cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 provirus in T-cells and macrophages is associated with induction of inducer-specific NF-κB binding proteins

We have analyzed the limiting factors involved in the induction of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) provirus expression by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), and bryostatin-1 in T-cells (ACH-2) and monocytes (U1). We have demonstrated that, while there is a correlation among the increase of 9.2-kilodalton (kDa) HIV-1 RNA, the increase of viral proteins (p24) in the cells, and the release of HIV-1 virions into the medium, there is no direct correlation between the levels of induced NF-kappa B binding proteins and the expression of HIV-1 provirus. The presence of nuclear NF-kappa B-specific proteins appears to be essential only for the initiation of viral replication, since the HIV-1 transcripts could be detected in TNF-alpha or bryostatin-1-stimulated cells also at later times postinduction, times when no NF-kappa B proteins could be detected in the nucleus. The uv crosslinking of DNA and proteins has shown that TNF-alpha, PMA, and bryostatin-1 induce different sets of NF-kappa B binding proteins with distinct kinetics of binding.
Survivable network design: the capacitated minimum spanning network problem

We are given an undirected graph G = (V,E) with positive weights on its vertices representing demands, and non-negative costs on its edges. Also given are a capacity constraint k, and root vertex r ∈ V. In this paper, we consider the capacitated minimum spanning network (CMSN) problem, which asks for a minimum cost spanning network such that the removal of r and its incident edges breaks the network into a number of components (groups), each of which is 2-edge-connected with a total weight of at most k. We show that the CMSN problem is NP-hard, and present a 4-approximation algorithm for graphs satisfying triangle inequality. We also show how to obtain similar approximation results for a related 2-vertex-connected CMSN problem.
Gifted Potential and Poverty: A Call for Extraordinary Action

Dr. Robinson's proposed action plan will serve the needs of highly achieving gifted students. However, defining giftedness as high academic performance based on traditional assessment procedures could reverse the field's fledgling success in supporting culturally diverse gifted children and youth. Changing the focus of equity in gifted education to economic representation will not decrease educators' responsibility to understand the learning needs of racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse students. Nevertheless, a focus on children of poverty with high potential is a worthy and achievable goal and will require extraordinary commitment.
Phytanic Acid Storage Disease

Phytanic acid storage disease (Refsum’s disease) has presumably been included in the present Symposium under the rubric “...and Allied Disorders.” In that it is an inherited lipidosis and, like so many of them, affects the nervous system, it is to that extent “allied”. However, the differences are several and important. First, phytanic acid storage disease is due to a defect in an oxidative enzyme system, not a hydrolase; second, it is a disease in which a particular fatty acid accumulates (and in essentially all lipid classes), rather than a particular subclass of lipids as in the hydrolase deficiencies; and, finally, the accumulated lipid is of exogenous rather than endogenous origin. This last difference is especially important since it affords in theory the opportunity to arrest (and possibly reverse) the storage and to determine whether that alters the progression of the disease. Methods are being actively sought to do this in the sphingolipidoses, as reported elsewhere in this Symposium, but the approaches are difficult and results remain equivocal. Thus, it may be of interest to report in some detail our encouraging experience with dietary treatment of phytanic acid storage disease. First, let us briefly review the biochemical basis of phytanate accumulation, add some recent results on the normal pathway for its oxidation and then finally summarize the clinical responses to diet observed to date.
ULTRASONIC ATTENUATION IN SODIUM AT LOW TEMPERATURES.

Abstract The ultrasonic attenuation in a wire sample of sodium was measured by pulse-echo and resonant techniques over a temperature range of 2°–77°K at frequencies of 150–300 kc in order to investigate the effects of the martensitic transformation and the electron-lattice interaction. The onset of the transformation into the low temperature h.c.p. structure was indicated by an increase in the attenuation which then decreased as absolute zero was approached. The attenuation displayed a pronounced hysteresis with thermal cycling, reverting irreversibly into the high temperature phase, b.c.c., at about 52°K. Qualitative agreement with theory was found for the electron-lattice interaction. A metastable state of sodium was formed during extrusion of the sodium wire at liquid nitrogen temperatures ; it consisted of b.c.c. and h.c.p. structures as evidenced by ultrasonic velocity, specific heat, and X-ray diffraction experiments. At about 116°K, the metastable state began to revert into the b.c.c. structure, the usual state of sodium at these temperatures.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for chronic post-herpetic neuralgia.

Postherpetic neuralgia remains a therapeutic challenge for the clinician. Many modalities have been utilized with limited success. In this pilot randomized study of patients who were refractory to previous medicinal treatment, the patients were treated with transcutaneous nerve stimulation with a biofeedback capability. After every two treatments with the sham and true device, the patients were required to fill out a standard neuropathic pain scale score. The patients were allowed to select the other device after three consecutive treatments if they felt an inadequate decrease in their pain. The true device was chosen over the sham device by all patients. The majority of these patients treated by the true device reported a statistically significant decrease in pain scores (P < 0.001). Further investigation of this Food and Drug Administration, class 2 accepted, electronic device for relief of pain is warranted for patients with a history of recalcitrant postherpetic neuralgia.
Pleuroperitoneal canal closure in the rat.

