cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epstein-Barr Virus Infection and Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a double-stranded DNA virus of 172 kbp. It is classified as a lymphocryptovirus in the gammaherpesvirus group. Infection with EBV is very common, usually occurring early in life, and is endemic in all human populations. There are two main types of EBV infection, lytic and latent. The infection occurs even in populations that are geographically isolated, thus indicating that EBV is a fairly ancient virus. Encephalitis is an uncommon manifestation of acute EBV infection but is well described. The diagnosis of EBV-related disease must be planned thoughtfully, choosing appropriate methods to answer well-defined questions. Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas (PCNSL) is an EBV-associated opportunistic neoplasm of the brain found in patients with very advanced HIV disease, having very low CD4+ T-cell counts. This is the most common CNS manifestation of EBV infection in AIDS patients, although with the advent of highly effective combination antiretroviral therapy, the disease has become quite uncommon. Infection with EBV is common and lifelong in humans and rarely results in severe disease. Treatment of opportunistic neoplasms is difficult, and the prognosis is still not very good despite the progress that has been made in understanding these tumors. On the other hand, recent basic research has suggested a number of new approaches, and much clinical trial work remains to be done.
Exits from Pegged Regimes: An Empirical Analysis

Using countries' de facto exchange rate regimes during 1985-2002, this paper analyzes the determinants of exits from pegged regimes, where exits involve shifts to more or less flexible regimes, or adjustments within the existing regime. Distinguishing episodes characterized by "exchange market pressure" from orderly exits, the estimated probabilities of alternative exit episodes indicate that crises are preceded by a deterioration of economic conditions. In contrast, orderly exits to less flexible regimes are preceded by long regime duration, a decline in foreign liabilities of the banking system, and an increase in official reserves. Exits to more flexible regimes are associated with both emerging market and other developing countries, and an increase in trade openness and government borrowing from banks. The results are robust to alternative sensitivity analyses and have reasonable predictive performance, confirming that economic and financial conditions and regime duration play important roles in determining the future course of exchange rate regimes.
Cyclic nucleotide metabolism during lymphocyte transformation. II. Comparative studies in the nude Balb/c mouse.

Abstract Lymphocytes from the spleens of nude (athymic) Balb/c mice were incubated with LPS and examined for alterations in cyclic nucleotide metabolism. The cGMP concentration increased to 74% above control values within 20 min after the addition of LPS. cAMP concentration appeared to have two peaks, the first at 10 min to 80% above controls. The increase in cGMP can be accounted for by the inhibition of cGMP degradation by cAMP. These changes in cyclic nucleotide metabolism are similar to those observed in the “normal” Balb/c mouse. There are several differences between the cells from the two groups: (i) a delay in the cAMP and cGMP change and (ii) LPS enhanced cAMP inhibition of cGMP degradation in the nude mouse. These differences may be explained by differences in cell populations in the two mice, other than the obvious lack of T cells. Such differences were found on the basis of cell density distribution, where lymphocytes from normal Balb/c mice were found evenly dispersed between two dextran density gradient fractions, d = 1.057 and 1.066 g/ml; whereas, lymphocytes from nude mice were found almost entirely in the d = 1.066 g/ml fraction.
A reinforcement learning approach to job-shop scheduling

We apply reinforcement learning methods to learn domain-specific heuristics for job shop scheduling. A repair-based scheduler starts with a critical-path schedule and incrementally repairs constraint violations with the goal of finding a short conflict-free schedule. The temporal difference algorithm TD(λ) is applied to tram a neural network to learn a heuristic evaluation function over states. This evaluation function is used by a one-step lookahead search procedure to find good solutions to new scheduling problems. We evaluate this approach on synthetic problems and on problems from a NASA space shuttle pay load processing task. The evaluation function is trained on problems involving a small number of jobs and then tested on larger problems. The TD scheduler performs better than the best known existing algorithm for this task--Zwehen's iterative repair method based on simulated annealing. The results suggest that reinforcement learning can provide a new method for constructing high-performance scheduling systems.
The design of trellis codes for multipath fading ISI channels with MLSE receivers

