to continue the study, receiving lewisite during adolescence, mating and throughout gestation and lactation. Lewisite had no adverse effect on reproduction performance, fertility or reproductive organ weights of male or female rats through two consecutive generations. No adverse effects to offspring were attributed to lewisite exposure. Minor changes in growth were the only maternal effects observed. Lewisite exposure of parental rats caused no gross or microscopic lesion in testes, epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicles, ovaries, uterus or vagina. The no-observable-effect level (NOEL) for the reproductive effects of Lewisite would be >0.60 mg kg -1 day -1 .
Creating the future: innovation and the unlearning organization

The future does not just happen; it is created whenever we are innovative. For that to occur systematically and predictably, organizations have to become involved in at least five interventions. First, they must invite synergy between intellectuality and creativity and ultimately tap both. Second, they need to introduce unlearning. Third, they have to find the right mechanism and create the right environment for creativity and the future to coexist and flourish together. Fourth, there is a discipline involved in creative dislocation which they need to understand. Fifth, they must explore the many steps – ten are outlined here – that promote the unlearning process and disorient the time/space continuum.
Low-grade gliomas in adults

Adult patients with a magnetic resonance scan suggestive of a supratentorial low-grade glioma should generally undergo at least a stereotactic biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out an anaplastic glioma or a non-neoplastic lesion. Early tumor treatment should be given to patients with newly diagnosed low-grade gliomas who are over age 50 years, those who have headaches or neurologic deficits other than seizures, or those whose neuroimaging studies show tumor growth or mass effect. For younger patients presenting with seizures and no other neurologic symptoms, it is reasonable to defer therapy until there is clinical or radiographic tumor progression. When it is judged that intervention is necessary, patients should undergo the maximal surgical tumor resection, which preserves or improves neurologic function. For younger (>50 years) astrocytoma patients with a good tumor resection, radiation may be deferred until tumor progression. Early radiation should be given to astrocytoma patients who are older than 50 years of age at diagnosis (regardless of the type of surgery) or to younger patients who are judged to require early intervention but who are not candidates for aggressive surgical resection. The radiation dose for low-grade glioma should be 4500 to 5000 cGy, preferably with three-dimensional conformal ports. The same guidelines for management apply to patients with low-grade oligodendroglioma or oligoastrocytoma, except that chemotherapy is a reasonable alternative to radiation when it is judged that treatment other than surgical resection is required.
Influenza A (H1N1) Virus (Swine Influenza): A Webliography

In March and April 2009, a new strain of the virus that causes influenza in swine was identified in Mexico and the United States. This variant, known as influenza A (H1N1), was found to be transmitted from swine to humans and was called “swine flu” by the general public. Within days, the World Health Organization determined that the outbreak was spreading to many other countries and could become a pandemic. The differences between the response to this threat and those of the pandemics in 1918, 1957, and 1968 are impressive. Governments and organizations are better prepared to meet the challenges presented by the present swine influenza pandemic, putting into place measures developed in response to earlier pandemics. The virus itself causes symptoms similar to those of seasonal influenza, and the treatment is comparable. As of August 2009, a vaccine for H1N1 Influenza is still in development, with government and pharmaceutical manufacturers promising delivery in the fall of 2009. Two of the four antiviral ...
Effects of dielectric screening on the optical properties of metallic nanoshells

The time dependent density functional method for the calculation of optical properties of metallic nanoshells is extended to include the combined influence of a dielectric core and a dielectric embedding medium. The coupling between the polarization charges at the inner and outer surfaces of the shell is found to strongly influence the position of the plasmon resonances. The method is applied to gold nanoshells with gold sulfide cores in water for two different diameters, and the energies of the calculated plasmon resonances are found to be in good agreement with experimental measurements.
A Theory of Care-seeking Behavior