Pleuroperitoneal canal development and closure were studied with light microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy in 12.75- to 16-day fetuses. The major chronological events described in this paper are (1) the caudal tips of the lung buds projecting to the pleuroperitoneal canal (12.75 through 13.50 days); (2) the caudal tips of the lungs becoming situated medial to the canal areas at 14 days; and (3) both canals becoming crescent shaped with a uniform diameter until closure. Concurrently, the developing diaphragm and associated pleuroperitoneal folds assume more caudal positions. Both canal regions are bordered by the liver, lung, gonadal ridge, and suprarenal glands. In addition, on the left side, the stomach and mesogastrium also border the early canal. The right canal closes before the left (right, 14.75–15 days; left, 15–15.25 days). The results suggest that the pleuroperitoneal folds are pushed together, thereby closing the canals. This may be accomplished by one or a combination of the following: (1) enlargement of the liver pushing the ventral fold dorsad and a molding of the liver to the dorsal body wall caudal to the canal; (2) liver and thorax enlargement which appears to pull the dorsal fold taut against the central fold; and (3) a change in the orientation of the canal near the time of closure. Each canal is fully closed by the mergence of the dorsal and ventral fold mesothelia and mesenchyme. This study provides a basis for relating pleuroperitoneal canal development and closure to the surrounding organs and tissues.
John Robinson's Farewell Address

“In the next place, for the wholesome counsel Mr. Robinson gave that part of the Church whereof he was Pastor, at their departure from him to begin the great work of Plantation in New England. Amongst other wholesome instructions and exhortations, he used these expressions, or to the same purpose:We are now, ere long, to part asunder; and the Lord knoweth whether ever he should live to see our faces again. But whether the Lord had appointed it or not; he charged us, before God and his blessed angels, to follow him no further than he followed Christ; and if God should reveal anything to us by any other Instrument of his, to be as ready to receive it, as ever we were to receive any truth by his Ministry. For he was very confident the Lord had more truth and light yet to break forth out of his holy Word.
Exostosis of the internal auditory canal

Although exostoses of the external auditory canal are not uncommon, those of the internal canal are extremely rare. One of these is described occurring in a 53-year-old man whose rapidly progressive hearing loss was without any associated abnormality.
Reactivity of Radical Cations. Effect of Radical Cation and Alkene Structure on the Absolute Rate Constants of Radical Cation Mediated Cycloaddition Reactions1

Absolute rate constants for the reactions of styrene, 4-methylstyrene, 4-methoxystyrene, and β-methyl-4-methoxystyrene radical cations with a series of alkenes, dienes, and enol ethers have been measured by laser flash photolysis. The measured rate constants correspond to either addition or electron transfer reactions, with the latter predominating when the oxidation potential of the alkene is lower than that of the styrene. The measured rate constants for the diene additions provide some of the first absolute kinetic data for the initial step in the synthetically-useful radical cation mediated Diels−Alder reaction. The addition reactions are sensitive to steric and electronic effects on both the radical cation and the alkene or diene. For example, the reactivity of the radical cations follows the general trend of 4-H > 4-CH3 > 4-CH3O > 4-CH3O-β-CH3. The effects of alkyl substitution on the relative reactivity of alkenes toward styrene radical cations may be summarized as 1,2-dialkyl < 2-alkyl < trialkyl ...
Defoe, Dissent, and Early Whig Ideology

The nature of Whig ideology at its formation in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries continues to attract the attention of historians of political thought. This article contends that prevalent understandings of the taxonomy of the subject nevertheless still often remain secular, and do not fully attend to the religious constituencies of the authors involved. One key author was Daniel Defoe, who was credited with several anonymous pamphlets published after the Revolution of 1688. The effect of these attributions is to reinforce a homogenized picture of early Whig political ideology that fails to identify differences between authors who used similar terms such as ‘contract’, ‘resistance’, and ‘natural law’. This article de-attributes certain of these pamphlets, outlines the consequences for the history of political thought of that de-attribution, re-establishes Defoe's own political identity, and proposes that such a taxonomy should give more attention to religious difference.
Drug discrimination and drug stimulus generalization with anxiolytics

Work with lorazepam in two-lever food-maintained drug discrimination procedures with baboons and rats found greater specificity in the generalization profile when this drug was used as a training drug compared to studies with other benzodiazepines (BZ). That is, animals trained to discriminate lorazepam have not reliably made the drug response in tests with barbiturates, although animals trained to discriminate diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, triazolam, oxazepam, and sometimes midazolam commonly have done so. Characterization of the discriminative stimulus effects of lorazepam has included manipulation of species, training dose, and route of administration; drug interaction studies; and tests with a variety of anxiolytics. The time course of the discriminative stimulus effects of lorazepam and other drugs also has been studied using a multiple session procedure in baboons. Some of these results have provided information relevant to the extent to which intermediate levels of the drug response in test sessions at doses that do not reduce response rates may meaningfully reflect threshold or partial drug stimulus effects.
Halothane in tissue of rats following repeated subanesthetic exposures