The design of trellis codes that achieve good performance on fixed intersymbol interference (ISI) channels and frequency selective multipath fading ISI channels is considered. New guidelines are proposed that allow the design aspects of a trellis code to be decoupled from their performance on an ISI channel. In particular, it is shown that one should maximize both the minimum squared Euclidean distance and the growth rate of the squared Euclidean distance with the length of the error events. Simulation results are provided to support the new design criteria. >
Delayed Reduction of Ischemic Brain Injury and Neurological Deficits in Mice Lacking the Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), an enzyme that produces toxic amounts of nitric oxide, is expressed in a number of brain pathologies, including cerebral ischemia. We used mice with a null mutation of the iNOS gene to study the role of iNOS in ischemic brain damage. Focal cerebral ischemia was produced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). In wild-type mice, iNOS mRNA expression in the post-ischemic brain begun between 24 and 48 hr peaked at 96 hr and subsided 7 d after MCA occlusion. iNOS mRNA induction was associated with expression of iNOS protein and enzymatic activity. In contrast, mice lacking the iNOS gene did not express iNOS message or protein after MCA occlusion. The infarct and the motor deficits produced by MCA occlusion were smaller in iNOS knockouts than in wild-type mice (p < 0.05). Such reduction in ischemic damage and neurological deficits was observed 96 hr after ischemia but not at 24 hr, when iNOS is not yet expressed in wild-type mice. The decreased susceptibility to cerebral ischemia in iNOS knockouts could not be attributed to differences in the degree of ischemia or vascular reactivity between wild-type and knockout mice. These findings indicate that iNOS expression is one of the factors contributing to the expansion of the brain damage that occurs in the post-ischemic period. iNOS inhibition may provide a novel therapeutic strategy targeted specifically at the secondary progression of ischemic brain injury.
The reconstruction of images distorted by hypersonic turbulence

The author describes a simple image processing technique for reconstruction of target images distorted due to propagation through a turbulent medium. Image processing algorithms based on shifted-average techniques that are used to reconstruct the original image are presented. Once an estimate of the point spread function of the turbulent medium is obtained by observing a target while it is still distant, a relatively small number of images can be used to obtain reconstructed estimates of the approaching target image. Compared to simple averaging, the shifted-average method produces relatively more precise results by using fewer images. The quality of the reconstruction depends on the particular gas combination and on the number of images used by the reconstruction algorithm. >
Mind–Brain and Body in the Self: Psychoanalytic Perspectives

In attempting to think about the nature of the self in psychoanalysis, exploration of the issues involved leads inevitably to consideration of the mind–body relation and its implications for understanding the self. In previous reflections, I have discussed the varieties of mind–body relation proposed by various theorists (Meissner, 2003b) as well as the vagaries of thinking about the mind–body relation found in Freud (Meissner, 2003c) and among subsequent analysts who have reflected on the matter (Meissner, 2003d). Subsequent exploration of neuroscientific findings relevant to the mind–brain problem (Meissner, 2006a, 2006b), of conclusions from the study of brain dysfunction in forms of psychopathology and dreaming (Meissner, 2006c) and of aspects of psychosomatic functioning (Meissner, 2006d) led to the conclusion that traditional dualistic and monistic resolutions of the mind–body problem were insufficient. I (Meissner, 2006c) stated my tentative conclusion in the following terms:
Mathematical Morphology for Multidimensional Image Analysis

One of the initial steps in the analysis of 3-D/4-D images is Segmentation, which entails partitioning the images into relevant subsets such as object and background. In this paper, we present a multidimensional segmentation algorithm to extract object surfaces from Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans. The algorithm is formulated in the framework of Mathematical Morphology. We propose the Generalized Morphological operators for segmentation in multidimensions. Apriori knowledge of the approximate location of the object surface is commu-nicated to the algorithm via the definition of the Search Space. The algorithm uses this definition of the Search Space to obtain the Surface Candidate elements. The search space specification reduces the computational cost and increases the reliability of the detected features. The detected surface is represented as a hierarchical combination of patches. Initial results obtained by using the algorithm to segment the Brain from cranial MRI scans is presented.
Glimpsing glass structure under pressure

Archaeologists suggest that the earliest known use of glass, natural obsidian, dates to the Stone Age, with extensive “modern” utilization as early as ∼12,500 BCE ( 1 ). The first historical appearance of synthetic glass is around ∼5000 BCE, where it was used as a glaze on clay and stone beads ( 2 ). Today, glass has broad uses in technology, architecture, packaging, and art. Throughout the technological (and artistic) advances in inorganic glasses, temperature has remained the single most important variable, controlling glass formation and playing a critical role in the short-range atomic structure of these disordered solids. On page 1027 of this issue, Edwards et al. ( 3 ) present findings on glass structure where pressure is the extrinsic variable. Using a novel nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methodology, they measured the boron-11 NMR spectrum of a borosilicate glass as a function of pressure in situ, in contrast to the more common postcompression analyses of glass. Their findings, augmented with ab initio calculations, demonstrate deformation of planar BO3 triangles, a key feature in boron-containing glasses, that leads to their eventual conversion to fourfold coordinated boron.
Tolerization of Galα1,3Gal‐reactive B cells in pre‐sensitized α1,3‐galactosyltransferase‐deficient mice by nonmyeloablative induction of mixed chimerism

