cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of laser fiber design on outcome of endovenous ablation of lower-extremity varicose veins: results from a single practice.

The design of laser fibers used for endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) in the management of lower-extremity varicose vein disease may affect treatment success. The purpose of this investigation is to report our experience using the gold-tip NeverTouch VenaCure laser fiber (AngioDynamics, Queensbury, NY) and to compare that to our experience with standard bare-tip fibers. A retrospective chart review of 363 consecutive EVLA treatments using the gold-tip laser fiber was performed. Demographic data including patient age, sex, history of previous varicose vein stripping, vein identity, laterality, treatment length, total applied energy in joules (J), use of adjuvant sclerotherapy and ambulatory phlebectomy, treatment-related complications, and treatment failure, which was defined as recanalization of any portion of the treated vein during follow-up as assessed by duplex ultrasound examination―were entered into a spreadsheet. These data were compared with a control group of 471 EVLA treatments performed with a standard bare-tip laser fiber. Data were analyzed using independent-samples Student’s t test, chi-square test, and multivariate analysis. Demographic data were similar between the two groups. Treatments with the gold-tip fiber had a failure rate of 11.1%, whereas treatment with a bare-tip fiber had a failure rate of 2.3% during a similar follow-up period. This difference was highly statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed fiber type as the most significant factor associated with treatment failure. We conclude that laser fiber design has a significant effect on treatment success in the performance of EVLA.
Atomic Oxygen Recombination at Surface Defects on Reconstructed (0001) α-Quartz Exposed to Atomic and Molecular Oxygen

The surface chemistry of silica is strongly affected by the nature of chemically active sites (or defects) occurring on the surface. Here, we employ quantum mechanical electronic structure calculations to study an uncoordinated silicon defect, a non-bridging oxygen defect, and a peroxyl defect on the reconstructed (0001) surface of α-quartz. We characterized the spin states and energies of the defects, and calculated the reaction profiles for atomic oxygen recombination at the defects. We elucidated the diradical character by analyzing the low-lying excited states using multireference wave function methods. We show that the diradical defects consist of weakly coupled doublet radicals, and the atomic oxygen recombination can take place through a barrierless process at defects. We have delineated the recombination mechanism and computed the formation energy of the peroxyl and non-bridging oxygen defects. We found that key recombination reaction paths are barrierless. In addition, we characterize the electro...
Synthesis of fluorinated 3β-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one derivatives

Abstract Treatment of the unstable 3β-hydroxy-20, 20-dimethoxypregn-5-ene 3-acetate with acetic anhydride at reflux temperature gave a mixture of 3β-hydroxy-20-methoxypregna-5, 17(20)-diene and 3β-hydroxy-20-methoxypregna-5, 20-diene 3-acetates. Fluorination of this mixture with perchloryl fluoride afforded after fractionated crystallization 3β-hydroxy-17-fluoro-20-methoxypregna-5, 20-diene 3-acetate. Acid hydrolysis of the reaction mixture and subsequent Chromatographic separation led to 3β-hydroxy-17-fluoropregn-5-en-20-one 3-acetate and 3β-hydroxy-21-fluoropregn-5-en-20-one 3-acetate. 3β-Hydroxy-17-fluoro-20-methoxypregna-5, 20-diene 3-acetate did not react further with perchloryl fluoride even under forcing conditions. Fluorination of 3β-hydroxy-20-(N-ethyl benzylamino)-pregna-5, 17(20)-diene gave 3β-hydroxy-17, 21-difluoro-pregn-5-en-20-one, exclusively.
Atom vacancy lines and surface patterning: The role of stress for Br-Si(100)-(2×1) at 700 K

Using variable-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy, we studied Br-induced roughening of Si(100)-$(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1)$ at 700 K. The roughening pathway requires Br-free dimers so that a saturated surface is inactive. Initial roughening involves the formation of atom vacancy lines and regrowth chains of Si dimers on the terraces. The atom vacancy lines grow longer through a stress-induced process that creates dimer vacancies. Br adatom repulsion then splits these dimer vacancies into pairs of single-atom vacancies. A $(3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2)$ reconstruction derived from dimer rows and atom vacancy lines is energetically favored at high concentration due to Br-Br repulsive interactions and Br bond angle relaxation that is facilitated by the $(3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2)$ structure. Though favored, the conversion is slow at high coverage. Continuous scanning over $\ensuremath{\sim}72$ h shows the correlation between Br concentration and surface morphology. Ultimately, a highly dynamic configuration is reached in which large regrowth islands and large terrace areas have $(3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2)$ symmetry. These areas become unstable when the Br concentration drops below a critical value and conversion to $(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1)$ terraces and extended islands occurs.
SOFT X‐RAY LITHOGRAPHIC STUDIES OF INTERPHASE CHROMOSOMES

