cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utility of Urine Nucleic Acid Detection Test for C. Trachomatis and N. Gonorrhoeae in Juvenile Detention Center

Background This study was undertaken to determine efficacy of a urine based nucleic acid detection test for identification of gonococcal and chlamydial infections in adolescent females and males in detention. Methods Subjects were high risk adolescents admitted (May-Dec 1996) to an 80-bed youth detention center located in an urban community with relatively high STD rates. The STD screening was linked to a court-ordered drug screeriing program. A vial of non-sterile voided urine specimen collected at the time of detention for drug screening was used for STD screening. Urine specimens were refrigerated until a verbal consent to participate in the STD screening was obtained (within 72 hours of admission), arisported to the laboratory, and batched for the biweek1y assay for detection of C. trachomatis (Cf) and N. gonorrhoeae (GC) nucleic acids. Ligase chain reaction assay (LCR) was used. The laboratory test results were available within 1–3 days of specimen delivery to the laboratory. Positive cases were treated in the on-site clinic, or if released from the detention before treatment, STD positive subjects were contacted (by phone or mail) to return to a community based adolescent clinic for treatment. Results 261 subjects were approached and 4 (1.5%; all males) refused to give a consent. Of 257 participants (l5.6 ± 1.3 y.o.), 15% were females; 82.5% B, 17.5% W; 13% had spent at least one night in group homes or shelters; 79% had Hx of marijuana use; 13% had been in treatment programs for drug use; and 35% were dropped out of school; 48% had no medical care in last one year. 57% of females and 21% of males had a Hx of running away from home; 8% of females and 24% of Males were in a gang; 47% of females and 13% of males had a past Hx of treatment for STD. CT positive rates were 29% (11/38) in females and 9% (20/2/19) in males. GC positive rates were 5.3% (2/38) among females and 3.2% (7/219) in males. Overall, 13.2% (34/257) were positive for GC or CT; 2.3% (6) had both. All positive subjects including those who were released from detention before the laboratory test reports were located and managed according to the standard recommendation for STD treatment of the CDC. Conclusion LCR based urine screening linked with drug screening program was extremely effective in identifying and treating unsuspected CT and GC infections in a cohort of high risk adolescents, enabling us to capture an opportunity for STD control that would have been missed otherwise.
Racial and ethnic disparities: A population-based examination of risk factors for involvement with child protective services

Abstract Objective Data from the United States indicate pronounced and persistent racial/ethnic differences in the rates at which children are referred and substantiated as victims of child abuse and neglect. In this study, we examined the extent to which aggregate racial differences are attributable to variations in the distribution of individual and family-level risk factors. Methods This study was based on the full population of children born in California in 2002. Birth records were linked to child protective service (CPS) records to identify all children referred for maltreatment by age 5. Generalized linear models were used to compute crude and adjusted racial/ethnic differences in children's risk of referral, substantiation, and entry to foster care. Results As expected, stark differences between Black and White children emerged in the rates of contact with CPS. Black children were more than twice as likely as White children to be referred for maltreatment, substantiated as victims, and enter foster care before age 5. Yet, there were also significant differences across racial/ethnic groups in the distribution of socioeconomic and health factors strongly correlated with child maltreatment and CPS involvement. After adjusting for these differences, low socioeconomic Black children had a lower risk of referral, substantiation, and entry to foster care than their socioeconomically similar White counterparts. Among Latinos, before adjusting for other factors, children of U.S.-born mothers were significantly more likely than White children to experience system contact, while children of foreign-born mothers were less likely to be involved with CPS. After adjusting for socioeconomic and health indicators, the relative risk of referral, substantiation, and foster care entry was significantly lower for Latino children (regardless of maternal nativity) compared to White children. Conclusions Race and ethnicity is a marker for a complex interaction of economic, social, political, and environmental factors that influence the health of individuals and communities. This analysis indicates that adjusting for child and family-level risk factors is necessary to distinguish race-specific effects (which may reflect system, worker, or resource biases) from socioeconomic and health indicators associated with maltreatment risk. Identifying the independent effects of these factors is critical to developing effective strategies for reducing racial disparities.
Life cycle assessment of a field-grown red maple tree to estimate its carbon footprint components