Although much research has focused upon why people do and do not engage in recommended health behaviors, there is a need to develop more accurate theories to explain and predict engagement in health behaviors. Because health behaviors differ in important ways, it could be most fruitful to understand one type of health behavior, such as secondary prevention behavior. This paper proposes a theory of care-seeking behavior (CSB), based on a theory of general behavior by Triandis. Other popular theories about health behavior (i.e., Health Belief Model and Theory of Reasoned Action) also are reviewed. Empirical support for the variables identified in the theory of CSB is presented, drawing from the literature on secondary prevention for cancer. The theory of CSB is applied to the situation of seeking care for cancer symptoms. Directions for future research based upon this theory are delineated.
Gonadotropin Insufficiency in Patients with Thalassemia Major

ABSTRACT To elucidate whether the cause of sexual maturational arrest in thalassemia major is of hypothalamic or pituitary etiology, three female and two male patients were extensively studied. After the iv administration of 150 μg gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and 500 μg TRH, all patients demonstrated a minimal LH and no FSH response, with variable PRL and TSH responses. The test was repeated after the patients received 100 μg GnRH im daily for 7 days. The LH, FSH, PRL, and TSH responses were similar to those obtained previously. The femalepatients were then retested twice, after priming with 17β-estradiol (2 mg daily for 7 days) and again after treatment with human menopausal gonadotropins. The male patients were treated with hCG and, after testosterone reached normal adult male values, the GnRH-TRH stimulation test was repeated. In both the female and male patients, the pituitary responses remainedunchanged. These results demonstrate the presence of primary gonadotropin insufficiency as well as...
An architecture for a shop-floor controller using colored Petri nets

In a dynamic and flexible manufacturing environment, a shop-floor controller must be designed so that it automatically (or with minimum human intervention) and quickly responds to the changes (e.g., in part type or part routing) in the system. Such a performance may be achieved provided that the controller is simple and sufficiently general in its scope of application. In this article, we present an architecture for such a shop-floor controller. The architecture is based on colored Petri nets with ordered colored sets and structured input and output functions.
Experience with a Prolonged Respiratory Care Unit—Revisited

This article provides a review of patient care statistics for a Prolonged Respiratory Care Unit located at Bethesda Lutheran Medical Center in St. Paul, MN. This unique unit, originally reviewed in Chest , 1 was originated to provide long-term respiratory care to patients who require extensive respiratory therapy modalities, but could not be maintained in the home or other institutional settings initially because of complications of their disease processes or because of their need for specialized care and equipment. Utilization of this cost effective unit has been beneficial to the medical community not only in the Midwest but throughout the United States. This statistical update further substantiates the need for care of patients with chronic or prolonged respiratory disease in similarly modelled units. The data present a strong argument for qualification of this unit for exemption status from DRC (diagnostic related grouping) Medicare-Medicaid reimbursement rules. An outgrowth of this unit is to provide home care service to ventilator-dependent patients and to possibly generate discussion and formulation of regional referral centers for care of patients with severe respiratory disease.
Temperature influences on the wave propagation technique for use in supplementing impedance-based structural health monitoring

The influences of temperature variations on the use of wave propagation for damage detection are investigated for use with impedance-based structural health monitoring. The equations used to determine the damage based upon a longitudinal wave are presented as derived by Kabeya, et al. Equations are defined in order to determine the damage location in a simulation. Temperature variations are induced, and the resulting errors are presented. A possible application using a realistic temperature differential is proposed. A curve-fit of the modulus of elasticity is implemented to correct damage location error.
Molecular and Biological Characterization of a Novel Coxiella‐like Agent from Carios capensis

The genus Coxiella is currently defined by a single monotypic species, Coxiella burnetii. Novel Coxiella spp. have been detected in ticks throughout the world. These bacteria have not been cultured or named, and their evolutionary relationships to C. burnetii are poorly known. A novel Coxiella-like agent was detected by PCR amplification and sequencing of DNA extracted from 64 pelican ticks, Carios capensis, from Devoux Bank, South Carolina, USA. PCR was used to amplify and characterize genes from the new bacterium. Sequences from some metabolic and housekeeping genes shared a 92-98% similarity to C. burnetii, but other genes such as the IS1111 transposon, com1, and 5S and 16S rRNA genes were not amplified by conventional PCR. Transovarial and transtadial transmission and environmental shedding of the agent were detected by PCR.
Drosophila clueless is highly expressed in larval neuroblasts, affects mitochondrial localization and suppresses mitochondrial oxidative damage.