Using a alpha 1,3-galactosyltransferase wild-type (GalT(+/+)) to deficient (GalT(-/-)) mouse bone marrow transplantation model, we have previously demonstrated that a non-myeloablative conditioning regimen is capable of permitting induction of allogeneic and xenogeneic mixed chimerism. Chimerism is associated with the rapid and lasting tolerization of anti-Gal alpha 1,3Gal (Gal) natural antibody (Ab)-producing B cells. However, one limitation of this model is that anti-Gal natural Ab levels are lower in GalT(-/-) mice than in humans and other primates. To overcome this limitation, we have now investigated the possibility of inducing such tolerance in GalT(-/-) mice that produce much higher levels of anti-Gal Abs due to presensitization with Gal-bearing xenogeneic cells. B6 GalT(-/-) mice that were pre-sensitized with rabbit red blood cells received non-myeloablative conditioning with depleting anti-CD4 and CD8 mAbs, 3Gy whole body and 7Gy thymic irradiation, and infusion of BALB/c GalT(+/+) bone marrow cells (BMC). Although engraftment of standard marrow doses was inhibited by the presensitization, long-lasting mixed chimerism could be induced in recipients of a high dose [160 x 10(6)] of allogeneic wild-type BMC. Achievement of persistent chimerism was associated with high levels of anti-Gal IgG(1) pretransplant, suggesting an inhibitory effect of non-complement-fixing IgG(1) Ab on anti-Gal-mediated marrow rejection. Induction of mixed chimerism was associated with a rapid disappearance of serum anti-Gal and tolerization of anti-Gal Ab-producing cells. B cells with anti-Gal receptors became undetectable in mixed chimeras. Mixed chimeras accepted subsequently transplanted donor-type GalT(+/+) hearts (> 140 days), whereas rapid (within 2 days) rejection of GalT(+/+) hearts occurred in conditioned control GalT(-/-) mice. In conclusion, when a high dose of GalT(+/+) BMC was administered to pre-sensitized GalT(-/-) mice, chimerism and tolerance were achieved. The absence of B cells with receptors recognizing Gal in mixed chimeras suggests a role for clonal deletion/receptor editing in the maintenance of B cell tolerance.
RELIGIOSITY, PEERS, AND DELINQUENCY: DOES RELIGIOSITY REDUCE THE EFFECT OF PEERS ON DELINQUENCY?

Do peer influences have the same effect on religious and nonreligious youth, or does religiosity reduce the effect of peers on delinquency? Using data from the National Youth Survey, we examined the interaction of religiosity and peer influences on marijuana use, alcohol use, hitting, and property offenses. The results suggest that, for marijuana use and alcohol use, three measures of peer influence—peer attitudes, behaviors, and pressure—have weaker effects on religious adolescents. Thus, even when religious youth are exposed to peers who encourage substance use, religiosity may serve as a protective factor that reduces the effect of peers. In contrast, religiosity does not seem to condition the effect of peers on hitting and property offenses.
Model of mouse mammary gland hyperproliferation and Hyperplasia Induced by a western‐style diet

Abstract Mammary glands of female C57BL/6J mice were analyzed after they were fed a Western‐style diet or control AIN‐76A diet. The Western‐style diet contained several risk factors found in human diets in geographic regions having increased risk for breast cancer: high fat and phosphate and low calcium and vitamin D. After they were fed these diets for 8, 14, and 20 weeks, mice were sacrificed, and mammary glands were removed for morphometric and radioautographic measurements. Although after the animals were fed the Western‐style diet for 8 weeks the number of terminal ducts per mouse mammary gland ( NTDMG) was similar in the Western‐style and control diet groups, after they were fed the Western‐style diet for 14 weeks (p < 0.05) and 20 weeks (p < 0.01 ) the NTDMG significantly increased compared with the control group. Moreover, there was a significant increase (p < 0.01) in the tritiated thymidine labeling index of mammary terminal ductal epithelial cells after 14 and 20 weeks of Western‐style diet adm...
Male god imagery and female submission: Lessons from a southern baptist ladies' bible class

Several researchers have identified misogynistic tendencies in the Christian tradition. Many Christian churches use predominantly male images of God, preach the doctrine of wifely submission, and exclude women from leadership roles. To understand how women find happiness and sustain their self-esteem within the context of Christian patriarchy, this paper presents a case study of women who attend a Bible class at a large fundamentalist Southern Baptist church in a Texas city. Using fieldwork and in-depth interviews, we examine the ways that women negotiate a religious tradition that promotes male domination. We find considerable disjuncture between their religious beliefs and reported practices. The women interviewed used a variety of strategies to subvert the doctrine of wifely submission. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings, and identifying several promising directions for further investigation.
Impact of Sitagliptin on Markers of β-cell Function: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background Progressive β-cell dysfunction and β -cell failure are fundamental pathogenic consequences of type 2 diabetes. Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors may exhibit improvement on preclinical measures of both β -cell function, homeostasis model assessment of β -cell (HOMA- β ) index, and β -cell dysfunction, proinsulin/insulin ratio (PI/IR), correlating to β -cell survival. Research Design and Methods A systematic literature search through July 2008 was conducted to extract a consensus of randomized, controlled trials of sitagliptin therapy on measures of β -cell function. A random-effects model meta-analysis evaluated effects on HOMA- β and PI/IR versus placebo. Several subgroup analyses, including active control, were conducted. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: (1) randomized trials on sitagliptin; (2) placebo or active control; and (3) data reported on HOMA- β or PI/IR. Results A total of 11 trials (n = 3039) reported effects on HOMA- β and 8 trials (n = 2325) on PI/IR versus placebo. Four trials (n = 1425) were included in the active control subgroup analysis. Sitagliptin significantly improved HOMA- β index by 12.03% [95% confidence interval (CI), 9.45-14.60] versus placebo. Sitagliptin also significantly decreased PI/IR −0.06 (95% CI, −0.08 to −0.04). Sitagliptin was inferior to active control for HOMA- β index [5.64% (95% CI, 0.38-10.90)], but not different in terms of PI/IR [0.01 (95% CI, −0.04 to 0.06)]. Conclusions Despite significant improvement in HOMA- β index and PI/IR from placebo, there does not seem to be a benefit of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors over other agents with respect to β -cell function/activity. Long-term prevention of β -cell dysfunction cannot be ruled out.
In vivo arginine production and nitric oxide synthesis in pregnant Indian women with normal and low body mass indices.

