cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of multifocal and conventional visual evoked potential techniques in patients with optic neuritis/multiple sclerosis.

Purpose To compare conventional visual evoked potential (cVEP) and multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) methods in patients with optic neuritis/multiple sclerosis (ON/MS). Methods mfVEPs and cVEPs were obtained from eyes of the 19 patients with multiple sclerosis confirmed on MRI scans, and from eyes of 40 normal controls. For the mfVEP, the display was a pattern-reversal dartboard array, 48° in diameter, which contained 60 sectors. Monocular cVEPs were obtained using a checkerboard stimulus with check sizes of 15′ and 60′. For the cVEP, the latency of P100 for both check sizes were measured, while for the mfVEP, the mean latency, percent of locations with abnormal latency, and clusters of contiguous abnormal locations were obtained. Results For a specificity of 95%, the mfVEP(interocular cluster criterion) showed the highest sensitivity (89.5%) of the 5 monocular or interocular tests. Similarly, when a combined monocular/interocular criterion was employed, the mfVEP(cluster criterion) had the highest sensitivity (94.7%)/specificity (90%), missing only one patient. The combined monocular/interocular cVEP(60′) test had a sensitivity (84.2%)/specificity (90%), missing 3 patients, 2 more than did the monocular/interocular mfVEP(cluster) test. Conclusion As the cVEP is more readily available and currently a shorter test, it should be used to screen patients for ON/MS with mfVEP testing added when the cVEP test is negative and the damage is local.
Prevention of the Development and Progression of Renal Disease

Prevention of the major causes of ESRD, hypertension, and diabetes, is possible. Careful glycemic control can prevent diabetes nephropathy. BP control can likely prevent the large majority of hypertensive renal disease. Testing for diabetic renal disease is well founded. In contrast, screening for hypertensive kidney disease is less well defined. Most established renal disease can be treated with glycemic control in the case of diabetes, BP treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, and dietary protein restriction. Other therapeutic targets have been proposed, but are not well established. Future research should focus on defining the high risk patients, developing better markers of risk, and designing additional therapies.
Ca2+, NAD(P)H and membrane potential changes in pancreatic β-cells by methyl succinate : comparison with glucose

The present study was undertaken to determine the main metabolic secretory signals generated by the mitochondrial substrate MeS (methyl succinate) compared with glucose in mouse and rat islets and to understand the differences. Glycolysis and mitochondrial metabolism both have key roles in the stimulation of insulin secretion by glucose. Both fuels elicited comparable oscillatory patterns of Ca2+ and changes in plasma and mitochondrial membrane potential in rat islet cells and clonal pancreatic β-cells (INS-1). Saturation of the Ca2+ signal occurred between 5 and 6 mM MeS, while secretion reached its maximum at 15 mM, suggesting operation of a KATP-channel-independent pathway. Additional responses to MeS and glucose included elevated NAD(P)H autofluorescence in INS-1 cells and islets and increases in assayed NADH and NADPH and the ATP/ADP ratio. Increased NADPH and ATP/ADP ratios occurred more rapidly with MeS, although similar levels were reached after 5 min of exposure to each fuel, whereas NADH increased more with MeS than with glucose. Reversal of MeS-induced cell depolarization by Methylene Blue completely inhibited MeS-stimulated secretion, whereas basal secretion and KCl-induced changes in these parameters were not affected. MeS had no effect on secretion or signals in the mouse islets, in contrast with glucose, possibly due to a lack of malic enzyme. The data are consistent with the common intermediates being pyruvate, cytosolic NADPH or both, and suggest that cytosolic NADPH production could account for the more rapid onset of MeS-induced secretion compared with glucose stimulation.
Electron emission from a hollow cathode-based plasma contactor

Emissive and Langmuir probes were used to measure plasma potential profiles, plasma densities, electron energy distributions, and plasma noise levels near a hollow cathode-based plasma contactor emitting electrons. The effects of electron emission current (0.1 to 1.5 A) and contactor flowrate [2 to 10 seem (xenon)] on these data are examined. Retarding potential analyzer (RPA) measurements showing that high-energy ions generally stream from a contactor along with the electrons being emitted are presented and a mechanism by which these ions are produced is postulated. This mechanism, which involves a high rate of ionization induced between electrons and atoms flowing together from the hollow cathode orifice, results in a region of high positive space charge and high positive potential. Langmuir and RPA probe data suggest that both electrons and ions expand spherically from this potential hill region. In addition to experimental observations, a simple one-dimensional model which describes the electron emission process and predicts the phenomena just mentioned is presented and is shown to agree qualitatively with experimental observations.
Antiproliferative activity of KCl contributes to EGF-induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells.

