cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of tendon organs with spindles in muscles of the cat's leg

The incidence and patterns of association of tendon organs (TO's) with muscle spindles was studied in serial histological sections of the extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) muscles of an adult cat. Some observations were obtained from the medial gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of a second cat, and the EDB muscle of a two-toed sloth. An intimate relation of a TO to a nearby spindle, wherein the “spindle tendon” passes alongside the TO to attach to the aponeurosis, was found for 50% of cat EDB TO's, and 20 to 25% of the TO's in the other muscles. In cat EDB samples both TO's and spindles found in “tendon organ-spindle dyads” had larger cross-sectional areas at the equator than “solitary” units, and dyad TO's received the attachments of more extrafusal fibers than did solitary TO's. A number of the “solitary” TO's were found to be in line at a greater distance with spindles that lay along the extrafusal fibers inserting onto the TO. The possible developmental and functional significance of these findings is discussed.
Linear and nonlinear magnetic susceptibility of U1−xThxBe13

We report measurements of the isothermal magnetization of U1−xThxBe13 at 2.5 K, in fields to 18 T, on samples where 0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1. Linear (χ1) and nonlinear (χ3) contributions to the susceptibility are extracted from the data and studied as a function of thorium concentration x. We find χ3 to be independent of x to about x = 0.9 while χ1 shows an upturn as x → 1, an upturn which we interpret as a reduction in a cooperative Kondo like compensation of the uranium magnetic moments.
Bicomponent transition metal oxide photoelectrodes

A comparative analysis of photoresponse characteristics of single component photoelectrodes of WO3 and TiO2 and bicomponent WO3/TiO2 photoelectrode was performed for front and back side illumination of the films sensitized by rhodamine B and 3,3'-diethyl-9-methylthiacarbocyanine iodide. A considerable increase in the photocurrent was achieved for the bicomponent photoelectrodes in comparison with the single component photoelectrodes. Increased photocurrent was caused by a decreasing in the surface recombination of the photoinjected electrons due to an efficient removal of the electrons from the conduction band of the TiO2 nanocrystals into the bulk of the WO3 matrix-layer.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
SU-E-T-359: Patients Could (and Should) Be Treated in An Upright Position

Purpose: Treating patients in an upright (seated) position has several potential advantages including increased lung volume/reduced respiratory motion (lung patients) giving an improved lung DVH, moving other healthy tissue away from the treatment beams (e.g. breast for Hodgkins lymphoma patients), and improved comfort (H&N patients with excess mucus secretion, patients with compromised lung function, etc.). We report on efforts to develop the tools/techniques to add upright treatments to the modern radiotherapy armory. Methods: The following steps have been taken towards treating patients in an upright position: (1) A novel MRI scanner that allows scans to be taken at any angle between vertical and horizontal positions was used to take volume scans and sagittal movies of 5 volunteers in vertical and supine positions. Lung volumes and motion were compared. (2) An innovative treatment chair and immobilization approach has been prototyped. The chair attaches to the treatment couch, allowing full use of the LINACs on‐board imaging and remote motion functions. (3) kV cone‐beam CT images have been acquired of upright phantoms using the Truebeam with the gantry at 0degrees and rotating the couch instead of the gantry. (4) Treatment planning studies have been completed for H&N and thoracic treatments. Results: (1) Lung volume is increased by 6–53% and motion reduced by 1‐4mm, when patients are positioned in an upright position. (2) The chair has good comfort and immobilization. End‐of‐couch weight‐constraint is sufficient with the TrueBeam couch, but limits use for older couches. (3) Upright CBCTs are possible, although work is needed to improve the image quality. (4) We have quantified gantry/patient collision risks, and understand the gantry/couch angle combinations that will be used for treatment. Conclusion: Good progress has been made in developing the techniques/tools to treat patients in an upright position. Partially funded by Varian Medical Systems
IL-1 receptor antagonist in the treatment of dry eye disease

Dry eye disease is a multifactorial, complex and chronic disease that entails an important inflammatory component. The prevalence of this condition continues to increase, with the potential to significantly reduce patients’ quality of life. Treatment options are limited, and thus new treatment options are continuously being investigated in the laboratory and in the clinic. IL-1 receptor antagonist is a targeted biologic that blocks the binding of IL-1α and IL-1β to their signaling receptor IL-1R1, thereby nullifying their inflammatory function. Treatment with topical IL-1 receptor antagonist has been shown to reduce inflammation in experimental dry eye in mice. Recently, a prospective, randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled clinical trial confirmed the previous preclinical results, and showed that topical application of IL-1 receptor antagonist significantly reduces corneal epitheliopathy and symptoms of discomfort in patients with dry eye disease.
The association of land cover with aeolian sediment production at Jornada Basin, New Mexico, USA