Halothane in tissues of the rat has been measured as a function of time after five successive 3 hr exposures to 670 ppm halothane. In epididymal and perirenal fat, halothane concentrations diminished rapidly from 310 ppm to 1–2 ppm in 24 hr, with trace amounts detectable 5 days later. Brain and liver levels were reduced from 16 and 9 ppm to less than 1 ppm within 3 hr. Blood halothane was reduced from 3 ppm to less than 0.5 ppm in the same time.
How far will they go?: assessing the travel distance of current and former drug users to access harm reduction services

Background Prior research has explored spatial access to syringe exchange programs (SEPs) among people who inject drugs (PWID), but little is known about service utilization by former PWID who continue to access services (e.g., HIV screenings and referrals for social services) at harm reduction providers. The purpose of this research is to examine differences in access to SEPs between current and former PWID seeking services at a mobile SEP in Washington, DC.
Breastfeeding, PAM50 tumor subtype, and breast cancer prognosis and survival.

Numerous epidemiologic studies have reported associations between breastfeeding and breast cancer risk (1–9). Breastfeeding is hypothesized to decrease breast cancer risk by reducing a woman’s lifetime number of menstrual cycles, and thus her cumulative exposure to endogenous hormones (10), and increasing the differentiation of ductal cells, making them less susceptible to carcinogens (11). Additionally, breastfeeding may facilitate excretion of carcinogens via the milk ducts (12,13). History of breastfeeding could also have a beneficial effect on breast cancer prognosis and survival and might be an important prognostic factor to consider when evaluating a newly diagnosed patient. However, studies to date have reported mixed results for mortality (14–16), and to our knowledge no studies have examined recurrence. Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with distinct molecular subtypes that appear to have different risk factor profiles, require different treatment regimens, and have considerable variability in prognosis. For example, history and duration of breastfeeding have been found to be associated with decreased risk of triple-negative or basal-like breast cancer, although not with ER+ or luminal A breast cancer (2,4,6,7,9,17). Recently, the PAM50 gene expression assay has been used to subtype breast tumors into luminal A, luminal B, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–enriched, basal-like, and normal-like intrinsic subtypes (18). The assay has been shown to add valuable clinical information beyond standard clinical and pathological factors (estrogen receptor [ER], progesterone receptor [PR], HER2) used for risk assessment and therapy decision-making in breast cancer (19,20). Our study aims were to examine the associations of lifetime breastfeeding with breast cancer intrinsic subtype, as defined by the PAM50 assay, and the associations of lifetime breastfeeding with breast cancer recurrence and mortality overall and by subtype.
Estimating cavity tree abundance by stand age and basal area, Missouri, USA

Abstract We analyzed cavity tree distribution among Missouri Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plots using the nonparametric classification and regression tree (CART) model and Weibull probability density function (pdf). Fifty-nine per cent (2370) of the 4052 Forest Inventory and Analysis plots (aged 1–160 years) had at least one cavity tree. The overall odds ratio of a plot with cavity trees (odds of a plot having cavity trees/odds of a plot with no cavity trees) across the five survey units of the entire state was 1.4. Three and four disjoint clusters (nodes) which differ significantly in cavity tree distribution were identified by CART using the two most discriminating stand level indicator variables: age and basal area, respectively. Cavity tree density distribution within each cluster was further described by the Weibull pdf. Cavity tree density per hectares varied considerably among stands (plots) of the same age or density, and the number of cavities for a given size or age class was distributed in an asymmetric form (primarily reverse-J shape). CART partitioning and Weibull fitting, in combination, provide an intuitive way to depict cavity tree distribution (variation) by important stand indicator variables such as age and basal area. This information can help forest managers and planners formulate management guidelines and results can be linked with forest landscape planning efforts, regional inventories, wildlife habitat modeling, and landscape simulation to evaluate or predict the consequences of different management alternatives.
Pharmaceutical formulation optimization using sas

AbstractPharmaceutical formulation optimization consists of three distinct but Interrelated analyses, optimization, selection of key parameters and selection of key factors, all accomplished from the same set of experimental data. However, the statistical formulas and their computational algorithms are complex. Development of an In-house software Is a formidable task. Four short SAS programs are provided to accomplish the task effectively and speedily. Two optimization studies, a mobile phase composition study and a pharmaceutical formulation study are analyzed by using the programs. The contents of the output are explained clearly and interpreted appropriately.
Image compression with a hierarchical neural network

A neural network data compression method is presented. This network accepts a large amount of image or text data, compresses it for storage or transmission, and subsequently restores it when desired. A new training method, referred to as the Nested Training Algorithm (NTA), that reduces the training time considerably is presented. Analytical results are provided for the specification of the optimal learning rates and the size of the training data for a given image of specified dimensions. Performance of the network has been evaluated using both synthetic and real-world data. It is shown that the developed architecture and training algorithm provide high compression ratio and low distortion while maintaining the ability to generalize, and is very robust as well.
The feasibility of cell phone based electronic diaries for STI/HIV research.

