cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asprosin Neutralizing Antibodies as a Treatment for Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract Recently, we discovered a new glucogenic and centrally-acting orexigenic hormone – asprosin. Asprosin is elevated in metabolic syndrome (MS) patients, and importantly, its genetic loss results in reduced appetite, leanness and robust insulin sensitivity, leading to protection from MS. Here we demonstrate that anti-asprosin monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are a dual-effect pharmacologic therapy that targets the two key pillars of MS – over-nutrition and the blood glucose burden. Anti-asprosin mAbs from three distinct species lowered appetite and body weight, and improved blood glucose in a dose-dependent and epitope-agnostic fashion in three independent MS mouse models, with an IC50 of ∼1.5 mg/kg. In addition, mAb treatment ameliorated MS associated dyslipidemia and hepatic dysfunction. The mAbs displayed half-life of over 3 days in vivo, with equilibrium dissociation-constants in picomolar to low nanomolar range. This evidence paves the way for further development towards an investigational new drug application and subsequent human trials for treatment of MS, a defining physical ailment of our time.
Rapid Construction of Tetralin, Chromane, and Indane Motifs via Cyclative C–H/C–H Coupling: Four-Step Total Synthesis of (±)-Russujaponol F

The development of practical C-H/C-H coupling reactions remains a challenging yet appealing synthetic venture because it circumvents the need to prefunctionalize both coupling partners for the generation of C-C bonds. Herein we report a cyclative C(sp3)-H/C(sp2)-H coupling reaction of free aliphatic acids enabled by a cyclopentane-based mono-N-protected β-amino acid ligand. This reaction uses inexpensive sodium percarbonate (Na2CO3·1.5H2O2) as the sole oxidant and generates water as the only byproduct. A range of biologically important scaffolds, including tetralins, chromanes, and indanes, can be easily prepared by this protocol. Finally, the synthetic application of this methodology is demonstrated by the concise total synthesis of (±)-russujaponol F in a four-step sequence starting from readily available phenylacetic acid and pivalic acid through sequential functionalizations of four C-H bonds.
Practical management strategies for benign hypermobility syndromes.

Purpose of review Patients with symptomatic hypermobility syndrome such as hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) commonly present to rheumatologists with joint pain and functional disability. Providers often have difficulty with diagnosis due to a lack of knowledge on the range of associated manifestations and the available therapeutic modalities. This review will discuss recent updates on diagnostic measures and treatment options for rheumatologists to help patients navigate hEDS/HSD. Recent findings This article describes newer diagnostic measures and assessment of hEDS/HSD manifestations. Evidence supporting physical therapy and occupational therapy is provided, as well as recent updates on assistive devices, compressive garments, orthoses, and surgical interventions. Given patient heterogeneity specific guidance about the amount and type of therapies required to produce a beneficial effect is lacking. Treatment should be individualized, and many of the studies focus on regional joint complaints rather than a whole-body approach. Summary Physical therapy and occupational therapy remain the cornerstone of treatment.
Genetic determinants of LDL cholesterol and risk of intracerebral haemorrhage.

Purpose of review The role of lipids in spontaneous, nontraumatic intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) remains controversial, as some studies suggest that lower levels of total and LDL cholesterol could increase the risk of this disease. Because of their random assortment during meiosis, genetic variants known to associate with lipid levels can be used as instruments to evaluate this relationship from a causal perspective. The purpose of this review is to summarize the existing literature related to genetically determined LDL cholesterol levels and risk of ICH. Recent findings A number of studies have demonstrated that lower LDL levels are associated with a higher risk of ICH and a higher burden of neuroimaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease, such as microbleeds and white matter hyperintensity volume. As for genetically elevated lipid levels, several studies confirmed an inverse association between LDL levels and ICH. However, a number of observational studies and large meta-analyses of clinical trials of statins have failed to show such association. Summary Observational studies and clinical trials of statins have yielded inconsistent results regarding a possible link between LDL levels and the risk of ICH. Genetic studies focused on genetically elevated LDL levels and risk of ICH have, for the most, found an inverse association.
Oystershell scale: an emerging invasive threat to aspen in the southwestern US

Oystershell scale (OSS; Lepidosaphes ulmi) is an emerging invasive insect that poses a serious threat to conservation of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) in the southwestern US. Although OSS has been an urban pest in the US since the 1700s, it has recently spread into natural aspen stands in northern Arizona, where outbreaks are causing dieback and mortality. We quantified the ongoing outbreak of OSS at two scales: (1) local severity at two sites and (2) regional distribution across northern Arizona. Our regional survey indicated that OSS is widespread in lower elevation aspen stands and is particularly pervasive in ungulate exclosures. Advanced regeneration had the highest levels of infestation and mortality, which is concerning because this size class is an underrepresented component of aspen stands in northern Arizona. If OSS continues to spread and outbreaks result in dieback and mortality like we observed, then aspen in the southwestern US, and perhaps beyond, will be threatened. Three interacting factors contribute to OSS’s potential as a high-impact invasive insect that could spread rapidly: (1) its hypothesized role as a sleeper species, (2) potential interactions between OSS and climate change, and (3) the species’ polyphagous nature. Invasive pests like OSS pose an imminent threat to native tree species and, therefore, represent an immediate research and monitoring priority. We conclude with recommendations for future research and monitoring in order to understand OSS’s biology in natural aspen stands, quantify impacts, limit future spread, and mitigate mortality and loss of aspen and other host species.
Development and Implementation of an Open Source Template Interpretation Class Library for Automated Treatment Planning.