This study analyzes the interrelated components in the production of a 5-cm caliper, field-grown, spade-dug Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’ tree in terms of their contributions to the carbon footprint, global warming potential (GWP), of this balled and burlapped product during production and its complete life cycle. The carbon footprint, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, associated with input materials and equipment use to produce this tree was expressed as global warming potential (GWP) in kilograms of CO2 equivalence (CO2e). A model system was defined encompassing production from rooting cuttings to finished product, the subsequent transport and transplanting in the landscape and the use and end-of-life phases. The model system was defined through nursery manager and arborist interviews and published production recommendations and good agricultural practices. Including carbon sequestration during 1 year of liner production and 4 years of field production (0.366 and 12.1 kg CO2e, respectively), the cutting-to-landscape GWP of the tree was calculated to be 8.213 kg CO2e. Contributions to a tree's carbon footprint from input materials (2.85 kg CO2e), fuel or electricity consumption during production (10.342 kg CO2e), transport to the customer at a distance of 386 km (4.040 kg CO2e) and transport 32 km and transplanting into a landscape site (3.333 kg CO2e) were calculated. Fuel and electricity consumption from cutting-to-landscape (17.715 kg CO2e/tree) contributed 86% of the product GWP, before accounting for carbon sequestration during production. The weighted positive impact of sequestered carbon over a 60-year useful life in the landscape would exceed 901 kg CO2e, less the 92.9 kg CO2e required for removal and disposal. An LCA analyzing input components in field production of a shade tree will allow nursery managers to make informed decisions about the various operational elements. Individual variables that contributed most to model sensitivity included CO2 sequestration during production and the use phase. Other important factors in the model included transport distance for the final product, fertilization, and equipment use for such activities as harvesting. The substantial weighted impact of carbon sequestration of the tree during the use phase would greatly outweigh carbon investment in its production, transport, transplanting, and disposal.
Assessing Community College Transfer Performance.

Transfer education is one of the most important, most criticized, and most difficult to measure of the functions performed by community colleges. If the performance of community colleges is to be properly assessed, problems of measuring and analyzing the transfer function must be solved. This paper seeks to answer several basic questions about community colleges' transfer performance, using California as a case example, and to show that useful conclusions may be reached even in the absence of perfect information. Many criticisms of the transfer function focus on the decline in numbers of students transferring from community colleges to four-year institutions that began in the late 1970s. This paper suggests that criticism about the transfer function, insofar as it stems from the number or rate of students transferring (as most of the criticism does), is unfounded. Until there is more precise information on students, research on particular problems like minority underrepresentation, students' course selection and outside employment, and the reverse transfer should prove more fruitful than looking simply at transfer numbers.
Mg–6Zn/1.5%SiC nanocomposites fabricated by ultrasonic cavitation-based solidification processing

Mg–6Zn/1.5%SiC nanocomposites were successfully fabricated by ultrasonic cavitation-based dispersion of SiC nanoparticles in Mg–6Zn alloy melt. As compared to un-reinforced Mg–6Zn alloy matrix, the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites including the tensile strength and yield strength of the Mg–6Zn/1.5%SiC nanocomposites were significantly higher; the good ductility of Mg–6Zn alloy matrix was retained. Nanoparticles were dispersed well though there were still some SiC microclusters in the microstructure. Also, the grain size of Mg–6Zn alloy was reduced considerably by the addition of 1.5%SiC nanoparticles.
Cartilage-Hair Hypoplasia Syndrome: Implications for Prenatal Diagnosis

Cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH) is a rare autosomal recessive skeletal dysplasia characterized by short stature, sparse hair, and a variable degree of immunodeficiency. We describe here the prenatal diagnosis of CHH in a woman who was previously delivered of a similarly affected infant. In addition, we review the prenatal diagnostic implications of the localization, by linkage analysis, of the gene responsible for many cases of CHH.
Cerebrospinal fluid and plasma pharmacokinetics of morphine infusions in pediatrie cancer patients and rhesus monkeys

Abstract The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma pharmacokinetics of morphine administered as a continuous infusion were studied in pediatric cancer patients and in monkeys with implanted Ommaya reservoirs. In monkeys administered a constant infusion of 0.15 mg morphine sulfate/kg/h, morphine steady-state plasma and CSF concentrations were 84.4 ±20.0 ng/ml and 25.3 ± 4.9 ng/ml, respectively, for a CSF : plasma ratio of 0.30 ± 0.05. For comparison, the monkeys also received morphine as an intravenous bolus at a dose of 0.45 mg morphine sulfate/kg. The CSF:plasma area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) ratio was 0.40 ± 0.07, similar to that seen with continuous infusion. Morphine pharmacokinetics were also studied in cancer patients administered long-term infusions of morphine sulfate over a wide dosage range (0.04–31 mg/kg/h). The steady-state plasma concentration of morphine was linearly related to the infusion rate although variability was noted. The average clearance value was 23 ml/min/kg which is at the upper end of the estimates reported for morphine clearance using bolus administration. No evidence for morphine accumulation using long-term administration was observed. A limited number of CSF samples obtained by lumbar puncture showed comparable CSF and plasma concentrations of unbound morphine assuming morphine is approximately 30% bound in human plasma.
Factors associated with accurate self-reported adherence to HIV antiretrovirals

The purpose of this study was to determine the conditions in which self-reports provide an accurate assessment of adherence to HIV antiretrovirals. In a sample of 58 participants, self-reported and electronically monitored adherence to antiretroviral therapy were compared over a three-day period. Of the 16 who reported missed doses, only six (38%) accurately reported the number of doses they took, although the electronic monitoring data confirmed that all but one (94%) did in fact miss at least one dose. In contrast, 25 (60%) of the 42 participants who reported no missed doses were accurate. Nearly all (96%) participants who actually did take all their doses accurately reported their adherence compared to only 20% of those who missed at least one dose (P<0.001). Cognitive functioning was marginally associated with self-report accuracy, but all other baseline factors were not associated with accuracy. Our findings highlight the need for more effective self-report methodology and a better understanding of the circumstances in which self-reports are valid measures of adherence.
Biomimetic polydopamine coating on gold nanorods for biofunctionalization, imaging, and photothermal therapy

