cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling, Force Sensing, and Control of Flexible Cannulas for Microstent Delivery

This paper presents a kinetostatic modeling framework for flexible cannulas (concentric tubing robots) subject to tip loads. Unlike existing methods that allow fast computation of the beam tip position, this modeling framework provides fast computation of both the tip position and the entire shape of the deflected robot. A method for online force sensing based on inverse kinetostatic solution is also proposed and assistive telemanipulation control methods for microstent delivery are presented. The modeling framework uses polynomial approximation and linear interpolation based on elliptic integral solutions to the deflection of lightweight beams. To date, there are no systems capable of stent delivery in retinal vasculature. The modeling and control frameworks of this paper are validated experimentally on pilot studies for microstent delivery. We believe that the methods presented in this paper open the way for robot-assisted retinal microvascular stenting that may potentially revolutionize the treatment of blinding retinal vasculature diseases.
Genetic Evidence for an Interaction between Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Matrix and α-Helix 2 of the gp41 Cytoplasmic Tail

The incorporation of envelope (Env) glycoproteins into virions is an essential step in the retroviral replication cycle. Lentiviruses, including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), encode Env glycoproteins with unusually long cytoplasmic tails, the functions of which have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we examine the effects on virus replication of a number of mutations in a helical motif (α-helix 2) located near the center of the HIV-1 gp41 cytoplasmic tail. We find that, in T-cell lines, small deletions in this domain disrupt the incorporation of Env glycoproteins into virions and markedly impair virus infectivity. Through the analysis of viral revertants, we demonstrate that a single amino acid change (34VI) in the matrix domain of Gag reverses the Env incorporation and infectivity defect imposed by a small deletion near the C terminus of α-helix 2. These results provide genetic evidence, in the context of infected T cells, for an interaction between HIV-1 matrix and the gp41 cytoplasmic tail and identify domains of both proteins involved in this putative interaction.
Rheology behavior of sulfonate functional Colloidal Unimolecular Polymer (CUP) particles

Abstract Colloidal Unimolecular Polymer (CUP) particles were prepared by water-reduction of copolymers of methyl-methacrylate and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid. Absence of additives like surfactant or emulsifier, easy synthesis and controllable particle size in the true-nano region (diameter 3–9 nm) make the CUP systems an excellent material to study the electro-viscous effects and the effect of surface water on the rheological behavior of charged nanopolymers. In the dilute concentration regime (volume fraction 3 − )-CUPs increased with increasing molecular weight or surface charge density of the CUP particles. The SO 3 − -CUPs had a thicker and a denser surface water layer than the carboxylate (CO 2 − ) functional CUPs.
Ba14Zn5−xAl22+x: a new polar intermetallic compound with a novel 2D network

Abstract A new ternary, intermetallic compound, Ba 14 Zn 5− x Al 22+ x , was synthesized by heating the pure elements at 900°C. This compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group I 2/ m , Z =2, with a =10.474(2) A, b =6.0834(14) A, c =34.697(8) A and β =90.814(4)°. The crystal structure of Ba 14 Zn 5− x Al 22+ x consists of [Zn 5− x Al 22+ x ] slabs that are built with a novel, two-dimensional (2D) network of Zn and Al atoms involving eight-membered rings sandwiched between two layers of trigonal bipyramids interconnected by three-center bonding. Tight-binding, linear muffin–tin orbital (TB-LMTO-ASA) calculations have been performed to understand the relationship between composition and orbital interactions in the electronegative element framework. This new structure is closely related to the high-pressure, cubic Laves-type structure of BaAl 2 as well as the ambient pressure binary compound, Ba 7 Al 13 . The degree of valence electron charge transfer from the electropositive Ba atoms is related to the Al:Ba molar ratio in the Ba–Zn–Al system.
Substrate Induced Pre-tilt in Hybrid Liquid Crystal/Inorganic Photorefractives

We report on the photorefractive properties of nematic liquid crystals sandwiched between windows of cerium doped strontium barium niobate (Ce:SBN). Unlike simple glass substrates, the Ce:SBN induces molecular pre-tilts that generate electric dipole moments in the liquid crystal through the flexoelectric effect. This enables the liquid crystal to become sensitive to the sign of the space-charge field and leads to an increase in the optical amplification when the cell thickness is decreased.
Spin dynamics and magnetic resonance in two-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnets.