Soft x-ray absorption lithograph patterns of purified interphase human nuclei and chromosome arrays, imaged on PMMA resists, were examined by scanning EM. The patterns obtained were compared to those utilizing more conventional sources, including transmission EM, scanning EM, high voltage EM, and various light microscopic techniques. The x-ray resist images revealed orderly arrays of absorption profiles in the 3-dimensional specimen with both mild and more extensive developments of the resist. Dense chromatin at the edge of interphase nuclei revealed aligned periodic peaks on the order of 2200 A diameter, with substructure. The periodicity and alignment of interphase chromosomes were entirely consistent with birefringent data on nuclei indicating a high degree of 3-dimensional order. This degree of 3-dimensional order was observed in nuclei containing essentially DNA and histones with only very few other minor (probably structural) proteins. Sonication and nuclease treatment to disperse interphase chromosomes revealed similar absorption periodicities in individual chromosome fibers. Analysis of x-ray absorption profiles thus appears to offer significant new insights into the ordered structure of these defined biological specimens.
Faculty-Administrator Relationships as Integral to High-Performing Governance Systems: New Frameworks for Study

This article examines the relationship between faculty and administrators in colleges and universities as partners in a shared governance enterprise. It addresses a gap in knowledge around the value of this particular relationship and factors motivating its nurturance in the interest of institutional ends. Three theoretical concepts are offered from the sociology and management literatures capable of deepening our understanding of this relationship—social exchange, social capital, and network forms of organizations. Study of the social interactions between faculty and administrators will provide insights into improving collaborative activity and the decision-making systems of which they are a part.
Effects of reactant rotational excitations on H2 + NH2 → H + NH3 reactivity

Rotational mode specificity of the title reaction is examined using an initial state selected time-dependent wave packet method on an accurate ab initio based global potential energy surface. This penta-atomic reaction presents an ideal system to test several dynamical approximations, which might be useful for future quantum dynamics studies of polyatomic reactions, particularly with rotationally excited reactants. The first approximation involves a seven-dimensional (7D) model in which the two non-reactive N–H bonds are fixed at their equilibrium geometry. The second is the centrifugal sudden (CS) approximation within the 7D model. Finally, the J-shifting (JS) model is tested, again with the fixed N–H bonds. The spectator-bond approximation works very well in the energy range studied, while the centrifugal sudden and J-shifting integral cross sections (ICSs) agree satisfactorily with the coupled-channel counterparts in the low collision energy range, but deviate at the high energies. The calculated integ...
Improved Physician Consult Response Times in an Academic Emergency Department After Implementation of an Institutional Guideline

Abstract Background Physician consultation in the Emergency Department (ED) can account for a significant portion of ED length of stay, which can lead to poor clinical outcomes. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether an institutional guideline could lead to a reduction in time between consult request and admission decision. This guideline codified a 90-min expected time interval to arrive and complete an admission disposition where the consulting and admitting service were the same in an academic ED with weekly audits and reports to departmental chairs and hospital administrators. Methods This was a study of consultation times of patients who presented to an academic ED 6 months before the adoption of an institutional guideline and 6 months after the adoption of the guideline. Data measurement in both periods included the length of time from ED consult order to admission disposition, time of ED discharge, number of ED consultations (single and multiple), ED admissions, and the hospital discharge time of admitted patients. Results Physician consult response time decreased from 121 min to 100 min (p Conclusion An institutional guideline codifying timely ED consultations led to a significant reduction in the time from ED consultation to admission disposition while also allowing patients to leave the ED earlier in a high-occupancy academic medical center. However, the discharge time of admitted hospital patients was later after implementation of the guideline.
Optimization of sampling for the determination of mean radium-226 concentration in surface soil.

There are thousands of properties in the United States on which the soil has been contaminated to some degree with uranium mill tailings. An effort is now underway by the United States Department of Energy to identify sites contaminated with tailings and to perform remedial action when 226Ra levels exceed current guidelines. Because of the large number of sites involved, it is imperative that sample collection be performed in a cost-effective manner. In this paper we describe the results of a study in which we compared the efficiencies of different methods of sample collection in order to determine an optimal method for estimating the mean 226Ra concentration in soil. The study involved a field experiment in which extensive sampling was performed on sites known to be contaminated with uranium tailings. The experiment was designed to identify the advantages and limitations of composite sampling, the relative merits of random and uniformly spaced sample collection, the use of field gamma measurements for supplementing and reducing soil sample collection, and practical levels of accuracy and precision that can be obtained. Conclusions regarding gamma measurements are unique to 226Ra contamination. On the other hand, conclusions concerning composite sampling and random versus uniformly spaced sampling may depend primarily on the way the contamination was spread by man and hence may not be unique to 226Ra.
Properties of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate. I. General considerations concerning the naturally occurring polymer

Poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid has been isolated from two bacterial sources by two different procedures. Molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity for the two samples were vastly different. This was blamed on degradation occurring during polymer isolation. An optical rotatory dispersion curve for the high molecular weight sample showed a sharp increase in specific rotation at wavelengths less than 450mμ. From this fact and the reported optical activity of the monomer it is concluded that the polymer is stereo-regular. X-ray examination of the “native” and “regenerated” polymer yielded the same crystalline pattern. Electron diffraction and x-ray data on single crystals of the polymer indicate a fiber repeat of 5.9 A. The value can only be reconciled with some kind of helical conformation in the solid state.
From hope to despair: the need for beginning teacher advocacy

Abstract This article describes the experiences encountered by a first year teacher. The focus is on her stories from the field, and investigates the beginning teacher experience from eagerness and hope to frustration, despair and attrition. Narratives of the beginning teachers' experiences and acknowledgment of their personal and professional knowledge provide a framework for advocacy and implications for induction programmes. Advocacy for beginning teachers is situated in relationships with supportive administrators and teachers. As activists, experienced teachers and school principals are visible models of excellent practice, as well as of hope. Listening to the stories of beginners may provoke veteran educators to advocate for the next generation of teachers and reform professional practice.
Effects of nanoparticle size and charge on interactions with self-assembled collagen.

Abstract Hypothesis Insights into bone formation have suggested that the critical first step in the biomineralization process is the integration of small (nanometer dimension) mineral clusters into collagen fibers. Not only is such behavior of interest for understanding biomineralization but also should be important to nanotoxicology because collagen is a major component of structural tissues in the human body and accounts for more than 25% of the whole body protein content. Here, utilizing the current insights from biomineralization, we hypothesize that the binding affinity of nanoparticles to self-assembled collagen fibers is size and surface charge dependent. Experiments We developed a self-assembled collagen substrate compatible with Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), which is very sensitive to mechanical changes of the substrate as a consequence of nanoparticle binding. QCM-D experiments were conducted with both positively and negatively charged gold nanoparticles between 2 and 10 nm in size. Complementary ex situ imaging Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to confirm the QCM-D results. Findings We find that both positively and negatively charged nanoparticles of all sizes exhibited binding affinity for self-assembled collagen fibers. Furthermore, the smallest particles (2 nm) mechanically integrated with collagen fibers.
Minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal management of skull base cholesterol granulomas.

Background Skull base cholesterol granulomas (SBCGs) are rare lesions that have traditionally been managed via middle fossa or transtemporal approaches. Despite the relative paucity in the literature, the endoscopic endonasal approach may serve as a potential alternative surgical route. In this study, we report our experience with the management of SBCG using this minimally invasive approach. Methods The charts and imaging studies of three patients were reviewed retrospectively. The mean age was 36 years (range 30–42). The male/female ratio was 2:1. The epicenter of the lesion was petrous apex in two patients and clivus in one. One patient had undergone surgery via a middle fossa approach 3 years before the endoscopic procedure. The SBCG was drained using an endoscopic endonasal approach in all patients. A stent was left in place in 2 cases. Results All patients presented with headaches and ipsilateral retroorbital pain. One patient also had diplopia, ipsilateral blepharospasm, and hearing loss. Average lesion size was 31 mm (22–37 mm). Pain and associated neurologic symptoms completely resolved in one patient, and the headache significantly improved in the other two. These two patients underwent revision surgeries for symptomatic reaccumulation and stenosis of cavity opening at 5 and 7 months, respectively. Both patients improved subsequently, and have been stable since that time. One patient developed chronic sphenoid sinusitis. Average hospital stay was 1 day per procedure. All patients had functional patency of the SBCG with average follow-up of 25 months (10–36 months). Conclusions Endoscopic endonasal approach may serve as a technically feasible and minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical approaches for the management of SBCG in carefully selected patients.
Tissue localization of expansins in deepwater rice

Summary Expansins are a family of proteins capable of inducing stress relaxation of isolated cell walls. In earlier studies, we showed that the expression of expansin genes in deepwater rice (Oryza sativaL.) is regulated by developmental, hormonal and environmental stimuli. Here, we describe the spatial distribution pattern of expansin transcripts and proteins in tissues and organs of deepwater rice usingin situmRNA hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis. Expansin transcripts and proteins are present at high levels in the growing internodal epidermis, which has thick cell walls and acts, therefore, as a growth-limiting cell layer. Expansins are also concentrated in the differentiating vascular bundles of internodes. In the primary root, expansins are predominantly expressed in the tip region, particularly in the epidermis, differentiating vascular cylinder, and around the pericyle. Developing adventitious roots and lateral root primordia also contain high levels of expansin mRNA. In the shoot apex, expansin transcripts are abundant in the emerging leaf primordia. Our results indicate that expansins play an important role in the expansion and differentiation of plant tissues and organs.
The large-scale structure of semantic networks: statistical analyses and a model of semantic growth.