Mitochondria are critical for neuronal function due to the high demand of ATP in these cell types. During Drosophila development, neuroblasts in the larval brain divide asymmetrically to populate the adult central nervous system. While many of the proteins responsible for maintaining neuroblast cell fate and asymmetric cell divisions are known, little is know about the role of metabolism and mitochondria in neuroblast division and maintenance. The gene clueless (clu) has been previously shown to be important for mitochondrial function. clu mutant adults have severely shortened lifespans and are highly uncoordinated. Part of their lack of coordination is due to defects in muscle, however, in this study we have identified high levels of Clu expression in larval neuroblasts and other regions of the dividing larval brain. We show while mitochondria in clu mutant neuroblasts are mislocalized during the cell cycle, surprisingly, overall brain morphology appears to be normal. This is explained by our observation that clu mutant larvae have normal levels of ATP and do not suffer oxidative damage, in sharp contrast to clu mutant adults. Mutations in two other genes encoding mitochondrial proteins, technical knockout and stress sensitive B, do not cause neuroblast mitochondrial mislocalization, even though technical knockout mutant larvae suffer oxidative damage. These results suggest Clu functions upstream of electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation, has a role in suppressing oxidative damage in the cell, and that lack of Clu’s specific function causes mitochondria to mislocalize. These results also support the previous observation that larval development relies on aerobic glycolysis, rather than oxidative phosphorylation. Thus Clu’s role in mitochondrial function is not critical during larval development, but is important for pupae and adults.
Co-Construction: An Introduction

(1995). Co-Construction: An Introduction. Research on Language and Social Interaction: Vol. 28, No. 3, pp. 171-183.
THE EMERGING STATISTICAL PERSPECTIVE IN SYSTEMATICS: A COMMENT ON MARES AND BRAUN

Abstract Recent advances in systematics have resulted in the development of statistical approaches to phylogeny estimation and hypothesis testing. We present this emerging statistical perspective, distinguish it from the nonstatistical approach as commonly practiced, and demonstrate its application to 2 systematic proposals from the recent literature on rodents: Mares and Braun's (1996) retention of Andalgalomys contra Steppan (1995) and the conclusion of Engel et al. (1998) that Calomys is a multitribal composite taxon. Systematic arguments and recommendations by Mares and Braun are critiqued in detail. We argue that the statistical approach provides a more objective and powerful basis for evaluating alternative phylogenetic hypotheses and a more stable foundation for nomenclatural decisions.
Sexual plants of Bonnemaisonia geniculata (Nemaliales)

Abstract Sexual thalli of Bonnemaisonia geniculata Gardner from California are described, and developmental stages in the female reproductive system are illustrated and discussed. The production of a primary gonimoblast cell from the carpogonium and its fusion with the first cell of the carpogonial branch are demonstrated. Observations are compared with those made on other members of the genus, and a discussion of criteria used to distinguish Bonnemaisonia and Asparagopsis is presented. It is emphasized that the position of the axial cell which cuts off the fertile pericentral cell is useful in separating Asparagopsis from Bonnemaisonia. Unlike other species of the genus, B. geniculata lacks iodine cells.
Measurement of the branching ratio 3H(d, gamma )/3H(d,n) using thick tritium gas targets.

Measurements have been made of the branching ratio for the reactions $^{3}\mathrm{H}$(d,\ensuremath{\gamma}${)}^{5}$He${/}^{3}$H(d,n) $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ for several incident deuteron energy ranges between 0 and 0.72 MeV. A stopping length tritium gas target bombarded by a pulsed deuteron beam was used to obtain a high reaction rate as well as provide neutron-gamma ray separation by time of flight. The branching ratio was determined to be 5.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}$ integrated over the resonance from 0 to 275 keV.
Bounds on solute flux and pore-size distributions for non-sieving membranes