In vivo arginine production and nitric oxide synthesis in pregnant Indian women with normal and low body mass indices
Polarity dependence of cumulative properties of charge-to-breakdown in very thin gate oxides

Abstract The cumulative character of wear-out of thin silicon oxide layers is investigated under unipolar and DC bipolar stress. It is found that for bipolar degradation occurring under constant-current stress, the total Q bd significantly exceeds values expected from a combination of polarity-dependent progressive wear-out. The results are explained by a model in which regions where degradation takes place under stress of either polarity are separated physically within the oxide film.
Cigarette smoking and 9/11-related posttraumatic stress disorder among World Trade Center Health Registry enrollees, 2003-12.

Abstract Objective Numerous studies have observed higher rates of smoking among adults with mental health conditions. We examined posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and smoking over a 7–9 year period among adults with firsthand exposure to the 9/11 attacks enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Registry. Method Data were collected at three waves: W1 (2003–04), W2 (2006–07), and W3 (2011–12). Enrollees aged ≥ 25 at W1 and who completed all three waves (n = 34,458) were categorized by smoker-type: non-smoker, non-daily (smoked some days in last 30 days), light (1–10 cigarettes per day (CPD)), or heavy (11 + CPD). Enrollees who smoked at W1 but not W3 were considered to have quit. PTSD was defined as a score of ≥ 44 on the PTSD Checklist—Civilian Version. Results Smoking declined significantly from W1 (12.6%) to W3 (9.2%). Smoking prevalence was higher among enrollees with PTSD. In multivariable models, odds of quitting were 25–39% lower among heavy, light, and non-daily smokers with PTSD compared to those without. Conclusion PTSD was associated with reduced odds of quitting regardless of smoker-type. Disaster-exposed smokers with PTSD are likely in need of more supportive services in order to abstain from smoking.
A novel running wheel apparatus to monitor locomotor rhythms in land crabs

This article was downloaded by: [Duke University]On: 23 August 2009Access details: Access Details: [subscription number 906453949]Publisher Taylor & FrancisInforma Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House,37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK
Sex and age mortality responses in zinc acetate-treated mice

In regard to trace metal treatment or exposure, a number of variables are known to affect the expression of toxicity concerning its time course and degree. For example, known variables are route of administration, anionic component of the test substance, and sex and age of the recipient animal. Concerning the latter, little, if any, data have been reported dealing with sex- and age-related responses to excess zinc in mammalian systems. The primary purpose of the short communication presented here focuses on the determination of median lethal dose in sexually immature, i.e., juvenile, and adult female and male mice following a single zinc acetate insult. In addition, variation of lethality responses was examined with the age and sex groups to a divided treatment of a lethal dosage of zinc acetate, the injections of which were separated by various intervals.
Flow Structure and Heat Transfer During Free Liquid Jet Impingement on a Hemispherical Plate

The flow structure and convective heat transfer behavior of a free liquid jet impinging on a hemispherical solid plate of finite thickness have been examined using a numerical analysis. The simulation model included the entire fluid region (impinging jet and flow spreading out over the convex surface) and solid plate as a conjugate problem. Solution was done for both isothermal and constant heat flux boundary conditions at the inner surface of the hemispherical plate. Computations were done for jet Reynolds number (ReJ ) ranging from 500 to 2000 and the dimensionless nozzle to target spacing ratio (β) from 0.75 to 3. Results are presented for local heat transfer coefficient and the local Nusselt number using the following working fluids: water (H2 O), flouroinert (FC-77), and oil (MIL-7808) and for various solid materials namely aluminum, Constantan, copper, silicon, and silver. It was observed that plate materials with higher thermal conductivity maintained a more uniform temperature distribution at the solid-fluid interface. A higher Reynolds number increased the Nusselt number and local heat transfer coefficient distributions over the entire solid-fluid interface.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Baroreflex control of sympathetic nerve activity in hypertensive pregnant rats with reduced uterine perfusion.