We present statistical analyses of the large-scale structure of 3 types of semantic networks: word associations, WordNet, and Roget’s Thesaurus. We show that they have a small-world structure, characterized by sparse connectivity, short average path lengths between words, and strong local clustering. In addition, the distributions of the number of connections follow power laws that indicate a scale-free pattern of connectivity, with most nodes having relatively few connections joined together through a small number of hubs with many connections. These regularities have also been found in certain other complex natural networks, such as the World Wide Web, but they are not consistent with many conventional models of semantic organization, based on inheritance hierarchies, arbitrarily structured networks, or high-dimensional vector spaces. We propose that these structures reflect the mechanisms by which semantic networks grow. We describe a simple model for semantic growth, in which each new word or concept is connected to an existing network by differentiating the connectivity pattern of an existing node. This model generates appropriate small-world statistics and power-law connectivity distributions, and it also suggests one possible mechanistic basis for the effects of learning history variables (age of acquisition, usage frequency) on behavioral performance in semantic processing tasks.
Nonredundant error correction for pi /4-QPSK in mobile satellite channels

An improved pi /4-QPSK (quadrature phase shift keying) receiver which incorporates a simple nonredundant error correction (NEC) structure is proposed for satellite and land-mobile digital broadcasting. The bit error rate (BER) performance of the pi /4-QPSK with NEC is analyzed and evaluated in fast Rician fading and an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) environment using computer simulation. It is demonstrated that with simple electronics one can improve the performance of a noncoherently detected pi /4-QPSK signal in both AWGN and fast Rician fading. When the K-factor (defined as the ratio of the average power of the multipath signal to direct path power) of the Rician channel decreases, the improvement increases. An improvement of 1.2 dB could be obtained at a BER of 10/sup -4/ in an AWGN channel. Three types of noncoherent detection schemes for pi /4-QPSK with a NEC structure are discussed: IF (intermediate frequency) band differential detection; baseband differential detection; and FM discriminator. >
A Nonisothermal, Two-Phase Model for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

A model fully coupling the two-phase flow, species transport, heat transfer, and electrochemical processes is developed to investigate liquid water distribution and flooding in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) under nonisothermal conditions. The thermal model accounts for irreversible heat and entropic heat generated due to electrochemical reactions, Joule heating arising from protonic/electronic resistance, and latent heat of water condensation and/or evaporation. A theoretical analysis is presented to show that in the two-phase zone, water transport via vapor-phase diffusion under the temperature gradient is not negligible, with a magnitude comparable to the water production rate in PEFCs. Detailed numerical results further reveal that the vapor-phase diffusion enhances water removal from the gas diffusion layer (GDL) under the channel and exacerbates GDL flooding under the land. Simultaneously, this vapor-phase diffusion provides a new mechanism for heat removal through a phase change process in which water evaporates at the hotter catalyst layer, diffuses through the interstitial spaces of the GDL, and condenses on the cooler land surface. This new heat removal mechanism resembles the heat pipe effect. Three-dimensional simulations for a full PEFC using this nonisothermal, two-phase model are presented for the first time. Separate velocity fields of gas and liquid phases are given, clearly illustrating that the vapor-phase diffusion and capillary-driven liquid water transport in a GDL aid each other in water removal along the through-plane direction under the channel area, but oppose each other along the in-plane direction between the channel area and land.
Separation of the Oxyanions of Re(VII), Mo(VI), Cr(VI), W(VI), and V(V) from a Multicomponent Solution at pH 6 by foam Fractionation

Abstract An experimental investigation is presented of the foam separation of the oxyanions of Re(VII), Mo(VI), Cr(VI), W(VI), and V(V). The pH 6.0, multicomponent aqueous solutions are 1.0 × 10 −6 M in each metal. The effect of chloride competition with the metal oxyanions for the cationic surfactant is determined with NaCl concentrations up to 0.3 M. With proper NaCl concentration adjustments, V(V) can be separated completely from the other four metals, and Re(VII) and Mo(VI) from the other three. Pulsed surfactant dosage is investigated for 1.0 × 10 −6 M Mo(VI) solutions at pH 6.0 and 3.1.
Testicular volumes revisited: A proposal for a simple clinical method that can closely match the volumes obtained by ultrasound and its clinical application

The testicular volumes obtained with the clinical methods, calculated using the ellipsoid equation W2 x L x π/6, correlate with those obtained by ultrasound (US) and are useful clinically, but overestimate ultrasound values, mainly because of the inclusion of the scrotal skin and epididymis, have much variability, and may not be accurate or reproducible. The US measurement is somewhat inconvenient, because it requires another procedure and, mainly, is costly. It would be helpful to have a simple, low cost clinical method that approximates or closely matches the results obtained by ultrasound. Formulas, equivalent to the ellipsoid equations, were developed to calculate testicular volumes with corrections of the width (W), length (L), and height (H) of the testis obtained in the scrotum to avoid the inclusion of the scrotal skin and epididymis. The US observations in our hospital of the width, height, length, height/width, and length/width ratios and volumes of 110 testes from 55 children from 1 month to 17 ½ years of age were reviewed. Based on these observations and those reported by others, formulas to apply to the clinical measurements were developed to approximate the volumes obtained by ultrasound. The validity and accuracy of the formulas were determined. For the clinical application of the formulas, measurements of the width of the testis in the scrotum, with a centimeter ruler, were obtained in 187 study subjects in different stages of puberty and adults, for a total of 374 testicular determinations. The widths obtained in the scrotum were corrected by subtracting the values of the double scrotal skin. The formulas were then applied and the testicular volumes determined. The testicular volumes were then compared to the ultrasound values reported in hundreds of subjects by four different groups and statistically analyzed. The volumes obtained by the formulas (means ± SD) closely matched the volumes obtained by ultrasound. A simple clinical method, based on the width of the testis obtained in the scrotum with a centimeter ruler, which can determine testicular volumes closely matching those reported by ultrasound, is proposed.
PATTERNS OF MOLECULAR AND MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION IN SOME SOLOMON ISLAND LAND BIRDS