Abstract We investigated amounts and particle size distributions (PSDs) of aeolian sediments collected at five heights in five ecosystem types at the Jornada Basin, Chihuahuan Desert, New Mexico, USA. Particle size distributions, mass fluxes, and percent of dust-sized (⩽50 μm) mass flux were determined for all heights and all ecosystem types. Differences between sites were determined using ANOVA followed by Tukey–Kramer post hoc tests to find groupings. For creosote shrublands, grasslands, and two tarbush-dominated alluvial flats, samples collected at 5, 10, and 20 cm had >80% sand-sized (>50 μm) particles, while one playa and tarbush site yielded ∼45% dust-sized particles at 5 and 10 cm. The transition from saltation to suspension was ∼20 cm for most sites. Two mesquite dune sites and an anthropogenically devegetated site, all with high overall mass fluxes, shifted to suspension at ∼50 cm. Highest dust fluxes occurred at the devegetated site, followed by the playa, a mesquite site with unvegetated “streets,” and tarbush sites. These field observations are consistent with laboratory-based dust emission experiments and remote sensing studies in the Chihuahuan Desert. Playas and tarbush sites are major dust producers due to high proportions of fines, whereas the mesquite site produces much dust because of greater overall mass flux. Mesquite dunes covering most of the basin likely produce the most dust overall, though playas and tarbush-dominated alluvial flats (which cover about 8%) can emit large amounts of dust. Continuing shrubland encroachment will likely increase dust emissions from the Jornada Basin, as well as in other arid regions.
GLOBAL REGULARITY FOR YANG–MILLS FIELDS IN R1+5

We show global persistence of solutions with small data for the model equation □u = u⋅∇u + u3, on R1+d, d ≥ 5, subject to the Coulomb gauge condition . In particular, this covers the important case of the Yang–Mills problem.
Model of physiological stress in chickens 1. Response parameters.

A model was developed to study stress in chickens. Continuous administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone was employed (ACTH) using physiological mini-osmotic pumps. A validation of controls for this procedure showed that nonhandled (NHCON), sham surgical procedure for pump implantation (SMCON) and surgical implantation of a pump delivering saline (SALCON) were all acceptable controls. Continuous delivery of ACTH at 8 IU/kg BW/d for 7 d caused increases in plasma corticosterone (CS), glucose (GLU), cholesterol (CHOL), triglycerides (TRI), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total protein (TP), and the heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio. Body weight, as well as relative weights of the major immunobiological organs (i.e., spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius) were decreased. Finally, liver was increased due to lipid and moisture accumulation. This model is the first to show in a single experiment all the major adaptive stress responses of chickens.
Representations of SL(2,4) on translation planes of even order

A representation for SL(2,4) In characteristic 2 is given which leads to a group theoretic construction of the Dempwolff plane of order 16. Using this construction,it is further shown that the Dempwolff plane may be obtained by the derivation of the semifield plane of order 16 and kern GF(2).
Using grey literature to prepare pharmacy students for an evolving healthcare delivery system.

Objectives. To assess the impact of using “grey literature” (information internally produced in print or electronic format by agencies such as hospitals, government, businesses, etc) rather than a textbook in a course on healthcare delivery systems on students’ perception of the relevance of healthcare delivery system topics and their ability to identify credible sources of this information. Design. A reading from the grey literature was identified and assigned to the students for each topic in the course. Assessment. Pre- and post-course survey instruments were used for the assessment. Students reported healthcare delivery systems topics to be moderately relevant to the profession of pharmacy on both the pre- and post-course survey instruments. Students’ knowledge of current and credible sources of information on healthcare delivery system topics significantly improved based on self-reports and scores on objective assessments (p<0.05). Conclusions. Assignment of grey literature in a course on healthcare delivery systems can be used to ensure that information in the pharmacy school curriculum is the most current and credible information available.
Tricuspid regurgitation causing a right to left interatrial shunt with normal pulmonary pressures.

We describe a patient who presented with asymptomatic hypoxia refractory to supplemental oxygen. Transthoracic echocardiography and angiography demonstrated a tricuspid valve with a large regurgitant
Mechanisms of pharmacologic intervention at the level of the calcium channel.