High-temperature expansions are calculated and extrapolated to yield estimates of low-order time derivatives of one- and two-point dynamic correlations in the {ital S}=1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet. Taking this model to describe the spin correlations in Y-Ba-Cu-O, spin-lattice relaxation rates ({ital T}{sub 1}{sup {minus}1}) for Y and planar Cu and O nuclei are estimated by means of Moriya's Gaussian approximation. For Y and O, ({ital T}{sub 1}{ital T}){sup {minus}1} exhibits a broad plateau in the range 0.7{lt}{ital T}/{ital J}{lt}1.5, and in that interval their Korringa ratios are also nearly constant, being 0.25 and 1.1 times the free-electron value, respectively.
The Retinoblastoma Protein: A Master Regulator of Cell Cycle, Differentiation and Apoptosis

The retinoblastoma susceptibility gene is a tumour suppressor and its product retinoblastoma protein (pRb) has been known for 10 years as a repressor of progression towards S phase. Its major activity was supposed to be sequestration or inactivation of the transcription factor E2F which is required for activation of S phase genes. However, within recent years growing evidence has been accumulating for a more general function of pRb at both the transcriptional level and the cellular level. pRb not only regulates the activity of certain protein-encoding genes but also the activity of RNA polymerase pol I and pol III transcription. This protein appears to be the major player in a regulatory circuit in the late G1 phase, the so-called restriction point. Moreover, it is involved in regulating an elusive switch point between cell cycle, differentiation and apoptosis. Here, it seems to cooperate with another major tumour suppressor, p53. Thus, pRb sits at the interface of the most important cell-regulatory processes and therefore deserves close attention by specialists from different fields of research. This review provides an introduction to the complex functions of pRb.
Bioceramics in Total Hip Arthoplasty: Hydroxyapatite Coating

Our objective is to describe the use of hydroxyapatite coatings in total hip arthroplasty. Hydroxyapatite enhances bone ingrowth and provides for a durable and lasting construct. The femoral component has performed well at 15-year minimum follow-up, with aseptic revision rates routinely less than 1%. Initial results on the acetabular side were disappointing. However, after redesign, a second-generation arc-deposited hydroxyapatite-coated cup is performing well at 4- to 7-year follow-up. Hydroxyapatite-coated implants have also been used successfully in the revision setting. Future applications include the use of hydroxyapatite coating as a means of delivering bone-enhancing drugs such as the bisphosphonates.
90Y in the core-coupling model

Abstract The low-lying levels and wave functions of 90 Y are calculated using the core-coupling model. The 89 Y and 89 Sr spectra are first calculated using the model developed by Thankappan and True. In this model the 0 + ground state and 2 + first excited state of 88 Sr are coupled to single-particle proton or neutron states. These model interactions are then used as a basis for the Hamiltonian of 90 Y. A zero-range proton-neutron interaction is also included in the Hamiltonian for 90 Y. The calculated energy levels of 90 Y and spectroscopic factors for the 89 Y(d, p) 90 Y reaction are found to be in good agreement with experimental data. The ten states calculated from the ground state doublet 2 − and 3 − states combining with the 2 + core state are found to have an interesting behavior. For each doublet state quintet, the lowest allowable spin state, 0 − or 1 − , is pushed up about 1 MeV in energy compared to the other four possible spin states.
Cucumber mosaic virus in globe artichoke in Turkey

AbstractA survey was conducted to identify viruses infecting globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus (L.) Hayek) in the most important globe artichoke-producing areas of Turkey. A total of 120 globe artichoke samples were collected from three provinces of the Aegean region in western Turkey. Samples were tested by DAS-ELISA, RT-PCR and mechanical inoculation onto indicator plants. Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was detected in five of the samples tested. Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) were not detected in the remaining 115 samples. In RT-PCR, amplicons of the expected size (about 540 bp) were obtained from symptomatic plants that were CMV-positive in DAS-ELISA. The sequenced 5 PCR products covering the partial CP gene revealed 99% identities at the nucleotide level with those CMV isolates. When inoculated with sap from symptomatic artichoke leaves, selected test plants developed the symptoms that are typical of CMV infection. This is the first record of CMV inf...
A home for Bambiraptor.

There were several omissions in Constance Holden's News of the Week article about the “ Bambiraptor ” conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on dinosaur bird evolution (“Florida meeting shows perils, promise of dealing for dinos,” 14 Apr., p. [238][1]). The specimen of Bambiraptor feinbergi , a birdlike dinosaur collected in Montana, does not yet have a permanent home in a public museum, contrary to what is implied in the article. That is certainly the hope of the directorate of the Graves Museum in Dania Beach, Florida, which hosted the event, as well as of the professional paleontologists who attended the conference. Graves Museum officials arranged the private purchase of the specimen with the laudable stipulation that it would be donated to a public museum. However, because the specimen is still privately owned, its publication ([1][2]) is problematic for many paleontologists. The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, for example, has an ethics statement opposed to the commercial sale of important vertebrate fossils and will not publish in its journal any specimens not in the public trust. The ambiguous status of Bambiraptor caused a number of professional paleontologists to decline to attend the meeting. The specimen in question was excavated and sold by then-amateur collectors. Some parts of the skull and other bones of the skeleton were severely damaged ([1][2]). Consequently, it is difficult to tell by comparisons whether this is a juvenile specimen of a new taxon or of a taxon that is already known. The precise systematic position of the specimen was not discussed in its description ([1][2]), nor was its relevance to bird origins, the origin of flight, or other larger questions advertised in the meeting's publicity. Because the specimen is mounted in a restored position, it is difficult to study the original material, or to tell what is original, what is restored, and what it has to tell us apart from its description ([1][2]), which was mute on these issues. Local museums should flourish and bring culture to every corner of the world. But professional paleontologists and commercial collectors remain strange bedfellows. Neither the public nor the national heritage will be served by publicizing specimens that are not collected, reposited, and documented according to the standards of professional science. 1. [↵][3]1. D. A. Burnham 2. et al. , Univ. Kans. Paleontol. Contrib. 13(1), (2000). [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.288.5464.238a [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text"
Zhuangzi the Poet: Re-Reading the Peng Bird Image