Abstract The Solomon Archipelago is the largest and most biologically complex archipelago in northern Melanesia. We collected tissues and voucher specimens from codistributed bird species found on five island groups that provided the first opportunity to apply molecular methods to this avifauna. Using the mitochondrial marker ND2, we constructed a series of intraspecific phylogenies for 23 ecologically and taxonomically diverse species (13 families from 5 orders). Intraspecific comparisons across islands revealed a broad range of genetic differentiation, from 0% in widespread dispersive species such as Eurystomus orientalis and Nectarinia jugularis, to as high as 4–8% in species such as Ceyx lepidus and Dicaeum aeneum. Fifteen of the 23 species had well-supported phylogeographic structure, and for many of these, endemic and otherwise, molecular phylogenetic relationships closely matched those delineated by morphology. However, degrees of genetic differentiation appeared to be inconsistent across taxonomic...
ULTRA HIGH PRESSURE INACTIVATION OF SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE AND LISTERIA INNOCUA ON APPLES AND BLUEBERRIES

This study was undertaken to determine the pressure and time required to inactivate Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Listeria innocua on apples and blueberries while maintaining a “fresh-like” fruit texture and color.d-values for inactivation of S. cerevisiae and L. innocua inoculated on diced apples and blueberries following ultra high pressure treatment at 300 and 375 MPa at room temperature were determined.d-values for inactivation of S. cerevisiae at 300 MPa ranged from 19.7 s on diced apples to 22.4 s on blueberries.d-values for inactivation of L. innocua at 375 MPa ranged from 67.1 s on diced apples to 46.7 s on blueberries. Ultra high pressure is an efficient and effective option for inactivating S. cerevisiae and L. innocua on apples, blueberries or other fruit while preserving a fresh appearance and texture.
Control of Fermilab Booster Tunes

Control of the radial and vertical tunes of the Booster is implemented using ramped correction quadrupoles. Minor modifications to the power supply cards for the 48 (previously) d.c. correction quadrupoles allow the tunes to be continuously programmed orheld constant throughout the 33 ms acceleration cycle. This capability is in addition to the usual use of these quadrupoles to be independently varied to correct for harmonic distortions in the lattice. An automatic computer program measures and displays the tunes vs. time in the cycle to monitor performance and to allow the ramps to be adjusted by the machine operator.
Wotan and the 'archetypal Ergriffenheit': Mystical union, national spiritual rebirth and culture-creating capacity in C. G. Jung's 'Wotan' essay

This article analyses the 1936 “Wotan” essay by Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung in light of one of its reigning motifs, Ergriffenheit. First, this term is examined within the works of Protestant theologian Rudolf Otto and Indologist Jakob Wilhelm Hauer, who used it to describe what they claimed to be the original religious experience, a state of being deeply stirred or even seized by the “the holy” or by “the ultimate reality.” The article then examines antecedents in Jung's theory of states of psychic seizure, in which two halves of the psyche come into conflict, the resolution of which leads to an increased capacity to create the arts of culture. The analysis then moves to the “Wotan” essay itself, where Jung brings together his own theory of psychic seizure with the theory of the original religious experience as proposed by the above-named scholars of religion in order to suggest that, under National Socialism, the Germans were in the midst of a collective confrontation with their own inner divinit...
A Monoclonal Antibody Against αVβ3 Integrin Inhibits Development of Atherosclerotic Lesions in Diabetic Pigs

Atherosclerotic lesions develop and progress more rapidly in diabetic patients than in nondiabetic individuals. This may be caused by accelerated lesion formation in the high-glucose environment of diabetes. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) cultured in high glucose are more responsive to growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). This enhanced response to IGF-1 is due in part to increased activation of the alpha(V)beta(3) integrin. We tested whether alpha(V)beta(3) integrin activation was increased in diabetic animals and whether an antibody to beta(3) would inhibit IGF-1 action and development of atherosclerosis. Eight male pigs were made diabetic with streptozotocin and fed a high-fat diet. A F(ab)(2) antibody fragment directed at beta(3) was infused into one femoral artery, whereas the other artery received control F(ab)(2) for 3.5 months. There was a 65 +/- 8% reduction in atherosclerotic lesion area in the arteries treated with F(ab)(2) antibody to beta(3). Phosphorylation of beta(3) was reduced by 75 +/- 18% in vessels treated with the antibody. Shc and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, which are required for IGF-1-stimulated SMC proliferation, were also significantly reduced. We conclude that activation of IGF-1 receptor and alpha(V)beta(3)-linked signaling pathways accelerates atherosclerosis in diabetes and that administration of an antibody to beta(3) to diabetic pigs inhibits alpha(V)beta(3) activation, IGF-1-stimulated signaling, and atherosclerotic lesion development. This approach offers a potential therapeutic approach to the treatment of this disorder.
Pulmonary and Neurobehavioral Effects of Formaldehyde Exposure