A biomimetic polydopamine (PD)-based strategy was employed for presenting antibodies on gold nanorods (NRs) to target cancer cells for photothermal therapy. PD was polymerized onto NRs, and epidermal growth factor receptor antibodies (anti-EGFR) were immobilized onto the layer. Anti-EGFR-PD-NRs specifically bound to EGFRoverexpressing cells as quantified by optical coherence tomography, and illumination enhanced cell death compared to non-irradiated or antibody-free controls.
Decreasing photobleaching by silver island films: application to muscle

Abstract Recently it has become possible to study interactions between proteins at the level of single molecules. This requires collecting data from an extremely small volume, small enough to contain one molecule—typically of the order of attoliters (10−18 L). Collection of data from such a small volume with sufficiently high signal-to-noise ratio requires that the rate of photon detection per molecule be high. This calls for a large illuminating light flux, which in turn leads to rapid photobleaching of the fluorophores that are labeling the proteins. To decrease photobleaching, we measured fluorescence from a sample placed on coverslips coated with silver island films (SIF). SIF reduce photobleaching because they enhance fluorescence brightness and significantly decrease fluorescence lifetime. Increase in the brightness effectively decreases photobleaching because illumination can be attenuated to obtain the same fluorescence intensity. Decrease of lifetime decreases photobleaching because short lifetime minimizes the probability of oxygen attack while the fluorophore is in the excited state. The decrease of photobleaching was demonstrated in skeletal muscle. Myofibrils were labeled lightly with rhodamine–phalloidin, placed on coverslips coated with SIF, illuminated by total internal reflection, and observed through a confocal aperture. We show that SIF causes the intensity of phalloidin fluorescence to increase 4–5 fold and its fluorescence lifetime to decrease on average 23-fold. As a consequence, the rate of photobleaching of four or five molecules of actin of a myofibril on Olympus coverslips coated with SIF decreased at least 30-fold in comparison with photobleaching on an uncoated coverslip. Significant decrease of photobleaching makes the measurement of signal from a single cross-bridge of contracting muscle feasible.
Overview of FDA's redbook guidelines

As part of its responsibility, the Food and Drug Administration provides guidance to industry and the public concerning the procedures and methods for safety assessment of food and color additives. The FDA published its guidelines in 1982 as the so-called "Redbook" ("Toxicological Principles for the Safety Assessment of Direct Food Additives and Color Additives Used in Food"). The Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition of the FDA is now in the process of revising and updating the Redbook in light of developments in toxicological testing methods and comments from the scientific community and the public. The effort involves a number of center scientists who have special expertise in various areas of toxicology and food safety assessment. The goal is to make the revised Redbook more useful and practical and to address areas of safety assessment not covered in the 1982 edition. The several papers that follow deal with chapters that will be new to the Redbook.
SU-E-J-150: Impact of Intrafractional Prostate Motion On the Accuracy and Efficiency of Prostate SBRT Delivery: A Retrospective Analysis of Prostate Tracking Log Files

Purpose: To measure intrafractional prostate motion by time-based stereotactic x-ray imaging and investigate the impact on the accuracy and efficiency of prostate SBRT delivery. Methods: Prostate tracking log files with 1,892 x-ray image registrations from 18 SBRT fractions for 6 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Patient setup and beam delivery sessions were reviewed to identify extended periods of large prostate motion that caused delays in setup or interruptions in beam delivery. The 6D prostate motions were compared to the clinically used PTV margin of 3–5 mm (3 mm posterior, 5 mm all other directions), a hypothetical PTV margin of 2–3 mm (2 mm posterior, 3 mm all other directions), and the rotation correction limits (roll ±2°, pitch ±5° and yaw ±3°) of CyberKnife to quantify beam delivery accuracy. Results: Significant incidents of treatment start delay and beam delivery interruption were observed, mostly related to large pitch rotations of ≥±5°. Optimal setup time of 5–15 minutes was recorded in 61% of the fractions, and optimal beam delivery time of 30–40 minutes in 67% of the fractions. At a default imaging interval of 15 seconds, the percentage of prostate motion beyond PTV margin of 3–5 mm varied among patients, with a mean at 12.8% (range 0.0%–31.1%); and the percentage beyond PTV margin of 2–3 mm was at a mean of 36.0% (range 3.3%–83.1%). These timely detected offsets were all corrected real-time by the robotic manipulator or by operator intervention at the time of treatment interruptions. Conclusion: The durations of patient setup and beam delivery were directly affected by the occurrence of large prostate motion. Frequent imaging of down to 15 second interval is necessary for certain patients. Techniques for reducing prostate motion, such as using endorectal balloon, can be considered to assure consistently higher accuracy and efficiency of prostate SBRT delivery.
HOST SPECIFICITY OF THE MICROSPORIDIAN PATHOGEN VAIRIMORPHA INVICTAE AT FIVE FIELD SITES WITH INFECTED SOLENOPSIS INVICTA FIRE ANT COLONIES IN NORTHERN ARGENTINA