ABSTRACT Purpose Widespread implementation of automated treatment planning in radiation therapy remains elusive due to variability in clinic and physician preferences making it difficult to ensure consistent plan parameters. We have developed an open-source class library with the aim to improve efficiency and consistency for automated treatment planning in radiation therapy. Methods and materials An open source class library has been developed that interprets clinical templates within a commercial treatment planning system into a treatment plan for automated planning. This code was leveraged for the automated planning of 39 patients and retrospectively compared to the 78 clinically approved manual plans. Results From the initial 39 patients, 74 of 78 plans were successfully generated without manual intervention. Target dose was more homogenous for automated plans, with an average homogeneity index of 3.30 vs 3.11 for manual and automated plans, respectively (p = 0.107). Generalized equivalent uniform dose decreased in the femurs and rectum for automated plans, with mean gEUD of 3746 cGy vs 3338 cGy (p ≤ 0.001) and 5761 cGy vs 5634 cGy (p ≤ 0.001) for femurs and rectum, respectively. Dose metrics for bladder and rectum (V6500 cGy and V4000 cGy) show recognizable but insignificant improvements. All automated plans delivered for quality assurance passed a gamma analysis (>95%) with an average composite pass rate of 99.3% and 98.8% for pelvis and prostate plans, respectively. Deliverability parameters such as total monitor units and aperture complexity indicate deliverable plans. Conclusions Prostate cancer and pelvic node radiotherapy can be automated using VMAT planning and clinical templates based on a standardized clinical workflow. The class library developed in this study conveniently interfaces between the plan template and the treatment planning system to automatically generate high quality plans on customizable templates.
Eliminating Mentors in Favor of Collaborators: Review and Challenge of Current Mentorship Literature

Context: Mentorship in academic medicine, surgery, and surgical subspecialties has been examined broadly in the literature at the student, resident, early, and senior faculty level. These studies have explored mentorship in general, as well as gender specific differences or issues that arise. Less studied is the idea of collaboration in surgical training. Evidence Acquisition: The objective of this review is to summarize the current literature on mentorship and delineate its future. Results: Traditional paradigms of the mentor plotting the career of the mentee may not be possible in the future. In the ever-changing practice of surgery, time constraints are only increasing, making the act of mentoring more difficult. Conclusions: The mentee or trainee must take a more active role and seek out mentorship, seek out collaboration, be more proactive, and communicate their needs and career goals early on.
The Life of a Wiki: How Georgia State University Library's Wiki Enhances Content Currency and Employee Collaboration

ABSTRACT In recent years, the ease of use and collaborative nature of the wiki has made it a popular tool in many libraries. Georgia State University Library has hosted an internal wiki since 2003, and since its inception it has been utilized in many different and innovative ways. This article will provide an overview of some of the more interesting uses of the GSU Library wiki, specifically, its life as a reference guide, training manual, committee meeting and planning ground, home for material price quotes, and finally, as a place for entertaining work-related content.
Beyond Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia: Potential Role for Imatinib in Philadelphia-Negative Myeloproliferative Disorders

The myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) are chronic malignant conditions originating from the clonal expansion of a multipotential hematopoietic stem cell. These diseases include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythenia, atypical chronic myeloid leukemia, idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), agnogenic myeloid metaplasia with myelofibrosis, and others. Receptor tyrosine kinases—the platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs) and c-Kit—and their respective ligands have been implicated in the pathogenesis of MPDs. For example, a constitutively activated PDGFR fusion tyrosine kinase (FIP1L1-PDGFRA) was identified in some patients with HES, a disease characterized by sustained overproduction of eosinophils that has been classified by the World Health Organization as a chronic subtype of the MPDs. Imatinib is a selective inhibitor of PDGFRs, c-Kit, Abl and Arg protein-tyrosine kinases, as well as Bcr-Abl, the oncogenic tyrosine kinase that causes chronic myeloid leukemia. The efficacy of imatinib in treating HES, systemic mast cell disease, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia associated with PDGFRβ fusion genes, and (to a lesser extent) PV and idiopathic myelofibrosis was reviewed from institutional experience and a review of the literature. In 3 studies that involved 11 patients with PV, 10 patients had reductions in phlebotomy with imatinib. Eight studies of 42 patients with HES indicated that 70% achieved complete hematologic remissions with imatinib. Four studies of 6 patients with MPD indicated responses with imatinib in 5 patients. Insight into the molecular pathogenesis of MPDs will improve the definitions of different disease categories and suggests that signal transduction inhibition is likely to be an increasingly important treatment option in the future. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Transmission Main Control Orifice Flow Characteristics and Correlations