Objective: Baroreflex sensitivity is reduced in women with preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to determine whether baroreflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) is altered in pregnant rats with reduced uterine perfusion (a model of human preeclampsia). Methods: Uterine perfusion was reduced in the third trimester by clipping the distal aorta and uterine branches of the ovarian arteries. RSNA baroreflex parameters were compared at term gestation in rats with reduced uterine perfusion (n = 12), in normal pregnant rats (n = 14) and in nonpregnant rats (n = 14). Results: Reduced perfusion rats were hypertensive (123.6 ± 2.3 mm Hg), and normal pregnant rats were hypotensive (97.7 ± 2.2 mm Hg), compared with controls. In rats with reduced perfusion, the baroreflex was shifted to a higher set-point, and maximum and minimum RSNA were increased compared with normal pregnant rats. Conclusion: The blunted baroreflex gain of normal pregnancy is maintained in rats with reduced uterine perfusion, b...
Extremal Systems for Sets and Multifunctions in Multiobjective Optimization with Variable Ordering Structures

In this paper, we study extremal systems for sets and multifunctions in multiobjective optimization with variable/nonconstant ordering structures, which reduce to vector optimization when an ordering structure is constant, i.e., it is defined by a fixed ordering cone/set. It is important to mention that we do not impose either convexity or nonempty interiority property on ordering structures. Based on these systems, we derive verifiable necessary conditions for nondominated solutions to multiobjective problems with geometric constraints. Examples are provided to illustrate the usage of the obtained results.
The Impacts of Local Markets: A Review of Research on Farmers Markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

A growing interest in sourcing local food prod ucts is reflected in two recent best-selling books (Kingsolver, Hopp, and Kingsolver 2007; Pollan 2008) that make the case for "going local." Darby et al. (2008) recently found that consumers prefer locally grown over U.S. grown, even when freshness is held constant, and are willing to pay almost double for a product from a closer location. A sur vey by the Hartman Group (2008) found that many consumers define local in terms of dis tance from their home; one-half said that local meant "made or produced within 100 miles," while one-third of consumers (37%) under stood local to mean "made or produced in my state." Farmers markets could be considered the historical flagship of local food systems, and their numbers in the United States have grown significantly over the last decade, a 150% in crease from 1994 through 2006 (AMS 2007). Total nationwide sales for the 2005 season were estimated at $1 billion, reflecting 13% sales growth since 2000 (USDA 2006). Re search on farmers markets is not new; an in ventory of farmers market research (Brown 2002) mentions studies as far back as the 1940s. Brown's literature review, however, ends with research in 2000. Since that time the number of farmers markets has increased by 53% (AMS 2007), and research on farmers markets has also grown. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a marketing strategy where consumers buy "shares" in the farm before planting begins and receive a portion of whatever is available each week of the growing season. These shares gen erally cost several hundred dollars and provide enough fresh produce for a family; some shares include other products, such as eggs, honey, flowers, and/or meat. First introduced into the United States in 1985 and estimated at only 50 farms in 1990, CSA farms now number over 1,900 (LocalHarvest 2008). Research on CSA has also increased, although much is descrip tive research or case studies of a small number of farms (AFSIC 2008). This review of litera ture focuses on research that examines the im pacts that CSA and farmers markets have on farmers, consumers, and communities, follow ing up on Brown's (2002) findings by reviewing research conducted on farmers markets since 2000.
High-Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer for the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF)

The High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (HETGS) is one of the scientific instruments being developed for NASA's Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF), scheduled for launch in 1998. The HETGS will be capable of measuring spectra with high resolution and sensitivity from a variety of compact and slightly extended cosmic X-ray sources. In this paper we describe the overall design of the HETGS and its expected scientific performance. The HETGS consists of two arrays of gold grating elements (High-Energy gratings [HEGs] and Medium-Energy Gratings [MEGs] which are optimized for the energy ranges 0.8-10 keV [HEG] and 0.4-5 keV [MEG]). The details of the grating elements and their fabrication methods are described in Schattenburg et al. (this conference). The gratings are mounted on a support plate which can be inserted immediately behind the AXAF telescope assembly. X-rays diffracted by the gratings are dispersed onto the focal plane detector strips which are components of either of the two AXAF imagers (the HRC or ACIS). The two kinds of gratings are oriented at a slight angle with respect to each other so that the dispersed spectra form a shallow 'X' on the readout device. The gratings and detectors are mounted on a Rowland torus to correct for most of the optical aberrations. The grating-detector combination achieves resolving powers (E/(Delta) E) as high as 1000 at some energies, and has significant effective area (10-200 square cm) for all energies 400 eV < E < 10 keV.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
MGH Pain Management Handbook