ABSTRACT Two groups of male workers who were exposed to formaldehyde, the first group in phenol-formaldehyde-plastic foam matrix embedding of fiberglass (batt making), and the second in the fixation of tissues for histology, were studied for work-related neurobehavioral, respiratory, and dermatological symptoms; and for pulmonary functional impairment. Forty-five male fiberglass batt makers who were studied across the initial work-shift after a holiday had average frequencies of combined neurobehavioral, respiratory, and dermatological symptoms of 17.3 for the hot areas and 14.7 for the cold areas of the process. Their symptom counts were significantly greater than those for 18 male histology technicians who averaged 7.3, and for 26 unexposed male hosptial workers who averaged 4.8. During their first workshift after holidays, 58% of the batt makers had a decrease in one or more tests of pulmonary function. Nine nonsmokers had decreases more frequently than did 35 smokers; forced expiratory volume in one s...
Notch-1 stimulates survival of lung adenocarcinoma cells during hypoxia by activating the IGF-1R pathway.

Hypoxic microenvironment supports cancer stem cell survival, causes poor response to anticancer therapy and tumor recurrence. Inhibition of Notch-1 signaling in adenocarcinoma of the lung (ACL) cells causes apoptosis specifically under hypoxia. Here, we found that Akt-1 activation is a key mediator of Notch-1 pro-survival effects under hypoxia. Notch-1 activates Akt-1 through repression of phosphatase and tensin (PTEN) homolog expression and induction of the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R). The latter seems to be the major determinant of Akt-1 stimulation, as Notch-1 signaling affects Akt-1 activation in PTEN−/− ACL cells. Both downregulation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and dominant-negative IGF-1R sensitized ACL cells to γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI)-induced apoptosis. Conversely, overexpression of IGF-1R protected ACL cells from GSI toxicity. Inhibition of Notch-1 caused reduced IGF-1R expression, whereas forced Notch-1 expression yielded opposite effects. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments suggested Notch-1 direct regulation of the IGF-1R promoter. Experiments in which human ACL cells were injected in mice confirmed elevated and specific co-expression of Notch-1IC, IGF-1R and pAkt-1 in hypoxic tumor areas. Our data provide a mechanistic explanation for Notch-1-mediated pro-survival function in hypoxic ACL tumor microenvironment. The results identify additional targets that may synergize with Notch-1 inhibition for ACL treatment.
Research on After-Sale Services Evaluation Based-Analytic Hierarchy Process and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation

After-sale services is the prolongation of enterprise's production activity. Quality of after-sale services affects on enterprise's credit standing in market and potential clients. Scientific and reasonable evaluation of service after sale benefits the improving of service quality. The main factors that affect after-sale services evaluation were analyzed. To avoid the effect of individual subjective judgment and favoritism on the result of after-sale services evaluation, a method of after-sale services evaluation based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) was proposed. The AHP was used to determine the weight of each evaluating index, and the FCE method was applied to the information processing of after-sale services evaluation. After that, the FCE mode of after-sale services was established. Based on the theoretical research, the after-sale services of a numerical control machine manufacture corporation were evaluated. Results showed that it was reasonable and credible to evaluate after-sale services with AHP and FCE.
Melatonin, the Hormone of Darkness: From Sleep Promotion to Ebola Treatment

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the enigmatic pineal gland in response to darkness, hence the name hormone of darkness. It has generated a great deal of interest as a therapeutic modality for various diseases particularly sleep disorders. This pleiotropic molecule has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticoagulopathic properties in addition to its endothelial protective effects. In this article we discuss melatonin secretion and mechanisms of action as well as therapeutic rationale. We also highlight the potential utility of melatonin in the deadly modern-day Ebola epidemic.
Strategies for Increasing the Understanding of Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

During the past decade, there has been a resurgence in prostatitis research, most notably focused on chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. This work included epidemiological studies, evaluation of diagnostic tests, studies of the impact on quality of life and medical costs, pathogenic mechanisms, biomarkers, as well as randomized clinical trials. Despite this effort our understanding of this burdensome and enigmatic condition remains incomplete and management of patients challenging. The etiology of prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is not known, risk factors have not been well described, the pathogenic mechanism(s) are obscure, and optimal treatment strategies have not yet been identified. If advances are to be made in the coming years, then the greatest payoff may come from a concerted effort to identify the cause(s) and risk factors for this condition and to develop and validate accurate phenotypes of those with the syndrome. With this knowledge, rationale selection of potential therapeutic agents may be possible to evaluate in well-designed randomized clinical trials.
Adrenal cyst. A case report and a review ok the pediatric literature.