Abstract We show how bounds on the cumulative pore-size distribution and on the solute flux as a function of volume flow for non-sieving membranes can be obtained from measurements of the hydraulic conductivity, the diffusive permeability, and the solute flux at one or two non-zero volume flows, using moment theory. This method is new, and differs in principle from the usual method of studying the sieving behavior of a membrane with solutes of different sizes. It depends on the different relative contributions of diffusion and convection to solute flux for pores of different sizes. The bounds obtained on the solute flux curve are quite tight, and can be used as a consistency check for a series of flux measurements. The bounds do not depend on the assumption of detailed pore models, but apply to non-uniform, internally interconnected pores of any shape.
The Effect of Process Parameters on the Pervaporation of Alcohols through Organophilic Membranes

Abstract Several organophilic membranes were utilized to selectively permeate ethanol, n-butanol, and t-butanol from dilute aqueous mixtures using pervaporation (PV). Poly[1-(trimethylsilyl)-1-propyne] (PTMSP) membranes were utilized to investigate the effect of temperature, pressure, and start-up/transient time on the separation of aqueous ethanol mixtures. Results indicate optimal ethanol selectivity and flux at the lowest permeate-side pressure. Increased temperature significantly enhanced the productivity of PTMSP, but extended operation of the PTMSP membranes at high temperatures resulted in flux degradation. Two other hydrophobic membranes, poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) and a poly(methoxy siloxane) (PMS) composite, were used to separate n-butanol and t-butanol from dilute aqueous mixtures. The effect of feed concentration on the flux and selectivity was investigated. Both membranes were found to be more permeable to n-butanol than t-butanol. The PDMS membrane was found to be more effective than the...
Heparinase III from Flavobacterium heparinum: cloning and recombinant expression in Escherichia coli.

Heparinase III (E.C. 4.2.2.8), formerly heparinase I, produced by Flavobacterium heparinum is an enzyme that specifically cleaves heparan sulfate-rich regions of acidic polysaccharides. In this study, we report the cloning of the heparinase III gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two degenerate oligonucleotides, based on amino acid sequences derived from tryptic peptides of purified heparinase III were used to generate a approximately 1100-bp probe by PCR amplification using Flavobacterium genomic DNA as the template. The PCR-derived probe was used to screen a Flavobacterium genomic DNA library in lambda ZAP II. The open reading frame of the heparinase III gene is 1980 bp in length, encoding a precursor protein of 75,950 Da; 10 of the tryptic peptides mapped onto the open reading frame which corresponded to approximately 18% of the protein. Recombinant heparinase III was expressed in Escherichia coli using the T7 polymerase pET expression system. This is the first report of the cloning and recombinant expression of an enzyme primarily degrading heparan sulfate.
Variation In G1 Transit Time Relative to the Cycloheximide and Actinomycin D Drug Restriction Points

The transit time distribution at various points in the cell cycle of synchronized Chinese hamster ovary cells was determined from the mitotic index, [3H]thymidine labeling index and increase in cell number monitored at regular intervals after mitotic selection. Variation in G1 transit time compared with that for the total cell cycle indicates that variation in cell cycle transit time occurs mainly during G1 phase. The cycloheximide (5.0 microgram/ml) and actinomycin D (3.0 microgram/ml) restriction points occur 0.2 and 1.7 hr prior to entry into S phase, respectively. The transit time distributions are further characterized by the moments of the distributions. The variance (2nd moment about the mean) of the transit time distribution at the actinomycin D restriction point is similar to the variance of the transit time distribution at the G1/S border, thus variation in cell cycle transit time originates earlier than 1.7 hr prior to entry into S phase (i.e., the first 3/4 of G1). If G1 transit time variability and cell cycle control are related, then the results presented here indicate that the major regulatory events do not occur during late G1 phase.
A fast, self-recovering superconducting strip particle detector made with granular tungsten

Abstract The ability of detectors to automatically recover (self-recovery) in a short period of time after sensing a particle is a very valuable advantage for their use as microvertex detectors at high energy particle colliders. Using a superconducting strip detector made of granular tungsten, we have observed such behavior with pulse amplitudes of few 100 μV and recovery times fo 10–50 ns. A 1.8 μm wide thin film was used to detect the superconducting-to-normal transitions induced by the absorption of 55Fe, 6 keV X-rays. For high bias currents the detector did not self-recover and a constant efficiency estimated to ∼65% was found, but with good indications that such a rate would persist in the self-recovery mode at lower bias currents. The threshold between self-recovering and propagating hotspots is discussed within the thermal propagation model, developed previously for normal regions which bridge the width of the strip. These results also confirm the potential applications of superconducting strips for high resolution X-rays detectors.
Potentials in Applying Linear Programming to the Consumer Price Index