gathering information may bring us into conflict with the patient and family. Thus, Fins pedagogically uses these potential areas of conflict as an opportunity to offer advice on breaking bad news, dealing with difficult family dynamics, appreciating the elusive advance directive, and even negotiating within the broader cultural context of the patient. The final chapters describe, briefly, the role of palliative care for dying patients and the use of a multidisciplinary model of care. Fins teaches us that the GCAT is a tool to illuminate the complex mesh of issuesdboth clinical and ethicaldin a systematic and comprehensive way, allowing the student or resident to formulate the appropriate assessment and plan. The strength of the book lies in its easy-toread, logical structure. Dr. Fins deserves much credit for his extensive review of the medical ethics literature in end-of-life care, making it accessible to the reader without a background in the subject. While the controversies and nuances of some ethical arguments are not fully explored, the expectation is that the reader will become comfortable with the topics and appreciate their significance in the care of the patient. This book is intended, as Fins notes in the introductory chapter, for residents and medical students. Indeed, it is this group of young physicians who will most benefit from the author’s years of experience as a medical educator and ethicist. The general internist also may gain much from this book, but as an educational tool, it seems most appropriate for junior level physicians and medical students. I would expect this book to become a required read for medical students as they are introduced to the medicine wards during their clerkship years. The philosophy of palliative care, as an approach to patient care, finds its grounding in end-of-life care, and it is reasonable to start with examining the quality of care at life’s end. Indeed, this book is a response to the empirical observation that oftentimes the goals of care are not well defined, and patients tragically suffer as a result. Thus, the value of Fins’ A Palliative Ethic of Care will be measured by improved discussions, awareness, and care provided at life’s end.
Expression, Refolding, Purification, Molecular Characterization, Crystallization, and Preliminary X-ray Analysis of the Receptor Binding Domain of Human B7-2

The cell-mediated immune response involves a series of specific molecular interactions between cell surface molecules on T cells and antigen-presenting cells. Of particular importance for the regulation of T cell activity is the interaction of the B7 isoforms, B7-1 and B7-2, with the T cell surface costimulatory receptors, CD28 and CTLA-4. The binding of CD28 by B7-1/B7-2 results in an enhancement of T cell responses initiated by the interaction between a clonotypic T cell receptor and its specific, antigenic MHC-peptide complex, whereas the subsequent engagement of CTLA-4 by B7-1/B7-2 leads to a down-regulation of the response. Here we report the expression, refolding, purification, characterization, and crystallization of the receptor-binding domain of human B7-2. The receptor-binding domain of human B7-2 was overexpressed in Escherichia coli as inclusion bodies, solubilized in 6 M guanidine-hydrochloride, and then refolded in vitro by rapid dilution into a renaturing buffer. Refolded B7-2 was subsequently purified to homogeneity by anion-exchange chromatography. Gel-filtration chromatography and native PAGE analysis showed that the receptor-binding domain of B7-2 is exclusively monomeric in solution. Purified B7-2 binds tightly to bacterially expressed monomeric and disulfide-linked homodimeric human CTLA-4 as shown by gel-filtration chromatography and native PAGE. This suggests that glycosylation is not important for the proper folding of the receptor-binding domain of B7-2 nor for its binding to CTLA-4. In addition, these results suggest that refolded B7-2 is biologically active and may be a useful therapeutic and experimental reagent for regulating T cell activity. Refolded and purified B7-2 was crystallized by the hanging-drop vapor diffusion method, allowing for the initiation of an X-ray crystallographic study.
Evaluating Health Hazards From Military Lasers

Although most lasers are in scientific research laboratories, a growing number are finding their way into field use in the military, and their associated ocular hazards have been of concern. Laser hazards are easier to define and control in the laboratory than in the field. This results from uncertainties introduced by atmospheric effects upon the laser beam and the potential observer's use of optical instruments. These physical uncertainties, coupled with the absence of clear-cut ocular injury threshold data, make exact determinations of hazardous range quite difficult. Therefore, laser range hazard control is generally achieved by the use of backstops and in some instances by the use of protective eyewear.
Comparative Mapping of Anchor Loci from HSA19 to Cattle Chromosomes 7 and 18

Six loci--CALR, EPOR, JUNB, JUND, CEA, and PRKCG--were assigned to bovine chromosomes using PCR-based hybrid somatic cell analysis. The five genes other than CALR are comparative mapping anchor loci. This study, together with the previous assignment of three anchor loci--INSR, LDLR, APOE--and four other genes--AMH, GPI, RYR1, LHB--defines the conserved synteny relationship between human chromosome 19 and cattle chromosomes 7 and 18. Genes on HSA 19p13.3-13.2 are conserved in cattle chromosome 7, while those on HSA19-q13.1-13.4 are conserved in cattle chromosome 18. In contrast, homologous genes from HSA19 are located on four different mouse chromosomes, namely MMU10, MMU8, MMU9, and MMU7. This is further evidence that syntenic conservation between cattle and human generally exceeds that observed between human and mouse.
Self-report and heart rate responses to a stressful task.