In this paper we describe the application of a CFD methodology to characterize the orifice flows over a wide range of flow conditions with various geometrical features commonly found in hydraulic control systems. There are three objectives in carrying out this study. First, apply CFD analyses to provide physical insight into the orifice flow physics and clarify the use of relevant engineering parameters critical to hydraulic control applications. Second, quantify orifice discharge coefficient with respect to orifice diameter ratio, cross-sectional shape, plate thickness, orifice entrance and exit geometries. Third, support physical test and establish building block elements for hydraulic system modeling. The results obtained from CFD calculations agree very well with available data published in professional handbooks and fluid mechanics related textbooks, especially in the high Reynolds number flow regime. Conclusions and observations are summarized to highlight the effects on the discharge coefficients with respect to orifice diameter ratio, thickness, entrance and trailing edges, frontal shape and sectional geometry.
Local control of blood flow in the dog's stomach: vasodilatation caused by acid back-diffusion following topical application of salicylic acid.

Abstract A completely isolated segment of the greater curvature of a dog's stomach, held in a plastic chamber, was perfused at a constant flow through a single artery with blood from a donor dog. Perfusion pressure was measured continuously, and vascular resistance was calculated by dividing perfusion pressure by flow. The mucosal surface was bathed with fluids held at constant temperature. No change in vascular resistance followed substitution of 160 mN HCl for 154 mN NaCl as the bathing fluid, and there was no change when atropine SO 4 (0.2 mg kg −1 ) was given to the donor. Substitution of 20 or 30 mM salicylic acid in 100 or 160 mN HCl was followed within a minute, and often within 12 sec, by a fall in vascular resistance which reached 65% of control value, and which, during continuous bathing with salicylic acid in HCl, rose slowly toward control level. Atropine SO 4 (0.2 mg kg −1 ) did not prevent or diminish the fall in resistance. There was no change in resistance when the mucosal barrier was broken by bathing the mucosa with 30 mM salicylic acid at pH 2.2, but the resistance fell immediately when that solution was replaced with 160 mN HCl. Back-diffusion of acid was, therefore, the proximate cause of vasodilatation. Close intraarterial infusion of histamine (1–360 ng ml blood −1 ) caused dose-related vasodilatation which was partially blocked by previous intravenous injection of pyrilamine maleate (1 mg kg −1 , repeated at 45 min) plus cimetidine (4 mg kg −1 , loading plus 1.4 mg kg −1 hr −1 continuous infusion). Rate of back diffusion of H + into the mucosa, calculated from measured A-V [H + ] and the base-excess curve for dog blood, was 35 μmol min −1 100 g −1 with 160 mN HCl and approximately 147 μmol min −1 100 g −1 with salicylic acid in HCl bathing the mucosa. Close intraarterial infusion of HCl at rates ranging from 0.2 to 3,288 nmol ml blood −1 caused roughly dose-related vasodilatation that was not blocked by pyrilamine plus cimetidine.
Selective runtime memory disambiguation in a dynamic binary translator

Alias analysis, traditionally performed statically, is unsuited for a dynamic binary translator (DBT) due to incomplete control-flow information and the high complexity of an accurate analysis. Whole- program profiling, however, shows that most memory references do not alias. The current technique used in DBTs to disambiguate memory references, instruction inspection, is too simple and can only disambiguate one-third of potential aliases. To achieve effective memory disambiguation while keeping a tight bound on analysis overhead, we propose an efficient heuristic algorithm that strategically selects key memory dependences to disambiguate with runtime checks. These checks have little runtime overhead and, in the common case where aliasing does not occur, enable aggressive optimizations, particularly scheduling. We demonstrate that a small number of checks, inserted with a low-overhead analysis, can approach optimal scheduling, where all false memory dependences are removed. Simulation shows that better scheduling alone improves overall performance by 5%.
Meshing point clouds using spherical parameterization

We present a simple method for meshing a 3D point cloud to a manifold genus-0 mesh. Our approach is based on recent methods for spherical embedding of planar graphs, where we use instead a k-nearest neighborhood graph of the point cloud. Our approach proceeds in two steps: We first embed the neighborhood graph on a sphere using an iterative procedure, minimizing the tangential Laplacian. Then we triangulate the embedded points and apply the resulting mesh connectivity to the input points. Besides meshing, spherical embedding of point clouds may also be used for other applications such as texture mapping or morphing.
Phenomenological model of the magnetic properties of La 2-x Sr x CuO 4-y