The image of the Peng bird, which opens the Zhuangzi text, is not the product of metaphysical reasoning. An inspiring example of soaring up and going beyond, the image is used to broaden the outlook of the small mind; its function is thus more therapeutic than instructional. With its rich poetic and experiential content, the image of the Peng refuses to be reduced to an abstract concept, or a mere signifier of certain philosophical position. Misreading of the image results from any attempt to accurately “size up” its philosophical implication by measuring it quantitatively against a spectrum of positions and values. To see only the superficial “inconsistencies” in Zhuangzi’s argument and to read the wind under the Peng’s wings as a handicap that it needs to overcome in order to embark on its “free and easy wandering” is, in the name of logic and “consistency,” to ignore the big picture Zhuangzi presents.
A rapid assay for actin-associated high-affinity cytochalasin binding sites based on isoelectric precipitation of soluble protein☆

Abstract When protein from a red cell ghost extract precipitates in the presence of [3H]dihydrocytochalasin B (a drug which inhibits cell motility in many eucaryotic cells), it carries along with it a saturable amount of the labeled drug. This phenomenon, which probably reflects the isoelectric precipitation of the cytochalasin: receptor complex, occurs at around pH 5, is independent of the type of acid used to adjust the pH, and is inhibited by high salt concentrations and by pretreatment of extract protein with chymotrypsin. A simple, rapid, and quantitative assay based on the isoelectric precipitation reaction has been devised. This assay was used to demonstrate the presence of actin-associated high-affinity binding sites for dihydrocytochalasin B in extracts of a variety of eucaryotic cells.
PS3-13: Re-Identification Risk Associated with Sharing Linked Genomic and Phenotypic Data from the Kaiser Permanente Research Program on Genes, Environment and Health (RPGEH)

Background/Aims It is now understood that conventional de-identification methods such as the HIPAA Safe Harbor standard do not guarantee anonymity of patient records, which may be vulnerable to a variety of attacks aimed at re-identifying confidential information. We present an analytic framework for evaluating these risks quantitatively in order to be able to explicitly balance privacy and scientific utility. As a concrete example, we examine implications for patient privacy of plans to deposit over 70,000 full-genome genotypes and associated clinical data in the dbGaP federally-managed data repository, as a component of a NIH-funded study conducted by the Research Program on Genes, Environment, and Health (RPGEH) at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research (KPNC DOR). Risks are examined from multiple perspectives and risk reduction strategies discussed.
Lasers In Biology And Medicine

Laser applications in biology and medicine covering surgery, ophthalmology, microorganisms, viruses, tissue culture, tumor eradication, radiation hazards, etc
The competitive NMDA antagonist CPP blocks MK-801-elicited popping behavior in mice.

In the current investigation, the ability of CPP (3-(2-carboxypiperazine-4-yl) propyl-1-phosphate) to elicit mouse popping behavior in a manner similar to that of MK-801 was studied. Unlike MK-801, CPP (3.2–32 mg/kg) did not elicit any popping. The data show that a reduction in NMDA-mediated neural transmission alone is not sufficient to elicit popping behavior in mice. Moreover, pretreatment of mice with CPP attenuated MK-801's ability to elicit popping. These results suggest that popping requires the channel to be in the “active”, or open, configuration and that it depends on MK-801's access and binding to its unique site in the hydrophobic channel domain.
The evolution of antiviral therapy for external ocular viral infections over twenty-five years.

Purpose To review the past 25 years of the evolution of antiviral therapy for the treatment of common external ocular viral infections (herpes simplex virus type 1, varicella-zoster virus, and adenovirus). Methods A broad-based literature review in the fields of virology, antiviral research, and ophthalmology will be carried out. The pathogenesis of the major external ocular viral infections and history of antiviral development will be cited. Important conceptual breakthroughs as well as historical landmarks will be emphasized. Results The successful development of effective antivirals to treat the most common external ocular viral infections have dramatically reduced morbidity and sight loss. The immune pathogenesis of herpetic stromal keratitis is better understood. Conclusions Remarkable progress in the development of antiviral therapy has occurred over the past quarter century. Future needs include improved antivirals and immunomodulators and vaccines to prevent and treat herpetic ocular infections and adenovirus keratoconjunctivitis.
Management of Evacuee Ingress during Disasters: Identifying the Determinants of Local Government Capacity and Preparedness