Self-reports of sensitive, socially stigmatized or illegal behavior are common in STI/HIV research, but can raise challenges in terms of data reliability and validity. The use of electronic data collection tools, including ecological momentary assessment (EMA), can increase the accuracy of this information by allowing a participant to self-administer a survey or diary entry, in their own environment, as close to the occurrence of the behavior as possible. In this paper, we evaluate the feasibility of using cell phone-based EMA as a tool for understanding sexual risk and STI among adult men and women. As part of a larger prospective clinical study on sexual risk behavior and incident STI in clinically recruited adult men and women, using study-provided cell phones, participants (N = 243) completed thrice–daily EMA diaries monitoring individual and partner-specific emotional attributes, non-sexual activities, non-coital or coital sexual behaviors, and contraceptive behaviors. Using these data, we assess feasibility in terms of participant compliance, behavior reactivity, general method acceptability and method efficacy for capturing behaviors. Participants were highly compliant with diary entry protocol and schedule: over the entire 12 study weeks, participants submitted 89.7% (54,914/61,236) of the expected diary entries, with an average of 18.86 of the 21 expected diaries (85.7%) each week. Submission did not differ substantially across gender, race/ethnicity and baseline sexually transmitted infection status. A sufficient volume and range of sexual behaviors were captured, with reporting trends in different legal and illegal behaviors showing small variation over time. Participants found the methodology to be acceptable, enjoyed and felt comfortable participating in the study. Achieving the correct medium of data collection can drastically improve, or degrade, the timeliness and quality of an individual’s self-reported sexual risk behavior, which in turn, is a key factor in the success of intervention or education programs relying on this information. Our findings demonstrate that completion of electronic diaries via cellular phone is feasible way to describe STI/HIV risk among clinically recruited adult men and women.
Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model of Methyl tertiary Butyl Ether and tertiary Butyl Alcohol Dosimetry in Male Rats Based on Binding to α2u-Globulin

Current physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for the fuel additive methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and its metabolite tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) have not included a mechanism for chemical binding to the male rat–specific protein a2u-globulin, which has been postulated to be responsible for renal effects in male rats observed in toxicity and carcinogenicity studies with MTBE. The objective of this work was to expand the previously published models for MTBE to include binding to a2uglobulin in the kidney of male rats. In the model, metabolism of MTBE was assumed to occur only in the liver via two saturable pathways. TBA metabolism was assumed to occur only in the liver via one saturable, low-affinity pathway and to be inducible following repeated exposures. The binding of MTBE and TBA to a2u-globulin was modeled as saturable and competitive and was assumed to only affect the rate of hydrolysis of a2u-globulin in the kidney. The developed model characterized the differences in kidney concentrations of MTBE and TBA in male versus female rats from inhalation exposures to MTBE, as well as the observed changes in blood and tissue concentrations from repeated exposure to TBA. The model-predicted binding affinity of MTBE to a2u-globulin was greater than TBA, and the hydrolysis rate of chemically bound a2u-globulin was approximately 30% of the unbound protein. This PBPK model supports the role of MTBE and TBA binding to the male rat–specific protein a2u-globulin as essential for predicting concentrations of these chemicals in the kidney following exposure.
Crosstalk in coupled interconnects with meshed ground planes

A method for the time domain simulation of coupled interconnects in a layered medium with meshed ground planes is presented. The method, based on the quasi-TEM spectral domain analysis of the layered structure and the SPICE model consisting of delay elements and linear dependent sources, is used to study crosstalk in coupled interconnects. The theoretical results are validated by experimental data, and it is shown that the presence of slots and meshes in ground planes can reduce the far-end crosstalk in coupled interconnects. >
Seasonal Abundance of Ground Beetles in Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) Fields and Response to a Reduced-Risk Insecticide Program