Abstract Combinations of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and KCl stimulate differentiation in PC12 cells, independent of extracellular calcium [Mark et al., Stimulation of neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells by EGF and KCl depolarization: a Ca2+-independent phenomenon, J. Cell Biol., 130 (1995) 701–710]. Since EGF is a proliferative agent that normally does not stimulate differentiation of PC12 cells, we hypothesize that KCl plus EGF may cause differentiation because of the anti-proliferative activity of KCl. Here we report that treatment of PC12 cells with KCl plus EGF resulted in a significant decrease in proliferation and DNA synthesis compared with cells treated with EGF alone. In addition, KCl significantly reduced the EGF-induced expression of cell cycle progression factors cdk2, cdk4, cyclin B1 and PCNA. These data suggest that the anti-proliferative activity of KCl may convert EGF from a proliferative factor to a progression factor.
Electrocardiographic Changes during Hemodialysis with the Artificial Kidney

In a series of 63 hemodialyses with the artificial kidney, digitalis had been administered 30 times. The occurrence of digitalis intoxication is discussed and the results of treatment are analyzed.
Impairment of motor imagery in putamen lesions in humans

Patients with putamen or cortical lesions participated in a first- and third-person movement imagery task, each primarily engaging kinesthetic and visual imagery. The subjects were instructed to imagine themselves (first-person task) and a third party (third-person task) performing a sequence of three movements and to choose from a set of four photos the end posture resulting from the movements. The results demonstrated that, limb-specific imagery was impaired in both putamen and cortical lesions, in the first-, but not third-person task. Moreover, more than half of the errors made by cortical patients were with respect to the first movement, a finding consistent with motor cortex involvement in memory processes. Taken overall, the results provide evidence that the basal ganglia as well as cortical structures play an important role in the neural network mediating motor imagery.
SOFI-based 3D superresolution sectioning with a widefield microscope

Fluorescence-based biological imaging has been revolutionized by the recent introduction of superresolution microscopy methods. 3D superresolution microscopy, however, remains a challenge as its implementation by existing superresolution methods is non-trivial. Here we demonstrate a facile and straightforward 3D superresolution imaging and sectioning of the cytoskeletal network of a fixed cell using superresolution optical fluctuation imaging (SOFI) performed on a conventional lamp-based widefield microscope. SOFI’s inherent sectioning capability effectively transforms a conventional widefield microscope into a superresolution ‘confocal widefield’ microscope.
A rapid screening assay for measuring urinary androsterone and etiocholanolone ?13C (?) values by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry

A gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) method is described and validated for measurement of delta(13)C values of the acetate derivatives of urinary etiocholanolone and androsterone. The analysis was performed with only 2 mL of urine. The sample preparation consisted of deconjugation with beta-glucuronidase, solid phase extraction, and derivatization with acetic anhydride and pyridine. The within-assay precision of two quality control (QC) urine samples ranged from 0.5 to 2.1 CV%. The between-assay precision in the same QC urines ranged from 1.7 to 3.4 CV%. Administration of testosterone enanthate to a subject resulted in a 6 per thousand decrease in delta(13)C values from -25 per thousand (baseline) to -31 per thousand. Two weeks after testosterone administration was discontinued, the delta(13)C values remained abnormally low while the urine testosterone/epitestosterone (T/E) ratio returned to less than 6. This relatively simple method is useful for rapidly screening a large number of urine samples, including those with T/E <6.
A brave new world? Measuring trends in percutaneous coronary intervention for stable angina after COURAGE.

More than 4 years have elapsed since the publication of the Clinical Outcomes Utilizing Revascularization and Aggressive Drug Evaluation (COURAGE) trial,1 which led to rampant speculation regarding its potential impact on clinical practice. As memories of the heated rhetoric that punctuated that debate fade, we are now in a position to look back with calmer heads and use observational data to see whether COURAGE was indeed associated with changes in the use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Given the importance of the issue (>600 000 patients underwent PCI in 2007),2 assessing the impact of COURAGE is an important test of the ability of these observational data resources to measure not only the presence of evidence-associated changes in practice, but also the pace and magnitude of those changes. Article see p 300 Perhaps the most straightforward approach to assess the effect COURAGE on practice is to determine whether there was a temporally associated change in the overall use of PCI. In a recent issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes , Riley et al3 reported, using Medicare claims data, a 12.5% reduction in the use of PCI from 2004 through 2009, with most of the decline occurring in 2007. Although that drop may seem relatively modest, it occurred after a period of unprecedented growth in PCI during the preceding decade. It is tempting to attribute the observed decline to changes in the management of stable coronary artery disease (CAD), but this study left open the question of whether at least some of the reduction in PCI volumes could be a consequence of other factors. Foremost among these other factors were concerns regarding late thrombosis of drug-eluting stents (DES) that was initially brought to attention at the European Society of Cardiology Conference in September 2006 (6 months before the …
Development of Calorie Restriction Mimetics as a Prolongevity Strategy