Evacuations on a large scale are complex and difficult enterprises. While facilitating the egress, or removal, of people from a hazardous incident site is a major challenge, accommodating a wide range of evacuee needs as they temporarily shelter away from their homes is an equally significant challenge. However, the ingress dimension of evacuations is not as well studied nor understood as its more familiar counterpart. This paper addresses several basic questions about community capacity and preparedness for hosting large numbers of evacuees as the result of disaster incidents. Using evaluations made by local government officials, the analysis presented here indicates reported hosting capacity of evacuees on a large scale is related in part to aspects of the built environment and to geographic effects. Likewise, indicators of local government evacuation preparedness for evacuations generally and evacuation ingress specifically are related to aspects of community hazard vulnerability and administrative capacity. These findings provide a basis for future work investigating other critical dimensions of evacuation ingress management.
Exploring Novel Immune-Related Toxicities and Endpoints with Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Because of dramatic tumor regressions reported with the anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) and anti-programmed death ligand-1 (PDL-1) antibodies inhibiting the PD-1 immune checkpoint, non-small cell lu...
Modulation of HLA antigens in response to the binding of epidermal growth factor by A431 cells

Abstract In a previous study [(1984) J. Cell Biol. 98, 725–731] we showed that the level of human MHC, HLA antigens on A431 carcinoma cells is reduced after these cells bind epidermal growth factor (EGF). Here we use flow cytometry to determine the effects of various doses and times of EGF treatment on HLA expression. We then show that the reduction in HLA expression is associated with a reduction in the level of phosphorylation of immunoprecipitable surface HLA antigens, although longer exposure of cells with EGF increased both surface HLA expression and their phosphorylation levels. Lateral diffusion of HLA antigens is lower in EGF-treated than in control cells. The lower diffusion coefficients measured may be causally related to the decreased phosphorylation of HLA antigens.
Well, “Technically” it is communicating: An ethical critique of a Celebrex© Ad

Direct-to-Consumer Advertising (DTCA) of prescription medications has been criticized from many sources for many reasons since it became permissible. This article critiques ethically and rhetorically a particularly egregious example of failed and flawed communication, concerning the drug Celebrex©. This particular television advertisement from 2005 presents conflicting messages of health and contentment coupled with risk and danger. Ethically, however, the textual message about risk and danger is practically incomprehensible, almost as though not meant to be grasped by the public consumer audience, even though this information is of vital importance in making prudent choices about the use of this medication.
Correlation of Ash Layers in Peat Bogs of Eastern Oregon

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was used to correlate volcanic ash layers in several peat bogs in eastern Oregon. The concentration of 19 elements in glass separates from most of the ash layers indicates correlation with Mazama pumice sampled near Crater Lake, Oregon. Radiocarbon dates of the peat also verify the ash as Mazama. The ash is 18 cm thick at a distance of 450 km from the source. Two other ash layers, one ∼2,775 yr B.P. and one >9,640 yr B.P., occur in bogs of northeastern Oregon.
Cyclic AMP and sympathetic neuronal programmed cell death

The survival and proper functioning of sympathetic neurons are dependent on nerve growth factor (NGF). When immature sympathetic neurons are deprived of NGF, they undergo an 'active' dying process usually termed 'programmed cell death' or 'apoptosis'. This trophic factor dependence is age-related such that the cells become less dependent on NGF as they mature. Removal of NGF in immature cultures, which triggered the process of programmed cell death, resulted in a significant decrease of intracellular cAMP levels. In contrast, when these cells matured in culture and became relatively NGF independent, NGF withdrawal did not lead to a drop of cAMP levels. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a naturally occurring bioactive peptide structurally similar to VIP, could increase cAMP levels in these sympathetic neurons, and delay neuronal cell death resulting from NGF deprivation. These results suggest that PACAP may serve as a neurotrophic factor in sympathetic neurons.
Remodelling of a homeobox gene cluster by multiple independent gene reunions in Drosophila

Genome clustering of homeobox genes is often thought to reflect arrangements of tandem gene duplicates maintained by advantageous coordinated gene regulation. Here we analyse the chromosomal organization of the NK homeobox genes, presumed to be part of a single cluster in the Bilaterian ancestor, across 20 arthropods. We find that the ProtoNK cluster was extensively fragmented in some lineages, showing that NK clustering in Drosophila species does not reflect selectively maintained gene arrangements. More importantly, the arrangement of NK and neighbouring genes across the phylogeny supports that, in two instances within the Drosophila genus, some cluster remnants became reunited via large-scale chromosomal rearrangements. Simulated scenarios of chromosome evolution indicate that these reunion events are unlikely unless the genome neighbourhoods harbouring the participating genes tend to colocalize in the nucleus. Our results underscore how mechanisms other than tandem gene duplication can result in paralogous gene clustering during genome evolution.
Opinion paper: docster – instant document delivery

Explores the possibility of using docster, a bibliographic management tool for file sharing. Instead of just citations, docster stores the files themselves and retains a connection between the citation metadata and each corresponding file.
Trait elaboration via adaptive mate choice: sexual conflict in the evolution of signals of male quality

Honest advertisement models of sexual selection have been widely discussed as hypotheses for the evolution of ornament traits but, as previously formulated, these models lack a mechanism for the elaboration of display characters. I propose that female demand for display characters that reliably signal male quality leads to selection for male strategies to express these display characters independent of quality. The result can be an evolutionary race leading to the elaboration of male characters while maintaining a correlation between character expression and male quality. Extreme elaboration of display traits will occur only if males are able to adopt strategies that reduce the cost of character expression; otherwise, simple or moderately elaborated traits can remain reliable indicators of male quality indefinitely. Several display traits such as pheromone signals and carotenoid pigmentation of the integument are often found with associated structures that may have evolved through sexual conflict of interest.
Cost-effectiveness versus cost-utility analysis of interventions for cancer: does adjusting for health-related quality of life really matter?