Abstract Calcium channels are large, complex membrane proteins that mediate transmembrane calcium currents. At least 2 kinds of calcium channels are found in heart muscle—the transient type and the long-lasting type. Calcium currents are modulated by diverse endogenous and exogenous factors including hormones, catecholamines, and calcium antagonists. Calcium antagonists act preferentially on vascular smooth muscle and have relatively less effect on the calcium channels of heart muscle. Compared with heart muscle, vascular smooth muscle is relatively depolarized, suggesting that vascular smooth muscle cells have predominantly the long-lasting type of calcium currents. The differential binding to different types of calcium channels underlies the clinical efficacy of the calcium antagonists. A drug such as bepridil, which acts preferentially on the coronary vasculature rather than on the peripheral vasculature, dilates the coronary vessels without depressing cardiac contraction, a putative clinical advantage.
Rapid endocytosis coupled to exocytosis in adrenal chromaffin cells involves Ca2+, GTP, and dynamin but not clathrin

Abstract Rapid endocytosis (RE) occurs immediately after an exocytotic burst in adrenal chromaffin cells. Capacitance measurements of endoocytosis reveal that recovery of membrane is a biphasic process that is complete within 20 sec. The ultimate extent of membrane retrieval is precisely controlled and capacitance invariably returns to its prestimulation value. The mechanism of RE specifically requires intracellular Ca2+; Sr2+ and Ba2+ do not substitute, although all three cations support secretion. Thus the divalent cation receptors for RE and exocytosis must be distinct molecules. RE is dependent on GTP hydrolysis; it is blocked by GTP removal or replacement with guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate. In the presence of GTP, multiple rounds of secretion followed by RE could be elicited from the same cell. RE requires participation of dynamin, a guanine nucleotide binding protein, as revealed by intracellular immunological antagonism of this protein. Intact microtubules may be essential, as nocodazole also blocked RE. Whereas anti-dynamin antibodies blocked RE, anti-clathrin antibodies did not, suggesting that clathrin-coated vesicles are not involved in this form of endocytosis. RE may represent the initial step in the rapid recycling of secretory granules in the chromaffin cell.
Blount disease in a case of Prader-Willi syndrome: why is it not as prevalent as in obesity without Prader-Willi syndrome?

Background Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder causing multisystem abnormalities with obesity. Obesity is a well established cause of Blount disease.
Suplatast tosilate inhibits goblet-cell metaplasia of airway epithelium in sensitized mice

Abstract Background: IL-4 and IL-13 play a putative role in mucus hypersecretion in asthma. Suplatast tosilate prevents the synthesis of T H2 cytokines. Objective: Because suplatast tosilate inhibits T H2 cytokines but does not inhibits IFN-γ production, we examined the effect of suplatast on IL-4– or IL-13– and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mucin synthesis in NCI-H292 cells in vitro and in bronchi of pathogen-free BALB/c mice in vivo. Methods: In vitro, NCI-H292 cells were preincubated with suplatast tosilate (0.1-100 μg/mL) 1 hour before adding human recombinant IL-4 (10 ng/mL). In vivo, mouse recombinant IL-4 or IL-13 (250 ng per/mouse) was instilled intranasally in mice pretreated with suplatast tosilate (50 mg·kg –1 ·d –1 ). Mucous glycoconjugates were stained with Alcian blue (AB)/periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) stain. To evaluate effects of suplatast tosilate on goblet-cell metaplasia in OVA-sensitized mice, animals were pretreated with suplatast tosilate (1-50 mg·kg –1 ·d –1 ) intragastrically. IL-4 and IL-13 were measured, and allergic inflammatory cells were analyzed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of OVA-sensitized mice. Results: Pretreatment with suplastast did not prevent IL-4– or IL-13–induced increase in mucous glycoconjugate production in NCI-H292 cells or in mice. OVA sensitization increased AB/PAS-stained area of the epithelium (48.1% ± 2.4%, P –1 ·d –1 decreased the AB/PAS area to 22.7% ± 2.7% ( P P Conclusion: These results indicate that suplatast tosilate prevents allergen-induced goblet-cell metaplasia and the recruitment of eosinophils and lymphocytes into the airways. These results suggest that this effect is due to the prevention of the production of T H2 cytokines in airways. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;105:739-45.)
Conformationally sensitive antigenic determinants on the HN glycoprotein of Newcastle disease virus form with different kinetics.