By applying calorie restriction (CR) at 30-50% below ad libitum levels, studies in numerous species have reported increased life span, reduced incidence and delayed onset of age-related diseases, improved stress resistance, and decelerated functional decline. Whether this nutritional intervention is relevant to human aging remains to be determined; however, evidence emerging from CR studies in nonhuman primates suggests that response to CR in primates parallels that observed in rodents. To evaluate CR effects in humans, clinical trials have been initiated. Even if evidence could substantiate CR as an effective antiaging strategy for humans, application of this intervention would be problematic due to the degree and length of restriction required. To meet this challenge for potential application of CR, new research to create "caloric restriction mimetics" has emerged. This strategy focuses on identifying compounds that mimic CR effects by targeting metabolic and stress response pathways affected by CR, but without actually restricting caloric intake. Microarray studies show that gene expression profiles of key enzymes in glucose (energy) handling pathways are modified by CR. Drugs that inhibit glycolysis (2-deoxyglucose) or enhance insulin action (metformin) are being assessed as CR mimetics. Promising results have emerged from initial studies regarding physiological responses indicative of CR (reduced body temperature and plasma insulin) as well as protection against neurotoxicity, enhanced dopamine action, and upregulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Further life span analyses in addition to expanded toxicity studies must be completed to assess the potential of any CR mimetic, but this strategy now appears to offer a very promising and expanding research field.
Physiology and Anesthesia for Neurologic, ENT, and Ophthalmologic Surgery

Understand the relationship between cerebral blood flow, PaO2, and PaCO2. Learn the effects of anesthetic agents on cerebral physiology. Know the anesthetic approaches used for ENT and ophthalmologic surgery.
Object recognition using a neural network and invariant Zernike features

A neural-network (NN) approach for translation-, scale-, and rotation-invariant recognition of objects is presented. The network utilized is a multilayer perceptron (MLP) classifier with one hidden layer. Backpropagation learning is used for its training. The image is represented by rotation-invariant features which are the magnitudes of the Zernike moments of the image. To achieve translation and scale invariancy, the image is first normalized with respect to these two parameters using its geometrical moments. The performance of the NN classifier on a database consisting of binary images of all English characters is reported and compared to those of nearest-neighbor and minimum-mean-distance classifiers. The results show that: (1) the MLP outperforms the other two classifiers, especially when noise is present; (2) the nearest-neighbor classifier performs about the same as the NN for the noiseless case; and (3) the Zernike-moment-based features possess strong class separability power. >
Quantifying viscoelasticity of gelatin phantoms by measuring impulse response using compact optical sensors [Correspondence]

Tissue elastography measures tissue mechanical properties, which contain important physiological information and help medical diagnosis. Instead of tracking shear wave propagation inside tissue as do magnetic resonance elastography and ultrasound based techniques, this study focuses on monitoring the propagation of surface Raleigh waves stimulated by short impulses. The method is noncontact, noninvasive, and low cost and has a potential for clinical applications. A customized device designed to measure surface wave propagation is constructed based on a laser displacement sensor (LDS). Experiments are carried out on two porcine skin gelatin phantoms of different concentrations. For each phantom, the phase velocities of specific frequencies are extracted using a cross-spectrum method and then the material elasticity and viscosity are found by fitting the phase velocities with the Voigt's model. The results suggest that measuring viscoelasticity by monitoring the response to a surface impulse is an efficient method because of the richness of frequency content of impulse responses. The results are validated with a standard continuous wave (CW) method.
Me, Jack, and “The Head” Collaborative Frames at the Academy of Management

For the Academy of Management annual 2000 meeting, I collaborated with a colleague to create a sculpture titled “Times on my Mind,” which we referred to by the working name “The Head.” This article reflects on this collaboration and, using this experience as a case study, offers a typology of individual collaborative frames. These frames—negotiation, power, and knowledge—each offer a different model of collaboration, with different implications for decision making, vision, ownership, and the role of inquiry.
Carbon allocation, gas exchange, and needle morphology of Pinus ponderosa genotypes known to differ in growth and survival under imposed drought

Summary Seedlings from 27 open-pollinated families of ponderosa pine representing nine geographically diverse origins were screened for drought tolerance based on survival and growth under imposed drought. Seedlings that had been preconditioned to drought survived 14 days longer than seedlings that had been well watered before being subjected to drought. Seed sources varied in their ability to survive drought and this variation was accentuated by drought preconditioning. Seedlings from a South Dakota source and a Nebraska source generally survived the longest under drought. Seedlings from a Montana source and a New Mexico source succumbed the fastest after water was withheld. Significant family within source variation in drought survival was observed for some sources. In general, drought survival was poorly correlated to climate indices of the seed sources. Allocation of biomass to roots, stems, and needles varied significantly among the seed sources with the most drought-sensitive sources (Montana and New Mexico) showing the most divergent allocation patterns. The relation between drought survival and shoot/root ratio suggested that there is an optimum pattern of allocation for drought survival. A comparison of the most and least drought-tolerant sources indicated that needle gas exchange (net photosynthesis and needle conductance to water vapor) and predawn needle water potential were similar among the sources regardless of their relative ability to survive drought. Needle morphology traits often associated with variation in drought tolerance, such as stomatal density and specific leaf area, did not differ among the seed sources. However, seedlings from the drought-tolerant sources had shorter needles, less surface area per needle, and fewer stomata per needle than seedlings from the drought-sensitive sources. The results suggest that drought tolerance of ponderosa pine may be improved through seed source selection and, within certain sources, family selection. Allocation patterns and needle morphology appear to play a larger role than needle gas exchange patterns in determining drought tolerance in this species.
Random tree optimization for the construction of the most parsimonious phylogenetic trees