We model ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Sr}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{y}}$ for small x by assuming ${p}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}$ oxygen holes are Coulombically bound to Sr (or La vacancy) acceptor defects in 2d hydrogenic orbitals. The holes exchange couple to the antiferromagnetically ordered copper moments. The defects are polarized due to the copper spin canting induced by the Dzyaloshinski-Moriya interaction. Within linear spin-wave analysis we obtain a defect contribution to the magnetization jump at a critical applied field ${H}_{c}$, and we deduce a critical defect concentration for suppression of the long-range magnetic order which is sensitive to dimensionality, defect position, and defect-defect interactions. We quantitatively account for the nonmetal-metal transition. We qualitatively explain the observed resistivity drop at ${H}_{c}$ (for which we propose an experimental test), some anomalous muon-spin-resonance data, and the dependence of ${T}_{N}$ on oxygen vacancies.
Graphs with maximum degree 5 are acyclically 7-colorable

An acyclic coloring is a proper coloring with the additional property that the union of any two color classes induces a forest. We show that every graph with maximum degree at most 5 has an acyclic 7-coloring. We also show that every graph with maximum degree at most r has an acyclic (1 + ⌊( r + 1) 2 /4⌋-coloring.
Panbiogeography from tracks to ocean basins: evolving perspectives

Misconceptions arising from efforts to translate panbiogeography into terms used in other biogeographic and evolutionary theories are discussed with respect to Cox’s (1998, Journal of Biogeography, 25, 813–828) critique of panbiogeography. Croizat’s rejection of ‘Darwinian dispersal’ applies only to efforts to utilize this concept as a general explanation for biogeographic patterns. The conceptual difference between distribution and panbiogeographic dispersal maps is illustrated to show that Croizat did not synonymize distribution and dispersal. Croizat’s position on continental drift and plate tectonics does not support Cox’s (1998) claim that Croizat ‘for a long time’ refused to accept the theory of plate tectonics. The methodological relationship between panbiogeographic analysis and geology suggests an independence of methodology that prevents geological theory from falsifying panbiogeographic predictions. Panbiogeographic predictions for the eastern Pacific are shown to be in agreement with current historical geological models. Claims by Cox (1998) that the panbiogeographic method is variable and questionable are evaluated with respect to the biogeographic homology of primitive frogs, ratite birds, and southern beeches to demonstrate the consistent application of minimal distance, main massing, phylogenetic affinity and baseline criteria. Panbiogeographic classification concepts are contrasted with the Darwinian system (supported by Cox) utilizing a concept of unitary geographical area based on the language of Roman military rule. Inconsistent positions expressed in recent critiques of panbiogeography may indicate an underlying and implicit acceptance of the empirical and theoretical progress generated by panbiogeography within modern biogeography. ‘The formation of groups has an invigorating effect in all spheres of human striving, perhaps mostly due to the struggle between the convictions and aims represented by the different groups’ (Einstein, 1938. Collier’s, 26 November).
Eigennews: Generating and delivering personalized news video

Next-generation news video consumption will be more personalized, device agnostic, and pooled from many different sources. The EigenNews system provides each viewer with a personalized newscast filled with stories that matter most to them. While personalized text-based news services already exist, personalized video news streams are still a critically missing technology. Our system records multiple channels, segments each news stream into individual stories, discovers links between the stories themselves and links between the stories and online articles, and generates a personalized playlist for each user. The dynamic mixing and aggregation of broadcast news videos from multiple sources greatly enriches the news watching experience by providing more comprehensive coverage and varying perspectives. Over time, the website collects click and view histories and uses this information to continuously optimize the personalization.
A comparison of methodologies of brief functional analysis

AbstractObjective: To evaluate correspondence between three models of brief functional analysis (BFA); to evaluate a latency-based model of BFA.Methods: Single subject research; three models of BFA; latency-based BFA; brief A-B model with programmed antecedents and no programmed consequences for aberrant behaviour; A-B-C model with programmed antecedents and programmed consequences for aberrant behaviour; contingency reversal treatment evaluations conducted with each model; each model implemented with four individuals with autism diagnoses; correspondence of results between the three BFA models in terms of the conditions in which aberrant behaviour occurred.Results: Overall, strong correspondence between all three BFA models was observed; several specific instances of non-correspondence within participants observed; more differentiation observed between test and control conditions in A-B model than A-B-C model.Conclusions: Additional support that clinicians and educators have flexibility in choosing BFA m...
Perceptual normalization for speaking rate II: Effects of signal discontinuities

In a series of experiments, we examined how rate normalization in speech perception is influenced by segments that occur after the target. Perception of the syllable-initial target was influenced by the durations of both the adjacent vowel and the segment after the vowel, even when the identity of the talker was changed during the syllable. These results, together with earlier findings of a temporal window that follows a target phoneme within which segment duration influences perception of the target, help to resolve apparently conflicting results that have been reported previously. Overall, the results fit within a theoretical framework in which the rate at which events take place is extracted early in processing, prior to segregating voices, and the use of this information is obligatory in subsequent processing.
Immunotherapy and immunopathologic studies in a patient with nucleoside phosphorylase deficiency.