Abstract Objective The US Public Health Service Panel on Cost-Effectiveness has recommended the use of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) as the best way to estimate outcomes in a cost-effectiveness analysis. We evaluate the importance of this recommendation by assessing whether adjusting for health-related quality of life affects the ultimate resource allocation decision implied by the cost-effectiveness ratio for interventions aimed at cancer prevention and control. Methods We identified 110 interventions in 39 articles for which both cost/life-year and cost/QALY were reported. Interventions were forms of prevention, early detection, or treatment of cancer. We calculated a Spearman correlation to assess the ordinal relationship between cost/life-year and cost/QALY. In addition, we employed various decision thresholds to assess whether the use of cost/life-year would yield different resource allocation decisions than the use of cost/QALY. Results The correlation between cost/life-year and cost/QALY is 0.96 ( P Conclusions For interventions aimed at cancer, the outcome measures of cost/life-year and cost/QALY are highly correlated with one another. Although adjusting for quality of life can make an important difference in the evaluation of alternative approaches to cancer prevention and control, it often does not.
Spatial arrangement of odor sources modifies the temporal aspects of crayfish search strategies.

In natural habitats, animals encounter cues from multiple odor sources that may impact foraging decisions. Previous work has focused on ori- entation behavior to one food odor source, and does not distinguish between mechanosensory and chemosensory guidance of orientation. The present study investigated how the spatial distribution of two food cues affects crayfish orien- tation behavior. Crayfish, Orconectes virilis, were presented with odor sources that were separated in an artificial stream. Orientation behavior was filmed from above and digitized at a rate of 1 frame per sec. Electrochemical recordings were taken to characterize the odor plume, and an acoustic doppler velocimeter was used to characterize the hydrodynamic structure of the artificial stream. Tem- poral changes in odor plume structure were seen as a result of the positioning of the odor sources. Changes in the intermittency of the odor pulses as well as concentration, rise time, and slope of the pulse were observed. Time series analysis showed that the lower frequency signals of the dual odor source were higher in energy than the single 1X or single 2X sources. Crayfish altered ori- entation strategies when presented with different spatial arrangements of food cues. In particular, the temporal aspects of the orientation pattern were most altered by the differences in odor presentations. Crayfish responded with faster walking speeds as a function of distance to the odor source and exhibited more consistent turning angles. This correlates with temporal changes in odor struc- ture, and indicates that the temporal pattern of odor stimulation may be driving the temporal pattern of behavior. Key Words—Orientation strategies, Orconectes virilis, hydrodynamics, odor plumes structure, temporal and spatial search strategies.
A noncontextualist account of contextualist linguistic data

The paper takes as its starting point the observation that people can be led to retract knowledge claims when presented with previously ignored error possibilities, but offers a noncontextualist explanation of the data. Fallibilist epistemologies are committed to the existence of two kinds of Kp-falsifying contingencies: (i) Non-Ignorable contingencies [NI-contingencies] and (ii) Properly-Ignorable contingencies [PI-contingencies]. For S to know that p, S must be in an epistemic position to rule out all NI-contingencies, but she need not be able to rule out the PI-contingencies. What is required vis-a-vis PI-contingencies is that they all be false. In mentioning PI-contingencies, an interlocutor can lead S mistakenly to think that these contingencies are NI-contingencies, when in fact they are not. Since S cannot rule out these newly mentioned contingencies and since she mistakenly takes them to be NI-contingencies, it is quite natural that she retract her earlier knowledge claim. In short, mentioning NI-contingencies creates a distortion effect. It makes S think that the standards for knowledge are higher than they actually are, which in turn explains why she mistakenly thinks she lacks knowledge. Conclusion: The primary linguistic data offered in support of contextualism can be explained without resorting to contextualism.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of amantadine, propranolol, and their combination for the treatment of cocaine dependence in patients with severe cocaine withdrawal symptoms.

Abstract Background This trial evaluated the efficacy of amantadine, propranolol and their combination in cocaine dependent patients with severe cocaine withdrawal symptoms. Methods Cocaine withdrawal symptom severity was measured by the cocaine selective severity assessment (CSSA). One hundred and ninety-nine patients with high scores on the CSSA participated in a 10-week double-blind trial. Patients were randomly assigned to receive amantadine (300 mg/day), propranolol (100 mg/day), a combination of amantadine (300 mg/day) and propranolol (100 mg/day) or matching placebo capsules. The primary outcome measure was cocaine abstinence. Results In the intent-to-treat sample, there were no significant differences between the four medication groups in treatment retention. The odds of cocaine abstinence showed a marginally significant increase over time in the propranolol group ( p = 0.06) but not in the other three groups. In highly medication-adherent patients, treatment retention was significantly better in the propranolol group compared to the placebo group ( p = 0.01) and the odds of cocaine abstinence increased significantly over time in the propranolol group but not in the other three groups. Conclusion In the intent-to-treat sample, none of the three active treatments (propranolol, amantadine or their combination) was significantly more effective than placebo in promoting abstinence from cocaine among patients who entered treatment with more severe cocaine withdrawal symptoms. Among patients highly adherent to study medication, propranolol treatment was associated with better treatment retention and higher rates of cocaine abstinence compared to placebo.
Biological Mechanisms Related to the Effectiveness of Guided Imagery for Chronic Pain