With the availability of ever-increasing gene sequence data across a large number of species, reconstruction of phylogenetic trees to reveal the evolution relationship among those species becomes more and more important. In this paper, we focus on the construction of the most parsimonious phylogenetic trees given sequence data of a group of species as parsimony is probably the most widely used among all tree building algorithms [4]. The major contribution of this paper is the presentation of a novel algorithm, the random tree optimization (RTO) algorithm based on cross-entropy method [16], for the construction of the most parsimonious phylogenetic trees. We analyze the RTO algorithm in the framework of expectation maximization (EM) and point out the similarities and differences between traditional EM algorithm and the RTO algorithm.
Spectral tuning of photoproteins by partnering site-directed mutagenesis strategies with the incorporation of chromophore analogs

Aequorin and obelin are photoproteins whose calcium controlled bioluminescent light emission is used for labeling in assays, for the determination of calcium concentrations in vivo, and as a reporter in cellular imaging. Both of these photoproteins emit blue light from a 2-hydroperoxycoelenterazine chromophore, which is non-covalently bound in the hydrophobic core of the proteins. In an effort to produce aequorin and obelin variants with improved analytical properties, such as alternative emission colors and altered decay kinetics, seven mutants of aequorin and obelin were prepared and combined with 10 different coelenterazine analogs. These semi-synthetic photoprotein mutants exhibited shifts in bioluminescent properties when compared with wild-type proteins. The bioluminescent parameters determined for these semi-synthetic photoprotein mutants included specific activity, emission spectra and decay half-life time. This spectral tuning strategy resulted in semi-synthetic photoprotein mutants that had significantly altered bioluminescent properties. The largest emission maxima shift obtained was 44 nm, and the largest decay half-life difference was 23.91 s.
The autofluorescence of plastic materials and chips measured under laser irradiation

Plastic materials have the potential to substitute for glass substrates used in microfluidic and μTAS systems adding flexibility in materials' choices. Optical quality plastic materials with a low autofluorescence are crucial for optimal detection by fluorescence and laser induced fluorescence techniques. This paper summarizes a series of optical investigations on commercially available plastic chip materials (PMMA, COC, PC, PDMS) and chips made from those materials. Intrinsic optical constants of plastic materials—refractive index for bulk materials—determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry and transmission spectroscopy in the visible range are presented. The laser-induced autofluorescence of materials and chips was assessed at four laser wavelengths, namely, 403, 488, 532 and 633 nm. Considerable bleaching of the autofluorescence was observed under continuous laser illumination. Overall, the longer wavelength laser excitation sources yielded less autofluorescence. PDMS exhibited the least autofluorescence and was comparable to BoroFloat glass. In all cases, chips exhibited slightly higher autofluorescence than the raw plastic materials from which they had been made.
Institutional Misconduct and Differential Parole Eligibility Among Capital Inmates

Managing career inmates (e.g., capital murderers) is a serious burden for prison administrators and taxpayers. Research findings are mixed as to whether such inmates will engage in increased levels of institutional misconduct. Using complete disciplinary histories from non-death-sentenced capital inmates in Texas whose offenses occurred between 1987 and 1994, the authors explored the need for increased security levels between capital murderers sentenced to markedly different parole eligibility policies (15 years vs. 35 to 40 years before becoming eligible for parole). They also explored whether career inmates represent greater management challenges because they have "nothing to lose," compared with capital inmates with less time to parole eligibility. Findings suggest that capital inmates sentenced to longer mandatory prison terms are less likely to engage in serious and violent misconduct. Policy implications are discussed in terms of prison administration, fiscal practicability, and career inmate social development.
Analysis of response to the Berry-Talbott

Abstract Sixty 5 1 2 -, 6-, and 6 1 2 - year-old boys and girls were administered the Berry- Talbott test of language. Twenty adults received the same test. Analyses of variances of children's total scores revealed no differences between sexes and age levels. However, the differences in responses between children and adults, as shown by an item analysis, suggest the presence of a maturational effect but not with the age group investigated. The results indicate that the expected performance levels predicted by Berry and Talbott for this age child as well as some items should be revised. Various hypotheses are offered to explain differences in the response patterns.
The Thermal Conductivity of Beds of Spheres