Seasonal patterns of ground beetle activity were examined at six highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) farms in southwestern Michigan. On each farm, pitfall traps were used to monitor ground beetle activity in two adjacent Þelds: one managed under a conventional insecticide program (grower standard) and the other with reduced-risk insecticides. Overall, more active in- gredient was applied in grower standard than reduced-risk Þelds, with the greatest amount used in June and July. During the 6-mo sampling period, we collected 11,322 ground beetles comprised of 34 species, with Harpalus pensylvanicus DeGeer representing 70.7% of the total beetles collected. The greatest amount of ground beetle activity occurred in August and September, mostly because of increased captures of the autumn breeding species H. pensylvanicus and H. erraticus Say. Only H. erraticus responded to the different insecticide programs, with eight-fold greater captures in reduced-risk compared with grower standard Þelds. Because H. erraticus are in the soil as larvae or pupae during June and July, we suggest that greater insecticide use in the grower standard Þelds resulted in increased mortality of immature H. erraticus. At one farm, where ground cover was absent between blueberry rows,H. erraticus activity did not respond to the difference in insecticide program. This suggests that enhancement of ground beetle activity may require suitable habitat in addition to a reduction in broad-spectrum insecticide use. HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRIES, Vaccinium corymbosum L., are the most signiÞcant small fruit crop grown in Michi- gan, producing32 million kilograms of fruit annually on 7,300 ha. Harvested fruit is primarily for the pro- cessing market, although 25% of the fruit is sold fresh. The key insect pests include cranberry fruit- worm (Acrobasis vaccinii Riley), blueberry maggot (Rhagoletismendax Curran), and Japanese beetle (Po- pillia japonica Newman). The zero tolerance for fruit contamination with insects forces many growers to make multiple foliar applications of organophosphate and carbamate insecticides before harvest. Because these pests spend part of their life overwintering on the soil surface (A. vaccinii) or in the soil (R. mendax and P. japonica), predation by ground beetles (Co- leoptera: Carabidae) may be an important source of biological control of these pests. Ground beetles are generalist arthropod predators that are natural enemies of several insect pests (Sunder- land 2002). Increasing ground beetle activity under blue- berry bushes has been shown to result in greater removal
Soil Depth and Climatic Effects on Desert Vegetation Dynamics

Soil depth effects on honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa Torr) cover and density and perennial grass standing crop were evaluated over an 11-yr period (1995–2005) on two lightly stocked and two conservatively stocked pastures on the Chihuahuan Desert Rangeland Research Center in south-central New Mexico. These four adjoining pastures have similar size, vegetation, and soils. Soils in these study pastures are primarily light sandy loams varying from a few centimeters to 1 m or more in depth underlain by a calcium carbonate layer. Deep soils had lower perennial grass standing crop and higher honey mesquite cover and density than did shallow soils at both the beginning (1995–1997) and ending (2003–2005) periods of study. Average perennial grass standing crop across the four study pastures dropped 82% between 1995–1997 and 2003–2005 because of drought during the last 5 yr of study. Honey mesquite canopy cover and perennial grass standing crop did not differ between light and conservative grazing treatments at the beginning or end of our study. Honey mesquite canopy cover did not change from 1995–1997 to 2003–2005 but honey mesquite density was higher in 2003–2005 than in 1995–1997. Our study shows that both soil depth and climatic fluctuations have a major influence on vegetation dynamics in desert and semiarid areas.
Lies, damn lies, and negotiation: An interdisciplinary analysis of the nature and consequences of deception at the bargaining table

This chapter considers what ethicists say normatively about acts of deception in negotiation, and what psychologists and organizational behaviorists report empirically about the causes, forms, and consequences of deceptive behavior. After brief attention to definitions of lying and deception, we describe normative approaches found mainly in the business ethics literature that address negotiator bluffing. We then summarize empirical social science research on deception, highlighting work in social psychology and communication theory on lying and its detection. A discussion of (mainly) empirical work on deceptive behavior in negotiation follows, including informational forms of deceptions as well as strategic simulation or suppression of emotions. In a concluding section we highlight research gaps and fruitful directions for future inquiry.
Abstract TP179: Key Factors Associated with Major Depression in a National Sample of Stroke Survivors

BACKGROUND: Depression is a strong emerging independent risk factor for vascular brain injury. Up to a third of stroke survivors are depressed at any time, putting them at risk for sub-optimal reco...
ABL kinases promote breast cancer osteolytic metastasis by modulating tumor-bone interactions through TAZ and STAT5 signaling

Bone metastases occur in up to 70% of advanced breast cancer. For most patients with breast cancer, bone metastases are predominantly osteolytic. Interactions between tumor cells and stromal cells in the bone microenvironment drive osteolytic bone metastasis, a process that requires the activation of osteoclasts, cells that break down bone. We report that ABL kinases promoted metastasis of breast cancer cells to bone by regulating the crosstalk between tumor cells and the bone microenvironment. ABL kinases protected tumor cells from apoptosis induced by TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand), activated the transcription factor STAT5, and promoted osteolysis through the STAT5-dependent expression of genes encoding the osteoclast-activating factors interleukin-6 (IL-6) and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1). Furthermore, in breast cancer cells, ABL kinases increased the abundance of the Hippo pathway mediator TAZ and the expression of TAZ-dependent target genes that promote bone metastasis. Knockdown of ABL kinases or treatment with ABL-specific allosteric inhibitor impaired osteolytic metastasis of breast cancer cells in mice. These findings revealed a role for ABL kinases in regulating tumor-bone interactions and provide a rationale for using ABL-specific inhibitors to limit breast cancer metastasis to bone.
Men Who have Sex with Men Who Believe that Their State has a HIV Criminal Law Report Higher Condomless Anal Sex than Those Who are Unsure of the Law in Their State