Specific aims of this pilot study were to (a) determine the effect of a guided imagery (GI) intervention over an 8-week period on pain and pain disability in a sample of persons with chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) and (b) analyze the mediating effects of neuroendocrine and neuroimmune functioning on the effectiveness of GI on outcome variables. A simple interrupted time-series design (12-week period) was used. GI was introduced at Week 4 and used daily by 25 participants for the remaining 8 weeks. Measures of pain and pain disability were obtained at the beginning of the study period and at six repeated 2-week intervals. Measures of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation (plasma cortisol), immune-mediated analgesia (lymphocyte subset counts and proliferation), and immune-mediated hyperalgesia (interleukin-1β) were obtained at the beginning of the study and at Week 11. Usual pain levels were lower after the introduction of GI at Week 4 (Wilks' λ = 52.31; df = 2, 22; p = .000). Pain disability levels were lower after the introduction of GI at Week 4 (Wilks' λ = 5.98; df = 6, 18; p = .001). Correlation coefficients between change scores of dependent variables and mediating variables were not significant. GI was effective in reducing pain intensity and pain disability over an 8-week period; however, the results did not support the expected effects of decreased HPA axis activation, improved immune-mediated analgesia, and reduced immune-mediated hyperalgesia in mediating these outcomes. These findings may be related to procedural and theoretical issues and limitations related to the study design.
Accelerated MDM2 auto‐degradation induced by DNA‐damage kinases is required for p53 activation

p53 activation prevents the proliferation of genetically unstable cells. Conversely, p53 antagonism by its transcriptional target, the E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2, is critical for the viability of unstressed, cycling cells. We demonstrate that MDM2 induces the degradation of p53 in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. As p53 and MDM2 accumulate in the nuclei of stressed cells, we investigated mechanisms enabling p53 activation despite the high MDM2 levels generated during a DNA-damage response. We show that DNA damage destabilized MDM2 by a mechanism involving damage-activated kinases and MDM2 auto-ubiquitination. p53 was stable and transcriptionally active when MDM2 was unstable, but became unstable and inactive as the damage response waned and MDM2 stabilized. Importantly, blocking MDM2 destabilization in DNA-damaged cells prevented p53 target gene activation. Our data reveal that controlled MDM2 degradation is an important new step in p53 regulation.
Hypersalinity enhances the production of extracellular polymeric substance (eps) in the texas brown tide alga, aureoumbra lagunensis (PELAGOPHYCEAE)

Laboratory experiments with batch cultures showed that the Texas brown tide alga, Aureoumbra lagunensis Stockwell, DeYoe, Hargraves et Johnson, produced a large amount of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) that formed an extracellular polysaccharide mucus layer. Both dissolved and particulate carbohydrate and EPS concentrations increased as A. lagunensis cultures progressed from exponential growth phase, through stationary phase, to declining phase. Particulate carbohydrate and EPS concentrations per cell were more than three times higher during the declining phase than that in exponential growth phase, reflecting a large increase in the EPS mucus layer. The amounts of carbohydrate and EPS produced by A. lagunensis were significantly higher under hypersaline conditions. The thicker EPS mucus layer surrounding A. lagunensis cells under hypersaline conditions might be a protective adaptation that permits it to bloom under hypersaline conditions that most other phytoplankton cannot survive. This could be one of the reasons why the Texas brown tide persisted in the Laguna Madre, an often hypersaline coastal lagoon, for 7 years.
Histoid lepromas of lepromatous leprosy.

: Histoid lepromas are a rare eruption in patients with lepromatous leprosy. A 59-year-old man from India with lepromatious leprosy who developed histoid lepromas and who was dapsone resistant was studied. These tumors resembled cutaneous metastases. This Indian man is to our knowledge the first patient to be reported with this rare disorder in the continental United States.
Understanding the impact of reconstruction on quality of life during the breast cancer survivorship period

RESULTS: The study included 174,471 patients with colon cancer and 37,789 patients with rectal cancer. For colon cancer, annual hospital case volume was less than 15 cases in 5.4%, 15-24 cases in 11.2%, 25-44 cases in 27.7%, and greater than or equal to 45 cases in 55.8%. For rectal cancer, hospital case volume was less than 15 cases in 5.1%, 15-24 cases in 10.6%, 25-44 cases in 26.9%, and greater than or equal to 45 cases in 57.4%. Lymph node evaluation and stage of disease in colon and rectal cancer was significantly affected by hospital volume (p 0.0001). However, hospital case volume was not found to be a significant predictor of mortality at five years.
AASK Why Is Left Ventricular Hypertrophy So Deleterious