Summary A case of an adrenal cyst which manifested as an abdominal mass in a newborn infant is presented. The clinical course and the pathology are discussed. A review of the related pediatric literature is presented.
Tunable Ionization Modes of a Flowing Atmospheric-Pressure Afterglow (FAPA) Ambient Ionization Source

Plasma-based ambient desorption/ionization sources are versatile in that they enable direct ionization of gaseous samples as well as desorption/ionization of analytes from liquid and solid samples. However, ionization matrix effects, caused by competitive ionization processes, can worsen sensitivity or even inhibit detection all together. The present study is focused on expanding the analytical capabilities of the flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow (FAPA) source by exploring additional types of ionization chemistry. Specifically, it was found that the abundance and type of reagent ions produced by the FAPA source and, thus, the corresponding ionization pathways of analytes, can be altered by changing the source working conditions. High abundance of proton-transfer reagent ions was observed with relatively high gas flow rates and low discharge currents. Conversely, charge-transfer reagent species were most abundant at low gas flows and high discharge currents. A rather nonpolar model analyte, biphenyl,...
Peer Effects inside the Firm and the Diffusion of Managerial Pay

Using hand-collected data on divisional managers at S&P 1500 firms, we study how changes in one divisional manager’s compensation affect the compensation of other divisional managers inside the sam...
The Genus Parasecia (Acari: Trombiculidae), with the Description of a New Species from Mexico

The genus Parasecia Loomis, 1966, is redefined, and Parasecia bulbocalcar Goff is described as new from specimens collected off a Yellow-shouldered Bat, Sturnia ludovici Anthony, taken in Morelos, Mexico. A key to the 15 species of Parasecia is provided.
Cephaloticoccus gen. nov., a new genus of 'Verrucomicrobia' containing two novel species isolated from Cephalotes ant guts.

Two novel members of the bacterial phylum ‘ Verrucomicrobia ’, strains CAG34T and CV41T, were isolated from the guts of Cephalotes rohweri and Cephalotes varians ants, respectively. Strains CAG34T and CV41T were coccoid, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, and formed cream-coloured colonies on trypticase soy agar. Optimum growth occurred under an atmosphere of 12–20 % O2 and 1 % CO2 for both strains, although strain CV41T could not grow without supplemental CO2. Growth was possible under NaCl concentrations of 0.5–1.5 % (w/v) and temperatures of 23–37 °C for both strains, and pH values of 6.9–7.7 for strain CAG34T and 6.9–7.3 for strain CV41T. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 60.7 mol% for strain CAG34T and 60.5 mol% for strain CV41T. The major fatty acids for both strains were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C14 : 0, C16 : 0, and C16 : 1 ω5c. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, the closest cultivated relative for both strains was the type strain of Opitutus terrae (91.8 % similarity). Hence, strains CAG34T and CV41T are considered to represent a new genus within the ‘ Verrucomicrobia' family Opitutaceae , for which we propose the name Cephaloticoccus gen. nov. Given that strains CAG34T and CV41T share 97.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with each other and are physiologically distinct, we propose to classify the isolates as representing two novel species, Cephaloticoccus primus sp. nov. for strain CAG34T (=NCIMB 15004T =ATCC TSD-38T) and Cephaloticoccus capnophilus sp. nov. for strain CV41T (=NCIMB 15005T =ATCC TSD-39T =DSM 100879T).
Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the liver. Principal diagnostic challenges

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the diagnostic procedure of choice for evaluation of liver lesions. Although primarily applied to malignant disease, it is also used in the evaluation of benign conditions. Improvements in imaging techniques and advances in cytologic interpretations, as well as production of new biopsy needles, have all contributed to the rapid increase in radiologically guided liver FNAB.
Age-related differences in the stoichiometry of the renin-angiotensinogen reaction in rat plasma

Generation of immunoreactive angiotensin I (AI) in plasma of either adult or 10-day-old rats proceeded via first-order kinetics. Although the concentration (Vmax) of renin was 5-fold greater in neonatal compared to adult plasma, the specific activity (kapp/Vmax) of the enzyme was 2-fold greater in adults. Both enzymes exhibited a similar affinity (Km) for angiotensinogen; and at both ages, the generation of AI was limited by insufficient endogenous substrate to sustain maximum rates. In conclusion, although the catalytic properties of renin do not change with age, subtle differences in the stoichiometry of the reaction may have profound implications in determining compensatory mechanisms involved in renin-dependent regulation of homeostasis in developing animals.
An Investigation of Educational Needs for Marketing Research Professionals

This study applies a conceptual framework to identify the adequacy of current masters programs in meeting the skills needs of research professionals. Several areas of study have been overlooked by researchers in efforts to determine the perceived service quality of traditional MBA programs as it relates to needs of marketing research practitioners. An empirical study was undertaken, the results of which suggest that marketing educators believe a significant gap exists between their perceptions of student expectations and the performance of MBA programs in meeting such expectations.
Integrating Service-Learning into Technology Training in Teacher Preparation: A Study of an Educational Technology Course for Preservice Teachers.