Abstract The mature Newcastle disease virus (NDV) hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein is a type 2, oligomeric glycoprotein which has seven antigenic sites, sites 1, 2, 3, 4, 23, 12, and 14 (Iorio et al., 1989, Virus Res. 13, 245). The folding of the H N protein was explored by characterizing the formation of representative epitopes specific for each of the six of antigenic sites in infected cells. None of these epitopes was present on the nascent, 5-min pulse-labeled HN protein, while all epitopes appeared after a 1- to 2-hr chase. All epitopes formed in the presence of monensin or during a chase at 15°, suggesting that all these determinants appear while the molecule is in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. However, none of the epitopes appeared during chases in the presence of carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, suggesting that the formation of all determinants requires ATP. The kinetics of formation of each of the determinants was quantitated in both NDV-infected Cos cells and chick embryo cells. In both cell types, antigenic determinants formed with different kinetics. The epitope specific for site 4 appeared first, followed by the simultaneous appearance of epitopes in sites 1 and 3. The epitope in site 2 appeared next and that in site 23 last. The kinetics of appearance of the epitope in site 14 relative to those in other sites varied with cell type. In chick cells, this epitope appeared with the site 2 epitope, while in Cos cells this epitope appeared with or just after sites 1 and 3 epitopes. Nonradioactive chases at 15° slowed the formation of the antigenic determinants. The disulfide-linked dimer form of the HN protein appeared concomitant with epitopes in sites 1 and 3.
80 Years of the liquid drop—50 years of the macroscopic–microscopic model

Abstract The liquid-drop model has its origins in the first mainstream model of the binding energy of nuclei, sometimes referred to as the semiempirical mass formula, which emerged in the mid 1930s. It is a beautiful example of a model that fulfills the criteria of what a theoretical model is and what an arbitrary parameterization of some data set is not: (1) it has a simple intuitive interpretation, (2) it was of enormous and immediate practical utility in interpreting nuclear experimental data such as radioactive decay and nuclear reactions, (3) it could predict binding energies of nuclei to which its parameters had not been adjusted, (4) it could be generalized to describe new, unanticipated phenomena such as fission, and (5) deviations of its predictions from experimental data yielded insight into nuclear structure and guided the development of more sophisticated models. Generalized liquid-drop models remain important because of the development of macroscopic–microscopic models which give important quantitative insight into ground-state structure and binding energies (nuclear masses) and many details of nuclear fission. We review these points and some associated historical milestones.
Mousekilling in virgin, pregnant and lactating rats.

Abstract Past studies on the social reactions of female rats to mice typically involved the presentation of mice for long periods of time either before or during gestation. Under these conditions, it was not possible to separate the effects of mere exposure to pups from the profound neuroendocrine changes accompanying gestation. A more suitable paradigm would have been one that varied reproductive state independent of exposure to young. Virgin, early and late pregnant, and early lactating (N = 20 in each) Sprague-Dawley rats were presented therefore with a mouse for 30 min a day for 2 consecutive days. Mousekilling was observed on only two trials. There was no maternal behavior. Generally, rat and mouse ignored each other, even when rat pups lived with lactating rats. It was suggested that to better assess the effects of reproductive state on predation, studies are needed that vary strain (use of high mousekillers), hunger conditions, and the type of mouse.
Association between kidney function and telomere length: the heart and soul study.

Background: Telomere attrition is a novel risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Studies of telomere length in relation to kidney function are limited. We explor
Oil, economic growth and strategic petroleum stocks

Abstract An examination of over 40 years of data reveals that oil price shocks are invariably followed by 2–3 years of weak economic growth and weak economic growth is almost always preceded by an oil price shock. This paper reviews why the price-inelastic demand and supply of oil cause oil price shocks and why oil price shocks reduce economic growth through dislocations of labor and capital. This paper also reviews the current state of oil-supply security noting that previous episodes of supply instability appear to have become chronic conditions. While new unconventional oil production technologies have revitalized North American oil production, there are significant barriers to a world-wide uptake of these technologies. Strategic petroleum stocks could provide a large measure of protection to the world economy during an oil supply disruption if they are used promptly and in sufficient volume to prevent large oil-price spikes. Despite the large volume of world-wide emergency reserves, their effectiveness in protecting world economies is not assured. Strategic oil stocks have not been used in sufficient quantity or soon enough to avoid the economic downturns that followed past oil supply outages. In addition, the growth of U.S. oil production has reduced the ability of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve to protect the economy following a future oil supply disruption. The policy implications of these findings are discussed.
Reciprocity and Rivalry: A Critical Introduction to Mimetic Scapegoat Theory