We assessed the effects of beliefs about state HIV criminal law on condomless anal sex (CAS < 3 months) among men who have sex with men (MSM) residing in 16 US states (n = 2013; M = 36 years old; 75 % White; 82 % HIV-negative) completing an online survey in 2010 and stratified by residency in a state with any or sex-specific HIV criminal law(s) or where a HIV-related arrest, prosecution, or sentence enhancement (APSE) had occurred. Three-quarters of MSM reported that they were unsure of the law in their state. Men who believed there was a HIV law in their state but lived in states without any or a sex-specific HIV criminal law(s) had higher probabilities of CAS compared to those who were unsure of their state’s law; men who believed there was a HIV law in their state and lived in a state where an APSE had occurred had higher probabilities of CAS compared to those who were unsure of their state’s law. Correct knowledge of state law was not associated with CAS. Findings suggest that HIV criminal laws have little or counter-productive effects on MSM’s risk behavior.
Serpentine Sinus—a Tract Leading Nowhere: Congenital Peripheral Dermal Tract

An unusual serpentine, peripheral, congenital dermal sinus tract in the foot of a white boy, twelve years old, was treated successfully by excision. An attempt has been made to recapitulate the processes that led to the formation of the tract. It is postulated that this tract could have arisen from a local defect on the surface of the limb that, with growth of the limb bud and proliferation of ectodermal elements, became invaginated to form a sinus. Rotation of the limb bud might then have twisted the sinus about the leg, producing the tortuous course observed in the patient reported here.
Burrow Sharing by Colonial Tuco-Tucos (Ctenomys sociabilis)

Preliminary studies indicate that the recently described colonial tuco-tuco ( Ctenomys sociabilis ) is social. As part of efforts to characterize the behavioral ecology of this species, we examined patterns of use of burrows by members of a free-living population of C. sociabilis located in southern Neuquen Province, Argentina. As many as five adults (one male, four females) were captured within a single colony (spatially distinct cluster of burrow entrances). Spatial relationships among eight adults from three colonies were monitored using radiotelemetry. Each animal was active in only a single colony. Within each colony, the areas used by different adults overlapped extensively ( X ≥ 68%) and all animals shared a single nest site. Collectively, these data indicate that a colony of C. sociabilis consists of a single burrow system that may be inhabited by multiple adults. We suggest that comparative analyses of C. sociabilis and other colonial taxa (e.g., colonial African mole-rats; Bathyergidae) will significantly improve our understanding of the factors favoring sociality among subterranean rodents.
Barium Titanium Alkoxides for Barium Titanates: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications

Several new crystalline bimetallic alkoxide precursors for barium titanates processing have been prepared: {[Ba(Solv)2]2[Ti(OAr)6]2} (1) (Solv = coordinated solvent molecule, Ar = aryl group), [Ba(CH2OHCH2OH)4(H20)][Ti(OCH2CH2O)3] (2), Ba[Ti2(OR)9]2 (3) (R = methyl, ethyl, and n-propyl), and [Ba(BzOH)Ti2O(OBz)8]2 (4) (Bz = benzyl). These precursors have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, NMR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Compound 1 is well-suited for sol-gel processing of BaTiO3 powders and thin films under a variety of conditions. The facile preparation of 2 using relatively inexpensive starting materials makes it a viable alternative for the synthesis of BaTiO3 fine powders. Both compounds 3 and 4 are fairly moisture-sensitive; hydrolysis of these precursors under acidic conditions affords the formation of gels instead of precipitates. The reactivity of 3 toward hydrolysis can be tailored by varying the alkyl group.
Repair of Intraoperative Injury to the Medial Collateral Ligament During Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background: Optimal treatment for intraoperative injury to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) during primary total knee arthroplasty remains controversial. While some advocate primary ligament repair and a period of bracing, others suggest conversion to a knee prosthesis with increased intrinsic constraint. The purpose of this study was to characterize the outcomes of primary repair followed by bracing. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive primary total knee arthroplasties to identify patients with intraoperative MCL laceration or avulsion treated with primary repair. Midsubstance lacerations were treated with end-to-end suture repair, whereas a screw-and-washer construct, suture, and/or suture anchors were used for reattachment of avulsions. All patients were instructed to wear an unlocked hinged knee brace for six weeks postoperatively. Patients were evaluated at a minimum of two years postoperatively for evidence of instability or other modes of failure and complications. Results: An intraoperative MCL injury occurred during forty-eight (1.2%) of the 3922 total knee arthroplasties that had been performed. One patient died less than two years postoperatively, one was lost to follow-up, and one underwent an intraoperative conversion to a constrained total knee arthroplasty, leaving forty-five total knee arthroplasties available for study. There were twenty-four midsubstance lacerations and twenty-one avulsions; thirty-five of these injuries occurred during a cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty and ten, during a posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty. At a mean of ninety-nine months (range, twenty-four to 214 months), there were no symptoms or physical examination findings of instability. The mean Hospital for Special Surgery knee score increased from 47 preoperatively to 85 at the time of follow-up (p < 0.001). Five knees required intervention for stiffness (four manipulations and one revision), and two required revision for aseptic loosening. Conclusions: Our results suggest that intraoperative MCL injury can be treated with primary repair followed by hinged knee bracing without the need for increased prosthetic constraint. Stiffness, however, was a common complication. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Stressors and development: a reciprocal relationship.