Abstract The microsporidian pathogen Vairimorpha invictae is being evaluated for release in the United States as a potential self-sustaining biological control agent for imported fire ants. We examined the host range of this pathogen at 5 sites in northern Argentina where Solenopsis invicta Buren fire ant colonies had high levels of infection (28-83%). At 3 sites near the city of Corrientes, we examined 509 non-Solenopsis ants from 61 collections, 12 genera, and 19 species with a polymerase chain reaction-based screening procedure. No V. invictae infections were detected in any of the samples. At 2 sites near San Javier in Santa Fe Province, 350 km to the south, we screened another 438 non-Solenopsis ants from 44 baits, 4 genera, and 4 species, again with no infections. At the Corrientes sites, we also examined 235 non-ant arthropods from 10 orders, 43 families, and more than 80 species. None were infected with V. invictae. The results of this study indicate that, in its native South American range, V. in...
Market Overreaction to Product Recall Revisited—The Case of Firestone Tires and the Ford Explorer

We revisit the issue of market reaction to product recall and evaluate the magnitude of market reaction to the news of recall. We also examine how the competitors' stock prices are affected by the product recall. Specifically, we evaluate the stock price effects of events relating to the recall of Firestone tires by the Bridgestone Corporation, which were linked to the rollover accidents of the Ford Explorer SUVs. Our results indicate that the initial loss in the market value both for the Bridgestone Corporation and Ford Motor Company was far in excess of direct costs associated with recall. The market losses are approximately equal to the near worst-case estimates of direct and indirect costs, litigation costs, regulation compliance costs and costs associated with future losses in sales. The firms recovered their market value as more information on actual costs became available. These results suggest that the market initially overreacts negatively to the recall news and this reaction is generally based on all potential losses associated with recall. This reaction is corrected as information on actual costs becomes available. With regard to the competitors, our results show that the major competitors in the tire and auto industries experienced a significant gain in the market value of their stocks probably because their products were substitutes for the products affected by recall.
Renin production in isolated canine liver-kidney perfusion after treatment of donor animals.

Abstract Two-hour isolated liver-kidney perfusions have been done using dilute-blood perfusate on canine organs from animals receiving liver-damaging pretreatments. Perfusate renal renin was monitored and found to increase in all perfusion systems, regardless of pretreatment. Attention was given to determine if the liver significantly influenced levels of circulating renin. Livers from untreated (control) and desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) pretreated dogs had no apparent effect. Livers from dogs pretreated with inferior vena cava stenosis or carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) resulted in decreases in circulating renin in their respective renal-hepatic perfusions.
A linear time-dependent flux approximation for nuclide depletion based on a perturbation method

Abstract A method was developed for solving the coupled neutron/nuclide field equations using a linear time-dependent flux approximation that does not require an iterative solution. A perturbation method is used to form the first-order expansion of the time-dependent flux. Solutions of the resulting burnup equations are found to be computationally more efficient than current constant flux or linear flux approximation methods based on an iterative solution. The methods proposed here were validated using a multigroup, zero-dimensional calculation for a fast reactor core model.
Conscious consideration of herd immunity in influenza vaccination decisions.

Background Influenza vaccination decisions may be influenced by perceived risk reduction related to herd immunity. Purpose This paper examines how free-riding (i.e., foregoing vaccination because of reduced risk perceptions related to herd immunity) or protective benefits to the community affect vaccination decisions. Methods A survey of a nationally representative panel of U.S. adults (N=442 respondents; data collected and analyzed during 2012) asked about how respondents made vaccination decisions, including whether and how vaccination among the members of respondents’ social networks influenced their own vaccination decisions. Results Most individuals (61%) reported that vaccination in the social network would not influence their decision. Among those perceiving being influenced by vaccination in their social network, most stated that an increase in network vaccination coverage would make them more likely to get vaccinated, rather than less. Overall, only 6% (28 of 442) gave a response consistent with the reduced-risk logic of herd immunity, which was more common among those stating that they would be less likely to get vaccinated (emphasizing free-riding) than among those more likely to get vaccinated (emphasizing social protection; 33% vs 11%, two-sided, p=0.0005). The reduced-risk logic of herd immunity, and more specifically free-riding, is consciously considered by relatively few individuals. Far more common are social influences bolstering personal vaccination, such as peer pressure and social learning (6% vs 11%, two-sided, p=0.015). Conclusions Interventionists may be more successful by capitalizing on existing social-influence considerations than by trying to combat the conscious lure of free-riding.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic study of the carbonate ions in bone mineral during aging