This paper presents a critical overview of Rene Girard’s mimetic theory, identifies several concerns about the adequacy of mimetic theory’s account of human agency and interdependence, and suggests ways this account might be clarified and enhanced. We suggest that mimetic theory tends to reify or hypostatize the core reality of mimetic desire, which sometimes is spoken of as a kind of trans-individual entity that directs human action, no doubt because of Girard’s concern to avoid any taint of individualism or subjectivism. We argue, however, that hermeneutic and dialogical philosophies like those of Hans-Georg Gadamer and Mikhail Bakhtin explicate profound human relationality and interdependence in a way that obviates individualism without overriding or obscuring personal responsibility. The concern of many Girardian theorists that hermeneutic philosophy covers over or even rationalizes conflictual and violent human dynamics, we contend, is unfounded. However, we insist that most contemporary social theory, including hermeneutic thought, fails to do full justice to the challenges posed by envy, enmity, and scapegoating violence in human affairs and to the struggle for a good or decent life that mimetic theory richly portrays. Thus, we explore some of the possibilities for a fruitful cross-fertilization of mimetic theory and hermeneutic/dialogical viewpoints. Similarly, we argue that recent work on virtue ethics in theoretical psychology contains rich resources for elaborating what would be involved in a so-called “positive” or “creative” mimesis that moves beyond the destructive kinds of mimetic entanglement upon which Girardian thought has tended to concentrate. Finally, we suggest that any effort of this sort to clarify what Girard terms our “interdividual” human reality and to investigate positive mimesis would be greatly assisted by Eugene Webb’s delineation of a fundamental kind of “beneficient motivation” or positive “existential appetite,” a third species of human desire in addition to the two that Girard clearly identifies, namely finite needs and the kind of insatiable, artificial craving that the term mimetic desire usually designates.
Homemade cofactors: Self-processing in galactose oxidase

Numerous enzymes use a variety of cofactors for achieving their impressive catalytic prowess. Generally, these cofactors are generated via complex multistep biosynthetic pathways involving many proteins. A less commonly encountered means of cofactor biosynthesis, but one that is found with increasing frequency, involves the posttranslational modification of endogenous amino acids in the enzyme. These modifications can occur via autocatalytic processes or may be catalyzed by other auxiliary proteins. In this issue, Firbank et al. describe the crystal structure of the precursor of galactose oxidase (GAO), a self-processing enzyme that generates a crosslink between a cysteine and a tyrosine (1). The one-electron oxidized form of this crosslink (a crosslinked tyrosyl radical) functions as the cofactor in the oxidation of primary alcohols. The current work provides an important foundation to study the mechanism of autocatalytic cofactor generation in GAO and may also provide insights into the biogenesis of crosslinked cofactors found in other proteins (2).
Confirmation and identification of parasitic stages of obligate endobionts (Harpellales) in blackflies (Simuliidae) by means of rRNA sequence data

Over the last 35 y, the life cycle of endosymbiotic gut fungi (Harpellales) has been expanded to include cyst stages associated with the developing ovaries. Ovarian cysts (chlamydospore stages) have been identified after germination and production of asexual trichospores in vitro, but germination is not always successful, and spores exhibit morphological variation. Sequence data (for partial 18S and 28S rRNA genes) were generated for these putative stages of Harpellales using ungerminated cysts from adult blackflies and germinated cysts associated with field-collected blackfly egg masses. Cladistic analyses of the 18S and 28S rRNA sequences confirmed that ovarian cysts are stages in the life cycle of Harpellales. Ungerminated cysts, from a blackfly collected from New York state were identified as Pennella simulii and two samples from Newfoundland Prosimulium mixtum adults were identified as Harpella melusinae. Cysts with bipolar germ tubes, associated with field-collected Simulium egg masses from Newfoundland, were also identified as H. melusinae. Two other samples of cysts could not be matched with available sequences of gut fungi from larval hosts. The potential use of this approach to identify pathogenic stages associated with adult ovaries or field-collected egg masses among other host groups is highlighted and promoted as a tool to test the hypothesis that ovarian cysts are a dispersal stage common to all genera of Harpellales.
Family history, not lack of medication use, is associated with the development of postpartum depression in a high-risk sample

We sought to determine clinical predictors of postpartum depression (PPD), including the role of medication, in a sample of women followed prospectively during and after pregnancy. Women with a history of mood disorder were recruited and evaluated during each trimester and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postpartum. DSM-IV criteria for a major depressive episode were assessed by a psychiatric interview at each time point. Sixty-three women with major depression and 30 women with bipolar disorder entered the study and 75.4 % met DSM-IV criteria for a MDE during pregnancy, postpartum, or both. We modeled depression in a given time period (second trimester, third trimester, or 1 month postpartum) as a function of medication use during the preceding period (first, second, or third trimester). The odds of being depressed for those who did not use medication in the previous period was approximately 2.8 times that of those who used medication (OR 2.79, 95 % CI 1.38–5.66, p = 0.0048). Of 38 subjects who were psychiatrically well during the third trimester, 39.5 % (N = 15) met the criteria for a MDE by 4 weeks postpartum. In women who developed PPD, there was a high rate of a family history of PPD (53.3 %) compared to women who did not develop PPD (11.8 %, p = 0.02). While the use of psychiatric medications during pregnancy reduced the odds of being depressed overall, the use of psychiatric medications during pregnancy may not protect against PPD in women at high risk, particularly those with a family history of PPD.
Abstract B90: Smoking prevalence among tobacco-related cancer survivors in the United States, BRFSS 2009