See related article, p 518–525 Hypertension, kidney disease, and enlarged hearts have been intertwined since Richard Bright’s observations in the early 19th century.1 In recent decades, a sequence of epidemiological surveys have revealed that the black population is disproportionately burdened by hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and chronic progressive renal disease progressing to death, stroke, heart failure, and end-stage renal disease that requires renal replacement therapy, most often dialysis. Once clinical trials established the importance of reducing arterial pressure to prevent both fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular disease and progression of chronic kidney disease, it became imperative to define optimal antihypertensive drug therapy for the many blacks at risk for these diseases. Could any effective antihypertensive drug class do the job? Or would any 1 class, for example, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, be superior for reducing the disastrously high rate of fatal and nonfatal disease in blacks with hypertensive chronic renal disease, so many of whom had enlarged hearts (LVH) …
Prediction model of molten steel temperature in LF

In the smelting process of Ladle Furnace, the steel temperature affects the LF's operation and rhythm of steel-making process. Based on the idea of increasing model, a case based reasoning (CBR) based temperature prediction model is proposed in this paper. In order to minimize the severe nonlinear correlation among the input parameters, to improve the accuracy and robustness of the model, the result of CBR is corrected by fuzzy least square support vector machines (FLS-SVM). The temperature prediction model's accuracy is perfectly improved and the simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the method. And the number of heats of with the predictive errors of end temperature of molten steel in LF are all not over 5 degrees centigrade is greater than 85%.
Rock-physics-based estimation of critical-clay-volume fraction and its effect on seismic velocity and petrophysical properties

ABSTRACTKnowledge of the clay content in clastic reservoirs is important for predicting reservoir quality and properties. We used a microgeometrical model for shaly sand and sandy shale to define the critical-clay-volume fraction and explain the dependence of the bulk modulus on clay content. We found that the concept of the pore-aspect ratio relating to the critical-clay-volume fraction was important to interpret the elastic behavior of shaly sandstone. An abrupt decrease in pore-aspect ratio from about 0.23 to about 0.04 was observed where the clay-volume fraction was greater than the critical value of 32% for the studied data set. At the critical-clay-volume fraction of 32%, an increase in pore compressibility also occurred from about 0.6 to about 11.25 GPa−1. Results revealed that the microgeometrical model compared to other models can better explain the existence of highly scattered compressional velocity-porosity crossplots when the clay content is close to the critical amount. We discovered that t...
[4S‐(4α,5α)]‐1‐(1,3‐Dimethyl‐2‐oxido‐4,5‐diphenyl‐1,3,2‐diazaphospholidine‐2‐yl)piperidine

[180475-25-6] C21H28N3OP (MW 369.45) InChI = 1S/C21H28N3OP/c1-22-20(18-12-6-3-7-13-18)21(19-14-8-4-9-15-19)23(2)26(22,25)24-16-10-5-11-17-24/h3-4,6-9,12-15,20-21H,5,10-11,16-17H2,1-2H3/t20-,21-/m0/s1 InChIKey = HZVXHACBRXLPRG-SFTDATJTSA-N (catalyst for asymmetric aldol additions of trichlorosilyl enolates to aldehydes,1 catalyst for asymmetric allylations and crotylations of allylic trichlorosilanes to aldehydes,2 catalyst for asymmetric ring opening of epoxides using silicon tetrachloride3) Physical Data: mp 110 °C; [α]D22 +18.2 (c=1.3, CHCl3). Solubility: soluble in most organic solvents except hydrocarbons. Form Supplied in: white needles. Preparative Methods: The enantiopure phosphoramide (S,S)-1a is prepared from treatment of (S,S)-N,N′-dimethyl-1,2-diphenyl-1,2-ethanediamine 5 with piperidinylphosphoric dichloride 6 and triethylamine (eq 1).4 Synthesis of related phosphoramides is easily accomplished by substituting the desired diamine backbone in the former procedure. Recrystallization of phosphoramide (S,S)-1a from hexane followed by drying over P2O5 allows for isolation of analytically pure material. Enantiopure 1,2-diphenyl-1,2-ethanediamine 5 can be prepared from benzil and cyclohexanone according to the method of Pikul & Corey.5 Bis-formylation of the diamine with acetic formic anhydride followed by LiAlH4 reduction affords N,N′-dimethyldiamine 5. Alternatively, enantiopure 5 can be prepared directly from benzaldehyde and methylamine according to the method of Alexakis et al.6 Piperidinylphosphoric dichloride 6 is prepared from piperidine, triethylamine and phosphorous oxychloride according to the modified procedure of Peyronel et al.7 (1) Handling, Storage, and Precautions: The phosphoramide is a stable, hygroscopic compound which is best stored in a dessicator or dry-box. Avoid prolonged exposure to air or moisture.
Does Physical Activity During Pregnancy Reduce the Risk of Gestational Diabetes among Previously Inactive Women