Abstract The results of immunotherapy and immunopathologic studies are described in a patient with nucleoside phosphorylase deficiency, normal B cell function, and severe absence of T cell function. Treatment for 9 months with bovine thymosin F5 at a dose of 1 mg/kg/week resulted in an increase in the percentage of E rosettes and the total number of T cells, and a return of the PHA and MLC response to greater than 50% of normal control values. With the development of systemic type 1 reactions following thymosin administration, therapy was discontinued. Immunologic studies returned to previous abnormal values. Treatment with oral uridine in a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 9 months resulted in an increase in the percentage of E rosettes, an increase in the number of T cells, and an improved lymphocyte response to PHA. The MLC remained abnormal. Although the patient remained clinically well for 8 months, she then developed varicella which rapidly progressed to death, in spite of treatment with zoster immune plasma and adenine arabinoside. At autopsy, depletion of T cell-dependent areas in lymphoid tissue was observed. However, numerous plasma cells were present in which the cytoplasm stained for immunoglobulin. The thymus was reduced in size but had a suggestion of corticomedullary differentiation, and numerous Hassals corpuscles were observed. The results in this patient emphasize the susceptibility of nucleoside phosphorylase-deficient individuals to certain viral infections and suggest that additional immunotherapeutic and/or biochemical treatment is needed.
Effects of a ketogenic diet on strength and power

Background The effects of a LCKD on endurance performance has been investigated several times, and it has already received a review. For this type of activity, no decrements in performance are observed once the participants are adjusted to the diet. However, LCKD’s are yet to be investigated in a resistance training model. One study has examined strength in relation to a LCKD, finding no decrements, yet this study failed to incorporate a well-controlled training protocol.
Bone Marrow and Spleen: Dissociation of Immunologic Properties by Cortisone

Bone marrow and spleen cells react differently after treatment with cortisone acetate in vivo. Antibody-forming, hematopoietic, and proliferative responses of spleen cells are reduced, while bone marrow cell responses are not. The stimulation of spleen cells by phytohemagglutinin is abolished, but the response of marrow cells is enhanced. These reactions provide functional markers for the different cells involved in immunologic responses.
Adaptive contrast gain control and information maximization

Contrast gain control is an important mechanism underlying the visual system's adaptation to contrast of luminance in varying visual environments. Our previous work showed that the threshold and saturation determine the preferred contrast sensitivity as well as the maximum information coding capacity of the neuronal model. In this report, we investigated the design principles underlying adaptation behavior in contrast gain control by an adaptive linear-nonlinear model. We found that an adaptive rescaling mechanism predicted by information transmission maximization can explain a variety of observed contrast gain control phenomena in neurophysiological experiments, including the divisive input-output relations, and the inverse power-law relation between response gain and input contrast. Our results suggest that contrast gain control in visual systems might be designed for information maximization.
Gold(I) chloride coordinated 3-hexyne.

A linear gold(I) complex featuring a simple, unstrained alkyne has been synthesized using AuCl and 3-hexyne and characterized using X-ray crystallography. Density functional theory calculations show that σ donation from alkyne → Au dominates over the Au → alkyne π back-donation.
Propagation of steady shock waves in polymethyl methacrylate

Abstract The particle-velocity histories associated with the compression waves produced by the planar impact of polymethyl methacrylate plates were observed by means of laser interferometry. The impact velocity and the thickness of material through which the wave passed were varied from 0.06 to 0.64 mm μsec and from 6 to 37 mm respectively. Over this range of impact velocities, the observations disclosed a shock followed by a smooth transition to the maximum particle-velocity; the speed and magnitude of the shock varied non-linearly with the impact stress. For impact velocities below 0.3 mm μsec , the wave was steady. A steady-wave analysis based on finite linear viscoelasticity theory has been shown to be in good agreement with the experimental observations.
Flow shop scheduling with peak power consumption constraints

We study scheduling as a means to address the increasing energy concerns in manufacturing enterprises. In particular, we consider a flow shop scheduling problem with a restriction on peak power consumption, in addition to the traditional time-based objectives. We investigate both mathematical programming and combinatorial approaches to this scheduling problem, and test our approaches with instances arising from the manufacturing of cast iron plates.
Orientational ordering of grafted nonmobile rod polymers

We studied the orientational ordering of grafted rod polymers on the surface. The rod polymers were nonmobile and allowed to have two configurations: either lying down on the surface or standing up. The only interaction between the rods were hard core interaction. We computed the orientational order parameter using the recently developed random local field theory. We found that the order parameter increased monotonically as a function of the concentration of the rods and, thus, there existed no pancake-brush transition. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Paleoenvironments and paleoclimates in Tierra del Fuego and southernmost Patagonia, South America