The environment of CO32− ions in the bone mineral of chickens of different ages and in bone fractions of different density have been investigated by resolution-enhanced Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. Three carbonate bands appear in thev2 CO3 domain at 878, 871, and 866 cm−1, which may be assigned to three different locations of the ion in the mineral: in monovalent anionic sites of the apatitic structure (878 cm−1), in trivalent anionic sites (871 cm−1), and in unstable location (866 cm−1) probably in perturbed regions of the crystals. The distribution of the carbonate ions among these locations was estimated by comparing the intensities of the corresponding FTIR spectral bands. The intensity ratio of the 878 and 871 cm−1 bands remains remarkably constant in whole bone as well as in the fractions obtained by density centrifugation. On the contrary, the intensity ratio of the 866 cm−1 to the 871 cm−1 band was found to vary directly and decreased with the age of the animal. In bone of the same age, the relative content of the unstable carbonate ion was found to be highest in the most abundant density centrifugation fraction. A resolution factor of the CO32− band (CO3 RF) was calculated from the FTIR spectra which was shown to be very sensitive to the degree of crystallinity of the mineral. The crystallinity was found to improve rapidly with the age of the animal. The CO3 RF in the bone samples obtained by density centrifugation from bone of the same animal was found to be essentially constant. This indicates a fairly homogeneous, crystalline state of the mineral phase. A comparison of the maturation characteristics of synthetic carbonated apatites with bone mineral indicates that a simple, passive, physicochemical maturation process cannot explain the changes observed in the mineral phase of whole bone tissue or in the density centrifugation fractions of bone during aging and maturation.
Priming during multiple-target search: The cumulative effects of relative target frequency

During search for multiple targets, reaction time decreases when a given target assumes a relatively high probability of appearance. Three experiments addressed the basis of this frequent-target effect. In a trialwise visual search method, pigeons pecked at the single target symbol embedded in a multisymbol display. In Experiment 1, the course of reaction times to frequent and infrequent targets was followed over extended sessions; reaction time to the frequent target dropped gradually over the first 200–400 trials. In Experiment 2, extinction sessions were introduced; the frequent-target effect persisted in the absence of reinforcement. In Experiment 3, the role of local trial patterns was examined; the frequent-target effect resisted temporary variations in relative target probability. Facilitation of search for high-probability targets appears to be an attentional rather than a conditioning effect; in the present design, information summarized over large sequences of trials appeared to provide pretrial information that primed attention.
RhoG regulates endothelial apical cup assembly downstream from ICAM1 engagement and is involved in leukocyte trans-endothelial migration

During trans-endothelial migration (TEM), leukocytes use adhesion receptors such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) to adhere to the endothelium. In response to this interaction, the endothelium throws up dynamic membrane protrusions, forming a cup that partially surrounds the adherent leukocyte. Little is known about the signaling pathways that regulate cup formation. In this study, we show that RhoG is activated downstream from ICAM1 engagement. This activation requires the intracellular domain of ICAM1. ICAM1 colocalizes with RhoG and binds to the RhoG-specific SH3-containing guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (SGEF). The SH3 domain of SGEF mediates this interaction. Depletion of endothelial RhoG by small interfering RNA does not affect leukocyte adhesion but decreases cup formation and inhibits leukocyte TEM. Silencing SGEF also results in a substantial reduction in RhoG activity, cup formation, and TEM. Together, these results identify a new signaling pathway involving RhoG and its exchange factor SGEF downstream from ICAM1 that is critical for leukocyte TEM.
Picturing civic journalism How photographers and graphic designers visually communicate The Principles of Civic Journalism

This study used in-depth interviews with 18 photographers and designers to explore how civic journalism has changed their work and some of the practical problems it raises. The main issue for designers was ‘too many pieces’ - stories, sidebars, info-graphics, and photographs. One solution they devised was a graphic device they called a ‘grid’ to package information in a systematic way. Photographers struggled with conceptual stories that were hard to illustrate. They suggested a return to ‘enterprise’ photos, but acknowledged they take too much time. Theoretical insights include the core problem of dichotomous reasoning in three general areas: First, the world of these civic journalism workers is divided into the visual and the verbal, with the verbal predominating. Second, the movement has neglected to address changes at the organizational level, focusing instead on individuals, i.e. citizens. Third, visual journalists think about their work as dialectic when they discuss the normative issues as being se...
Hierarchical Shape Segmentation and Registration via Topological Features of Laplace-Beltrami Eigenfunctions

This work introduces a method to hierarchically segment articulated shapes into meaningful parts and to register these parts across populations of near-isometric shapes (e.g. head, arms, legs and fingers of humans in different body postures). The method exploits the isometry invariance of eigenfunctions of the Laplace-Beltrami operator and uses topological features (level sets at important saddles) for the segmentation. Concepts from persistent homology are employed for a hierarchical representation, for the elimination of topological noise and for the comparison of eigenfunctions. The obtained parts can be registered via their spectral embedding across a population of near isometric shapes. This work also presents the highly accurate computation of eigenfunctions and eigenvalues with cubic finite elements on triangle meshes and discusses the construction of persistence diagrams from the Morse-Smale complex as well as the relation to size functions.
Isolation and characterization of the first simian immunodeficiency virus from a feral sooty mangabey (Cercocebus atys) in West Africa