Abstract Data were obtained from a risk task, the zipwire, in order to examine self-report and heart rate responses of males and females. Using this task, heart rate data demonstrated similar patterns to those found in earlier parachuting studies. ANOVAs demonstrated significant differences between sexes in self-report measures, but no significant differences in heart rate. In addition, examination of the relationships between heart rate and self-report showed a positive correlation for women, while there was a negative correlation for the men.
The epidemiology of functional gastrointestinal disorders in North America.

This article has summarized the epidemiology of several disorders commonly seen in a gastroenterologist's practice. The emphasis has been on population-based data because many people with these disorders never seek health care, and psychological features have been shown to be strongly associated with health care-seeking behavior. Each of these disorders is common in the community; in fact, the majority of the population experiences intermittent gastrointestinal symptoms. In general, the national surveys sponsored by the U.S. Public Health Service have been shown to underestimate the prevalence of these conditions. In part, this is due to the fact that subjects are asked to report diagnoses rather than symptoms, and current coding schemes do not provide specific codes for each of the functional gastrointestinal disorders. Still, these studies have demonstrated the large number of physician visits and overall costs attributable to these disorders. A number of surveys of more limited populations have been done to assess the prevalence of these disorders. Rates have varied because of the definitions used and the degree to which organic diagnoses are excluded. These studies have been helpful in demonstrating the burden of illness in the community. Age and gender differences in the community have been much less marked than those identified in clinic-based studies, thus highlighting the importance of population-based research. Future studies need to focus on the incidence and natural history of these disorders. Studies of incidence cases can best evaluate the role of etiologic factors, whereas studies of prevalent cases are best for assessing the burden of disease in the community. Understanding the natural history of these disorders is important in determining the efficacy of future therapeutic interventions. The fact that these disorders represent 50% of visits to a gastroenterologist practice highlights the importance of these disorders and the potential contribution of gastrointestinal dysmotility in clinical practice.
Robust noise attenuation under stochastic noises and worst-case unmodelled dynamics

This paper investigates noise attenuation problems for systems with unmodelled dynamics and unknown noise characteristics. A unique methodology is introduced that employs signal estimation in one phase, followed by control design for noise rejection. The methodology enjoys certain advantages in its simple control design process, accommodation of unmodelled dynamics, and non-conservative noise rejection performance. Under mild information on unmodelled dynamics, we first derive robust performance bounds on noise attenuation with respect to unmodelled dynamics without noise estimation errors. Then more general results are presented for systems that are subject to both stochastic signal estimation errors and unmodelled dynamics. Examples are also presented to demonstrate our findings.
Replacement of progesterone restores the nocturnal surge of prolactin following suppression with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist during early pregnancy in the rat.

Abstract Continuous administration of a GnRH agonist (GnRH-Ag) at a dose of 5 μg/day, commencing on day 7 of pregnancy resulted in the suppression of daily nocturnal surges of prolactin (PRL) on day 8, and serum progesterone (P 4 ) levels with subsequent termination of pregnancy. Replacement with dydrogesterone, a synthetic analog of P 4 at a dose of 4 mg/day s.c. restored the magnitude of nocturnal PRL surges. These data suggest that GnRH-Ag may act either at the level of the brain to suppress the nocturnal PRL surge, resulting in a fall in serum P 4 levels or at the level of the corpus luteum itself or at both sites simultaneously to terminate pregnancy.
Characterization and nucleotide sequence of the gene for the common α subunit of the bovine pituitary glycoprotein hormones

Abstract The gene coding for the common alpha subunit of the bovine pituitary glycoprotein hormones was isolated from a bovine genomic library. The gene spans roughly 16.5 kbp, contains three intervening sequences, and codes for a message of approximately 730 nucleotides. The complete coding region of the gene was sequenced as well as 315 nucleotides of 5' flanking sequence and the entire intron C. Only a single base difference was found when the sequence of the gene was compared with that of the cDNA. Genomic blotting experiments suggest the presence of a single alpha subunit gene. Comparison of the bovine and human alpha subunit genes indicated that the high level of homology observed in the coding regions has been maintained throughout the 5' and 3' untranslated regions, and at least 90 nucleotides of the 5'flanking regions. Additionally, there is an 18 base pair sequence present in both the 5' flanking and 5' untranslated regions of the gene that is homologous to a region of the chick ovalbumin gene. This ovalbumin sequence has been suggested as a binding site for the progesterone receptor-complex.
Large Signal Modeling and Analysis of GaAs MESFET

For the first time, the modified mul tiple reflection technique is used for simulation of large signal performance of MESFET. The circuit elements and parameters are extracted with relatively small effort by systematically measuring the device S-parameters and DC current-voltage characteristics. The circuit model is then analyzed by the hybrid time-frequency domain iterative technique with accelerated convergence scheme. Fast convergence speed and accurate results have been obtained with this technique.
Antiproton portable traps and medical applications