Introduction: Cancer survivors who continue to smoke are at increased risk for primary cancer recurrences or development of new malignancies. Risks may be even higher among Tobacco Related Cancer Survivors (TRCS). We provide a national report on smoking behavior among TRCS. Methods: Tobacco-related cancers (lung/bronchial, pharyngeal, esophageal, stomach, pancreatic, kidney/renal, urinary bladder, cervical and leukemia) are defined according to the 2004 report of the Surgeon General on The Health Consequences of Smoking. Data from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were used to describe demographic characteristics and tobacco use behaviors reported by TRCS, other cancer survivors and the non cancer BRFSS cohort. Self reported prevalence percentages and confidence intervals were calculated using SAS version 9.2 (SAS Institute, Inc, Cary, North Carolina). Results: Overall, 10% of BRFSS respondents reported being diagnosed with cancer. Approximately 17% of all cancer survivors were diagnosed with a tobacco related cancer. Survivors in this group were primarily white (85.4%) and female (71.9%). Approximately 8.8% of TRCS were Hispanic. TRCS report a substantially higher proportion of current and past tobacco use. Among TRCS, 68% (95%CI 66.0-69.0) reported a history of smoking and 27.1% (95%CI 25.4-28.9) reported currently smoking; among other cancer survivors, 45.7% (95%CI 45.4-45.9) reported a history of smoking and 27.6% (95%CI 27.3-27.9) reported currently smoking. Conclusion: When compared to other cancer survivors, persons diagnosed with tobacco related cancers have higher past and current smoking rates. Smoking cessation interventions should target TRCS, and increased surveillance of smoking behaviors is needed in this population. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(12 Suppl):B90.
Immigration, parasitic infection, and United States religiosity

Fincher & Thornhill (F&T) present a powerful case for the relationship between parasite-stress and religiosity. We argue, however, that the United States may be more religious than can be accounted for by parasite-stress. This greater religiosity might be attributable to greater sensitivity to immigration, which may hyperactivate evolved mechanisms that motivate avoidance of potential carriers of novel parasites.
Calcium-dependent anion channel in the water mold, Blastocladiella emersonii.

Injection of depolarizing current into vegetative cells of the water moldBlastocladiella emersonii elicits a regenerative response that has the electrical characteristics of an action potential. Once they have been taken past a threshold of about −40 mV, cells abruptly depolarize to +20 mV or above; after an interval ranging from several hundred milliseconds to a few seconds, the cells spontaneously return to their resting potential near −100 mV. When the action potential was analyzed with voltage-clamp recording, it proved to be biphasic. The initial phase reflects an influx of calcium ions through voltage-sensitive channels that also carry Sr2+ ions. The delayed, and more extended, phase of inward current results from the efflux of chloride and other anions. The anion channels are broadly selective, passing chloride, nitrate, phosphate, acetate, succinate and even PIPES. The anion channels open in response to the entry of calcium ions, but do not recognize Sr2+. Calcium channels, anion channels and calcium-specific receptors that link the two channels appear to form an ensemble whose physiological function is not known. Action potentials rarely occur spontaneously but can be elicited by osmotic downshock, suggesting that the ion channels may be involved in the regulation of turgor.
Does interpersonal attraction to thin media personalities promote eating disorders

A study was conducted to examine the link between college women's interpersonal attraction to female media personalities of various body sizes, and several indices of disordered eating symptomatology. Interpersonal attraction to thin television characters and magazine models, operationalized as a combination of liking, feeling similar to, and wanting to be like these individuals, was expected to be positively related to disordered eating symptomatology. The theoretical proposition that attraction to social agents facilitates modeling of these agents’ behavior was proposed to account for the observed relationships. Attraction to thin media personalities predicted 6 of 7 eating disorder indices, even when exposure to thinness‐depicting and ‐promoting (TDP) media was controlled. The argument is advanced that interpersonal attraction thin media personalities is an important element in the relationship between consumption of TDP media and disordered eating, and exerts an influence on disordered eating beyond t...
Gram-positive marine bacteria as a potential resource for the discovery of quorum sensing inhibitors.