AbstractBased on a partnership between a teacher preparation program and an urban school district, this study evaluates a project that used a service-learning model to connect preservice teachers to working teachers to help the working teachers integrate technology into their teaching while giving the preservice teachers an authentic context for their assignments. Using multiple data sources including questionnaires, class projects, interviews, and field notes, this study looked at the success of service-learning in technology instruction in terms of student satisfaction and student learning related to technology skills, technology integration strategies, and issues that teachers confront teaching diverse populations. The results of the study provide suggestions for the successful integration of service-learning for technology training in teacher education.
A Historical Perspective on Eutrophication in the Pensacola Bay Estuary, FL, USA

In this chapter, we provide a brief description of the Pensacola Bay estuary, examining the available historical data for evidence of trends in eutrophication within the estuary. Common to many industrialized estuaries, Pensacola Bay has been subjected to unregulated point sources of nutrients and other contaminants, peaking during the 1950s and 1960s. Also, over the past 60 years, the region has experienced a fivefold increase in population in the watershed and a doubling of river nitrate concentrations. Today, the estuary exhibits classical symptoms of eutrophication, including extensive summer hypoxia, significant loss of sea grass habitat, and phytoplankton dynamics that respond strongly to seasonal and interannual variation in freshwater flow. Surprisingly, Pensacola Bay appears to have low nutrient concentrations, moderate productivity, and high water transparency, characteristics that appear to have persisted during a period of rapid human population growth. We find the lack of demonstrable changes in the distribution of phytoplankton biomass or distribution and severity of hypoxia during a period of increasing human population pressures enigmatic.
Chemical interaction of flue gas components with the growth ofcyanidium caldarium

Normal photosynthesis byCyanidium results in O2 evolution, suggesting that the uptake and subsequent reduction of CO2 also occur. This process, therefore, has potential for the clean-up of pollution from power plant stack exhaust.Cyanidium is hardier than other photosynthetic organisms, and our studies suggest that, when grown in a stress-reducing buffer, this alga can continue the photosynthetic removal of CO2 in an atmosphere containing up to 40% flue gas. Further studies are currently under way to optimize the conditions under whichCyanidium will grow in high concentrations of flue gas as well as to measure the rates of CO2 uptake.
Sorting through methods of dividing the liver

BACKGROUND: No doubt, liver surgery has become safer over the past two decades. Many people jump to the conclusion that this increase in safety is due primarily to new methods of dissecting through the liver. METHODS: We did a literature search over the period 1992–2004 and then considered the data within the articles on the basis of device design and our own personal experiences. RESULTS: For resection of malignancies, we rank the Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) number one because of its utility in staying within tissue planes during resections while preserving vessels for ligature. We find the water jet the most useful instrument for living-donor resections because of the minimal necrotic margin. The floating ball has a particular utility in removing tumors from cirrhotic livers. The harmonic scalpel tops the instruments for laparoscopic surgery, primarily because the instrument is designed specifically for laparoscopic surgery and most tumors being removed via the laparoscope are small, benign ones. CONCLUSIONS: Technological innovations have definitely made their mark on liver surgery. However, the skill and experience of the surgeon but not the instruments determine the outcomes of patients after liver resections.
Principles of Regenerative Medicine

Virtually any disease that results from malfunctioning, damaged, or failing tissues may be potentially cured through regenerative medicine therapies, by either regenerating the damaged tissues in vivo, or by growing the tissues and organs in vitro and implanting them into the patient. "Principles of Regenerative Medicine" discusses the latest advances in technology and medicine for replacing tissues and organs damaged by disease and of developing therapies for previously untreatable conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, and renal failure. This title provides key for all researchers and institutions in Stem Cell Biology, Bioengineering, and Developmental Biology. This is the first of its kind to offer an advanced understanding of the latest technologies in regenerative medicine. It offers new discoveries from leading researchers on restoration of diseased tissues and organs.
Measurements of Proton Displacement Damage in Several Commercial Optocouplers

Proton Displacement Damage (DD) measurements on Isolink OLS049, Micropac 66296-101, 66224-103JANTX, and 66179-003 are reported. The 66179-003 has the worst degradation, 13% of the initial CTR remains when it is used with IF = 10 mA at 1 x 1012 1-MeV n/cm2 fluence in Silicon. The remaining CTR percentage for OLS049, 66296-101, and 66224-103JANTX are 21%, 32%, and 79% at 2 x 1012 1-MeV n/cm2 fluence in Silicon, respectively.