Abstract A continuous paleoclimatic history for the past 14,000 years is presented based on palynological records from south of latitude 50°S in South America. Prior to 12,500 yr B.P. dry Empetrum heathlands, not mesic tundra, dominated throughout the high southern latitudes, indicating high winds, annual precipitation of less than 300 mm, and freezing temperatures year-round. After 12,500 yr B.P. steppe replaced the heathlands, suggesting decrease in wind intensity, increase in effective moisture, and increase in temperatures. When forests expanded at 9000 yr B.P. along the rainward side, and at 8000 yr B.P. in the rainshadow side of the Andes, precipitation reached Holocene levels. Judging from the greater openness of the early Holocene forests, including those in the rainward part of the region precipitation levels probably ranged between 500 and 800 mm, comparable to those from today's forest/steppe transition. After a pronounced mid-Holocene dry event, the late Holocene forests appeared more closed than the early Holocene forests, suggesting greater effective moisture, probably related to cooler temperatures. The high latitude paleoclimatic history differs from that of lower latitudes as far as the actual amplitude of change and the climatic signal is concerned. Low moisture levels prior to 12,500 yr B.P. between latitudes 45° and 55°C suggest that the westerly stormtracks responsible for precipitation patterns in southern South America may have been located year-round closer to the equator than today. The precipitation increase at 12,500 yr B.P. that extended only as far south as 50°S, indicates that the stormtracks had shifted poleward, but did not reach Tierra del Fuego. By 9000 yr B.P. the stormtracks had shifted to the high southern latitudes, but the large seasonal latitudinal shift comparable to the modern situation — equatorwards in winter and polewards in summer — did not develop until after 4500 yr B.P.
Spectroscopic investigation of SiO 2 surfaces of optical materials for high-power lasers

High quality surfaces of fused silica optical materials were studied using microscopic fluorescence imaging as well as Raman and emission micro-spectroscopy. For as-polished surfaces optically active defect formations were detected on the surface of the material which vary in geometry, relative intensity and concentration depending on the polishing process. A partial correlation of these defects with subsequent laser damage sites was indicated. Following laser-induced damage the Raman and photoluminescence spectra indicated extensive materials modification within the damage sites. Emission spectra show at least three characteristic luminescence bands centered at 1.9 eV, 2.2 eV and approximately 4.7 eV. Raman scattering indicates that laser irradiation leads to compaction.
Duality between Broadcasting with Bandwidth Expansion and Bandwidth Compression

We consider the problem of broadcasting kldr samples of an independent identically distributed (i.i.d) Gaussian source to two users in n = lambdakldr uses of an AWGN channel. We develop a framework which shows a duality between a source-channel coding scheme for the case of lambda > 1 and that for lambda < 1. Using this duality, we derive a scheme for the case of lambda < 1, which is the dual of a scheme proposed by Reznic, Zamir and Feder (2006). This scheme, which provides the largest known achievable distortion region currently known, is also the same as that proposed by Prabhakaran et al (2005) specialized to the case of an i.i.d source with lambda < 1. We also provide an explanation for why this scheme performs well by first analyzing the performance of source-channel coding schemes in the presence of a signal-to- noise ratio mismatch.
Driving assessment tools used by driver rehabilitation specialists: survey of use and implications for practice.

OBJECTIVE. This article describes the use of assessment tools by North American driver rehabilitation specialists (DRSs). PARTICIPANTS. Participants were 227 self-identified DRSs from the combined databases of two national associations. MEASURES. Information was solicited through a self-administered survey about the driving evaluation process, assessment tools, and process for making fitness-to-drive recommendations. RESULTS. More than 80% of the DRSs reported testing visual acuity, range of motion, muscle strength, and fine motor coordination. The most consistently used cognitive-perceptual tests were the Trail Making Tests, Motor-Free Visual Perception Test-Revised, and short cognitive screening tests. A client's behind-the-wheel performance was the main factor in making a fitness-to-drive recommendation. Few specialists are using computer-based tests or interactive driving simulators. CONCLUSION. Although use of the Useful Field of View(®) has increased, there continues to be no consistency in cognitive assessments or guidelines for behind-the-wheel assessment. Implications for practice are discussed. Language: en
Layer VII of rodent cerebral cortex

The cerebral isocortex is usually considered to be a 6-layered structure. Our anatomical findings suggest that layer VII be recognized as a distinct entity in rodent isocortex. This conclusion is based on cytoarchitectural, fiberarchitectural, connectional and developmental data.
Trauma Symptoms for Men and Women in Substance Abuse Treatment: A Latent Transition Analysis

Abstract Differences in trauma symptoms among men and women in two court-involved substance abuse treatment programs were examined using latent transition analysis (LTA). It was hypothesized that women would be more likely to report clinical-level trauma symptoms than would men, but that both groups would show reductions in symptoms over time. Symptom classifications were determined by the LTA. Scores on the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) were obtained on 381 program participants, 112 men and 269 women, at intake and after 6months in treatment. Three ordered classes were obtained for men and women at each time point: non-clinical (no TSI scales elevated), moderate symptoms (1 or 2 scales elevated) and severe symptoms (all scales elevated). Men were more likely to be represented in the non-clinical class at intake, while women had higher representation in the severe symptom s classification. There was a reduction of trauma symptoms for most men and women, but some groupings had symptoms that remained the same or became worse over time. Using gender and trauma-symptoms to help determine interventions is discussed.
Learning and the persistence of appetite: Extinction and the motivation to eat and overeat