Inhibitors of bacterial quorum sensing have been proposed as potentially novel therapeutics for the treatment of certain bacterial diseases. We recently reported a marine Halobacillus salinus isolate that secretes secondary metabolites capable of quenching quorum sensing phenotypes in several Gram-negative reporter strains. To investigate how widespread the production of such compounds may be in the marine bacterial environment, 332 Gram-positive isolates from diverse habitats were tested for their ability to interfere with Vibrio harveyi bioluminescence, a cell signaling-regulated phenotype. Rapid assay methods were employed where environmental isolates were propagated alongside the reporter strain. “Actives” were defined as bacteria that interfered with bioluminescence without visible cell-killing effects (antibiotic activity). A total of 49 bacterial isolates interfered with bioluminescence production in the assays. Metabolite extracts were generated from cultures of the active isolates, and 28 reproduced the bioluminescence inhibition against V. harveyi. Of those 28, five extracts additionally inhibited violacein production by Chromobacterium violaceum. Chemical investigations revealed that phenethylamides and a cyclic dipeptide are two types of secondary metabolites responsible for the observed activities. The active bacterial isolates belonged primarily to either the genus Bacillus or Halobacillus. The results suggest that Gram-positive marine bacteria are worthy of further investigation for the discovery of quorum sensing antagonists.
Empirical factors affecting reconstruction of image-guided near infrared spectroscopy

Empirical factors in image reconstruction that can have a dramatic effect on final image quantification in image guided optical spectroscopy using MRI are examined. We present a model for image segmentation that finds that tumor region quantification is influenced by defined size of that region, and we conclude that the most effective segmentation is done using a ktrans map to define the tumor region along with guidance from a radiologist experienced in breast MRI. Data calibration also introduces another empirical factor and we weigh advantages and disadvantages of different methods of calibrating data based on imaging geometry and volume. Finally, we investigate the effects of a modified Levenburg- Marquardt reconstruction that uses a regularization parameter to make the reconstruction less ill-posed and limit the effects of image noise. We find that the regularization parameter must fall within a certain range to adequately smooth the image but if it is too large then image contrast is lost. Understanding and minimizing these factors' contribution will be increasingly important as MRI/NIRS becomes closer to clinical use to ensure that the best possible images are always produced to aid in prognostic clinical decisions.
Directed self-assembly of InAs quantum dots on nano-oxide templates

We describe the growth and characterization of InAs quantum dots on SiO2 patterned GaAs by metal organic chemical vapor deposition. Arrays of quantum dots with densities as high as 1.8×1010 cm−2 fabricated by electron beam lithography are demonstrated. A process consisting of dry and wet etching to minimize etch damage is developed. As the mask diameter increases, the nucleation transitions from single dots to multidot clusters. We achieve more uniform size and shape distributions of dots on patterned regions relative to unpatterned dots as revealed by structural characterization and room temperature photoluminescence emission spectra.
Mapping irrigated areas in Afghanistan over the past decade using MODIS NDVI

Abstract Agricultural production capacity contributes to food security in Afghanistan and is largely dependent on irrigated farming, mostly utilizing surface water fed by snowmelt. Because of the high contribution of irrigated crops (> 80%) to total agricultural production, knowing the spatial distribution and year-to-year variability in irrigated areas is imperative to monitoring food security for the country. We used 16-day composites of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor to create 23-point time series for each year from 2000 through 2013. Seasonal peak values and time series were used in a threshold-dependent decision tree algorithm to map irrigated areas in Afghanistan for the last 14 years. In the absence of ground reference irrigated area information, we evaluated these maps with the irrigated areas classified from multiple snapshots of the landscape during the growing season from Landsat 5 optical and thermal sensor images. We were able to identify irrigated areas using Landsat imagery by selecting as irrigated those areas with Landsat-derived NDVI greater than 0.30–0.45, depending on the date of the Landsat image and surface temperature less than or equal to 310 Kelvin (36.9 ° C). Due to the availability of Landsat images, we were able to compare with the MODIS-derived maps for four years: 2000, 2009, 2010, and 2011. The irrigated areas derived from Landsat agreed well r 2 = 0.91 with the irrigated areas derived from MODIS, providing confidence in the MODIS NDVI threshold approach. The maps portrayed a highly dynamic irrigated agriculture practice in Afghanistan, where the amount of irrigated area was largely determined by the availability of surface water, especially snowmelt, and varied by as much as 30% between water surplus and water deficit years. During the past 14 years, 2001, 2004, and 2008 showed the lowest levels of irrigated area (~ 1.5 million hectares), attesting to the severe drought conditions in those years, whereas 2009, 2012 and 2013 registered the largest irrigated area (~ 2.5 million hectares) due to record snowpack and snowmelt in the region. The model holds promise the ability to provide near-real-time (by the end of the growing seasons) estimates of irrigated area, which are beneficial for food security monitoring as well as subsequent decision making for the country. While the model is developed for Afghanistan, it can be adopted with appropriate adjustments in the derived threshold values to map irrigated areas elsewhere.
Design of a Compact Amplifier and Signal Conditioning Module for Wireless EEG Monitoring