Abstract The Stigler Committee Report [20, 21, 22] has stressed the desirability of revising the Consumer Price Index in the direction of a fixed-utility cost-of-living index. This paper proposes that a linear programming approach might be feasible for developing the food component price index of a cost-of-living index, and perhaps also for some other components. The main advantage of the linear programming approach would be that it recognizes substitutions among goods and services as prices change, whereas the conventional fixed market-basket approach to the formulation of index numbers makes no provision for such trading off of commodities and services.
Harnessing surface plasmons

This proceeding is a summary of our progress in both fundamental studies of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) active surfaces and the design and characterization of nanostructured SERS-active surfaces. Based on the prior demonstration of single molecule SERS (smSERS)-like behavior from vapor deposited thin silver films, we've focused on these substrates as model systems for fundamental studies of the "blinking" phenomenon. Preliminary studies suggest that Stokes-shifted emission "blinking" is more directly associated with metal nanofeatures and less dependent on the nature of the adsorbate. It is anticipated that the insight provided by these fundamental studies will eventually lead to the rational design of nanostructured surfaces capable of smSERS. Toward that goal, preliminary characterization of the optical properties of nanoaperture arrays in silver suggests that these surfaces may exhibit SERS enhancement greater than that of the overlaying thin silver film.
State-of-the-art mechanisms of intracochlear drug delivery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Treatment of auditory and vestibular dysfunction has become increasingly dependent on inner ear drug delivery. Recent advances in molecular therapy and nanotechnology have pushed development of alternate delivery methodologies involving both transtympanic and direct intracochlear infusions. This review examines recent developments in the field relevant to both clinical and animal research environments. RECENT FINDINGS Transtympanic delivery of gentamicin and corticosteroids for the treatment of Meniere's disease and sudden sensorineural hearing loss continues to be clinically relevant, with understanding of pharmacokinetics becoming more closely studied. Stabilizing matrices placed on the round window membrane for sustained passive delivery of compounds offer more controlled dosing profiles than transtympanic injections. Nanoparticles are capable of traversing the round window membrane and cochlear membranous partitions, and may become useful gene delivery platforms. Cochlear and vestibular hair cell regeneration has been demonstrated by vector delivery to the inner ear, offering promise for future advanced therapies. SUMMARY Optimal methods of inner ear drug delivery will depend on toxicity, therapeutic dose range, and characteristics of the agent to be delivered. Advanced therapy development will likely require direct intracochlear delivery with detailed understanding of associated pharmacokinetics.
The role of memorable messages in the process of organizational socialization

This study examines the structure, form, and nature of the content and context of memorable messages exchanged within an organization. Based on the work of Knapp, Stohl and Reardon (1981) an analysis of interviews conducted within a small company indicates that all members were able to recall precisely a specific message which had a lasting influence on their work lives. The messages capsulized how one “should” behave in the organization and functioned to assimilate individuals into the work culture. The socializing and memorable nature of the messages were enhanced by several recurrent features in their form and structure, the receptivity of the respondent, the content, and the context.
Generation of Megawatt Optical Solitons in Hollow-Core Photonic Band-Gap Fibers

The measured dispersion of a low-loss, hollow-core photonic band-gap fiber is anomalous throughout most of the transmission band, and its variation with wavelength is large compared with that of a conventional step-index fiber. For an air-filled fiber, femtosecond self-frequency--shifted fundamental solitons with peak powers greater than 2megawatts can be supported. For Xe-filled fibers, nonfrequency-shifted temporal solitons with peak powers greater than 5.5 megawatts can be generated, representing an increase in the power that can be propagated in an optical fiber of two orders of magnitude. The results demonstrate a unique capability to deliver high-power pulses in a single spatial mode over distances exceeding 200 meters.
Past the wall in cardiovascular R&D