ABSTRACT: Background: Gestational diabetes affects approximately 7 percent of all pregnancies in the United States; its prevalence may have increased among all ethnic groups since the early 1990s. Our study examined whether physical activity during pregnancy reduced the risk of gestational diabetes among women who were physically inactive before pregnancy. Methods: We used data from the 1988 National Maternal and Infant Health Survey (NMIHS), a nationally representative sample of mothers with live births. The NMIHS obtained mothers’ gestational diabetes diagnoses from care providers and mothers reported their physical activity before and during pregnancy, including the number of months with physical activity and types of physical activity. We developed a physical activity index, the product of the number of months with physical activity, and average metabolic equivalents for specific activities. The analysis included 4,813 women who reported being physically inactive before pregnancy, with singleton births and no previous diabetes diagnosis. Results: Gestational diabetes was diagnosed in 3.5 percent of the weighted sample in 1988. About 11.8 percent of these previously inactive women began physical activity during pregnancy. Women who became physically active had 57 percent lower adjusted odds of developing gestational diabetes than those who remained inactive (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20–0.93). Women who had done brisk walking during pregnancy had a lower adjusted risk of gestational diabetes (OR 0.44, CI 0.19–1.02) and women with a physical activity index score above the median had 62 percent lower odds of developing gestational diabetes than the inactive women (CI 0.15–0.96). Conclusions: Results suggest that physical activity during pregnancy is associated with lower risk for gestational diabetes among previously inactive women. (BIRTH 35:3 September 2008)
Bimodal spatial reasoning with continuous motion

Symbolic AI systems typically have difficulty reasoning about motion in continuous environments, such as determining whether a cornering car will clear a close obstacle. Bimodal systems, integrating a qualitative symbolic system with a quantitative diagram-like spatial representation, are capable of solving this sort of problem, but questions remain of how and where knowledge about fine-grained motion processes is represented, and how it is applied to the problem. In this paper, we argue that forward simulation of motion is an appropriate method, and introduce continuous motion models to enable this simulation. These motion-specific models control behavior of objects at the spatial level, while general mechanisms in the higher qualitative level control and monitor them. This interaction of low- and high-level activity allows for problem solving that is both precise in individual problems and general across multiple problems. In addition, this approach allows perception and action mechanisms to be reused in reasoning about hypothetical motion problems and
Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-III: What is the ‘Gold Standard’ for Measuring Academic Achievement?

The Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-Second Edition (WIAT-II) has traditionally competed with other popular achievement measures such as the Woodcock-Johnson Test of Achievement-Third Edition (...
Factors Predicting Likelihood of Eating Irradiated Meat

Perception of risk associated with meat irradiation was investigated in a sample of 478 respondents. Fears associated with irradiation, the relative severity and risk of bacterial infection versus potential risks due to the irradiation, and perceptions of the safety of the meat irradiation process combined to strongly predict participants' reports of their likelihood of eating irradiated meat in the present investigation. Overall, respondents were skeptical with regard to eating irradiated meat if it became locally available. Respondents' acceptance of meat irradiation was clearly driven by concerns about the risks of irradiation, but not the risks of bacterial contamination, confirming findings in the literature on differences in perception of “natural” and “technological” risks.
Electrolytic lesions to the ventromedial hypothalamus abolish receptivity in female whiptail lizards, Cnemidophorus uniparens

Lesions to the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) inhibit receptive sexual behavior in the whiptail lizard, Cnemidophorus uniparens, an all-female species. All lesions to the VMH that effectively abolished receptivity specifically damaged the dorsal lateral VMH, an area containing high concentrations of estrogen receptor in this species. These data further emphasize conservation of the VMH as a brain area critical to the expression of female sexual behavior in vertebrates.
EBV LMP1, a viral mimic of CD40, activates dendritic cells and functions as a molecular adjuvant when incorporated into an HIV vaccine

HIV-1 does not significantly activate cellular immunity, which has made it difficult to use attenuated forms of HIV-1 as a vaccine. In contrast, EBV induces robust T cell responses in most infected individuals, perhaps as this virus contains LMP1, a viral mimic of CD40, which is a key activating molecule for DCs and macrophages. Consequently, studies were conducted using LMP1 and LMP1-CD40, a related construct formed by replacing the intracellular signaling domain of LMP1 with that of CD40. Upon electroporation into DCs, LMP1 and LMP1-CD40 mRNAs were sufficient to up-regulate costimulatory molecules and proinflammatory cytokines, indicating that these molecules can function in isolation as adjuvant-like molecules. As a first step toward an improved HIV vaccine, LMP1 and LMP1-CD40 were introduced into a HIV-1 construct to produce virions encoding these proteins. Transduction of DCs and macrophages with these viruses induced morphological changes and up-regulated costimulatory molecules and cytokine production by these cells. HIV-LMP1 enhanced the antigen-presenting function of DCs, as measured in an in vitro immunization assay. Taken together, these data show that LMP1 and LMP1-CD40 are portable gene cassettes with strong adjuvant properties that can be introduced into viruses such as HIV, which by themselves, are insufficient to induce protective cellular immunity.