The modern world is saturated with highly palatable and highly available food, providing many opportunities to associate food with environmental cues and actions (through Pavlovian and operant or instrumental learning, respectively). Basic learning processes can often increase the tendency to approach and consume food, whereas extinction, in which Pavlovian and operant behaviors decline when the reinforcer is withheld, weakens but does not erase those tendencies. Contemporary research suggests that extinction involves an inhibitory form of new learning that appears fragile because it is highly dependent on the context for expression. These ideas are supported by the phenomena of renewal, spontaneous recovery, resurgence, reinstatement, and rapid reacquisition in appetitive learning, which together may help explain why overeating may be difficult to suppress permanently, and why appetitive behavior may seem so persistent.
Investigation of the anodic oxidation of azide ion on platinum electrodes

Abstract A detailed study of the mechanism of the anodic oxidation by the azide ion was carried out using cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, coulometry, and macro-scale electrolysis. The results of this work show that the oxidation of the azide ion on platinum electrodes in neutral and basic aqueous media proceeds according to the mechanism: In acidic solutions, HN 3 is also oxidized, but at a slightly more anodic potential. This reaction has been shown to be diffusion-controlled, and may be used as the basis of a cyclic voltametric method for the determination of azide, with a limit of detection of 2 · 10 −4 M under typical conditions. Other anions which are oxidized at the platinum electrode, and thus interfare in the method are: NO 2 − , Br − , I − , S − , CIO − , CIO 2 − , SO 3 2− and SCN − .
Reactions of [Et3NH][(μ-CO)(μ-RS)Fe2(CO)6] complexes with thiazolyl-, oxazolyl- and imidazoyl-mercurials: a route to Fe2(CO)6 complexes containing an η1, η2-CN bridge

Abstract The reaction of complexes of type [Et3NH][(μ-CO)(μ-RS)Fe2(CO)6 with thiazolyl-, oxazolyl- and N-methylimidazolylmercurials gave products of type in moderate yield, as well as (μ-RS)2Fe2(CO)6 and elemental mercury. The crystal structure of 13b (ZS, REt, R1  H) is described: space group P 1 (No. 2), a=9.3478(6) A, b=11.4594(6) A, c = 8.1005(4) A, α = 97.511(5)°, β = 108.221(5)°, γ = 71.516(5)°, Z = 2, R = 0.060, RW = 0.064 for observed reflections.
Self-Esteem, Problem Solving, and Sexual Risk Behavior among Women with and without Chlamydia:

Self-esteem and problem-solving appraisal were evaluated as an explanation of sexual risk behavior for the sexually transmitted disease (SM), chlamydia. Chlamydia, the most prevalent bacterial S77) in the United States, is linked to a variety of problems which affect women, their offspring, and their sex partners. Data were collected by two nurse practitioners during scheduled gynecology visits for 105 military women. There was a statistical association among women with chlamydia 2 = 3.623, df = 1, p = .057) and trichomonas 2 = 12.83, df= 1, p = < .001) and a friable cervix With a 1096 prevalence of chlamydia, accurate diagnosis and treatment are imperative. No differences between the prevalence of chlamydia and self-esteem and problem-solving appraisal were noted. These findings support the strategies for diagnoses, treatment, and prevention of chlamydia recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.
Psoriasis: genetic associations and immune system changes

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells into the epidermis and altered keratinocyte differentiation. Psoriasis is currently thought of as a T-cell mediated 'Type-1' autoimmune disease. Gene expression changes in psoriasis lesions have been well documented, and strongly support an important role for tumor necrosis factor and interferon gamma signal pathways in its pathogenesis. The strongest genetic determinant of psoriasis identified to date lies within the class I region of the multiple histocompatibility locus antigen cluster, although its low penetrance implicates a requirement for other genetic risk factors. Multiple genome-wide linkage and an increasing number of association studies have been carried out, leading to multiple linkage peaks, and the identification of potential low risk variants. A number of these variants lie within genes encoding components of the immune system. However, the functional relationships between predisposing genetic variation is unclear, and presumably involves genetic susceptibility factors affecting both immune cell activation and keratinocyte differentiation. The interaction of environmental trigger factors with genetic effects is also not understood, but provide further evidence for the complex basis of this disease.
Some effects of chlordiazepoxide and meprobamate with psychiatric outpatients.