The thermal conductivities (k) of beds of solid and hollow microspheres were measured using two radial heat flow techniques. One technique provided k-data at 300 K for beds with the void spaces between particles filled with argon, nitrogen, or helium from 5 kPa to 30 MPa. The other technique provided k-data with air at atmospheric pressure from 300 to 1000 K. The 300 K technique was used to study bed systems with high k-values that can be varied by changing the gas type and gas pressure. Such systems can be used to control the operating temperature of an irradiation capsule. The systems studied included beds of 500 µm dia solid Al203, the same Al203 spheres mixed with spheres of silica-alumina or with SiC shards, carbon spheres, and nickel spheres.* Both techniques were used to determine the k-value of beds of hollow spheres with solid shells of Al2O3, Al203,•7 w/o Cr203, and partially stabilized Zr02.** The hollow microspheres had diameters from 2100 to 3500 µm and wall thicknesses from 80 to 160 µm.
Allopregnanolone treatment delays cholesterol accumulation and reduces autophagic/lysosomal dysfunction and inflammation in Npc1−/− mouse brain

Abstract Niemann–Pick Type C (NPC) disease is a devastating developmental disorder with progressive and fatal neurodegeneration. Previous work has shown that a single injection of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone at postnatal day 7 significantly prolonged lifespan of Npc1−/− mice. However, the cellular/molecular basis for this beneficial effect remains undefined. Here, we further characterized the effect of allopregnanolone treatment on cholesterol accumulation, a pathological hallmark of NPC, as well as on autophagic/lysosomal dysfunction, myelination and inflammation in Npc1−/− mouse brains. At 1 month postnatal, accumulation of filipin-labeled unesterified cholesterol was clearly evident not only in neurons but also in microglia in untreated mutant mice, but was mostly absent in allopregnanolone-treated animals. Brain levels of the lysosomal enzymes cathepsins B and D were significantly higher in Npc1−/− than in wild-type mice. Levels of LC3-II, an autophagy marker, were also increased in mutant mouse brain as compared to wild-type mouse brain. Both changes were significantly reduced by allopregnanolone treatment. Injection of the neurosteroid also significantly reduced astrocyte proliferation and microglial activation. Furthermore, allopregnanolone treatment significantly enhanced myelination in mutant mice. Taken together, our results clearly show that allopregnanolone treatment not only reduces cholesterol accumulation and improves autophagic/lysosomal function but also enhances myelination and reduces inflammation. These results provide further support for the potential usefulness of allopregnanolone for treating NPC disease.
Pyramids of QTLs enhance host-plant resistance and Bt-mediated resistance to leaf-chewing insects in soybean

Key message QTL-M and QTL-E enhance soybean resistance to insects. Pyramiding these QTLs withcry1Ac increases protection against Bt-tolerant pests, presenting an opportunity to effectively deploy Bt with host–plant resistance genes.
Toward Peace with Justice in Darfur: A Framework for Accountability

As the Darfur region of Sudan makes the transition to peace it will face a host of issues, from rebuilding infrastructure to resettling the millions of people displaced by the conflict. This report, the result of a partnership between the California International Law Center at King Hall and the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights, explores methods for approaching one aspect of Darfur’s post-conflict transition: ensuring that those responsible for atrocity are held accountable. Chapters explore the status of various accountability methods already being utilized or available for use in Sudan, the legal framework applicable to prosecutions in Darfur, and case studies in transitional justice from post-conflict countries around the world.
Evaluation of Kinetic Enzyme Parameters by Use of a Small Computer Interfaced "Fast Analyzer"—An Addition to Automated Clinical Enzymology

The evaluation of steady-state enzyme kinetic parameters such as Km, Vmax , and Ki is useful in clinical enzymology, particularly where they can be used for the detection of enzyme variants and to assess the type of isoenzymes and the extent of their abnormal activity. The multiple-cuvet parallel-analysis feature of the Fast Analyzer permits one to evaluate one or more enzymic parameters in a single rotor. Both on-line measurement of initial reaction velocities and rapid off-line reduction of statistical data can be obtained by using the small-computer interfaced Fast Analyzer. Estimates of error in determining these parameters are also obtained, for use in comparing results in future analyses. We discuss the programming approach for adapting both simple and more complex statistical nonlinear regression data-fitting routines to the Fast Analyzer’s computer. We illustrate how the analyzer may be used to determine simple kinetic parameters for placental alkaline phosphatase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and for the more complex "stripping out" of Km ’s and Vmax ’s for a heterogenous mixture of placental and intestinal alkaline phosphatase.
Antral inhibition of gastric secretion.