Several medical applications utilizing antiprotons stored and transported in a portable Penning trap are considered. These include production of radioisotopes for PET, radiography and radiotherapy. Specifications of a portable antiproton trap suitable for this work are discussed, and progress on the development of such a trap is reported.
Efficient time propagation for finite-difference representations of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation

Abstract The applicability of the Chebyshev time propagation algorithm for the solution of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation is investigated within the context of differencing schemes for the representation of the spatial operators. Representative numerical tests for the harmonic oscillator and Morse potentials display the utility and limitations of this combined approach. Substantial increases in time step are possible for these lower-order methods compared with other propagators commonly used in differencing schemes, but if very high accuracy is desired for these cases difference methods remain less efficient computationally than the corresponding spectral representation when both methods are applicable.
Effect of Process Inputs on Coating Properties in the Twin-Wire Arc Zinc Process

Relationships between process inputs and coating properties were characterized using a twin-wire arc torch spraying zinc. Specifically, standoff distance, primary and secondary atomizing gas pressures, and arc current were varied in order to determine their effects on deposition efficiency, surface roughness, coating porosity, and spray particle size. Process associations were investigated using an analysis of variance with a design of experiments approach with the intent of determining which spray parameters affect each of the aforementioned coating properties. The associations found are consistent with other studies of the twin-wire arc spray process and provide a framework for selecting process operating conditions based on desired coating properties. Such a specific outline has not been previously available.
Heat and mass transfer to a cryosurface in free convection

Heat and mass transfer rates were measured experimentally and compared with analytically developed correlations for frost formation on a vertical flat plate in free convection. The plate was cooled internally to cryogenic temperatures (−310 F or liquid nitrogen temperatures), and both the laminar and turbulent flow regimes were investigated. In the laminar flow correlation, the effects of thermal diffusion and diffusion thermoeffect were included. The analytical and experimental heat transfer rates were in good agreement; however, the mass transfer results were affected by the presence of macromolecules of frost within the boundary layer.
A Note on PCM Transmission Error

PCM system transmission error causes error in the subsequent reconstruction of a quantized analog signal. A concise proof is given for bounds on this error (either mean square or mean absolute value). This proof requires no assumptions regarding source distribution or number of quantization levels. If the code is orthogonal or transorthogonal, the bounds coincide with results obtained earlier by Clark and Totty for the case of 2N quantization levels, a natural binary code, and transmission through a binary symmetric channel.
Phosphatidic acid regulates the affinity of the murine phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate 5‐kinase‐Iβ for phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate

Type I phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (PI4P5K) catalyzes the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 4 phosphate [PI(4)P] at carbon 5, producing phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2]. Phosphatidic acid (PA) activates PI4P5K in vitro and plays a central role in the activation of PIP5K pathways in vivo. This report demonstrates that actin fiber formation in murine fibroblasts involves PA activation of PIP5Ks and defines biochemical interactions between PA and the PIP5Ks. Inhibition of phospholipase D production of PA results in the loss of actin fibers. Overexpression of the beta isoform of the type I murine phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (mPIP5K-Iβ) maintains actin fiber structure in the face of phospholipase D inhibition. PA activates mPIP5K-Iβ by direct binding to mPIP5K-Iβ through both electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, with the fatty acid acyl chain length and degree of saturation acting as critical determinants of binding and activation. Furthermore, kinetic analysis suggests that phosphorylation of the PI(4)P substrate does not follow classical Michaelis–Menten kinetics. Instead, the kinetic data are consistent with a model in which mPIP5K-Iβ initially binds to the lipid micelle and subsequently binds the PI(4)P substrate. In addition, the kinetics indicate substrate inhibition, suggesting that mPIP5K-Iβ contains an inhibitory PI(4)P-binding site. These results suggest a model in which mPIP5K-Iβ is surrounded by PI(4)P, but is unable to catalyze its conversion to PI(4,5)P2 unless PA is bound. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 112–128, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Plug-Flow Reactor for Continuous Hydrolysis of Glucans and Xylans from Pretreated Corn Fiber

Pressure cooking of corn fiber in liquid water at 160 °C and a pH maintained at 4−7 produces an aqueous stream of dissolved glucans, xylans, proteins, phenolics, and minerals. We report hydrolysis of these oligosaccharides to glucose and xylose in a fixed-bed reactor packed with a macroreticular strong cation exchanger. The aqueous stream is first contacted with the cation exchanger at room temperature where proteins, phenolics, minerals, and other catalyst fouling components are removed. The material is then passed over a packed-bed of the same catalyst at 130 °C to give 88% hydrolysis for a space time of 105 min. Comparison of cation exchanger in a plug-flow versus a batch reactor for hydrolysis of oligosaccharides as well as for hydrolysis of the disaccharide cellobiose shows that yields at 110−160 °C are greatest for a plug-flow reactor. Maximum glucose yield increases as hydrolysis temperature increases and reaches 90% at 160 °C, which was the highest temperature tested in this study. A model of reac...