Cardiovascular drug development seems to have 'hit the wall' in recent years, with multiple high-profile trial failures and declining industrial interest. How can the field be revitalized?
Independent telecom-fiber sources of quantum indistinguishable single photons

Quantum-mechanically indistinguishable photons produced by independent (or equivalently, mutually phase incoherent) light sources are essential for distributed quantum information processing applications. We demonstrate heralded generation of such photons in two spatially separate telecom-fiber spools, each driven by pulsed pump waves that are measured to have no mutual phase coherence. Through Hong–Ou–Mandel experiments, we measure the quantum interference visibility of those photons to be . Our experimental results are well predicted by a quantum multimode theory we developed for such systems without the need for any fitting parameter.
Distance of breast cancer from the skin and nipple impacts axillary nodal metastases.

Lymphatic drainage of the breast is via subareolar and dermal lymphatics. The aim of this study was to determine whether distance of breast cancers from the skin and/or distance from the nipple impacts the likelihood of axillary nodal metastases. A retrospective review was performed of sonographically visible T1 and T2 breast cancers with breast and axillary surgery performed at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Distance of tumor from the nipple was reviewed. Ultrasounds were reviewed to measure the distance of tumor from the skin. Data were collected on 233 eligible T1 or T2 breast cancers, of which 177 (76%) were node negative and 56 (24%) were node positive. On multivariable analysis, tumor stage and lymphovascular invasion, as well as decreasing distance of the tumor from the nipple and decreasing distance of the tumor from the skin, were significantly associated with axillary lymph node positivity. Each 1-cm decrease in the distance of the tumor from the nipple was associated with a 23% increased likelihood of positive lymph nodes (odds ratio 1.23; P = .003). Each 1-mm decrease in the distance of the tumor from the skin was associated with a 15% increased likelihood of positive lymph nodes (odds ratio 1.15; P = .003). T1 and T2 breast cancers located closer to the skin and those located closer to the nipple have a higher incidence of metastases to axillary lymph nodes. Distance from the skin and distance from the nipple should be considered when estimating a patient’s likelihood of axillary nodal positivity.
No association between a candidate TCF7L2 variant and risk of breast or ovarian cancer

TCF7L2 is a transcription factor involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling which has a variant known to be associated with risk of Type 2 diabetes and, in some studies, with risk of certain cancers, including familial breast cancer. No studies of ovarian cancer have been reported to date. Two clinic-based case-control studies at the Mayo Clinic were assessed including 798 breast cancer cases, 843 breast cancer controls, 391 ovarian cancer cases, and 458 ovarian cancer controls. Genotyping at TCF7L2 rs12255372 used a 5' endonuclease assay, and statistical analysis used logistic regression among participants as a whole and among a priori-defined subsets. No associations with risk of breast or ovarian cancer were observed (ordinal model, p = 0.62 and p = 0.75, respectively). In addition, no associations were observed among sub-groups defined by age, BMI, family history, stage, grade, histology, or tumor behavior. Although the biology of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and prior association between rs12255372 and numerous phenotypes warranted examination of this TCF7L2 SNP, no compelling evidence for association with breast or ovarian cancer was observed.
Indirect effects of a predatory gastropod in a seagrass community

Abstract While research and theory have largely focused on the effects of direct interspecific interactions such as predation and competition, there is growing evidence for the importance of indirect interactions in regulating populations and community composition. In St. Joseph Bay, FL, USA, pen shells [ Atrina rigida (Sol.)] are preyed on by horse conchs [ Pleuroploca gigantea (Kiener)]. The shells of dead Atrina are subsequently used as shelters and/or nest sites by a suite of benthic species, including crabs, octopi, and fish. By influencing the rate of new shelter availability, horse conchs may indirectly affect the distribution or reproduction of shell-occupant species. Feeding observations and an exclosure experiment indicate that Atrina are the primary prey of large horse conchs. The abundance of occupant species is strongly correlated to Atrina shell abundance, suggesting that shelter availability may influence population distributions. Experimental additions of new shelters mimicking freshly-killed pen shells caused an increase in the abundance of occupant species. Among these species, the blennies Hypsoblennius hentzi (Leseuer) and Chasmodes saburrae J. & G. and the clingfish Gobiesox strumosus Cope showed an increase in both abundance and frequency of egg-guarding, suggesting an important indirect effect of horse conchs on the distribution and reproductive output of these fish. Because the addition of new shells affected blennies and clingfish more strongly than other occupant species, community composition is influenced by shelter availability. In habitats where biogenic structures are prominent, such as mollusc shells in soft-sediment marine communities, this type of nontrophic indirect effect may be an important component of population and community regulation.
Effect of carotid body hypoxia and/or hypercapnia on pulmonary vascular resistance.