The lineage of HIV-2-like viruses was studied in feral sooty mangabeys (SMs) by serological and genetic methods. Four feral sooty mangabeys were positive for simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) antibodies and a new isolate, SIVsmSL92a, was obtained. Genetic analysis of gag genes showed that SIVsmSL92a was highly diverse and a distinct sequence subtype within the SIV sm/HIV-2 family. The results showed that SIVsm is the most diverse group of SIVs found thus far in a single monkey species.
Association between nutritional status and cognitive functioning in a healthy elderly population

We evaluated the association between nutritional status and cognitive functioning in 260 noninstitutionalized men and women older than 60 years who had no known physical illnesses and were receiving no medications. Nutritional status was evaluated by three-day food records and also by biochemical determination of blood levels of specific nutrients. Cognitive status was evaluated by the Halstead-Reitan Categories Test (a nonverbal test of abstract thinking ability) and by the Wechsler Memory Test. Subjects with low blood levels of vitamins C or B 12 scored worse on both tests. Subjects with low levels of riboflavin or folic acid scored worse on the categories test. These differences remained significant after controlling for age, gender, level of income, and amount of education. "Subclinical" malnutrition may play a small role in the depression of cognitive function detectable in some elderly individuals, or depressed cognitive function may result in reduced nutrient intake. ( JAMA 1983;249:2917-2921)
Adaptive VAR Control for Distribution Circuits With Photovoltaic Generators

We show how an adaptive control algorithm can improve the performance of distributed reactive power control in a radial distribution circuit with a high penetration of photovoltaic (PV) cells. The adaptive algorithm is designed to balance the need for power quality (voltage regulation) with the desire to minimize power loss. The adaptation law determines whether the objective function minimizes power losses or voltage regulation based on whether the voltage at each node remains close enough to the voltage at the substation. The reactive power is controlled through the inverter on the PV cells. The control signals are determined based on local instantaneous measurements of the real and reactive power at each node. We use the example of a single branch radial distribution circuit to demonstrate the ability of the adaptive scheme to effectively reduce voltage variations while simultaneously minimizing the power loss in the studied cases. Simulations verify that the adaptive schemes compares favorably with local and global schemes previously reported in the literature.
The popularity of middle school bullies

ABSTRACT This study investigated the peer popularity of middle school students involved in bullying. Bullying was assessed by peer report using the School Climate Bullying Survey (SCBS) and popularity was assessed through peer nominations from a student roster. In a sample of 379 middle school students, bullies were among the most popular students in the school, receiving more peer nominations on average (21) than students uninvolved in bullying (13) or victims (4). Comparisons of popular and non-popular bullies found few differences, except that (a) popular bullies were less likely to be victimized and (b) female bullies had a greater likelihood of being popular than their male counterparts.
Characteristics of basal cell carcinoma of the lip treated using Mohs micrographic surgery.

BACKGROUNDThere is a lack of U.S-based studies on basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the upper lip treated using Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS).OBJECTIVETo explore characteristics of BCC of the upper lip treated using MMS.METHODSWe performed a chart review of BCC cases from 2005 to 2011.RESULTSTwo hundr
Discordance in the histopathologic diagnosis of melanoma at a melanoma referral center.

Background Histopathologic analysis remains the gold standard for the pathologic diagnosis of melanoma. Numerous histologic criteria are used to diagnose melanoma, but none alone are sufficient to establish this diagnosis. Therefore, differentiating between benign pigmented lesions and melanoma may be controversial. Although several studies have examined the interobserver variability in the pathological diagnosis of melanoma, the prevalence of discordant diagnoses of melanocytic neoplasms is unknown. Objective We sought to examine the discordance rate of melanoma diagnoses referred to our pigmented lesion clinic, a subset of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Department of Dermatology and Comprehensive Cancer Center Melanoma Center during a 2-year period. Methods A total of 392 new patients given a diagnosis of thin melanoma (melanoma in situ, stage IA, stage IB) or benign nevus were referred in 2006 and 2007, with initial diagnoses rendered by an outside dermatopathologist or surgical pathologist. Subsequently, these specimens were re-evaluated by routine histopathologic examination at the UCSF Dermatopathology Service and a distinct diagnosis was rendered. The two available diagnoses were compared, and discordance was defined as the lack of agreement between two pathologists when rendering a benign versus malignant versus ambiguous diagnosis. Results The discordance rate of melanomas and nevi between the referring centers and UCSF was 14.3%. Limitations This review was limited in that there were few patients with benign pigmented lesions referred to the pigmented lesion clinic at UCSF. Conclusion The level of discordance in the routine histopathologic interpretation of melanocytic neoplasms can be high.
Novel Synthesis of a 1,3,5-Trioxazatriquinane Skeleton Using a Nitrogen Clamp