Of the many factors that influence stress responses in young people, stage of development has a place of particular importance. This is not a one-way str8et, however, because stressors also affect levels of development. This article explores certain aspects of this reciprocal relationship. For purposes here, we use the term stressor to include anything that is stressful, and do not differentiate trauma, deprivation, or loss. We examine several lines of development and their use in understanding, predicting, and, by extension, treating both internal stress and external responses.
Approximation by Smooth Functions

This chapter explains that many functions are closely approximated by smooth functions, meaning functions whose derivatives of all orders exist. The approximation technology is the convolution, essentially integration against a tall, narrow pulse. Having discussed approximation by convolution, we may freely assume from now on that our functions are smooth.
An Interactive Videodisc and Laboratory Instructional Approach in a High School Science Class

AbstractFindings from a study conducted at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln indicated an interactive videodisc science lesson could be successfully sequenced with the traditional laboratory approach to teach high school students titration in a classroom setting. There were no significant differences between the achievement and attitude scores of students who used the interactive videodisc lesson first and then conducted the laboratory experiment and the scores of students who reversed the sequence. However, observational data showed students who used the interactive videodisc first were more efficient in conducting the lab experiment than students who first conducted the experiment in the lab.
Mechanics without mechanisms

Abstract At the time of Heinrich Hertz's premature death in 1894, he was regarded as one of the leading scientists of his generation. However, the posthumous publication of his treatise in the foundations of physics, Principles of Mechanics, presents a curious historical situation. Although Hertz's book was widely praised and admired, it was also met with a general sense of dissatisfaction. Almost all of Hertz's contemporaries criticized Principles for the lack of any plausible way to construct a mechanism from the “hidden masses” that are particularly characteristic of Hertz's framework. This issue seemed especially glaring given the expectation that Hertz's work might lead to a model of the underlying workings of the ether. In this paper I seek an explanation for why Hertz seemed so unperturbed by the difficulties of constructing such a mechanism. In arriving at this explanation, I explore how the development of Hertz's image-theory of representation framed the project of Principles. The image-theory brings with it an austere view of the “essential content” of mechanics, only requiring a kind of structural isomorphism between symbolic representations and target phenomena. I argue that bringing this into view makes clear why Hertz felt no need to work out the kinds of mechanisms that many of his readers looked for. Furthermore, I argue that a crucial role of Hertz's hypothesis of hidden masses has been widely overlooked. Far from acting as a proposal for the underlying structure of the ether, I show that Hertz's hypothesis ruled out knowledge of such underlying structure.
Effectiveness and Safety of Non-vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants for Atrial Fibrillation and Venous Thromboembolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analyses

Abstract Purpose The findings from the observational studies comparing the effectiveness and safety of non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) versus vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are inconsistent. We conducted separate meta-analyses examining the efficacy/effectiveness and safety of NOACs versus VKAs by disease (AF vs VTE), study design (randomized controlled trials [RCTs] vs observational studies), and NOAC (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban). Methods The main data sources included PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Scopus from January 1, 2005, to February 15, 2016. We searched for Phase III RCTs and observational studies comparing NOACs versus VKAs. The primary outcomes were stroke/systemic embolism (SE) for AF; recurrent VTE/fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) for VTE; and major bleeding for both conditions. Secondary outcomes included stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) for AF, recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/PE for VTE, and mortality, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and gastrointestinal bleeding for both conditions. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) were reported by using inverse variance–weighted random effects models. Findings A total of 13 RCTs and 27 observational studies (AF, n = 32; VTE, n = 8) were included. For AF, dabigatran and VKAs were comparable for stroke/SE risk in 1 RCT (HR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.57–1.03]) and 6 observational studies (HR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.83–1.27]). Rivaroxaban had a 20% decreased risk of stroke/SE in 3 RCTs (HR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.67–0.95]) compared with VKA, but the effect was nonsignificant in 3 observational studies (HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.59–1.04]). Apixaban decreased stroke/systemic embolism risk (HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.66–0.95]) compared with VKA in 1 RCT, but edoxaban was comparable to VKA (HR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.77–1.28]) in 1 RCT (no observational studies available for apixaban/edoxaban). Dabigatran, apixaban, and edoxaban decreased the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, mortality, major bleeding, and ICH by 10% to 71% compared with VKAs but not rivaroxaban. For VTE, NOACs and VKAs were comparable for recurrent VTE/fatal PE/DVT/PE risk in 7 RCTs and 1 observational study. The 7 RCTs demonstrated a 32% to 69% decreased risk of major bleeding for dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban compared with VKAs. No difference was shown in 1 rivaroxaban observational study (HR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.40–1.49]) and 1 edoxaban RCT (HR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.59–1.20]). Except for dabigatran, the NOACs had a 61% to 86% decreased risk of ICH and gastrointestinal bleeding. Implications Overall, NOACs were comparable or superior to VKAs. Although no observational studies are currently available for apixaban/edoxaban, a few notable inconsistencies exist for dabigatran (ischemic stroke, MI) and rivaroxaban (stroke/SE, major bleeding in VTE) between RCTs and observational studies. Individualizing NOAC/VKA therapy based on benefit/safety profiles and patient characteristics is suggested.
Neural Coding of Green Flash in Retinal Bipolar Pathways