AbstractThe effect of carotid body hypoxia and/or hypercapnia on pulmonary vascular resistance was investigated in anesthetized open-chested dogs. The carotid bodies were perfused bilaterally with hypoxic and/or hypercapnic blood in systemically normoxic and normocapnic dogs. This was accomplished by pumping arterial autologous blood through a ventilated extracorporeal lung to the common carotid arteries. Before vagotomy, carotid body hypoxia decreased cardiac output but did not alter any pulmonary vascular parameter measured or calculated. After vagotomy, carotid body hypoxia again decreased cardiac output while pulmonary vascular resistance increased. During hypoxia-hypercapnia mean pulmonary artery and pulmonary artery pulse pressures and pulmonary vascular resistance increased. Hypercapnia caused no change in any pulmonary vascular parameter measured or calculated. Following α-blockade with phentolamine pulmonary vascular resistance failed to increase during carotid body hypoxia or hypoxia-hypercapnia...
Electrical control of reversible and permanent magnetization reorientation for magnetoelectric memory devices

We report giant reversible and permanent magnetic anisotropy reorientation between two perpendicular easy axes in a magnetoelectric polycrystalline Ni thin film and (011) oriented [Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3](1−x)-[PbTiO3]x (PMN-PT) heterostructure. The PMN-PT is partially poled prior to Ni film deposition to provide a remanent strain bias. Following Ni deposition and full poling of the sample, two giant remanent strains of equal and opposite values are used to reversibly and permanently reorient the magnetization state of the Ni film. These experimental results are integrated into micromagnetic simulation to demonstrate the usefulness of this approach for magnetoelectric based magnetic random access memory.
Proof of concept of a method that assesses the spread of microbial infections with spatially explicit and non-spatially explicit data

A method that assesses bacterial spatial dissemination was explored. It measures microbial genotypes (defined by electrophoretic patterns or EP), host, location (farm), interfarm Euclidean distance, and time. Its proof of concept (construct and internal validity) was evaluated using a dataset that included 113 Staphylococcus aureus EPs from 1126 bovine milk isolates collected on 23 farms between 1988 and 2005. Construct validity was assessed by comparing results based on the interfarm Euclidean distance (a spatially explicit measure) and those produced by the (non-spatial) interfarm number of isolates reporting the same EP. The distance associated with EP spread correlated with the interfarm number of isolates/EP (r = .59, P < 0.02). Internal validity was estimated by comparing results obtained with different versions of the same indices. Concordance was observed between: (a) EP distance (estimated microbial dispersal over space) and EP speed (distance/year, r = .72, P < 0.01), and (b) the interfarm number of isolates/EP (when measured on the basis of non-repeated cow testing) and the same measure as expressed by repeated testing of the same animals (r = .87, P < 0.01). Three EPs (2.6% of all EPs) appeared to be super-spreaders: they were found in 26.75% of all isolates. Various indices differentiated local from spatially disseminated infections and, within the local type, infections suspected to be farm-related were distinguished from cow-related ones. Findings supported both construct and internal validity. Because 3 EPs explained 12 times more isolates than expected and at least twice as many isolates as other EPs did, false negative results associated with the remaining EPs (those erroneously identified as lacking spatial dispersal when, in fact, they disseminated spatially), if they occurred, seemed to have negligible effects. Spatial analysis of laboratory data may support disease surveillance systems by generating hypotheses on microbial dispersal ability.