An α-hydroxyaldehyde derived from naltrexone was converted to an oxazoline dimer with ammonium chloride and sodium acetate in MeOH under reflux. The resulting dimer was treated with dl-camphorsulfonic acid in CHCl3 to give the trimer. The method for trimer synthesis was also applied to general α-hydroxyaldehydes to afford trimers in good yield.
Axonal viability and the persistence of thermal hyperalgesia after partial freeze lesions of nerve

Abstract Partial freeze injuries of rat sciatic nerve have been used to investigate the relationship between the amount of tissue injured and the magnitude and duration of the resulting thermal hyperalgesia. Complete freeze injury of peripheral nerve produces temporary anesthesia to peripheral stimuli and is a useful neurolytic technique. The present study examined the hypothesis that incomplete nerve lesions, in which some fibers survive while others undergo Wallerian (axonal) degeneration, lead to development of thermal hyperalgesia. In this study, performed on rats, one sciatic nerve was frozen with a cryoprobe (−60 °C) for periods ranging from 2 to 60 s. The behavioral response to thermal stimulation of the hind footpad was tested pre- and postoperatively at days 3, 5, 7, 9, 13, 15, 19, 22, 26, and 32. In separate groups of animals with similar lesions, nerves were removed and processed for electron microscopy. Light and electron microscopy were used to determine the nature of injury to nerve fibers and its extent. There was a direct relationship between the duration of the freeze lesion and: (1) the number of nerve fibers injured; and (2) the magnitude of the resulting Wallerian degeneration. Following partial sciatic nerve injury with axonal degeneration, hyperalgesia developed within several days, peaked at approximately 1 week postinjury, and resolved during the next several weeks. Both the magnitude of the hyperalgesic response and its persistence were directly related to the duration of the freeze lesion, except in those animals in which all nerve fibers were damaged. These animals were anesthetic to thermal stimulation of the experimental footpad. This relationship helps explain the pathogenesis of painful syndromes associated with failed cryoneurolysis and may be useful in itself as a model of neuropathic pain.
The adsorption and reactions of NO2 on the Ag(111) surface II. Adsorption at 25 K and annealing to 300 K

XPS has been used to follow the adsorption of NO2 on Ag(111) at 25 K followed by annealing to 300 K. For initial conditions of thick multilayers at 25 K reactions with the substrate are identical to those at 90 K; initial adsorption is dissociative to NO(ads) + O(ads) and the final state on warming from 25 to 300 K. is NO3(ads). At intermediate annealing temperatures, however, reactions are observed within the bulk N2O4 condensed phase which were not observed for the studies at 90 K where these initial thicknesses of condensate were not achieved. Between 112 and 145 K the equilibrium between N2O4 and NO2 changes drastically, producing a pure NO2 monomer condensed phase. No XPS spectrum of NO2 monomer, gaseous or condensed, seems to have been reported before. Desorption occurs rapidly at temperatures at and above this conversion. Starting with a low coverage of N2O4 at 25 K produces a different sequence of events on annealing to 300 K. Only traces of NO2 monomer are observed and only a small amount, if any, of NO3(ads) is produced. By 300 K these species and most of the initially dissociated product, NO(ads), have all desorbed leaving dominant a oxygen species which we believe must be OH(ads) on the surface, based on its O(1s) BE.
Afferent influences on brain stem auditory nuclei of the chicken: changes in succinate dehydrogenase activity following cochlea removal.

We have examined one of the metabolic consequences of unilateral cochlea (basilar papilla) removal in the chick brain stem auditory system. We assessed changes in succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), a mitochondrial enzyme involved in energy metabolism, in neurons of second-order n. magnocellularis (NM) and third-order n. laminaris (NL). Chickens undergoing surgery at 10 days of age were perfused 4 hours to 35 days postlesion. Chickens 6 or 66 weeks of age at cochlea removal were examined 1 or 8 days after surgery. In all groups, cryostat sections were prepared for SDH histochemistry or Nissl staining. In normal chickens, NM cell bodies and NL neuropil contain SDH reaction product. In young birds, the density of SDH reaction product in NM shows a rapid biphasic response to cochlea removal. From 8 to 60 hours postlesion, density increases ipsilateral to cochlea removal; for survival times of 3–35 days, SDH density decreases in ipsilateral NM. In NL, no changes were observed until 3 days after cochlea removal. Then we observed a long-lasting decrease in density of SDH reaction product in the neuropil regions receiving input from the deafferented NM. All of these changes are age-dependent in that they were observed only following cochlea removal on or before 6 weeks of age.
Definitive Surgical Correction of Vertical Maxillary Deficiency

Inferior repositioning of the maxilla to correct vertical maxillary deficiency has been associated with variable degrees of instability and subsequent relapse. Resorption of bone-graft material has been incriminated as the primary cause of postoperative instability. This paper reports on nine patients who have undergone inferior maxillary repositioning resulting in no residual bone contact between the down-fractured maxilla and superior midface. Mean inferior maxillary repositioning was 6.2 mm. Osteotomy gaps were implanted with porous block hydroxyapatite (Interpore 200), and maxillae were rigidly fixed in position with miniplates. No postoperative intermaxillary fixation was utilized in any patient. Follow-up ranged from 11 to 28 months, with a mean of 19.6 months. Cephalometric analyses at follow-up revealed excellent stability of the repositioned maxillae, with a mean vertical relapse of 4.3 percent. No complications were associated with this procedure. The biomechanical rationale contributing to the success of this operative technique is discussed.
Sclerostin antibody inhibits skeletal deterioration due to reduced mechanical loading.