SummaryA method has been devised for making a Heidenhain pouch and 2 separate, marsupialized, antral pouches in the dog. Studies performed on 4 dogs prepared in this way indicate that reduction of pH within one antral pouch will inhibit production of HCl in the Heidenhain pouch when the latter is under stimulation by perfusion of alcohol in the second antral pouch. It is assumed that gastric inhibition produced in this manner demonstrates release of an inhibitory hormone by the antrum; however, this awaits further study for clarification.
Analysis on the epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases in Guiyang City between 2006 and 2010

Objective To investigate the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases(STD) in Guiyang City, setting a scientific basis for making the prevention and control measures. Methods SPSS13.0 was used for the statistical analysis on the data of 5 types of STDs in Guiyang City from 2006 to 2010 which were exported from the national disease control information system. Results In five years, a total of 10 412 cases of STD were reported with an average annual incidence of 56.73/100 000 in this City. Over all, the prevalence of STD was rising. Syphilis showed evident rising trend and gonorrhea was dropping. Sex ratio of men to women was 1.67:1. The patients of 25 to 44 years old who are sexually active took the highest percentage of 49.4%. In the occupational distribution, the workers(including migrant workers) and unemployed consisted of the majority(56.3%). Conclusion In Guiyang City, STD shows a rising trend from 2006 to 2010, occurring primarily in sexually active people of 24-55 years old. We should strengthen STD prevention and control, especially focusing on syphilis.
Integrating DIY and Traditional Biochemical Laboratory Experiences into an Undergraduate Biophysics Course

Many undergraduate physics majors will go directly to industry after graduation. Incorporating laboratory research into senior level courses facilitates the teaching of interdisciplinary skills such as designing experiments, careful measurement, and troubleshooting experimental difficulties. In addition to these skills hacking and making are also valuable for physics majors seeking employment directly after graduation. Two experiments were utilized to engage students in building these skills. In the first, traditional biochemical studies of phase behavior in lipid membranes was done with fluorescent probes. Fluorescence spectroscopy assays were used to measure main chain phase transitions in lipid bilayers and transbilayer flip-flop rates for phospholipid/cholesterol liposomes. Results from both assay experiments were compiled across teams of students. Each student was also responsible for producing a technical written lab report focusing on the experimental methods and results. In a second experience students attempted to build a Brewster Angle microscope using 3D printed parts and a simple cell phone camera. This project introduced students to CAD software and 3D printing.
Can We Repurpose FDA-Approved Alefacept to Diminish the HIV Reservoir?

Current anti-retroviral treatment (ART) for HIV is effective in maintaining HIV at undetectable levels. However, cessation of ART results in immediate and brisk rebound of viremia to high levels. This rebound is driven by an HIV reservoir mainly enriched in memory CD4+ T cells. In order to provide any form of functional HIV Cure, elimination of this viral reservoir has become the focus of current HIV cure strategies. Alefacept was initially developed for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. Alefacept is a chimeric fusion protein consisting of the CD2-binding portion of human leukocyte function antigen-3 (LFA3) linked to the Fc region of human IgG1 (LFA3-Fc). Alefacept was designed to inhibit memory T cell activation that contributes to the chronic autoimmune disease psoriasis by blocking the CD2 coreceptor. However, it was found to deplete memory T cells that express high levels of CD2 via NK cellmediated antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vivo. Phase II and phase III clinical trials of alefacept with psoriasis patients demonstrated promising results and an excellent safety profile. Subsequently, alefacept has been successfully repurposed for other memory T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases including skin diseases other than psoriasis, organ transplantation and type I diabetes (T1D). Herein, we review our specific strategy to repurpose the FDA approved biologic alefacept to decrease and hopefully someday eliminate the HIV reservoir, for which CD2hi memory CD4+ T cells are a significant contributor.
Dynamic Boolean Mathematics.

ABSTRACTDynamic mathematical environments allow users to reify mathematical concepts through multiple representations, transform mathematical relations and organically explore mathematical properties, investigate integrated mathematics, and develop conceptual understanding. Herein, we integrate Boolean algebra, the functionalities of a dynamic mathematical environment, and different mathematical topics to demonstrate investigations associated with dynamic Boolean mathematics.
Polarization effects in polymer dielectrics: Theoretical modeland experimental results

The voltage decay response as a function of time after open circuiting a fully charged capacitor containing a molecularly polarized dielectric media was examined in an equivalent circuit representation. The equivalent circuit involves: the resistance (R) of the dielectric as a circuit element representing leakage effects; the capacitance (C) of the dielectric for characterizing the time dependence of the RC discharging circuit effect; and a black box (K) for representing the time dependence of the molecular polarization effects in the dielectric. From this equivalent circuit representation, the voltage decay due to leakage current, capacitive discharging, and polarization effects was found to obey a power law time dependence characterized by a CK time factor which is added to the open circuit run time (t) where this sum is raised to a negative K/R power: V = V a [CK]K/R [CK + t]−K/R This predicted power law time dependence was examined experimentally using several simple and composite polymer dielectrics, and the results were generally consistent with the predicted behavior particularly for the simple polymer dielectrics.
Would You Recommend Accepting a “Donation After Cardiac Death” Liver?

At 3 in the morning, the telephone rings 5 times before it is picked up by the anesthesiologist.
Tissue Engineering the Vascular Tree.