What visual information do the graded potentials among retinal bipolar pathways actually transmit from photoreceptors to ganglion cells? The answer does not exist. Even the graded electric signals have not been understood completely. Here, this paper tries to analyze the encoding mechanisms of graded signals among the parallel bipolar pathways in response to brief green flash. The typical ON, OFF and ON-OFF bipolar cells simultaneously abstracted vectors from green flash stimulus with sine-like functions on their dendritic plane. Atypical bipolar cell had the synchronously monopolar response in contrast to the bipolar responses of typical bipolar cells, they also annotated green flash with facilitated stochastic (asynchronous and rate-coded) responses. Some complex ON-OFF bipolar cells with large voltage-gated Na+ current could generate high-frequent asynchronous responses, others had synchronous ON-OFF responses to green flash. The green flash was synchronously and asynchronously represented by the multiple-dimension signaling space among the parallel bipolar pathways. These results unraveled the multiple-dimension neural codes for brief green flash, demonstrated the superior encoding capability of parallel bipolar pathways, and suggested the electrophysiological mechanisms of vision such as color space.
Evaluation of an abbreviated screening MRI protocol for patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma

In this study, we compare an abbreviated screening MRI protocol (aMRI), utilizing only dynamic contrast-enhanced images, to a conventional liver MRI (cMRI) for the characterization of observations in at-risk patients. 164 consecutive HCC screening MRIs were retrospectively analyzed. Two sets of de-identified image sets were created: one with all acquired sequences including T2- and diffusion-weighted sequences (cMRI), and one with only T1-weighted precontrast and dynamic post-contrast images utilizing an extracellular gadolinium contrast agent (aMRI). Three readers assigned a LI-RADS score based on the lesion with the highest LI-RADS category using the aMRI and cMRI datasets during separate reads. There was no change between the aMRI and cMRI LI-RADS categorization in 93%, 96%, and 96% of cases for readers 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In the majority of the discrepant cases, the score increased from LI-RADS 3 to LI-RADS 4 due to the presence of ancillary features on T2 and DWI. Kappa values for interobserver variability demonstrated fair-to-moderate LI-RADS agreement among the 3 readers. There was strong agreement between the abbreviated T1-only MRI protocol and a full liver MRI, with only 5% of cases changing LI-RADS categorization due to the inclusion of T2 and DWI. The estimated time to run this abbreviated MRI is approximately 7–10 min, possibly allowing for a more cost-effective screening MRI than our cMRIs.
The Use of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A in Aesthetics: Key Clinical Postulates.

BACKGROUNDThe most common aesthetic procedure performed worldwide is the injection of botulinum neurotoxin Type A (BoNT-A). Aesthetic providers must fully comprehend the objective scientific data, theoretical mechanisms of action, and differences between brands of BoNT-A.OBJECTIVETo determine and re
Managing Goal Conflict in Public Service Delivery Networks: Does Accountability Move Up and Down, or Side to Side?

ABSTRACTGoal conflict is one of the greatest challenges to effective public service delivery networks. Scholars offer management prescriptions, but to what extent can a diverse set of network actors be managed? Data from a comparative case study approach suggest that informal accountability forces play a greater role than formal authority in preventing and mitigating goal conflict. Goal conflict appears to be weakest when network administrative organizations are responsible for both vertical network management and direct service delivery. In terms of reducing goal conflict, networks that manage both vertically and horizontally may be best equipped to achieve goal congruence.
A deeper look at the causes of hospital readmissions

The US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) penalizes hospitals that readmit patients within 30 days for several diagnoses. Hospitals argue that readmissions are driven by the nature of populations served. Traditional statistical analyses support this assertion. In this article, we show that a deeper analysis, using clustering, provides a richer and more nuanced explanation of readmissions. Specifically, while patient population is a significant factor, the effectiveness of care and patient satisfaction are also contributors. Hospitals that invest in improving effectiveness and satisfaction should be able to lower readmission rates.
The Worker–Client Relationship: A General Systems Perspective:

The worker–client relationship is examined from two distinct general systems perspectives. The author contends that the social work profession has adopted the more traditional of these perspectives...