Sclerostin, a product of the SOST gene produced mainly by osteocytes, is a potent negative regulator of bone formation that appears to be responsive to mechanical loading, with SOST expression increasing following mechanical unloading. We tested the ability of a murine sclerostin antibody (SclAbII) to prevent bone loss in adult mice subjected to hindlimb unloading (HLU) via tail suspension for 21 days. Mice (n = 11–17/group) were assigned to control (CON, normal weight bearing) or HLU and injected with either SclAbII (subcutaneously, 25 mg/kg) or vehicle (VEH) twice weekly. SclAbII completely inhibited the bone deterioration due to disuse, and induced bone formation such that bone properties in HLU-SclAbII were at or above values of CON-VEH mice. For example, hindlimb bone mineral density (BMD) decreased –9.2% ± 1.0% in HLU-VEH, whereas it increased 4.2% ± 0.7%, 13.1% ± 1.0%, and 30.6% ± 3.0% in CON-VEH, HLU-SclAbII, and CON-SclAbII, respectively (p < 0.0001). Trabecular bone volume, assessed by micro–computed tomography (µCT) imaging of the distal femur, was lower in HLU-VEH versus CON-VEH (p < 0.05), and was 2- to 3-fold higher in SclAbII groups versus VEH (p < 0.001). Midshaft femoral strength, assessed by three-point bending, and distal femoral strength, assessed by micro–finite element analysis (µFEA), were significantly higher in SclAbII versus VEH-groups in both loading conditions. Serum sclerostin was higher in HLU-VEH (134 ± 5 pg/mL) compared to CON-VEH (116 ± 6 pg/mL, p < 0.05). Serum osteocalcin was decreased by hindlimb suspension and increased by SclAbII treatment. Interestingly, the anabolic effects of sclerostin inhibition on some bone outcomes appeared to be enhanced by normal mechanical loading. Altogether, these results confirm the ability of SclAbII to abrogate disuse-induced bone loss and demonstrate that sclerostin antibody treatment increases bone mass by increasing bone formation in both normally loaded and underloaded environments. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Diagnostics for intense heavy-ion beams in the HIF-VNL

Modern diagnostic techniques provide detailed information on beam conditions in injector, transport, and final focus experiments in the HIF-VNL. Parameters of interest include beam current, beam energy, transverse and longitudinal distributions, emittance, and space charge neutralization. Imaging techniques, based on kapton films and optical scintillators, complement and, in some cases, may replace conventional techniques based on slit scans. Time-resolved optical diagnostics that provide 4-D transverse information on the experimental beams are in operation on the existing experiments. Current work includes a compact optical diagnostic suitable for insertion in transport lines, improved algorithms for optical data analysis and interpretation, a high-resolution electrostatic energy analyzer, and an electron beam probe. A longitudinal diagnostic kicker generates longitudinal space-charge waves that travel on the beam. Time of flight of the space-charge waves and an electrostatic energy analyzer provide an absolute measure of the beam energy. Special diagnostics to detect secondary electrons and gases desorbed from the wall have been developed.
The Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory: Further Validation in Two Nonclinical Samples

The Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory (SPAI) has been developed to assess specific symptoms of social phobia and agoraphobia. Although the SPAI was developed with both clinical and nonclinical populations, research with this measure is currently focused primarily on clinical samples. We examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of the SPAI in adult community and college undergraduate samples. We found that single-sample and multisample confirmatory factor analyses provided support for extending use of the correlated two-factor SPAI subscales to our nonclinical samples. In addition, we found evidence for the internal consistency reliability of the SPAI subscales in both samples. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.
DIVERSITY IN LACTIC DEHYDROGENASE ELECTROPHORETIC PATTERNS WITH HUMAN CELL CULTURES.

Abstract Established cell strains of human origin showed differences in thermal stability and electrophoretic patterns of lactic dehydrogenase. Although a number of clonal strains derived from liver had an isozyme pattern which resembled that of human liver homogenates, the patterns of cell lines derived from adult heart and embryonic intestine did not show the specificity characteristic of the tissue of origin. Recently isolated cell lines from a variety of tissues showed fewer anodal bands and during serial propagation in vitro demonstrated instability in the electrophoretic pattern characterized by loss of the more rapidly migrating anodal components.