A major hurdle in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine remains the design and construction of larger (> 1 cm3) in vitro tissues for biological studies and transplantation. While there has been success in creating three-dimensional (3D) capillary networks, relatively large arteries (diameter >3–5 mm), and more recently small arteries (diameter 500 μm–1 mm), there has been no success in the creation of a living dynamic blood vessel network comprising of arterioles (diameter 40–300 μm), capillaries, and venules. Such a network would provide the foundation to supply nutrients and oxygen to all surrounding cells for larger tissues and organs that require a hierarchical vascular supply. In this study, we describe the different technologies and methods that have been employed in an effort to create individual vessels and networks of vessels to support engineered tissues for in vivo and in vitro applications. A special focus is placed on the generation of blood vessels with average dimensions...
DUALITY OF VARIOUS NOTIONS OF CONTROLLABILITY AND OBSERVABILITY

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses duality of various notions of controllability and observability. There is a great variety of controllability concepts in the finite-dimensional control theory. The chapter presents a notion of observability in the case of which distinguishability is rather trivial. Null-controllability means that for each initial state x 0 , one can pick out a control u (·) in such a way that the corresponding x ( T ) is null. This notion of observability is chosen because distinguishability in this case is rather trivial and initial observability does not occur.
Letter by Wu et al Regarding Article, "Mechanical Activation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α Drives Endothelial Dysfunction at Atheroprone Sites".

We read with interest the recent article “Mechanical Activation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α Drives Endothelial Dysfunction at Atheroprone Sites” in which Feng et al1 elegantly show that exposure of endothelial cells to mechanical low shear stress activates hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α). Because atherosclerosis develops near branches or bends of arteries where endothelial cells are exposed to low shear stress, these results suggest that HIF-1α activation in endothelial cells may play a causal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Feng et al showed that upregulation of HIF-1α occurs via a dual mechanism involving transcriptional activation by nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and stabilization via the deubiquitinating enzyme Cezanne. We were pleased to see that the study by Feng et al1 largely recapitulated our recently published findings. In our study,2 we took an unbiased approach and performed RNAseq in human arterial endothelial cells (ECs) exposed to either unidirectional flow (atheroprotective hemodynamics of high shear …
Principles and Methods for the Rational Design of Core-Shell Nanoparticle Catalysts with Ultralow Noble Metal Loadings.

ConspecutsCommercial and emerging renewable energy technologies are underpinned by precious metal catalysts, which enable the transformation of reactants into useful products. However, the noble metals (NMs) comprise the least abundant elements in the lithosphere, making them prohibitively scarce and expensive for future global-scale technologies. As such, intense research efforts have been devoted to eliminating or substantially reducing the loadings of NMs in various catalytic applications. These efforts have resulted in a plethora of heterogeneous NM catalyst morphologies beyond the traditional supported spherical nanoparticle.In many of these new architectures, such as shaped, high index, and bimetallic particles, less than 20% of the loaded NMs are available to perform catalytic turnovers. The majority of NM atoms are subsurface, providing only a secondary catalytic role through geometric and ligand effects with the active surface NM atoms. A handful of architectures can approach 100% NM utilization,...
Saving Sudan, Starving Uganda: Aid, Growth, and Externalities in Africa

This paper presents an analysis of aid and growth in Africa, testing an idea emerging from a case involving Sudan and Uganda. Based on this case, the primary claims made here are first that there are negative external effects associated with aid flows across sub-Saharan Africa, and second that these externalities reduce growth rates. The statistical results from an analysis of all contiguous sub-Saharan African countries, covering the period from 1960 to 2009, indicate that a typical increase in aid to a country’s neighbors reduces growth in the bordering country by anywhere from .50 to 1.25 percentage points. The policy implications associated with these findings are discussed in the concluding section.
ASSESSMENT OF LEFT VENTRICULAR DIASTOLIC FUNCTION IN MICE

Diastolic dysfunction occurs when the ventricle is unable to fill to an adequate volume at low pressure. When diastolic dysfunction increases pulmonary venous pressures, symptoms of diastolic congestive heart failure develop. This can occur at rest, in the most extreme case or only with exertion, in the most common case. Diastolic dysfunction results from abnormalities in active relaxation and/or passive stiffness. These abnormalities in diastolic function can occur during the development of hypertension, valvular stenosis, ischemia, and advanced age.(1)
CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE IN THE TREATMENT OF TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS

A patient with non-small cell lung carcinoma and recent radiotherapy for brain metastases developed toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) shortly after therapy with phenytoin was initiated for a seizure. Exfoliation progressed to involve 90% of her body surface despite treatment with high-dose corticosteroids for 5 days, but sloughing and systemic toxicity ceased within 2 days of initiating therapy with intravenous cyclophosphamide (300 mg/day). Reepithelialization rapidly followed. This experience and the reports of others suggest that intravenous cyclophosphamide is helpful in the treatment of TEN.
A Behavioral Group Therapy Approach to the Treatment of Depression