85 psychiatric outpatients were treated under double-blind, flexible dosage conditions for 8 weeks with either chlordiazepoxide, meprobamate, or placebo. Patients were tested—on measures of tension, anxiety, and related criteria—prior to treatment and at weekly or biweekly intervals after receiving medication. Each drug group was compared with a different matching placebo group. Despite the small number of cases and relatively low anxiety levels of many patients, there was evidence that chlordiazepoxide was probably somewhat more effective than placebo with the kinds of outpatients normally treated principally or solely with tranquilizers. Most of the evidence suggested that the maximum benefits of chlordiazepoxide appeared between 4 and 6 weeks for this sample. There was no evidence to suggest that meprobamate was more effective than placebo. Meprobamate clearly did not produce the expected effects; with some patients it appeared to act contrary to expectations. The meprobamate findings were presented in some detail because other investigators might want to check their data for similar patterns.
Evaluation of dose equivalent using a tissue-equivalent ionization chamber and a Geiger-Müller dosimeter.

When detailed neutron energy spectrum data are lacking for a mixed field of neutrons and photons, it is permissible when estimating the dose equivalent to assume that the quality factor for the neutrons is 10. With this assumption, it is shown that the responses of a tissue-equivalent ionization chamber and a Geiger-Muller dosimeter can be used to obtain an acceptable approximation of the dose equivalent in the mixed field without requiring precise knowledge of the relative neutron sensitivity of the Geiger-Muller dosimeter.
The treatment of suppurative cutaneous wounds and ulcerations with cod liver oil and allantoin

Abstract 1. 1. Allantoin, in the form of living maggots and extract of maggots, has been employed with remarkable success in the treatment of chronic cutaneous ulcerations, chronic osteomyelitis, severe burns and various dermatologic conditions. 2. 2. Considerable evidence is available attesting to the beneficial effects of cod liver oil in the treatment of chronic non-healing wounds and chronic ulcerative affections. 3. 3. The successful therapeutic use of cod liver oil and allantoin suggested a combination of these substances to obtain a double therapeutic action greater than the effect produced by either alone. It was found that such a combination with the addition of phenol was extremely effective in stimulating granulation tissue and encouraging healing in chronic ulcerative affections. 4. 4. The ointment employed in this study contained 45 per cent cod liver oil, 2 per cent allantoin in a lanolin base with 0.5 per cent phenol. 5. 5. Deep indolent ulcerative conditions and various cutaneous inflammatory affecions respond promptly to applications of cod liver oil-allantoin ointment. The therapeutic procedure is simple and may be applied without any discomfort to the patient. It is tolerated better by the patient than the use of the actual maggots. The preparation of cod liver oil-allantoin employed in this study is known as codalltoin and was made available through the courtesy of the Amfre Drug Company, New York City.
CD25 deficiency causes an immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked-like syndrome, and defective IL-10 expression from CD4 lymphocytes.

Background Immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) results in systemic autoimmunity from birth and can be caused by mutations in the transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FOXP3). Objective To determine if Foxp3 is required for the generation of IL-10–expressing T regulatory cells. Methods CD4 lymphocytes were isolated from patients with IPEX-like syndromes and activated with antibodies to CD3 and CD46 to generate IL-10–expressing T regulatory cells. Results We describe a patient with clinical manifestations of IPEX that had a normal Foxp3 gene, but who had CD25 deficiency due to autosomal recessive mutations in this gene. This patient exhibited defective IL-10 expression from CD4 lymphocytes, whereas a Foxp3-deficient patient expressed normal levels of IL-10. Conclusion These data show that CD25 deficiency results in an IPEX-like syndrome and suggests that although Foxp3 is not required for normal IL-10 expression by human CD4 lymphocytes, CD25 expression is important. Clinical implications Any patient with features of IPEX but with a normal Foxp3 gene should be screened for mutations in the IL-2 receptor subunit CD25.
Combined lesions of perirhinal and entorhinal cortex impair rats' performance in two versions of the spatially guided radial-arm maze.

Abstract The present study examined the effects of combined lesions of the entorhinal and perirhinal cortex (PRER) on performance of two versions of the spatially guided eight-arm radial maze. In the first version, all arms were baited and in each session the rats were allowed to explore the maze freely until they retrieved all of the reinforcers. PRER subjects were profoundly impaired in performance of this task, making fewer correct choices and more total errors than control subjects. In the second task, a delayed nonmatching to sample version of the radial-arm maze, each daily session was separated into two phases. In the first, predelay phase, four arms were open and the remaining four arms were blocked with clear Plexiglas barriers; subjects were permitted to visit each of the four arms and retrieve the reinforcers. In the second, postdelay phase, the subject was placed on the maze with free access to all eight of the arms, but only those arms that were blocked in the predelay phase contained reinforcers. Delays of either 10 min or 30 s separated the pre- and postdelay phases. PRER subjects were significantly impaired in their performance of this task at both delays, making fewer correct choices and more errors than controls; the magnitude of this deficit was not dependent on length of delay. These data suggest that, along with the hippocampal formation, the entorhinal and perirhinal cortices actively participate in the acquisition and performance of appetitively motivated spatial memory tasks.