Depression is a significant clinical problem in the United States. The prevalence of clinical depression in this country has typically been estimated at 3 to 4% (Lehman, 1971; Levitt & Lubin, 1975), and the President’s Commission on Mental Health has estimated the lifetime incidence of depression at 20% (Task Panel Reports Submitted to the President’s Commission on Mental Health, Vol. IV, Appendix, 1978). More recent reports suggest that the point prevalence and lifetime rates are even higher (Amenson & Lewinsohn, 1981; Myers & Weiss-man, 1980). Depression is twice as likely to occur in women as in men (Amenson & Lewinsohn, 1981; Weissman & Klerman, 1977b), and it is a disorder that exacts a heavy toll in human suffering. It has debilitating effects across all areas of functioning (Weissman & Paykel, 1974), frequently during years of peak responsibility and productivity.
The enzymology of Tay-Sachs disease and its variant forms.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses Tay-Sachs disease and its variants. Patients with Tay-Sachs disease are characterized by the presence of a cherry-red spot in the macular region of the eye. Through the use of both continuous and discontinuous sucrose gradient centrifugation, it has been possible to isolate these bodies and show that they contain a large quantity of the ganglioside GM2. Enzymatic analysis indicates that these isolated membranous cytoplasmic bodies contain high levels of various enzymes, which are characteristic of the lysosome; this finding points out their probable lysosomal origin. Using artificial chromogenic substrates, initial studies on human hexosaminidases indicated that there was a higher total hexosaminidase activity in brain tissue from patients with Tay-Sachs disease than in controls. The possibility had to be considered that a GM2-neuraminidase deficiency was responsible for the ganglioside accumulation and that the storage of the asialo compound was secondary to GM2 accumulation. To investigate this alternative, the chapter presents an experiment in which GM2 was biosynthetically labeled in the N-acetylneuraminosyl portion of the molecule from a specific sialic acid precursor, N-acetylmannosamine. A neuraminidase that possessed activity toward 3H -Acneu-GM2 was demonstrated in mammalian tissue and possessed a lysosomal subcellular distribution. The activity of this neuraminidase was determined in skeletal muscle and brain tissue from normal and Tay-Sachs patients. The specific activity of this neuraminidase was similar in tissue specimens from normal humans and patients with Tay-Sachs disease.
Comparing medical, dental, and nursing students’ preparedness to address lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer health

Background Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) populations face multiple health disparities including barriers to healthcare. Few studies have examined healthcare trainees’ perceptions of their preparedness to care for LGBTQ populations and none have compared perceptions of training across medicine, dental medicine, and nursing. We aimed to understand variations across disciplines in LGBTQ health by assessing medical, dental, and nursing students’ perceptions of preparedness across three domains: comfort levels, attitudes, and formal training. Methods We developed a 12-item survey with an interprofessional panel of LGBTQ students from the schools of medicine, dental medicine, and nursing at a top-tier private university in the United States. Any student enrolled full time in any of the three schools were eligible to respond. We performed descriptive statistical analyses and examined patterns in responses using Kruskal-Wallis tests and an ordered logistic regression model. Results 1,010 students from the Schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Nursing responded to the survey for an overall response rate of 43%. While 70–74% of all student respondents felt comfortable treating LGBTQ patients, fewer than 50% agreed that their formal training had prepared them to do so. Overall, 71–81% of students reported interest in receiving formal LGBTQ health education, though dental students were significantly less likely than medical students to report this interest (OR 0.53, p<0.01). Respondents who identified as LGBQ were significantly less likely than heterosexual students to agree that training was effective (OR 0.55, p<0.01) and that their instructors were competent in LGBTQ health (OR 0.56, p<0.01). Conclusion Despite high comfort levels and positive attitudes towards LGBTQ health, most student respondents did not report adequate formal preparation. There were some significant differences between disciplines, but significant gaps in training exist across disciplines. Health professional schools should develop formal content on LGBTQ health and utilize this content as an opportunity for interprofessional training.
Gap conductance modeling I: Theoretical considerations for single- and multi-component gases in curvilinear coordinates

Abstract Accurate estimation of heat transfer across the gap is important in nuclear fuel performance because heat transfer across the fuel-to-cladding gap heavily impacts fuel temperatures and the thermo-mechanical performance of nuclear fuel rods. Better understood physics will allow a better prediction of the gap behavior. This paper focuses on providing an overview of the gap conductance model including theoretical considerations and underlying assumptions. The gap conductance is calculated considering three summed heat paths: fill gas conductance, direct thermal radiation, and solid contact conductance. Each heat transfer mechanism is described in detail. First, the models are generalized to curvilinear coordinates for diatomic/polyatomic molecules. Traditional models use one-dimensional Cartesian equations for a monatomic gas. Second, expressions for temperature jump distance and thermal accommodation coefficients are made consistent with the kinetic theory for both single- and multi-component gases. Lastly, fill gas thermal conductivity is updated to include its dependence on rod internal pressure.