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is an electrical recording of brain activity. It has numerous diagnostic and research applications in the study of the brain. EEG can be recorded from the human brain by the placement of electrodes on the surface of the scalp, but the signals thus picked up are very small (on the order of a few microvolts) to be recorded or digitized (for example by an A/D converter). Hence an amplification system is required to amplify these small potentials to an acceptable level. Further, due to the small amplitude, these signals are very susceptible to any background noise which could be picked up by the human body through the ground path or the cables connecting the recording unit to the electrode. So, a signal conditioning circuit is required which is capable of filtering certain high and low frequency components of the input signal while allowing only the signal in the desired bandwidth to pass. The complete block diagram for the circuit is shown in Figure 1. This paper discusses the design of a compact amplifier suitable for this purpose and the considerations in the design of the amplifier. One of the main concerns in the design of this new amplifier was the need to make it compact and thus useful in portable and wearable patient monitoring equipment. It also needs to be a low-power system in order to be able to power it using batteries. The design presented here uses commercially available surface-mount components to ensure a low-cost design with a relatively smaller footprint. The characteristics of the developed amplifier such signal-to-noise ratio, frequency response and gain are presented in this paper. Some of the measured EEG data is also presented.
Efficacy of a Pill-Swallowing Training Intervention to Improve Antiretroviral Medication Adherence in Pediatric Patients With HIV/AIDS

OBJECTIVE. We aimed to retrospectively assess the efficacy of pill-swallowing training provided as a clinical intervention to referred pediatric patients with HIV in relation to improved adherence and subsequent related health outcomes. The primary goal of this study was to demonstrate participation in pill-swallowing training is associated with improved medication adherence as documented by routine pharmacy pill counts. Secondary objectives were to assess corresponding improvements in clinically observed biologic indicators of adherence, specifically, immunologic functioning (CD4+ T-cell%) and viral load, over time. PATIENTS AND METHODS. A retrospective chart review of 23 pediatric patients with HIV aged 4 to 21 years who were clinically referred for pill-swallowing training by an experienced pediatric psychologist for either noted difficulties with currently prescribed antiretroviral regimens and/or desire to change the child9s regimen/formulary. Patient demographics, reason(s) for pill-swallowing training referral, number of pill-swallowing training sessions required to attain success, adherence, CD4+ T-cell%, and viral load were abstracted at baseline and at ∼3 and 6 months posttraining. RESULTS. Modal number of sessions required to acquire the pill-swallowing skill was 1 session. Younger children (aged 4–5 years) required a median of 2 training sessions, while older children required ≥3 sessions. A significant improvement in adherence from baseline to 6 months post–pill-swallowing training completion was observed, as were significant related improvements in CD4+ T-cell% and viral load. CONCLUSIONS. Participation in pill-swallowing training related to improved medication adherence at 6 months posttraining. Subsequent improvements in related CD4+ T-cell% and viral load were noted over time, most significantly at 6 months postintervention. These preliminary findings provide justification for additional study via a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Pill-swallowing training potentially is a successful time-limited, cost-effective intervention to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapies, and thus medical status, in children with HIV.
Pressurized oceans and the eruption of liquid water on Europa and Enceladus

[1] It is difficult for liquid water to erupt onto the surface of icy satellites, such as Europa and Enceladus, because liquid water is more dense than ice. If the ice shell thickens, the volume expansion of ice upon freezing increases pressure in the subsurface ocean. The excess pressure is determined by a balance between compression of ocean water and elastic expansion of the ice shell. We show that on Europa the freezing of ∼ 1–10 km of ice generates tangential stresses that exceed the tensile strength of ice. Excess pressure, however, is insufficient for liquid water to erupt to the surface. Within smaller icy satellites, such as Enceladus, ocean pressure can become large enough to cause an eruption of large amounts of liquid water.
Radar reflectivity of lightning-induced plasmas

Abstract The scattering of radio waves from lightning-induced plasmas is investigated. The plasmas are modeled as long, perfectly conducting cylinders with surface density irregularities on a scale much smaller than the total channel length. The theoretical wavelength dependence of the radar reflectivity is compared with experimental results obtained with the MIT C-band and S-band radars. It is found that the theory of rough surface scattering predicts two types of inverse power law wavelength dependence for radar reflectivity. They are 1/λ and 1/λ 2 , which correspond to density fluctuations of lightning plasmas with a Gaussian type spectrum and a power-law type spectrum, respectively. By contrast, the theory of long, thin conductors predicts a wavelength dependence of λ 0 5 for radar reflectivity. The experimental observations on common lightning targets free of precipitation masking effects show a mean wavelength dependence of 1/ λ 0 84 . The observed wavelength dependence lies between the predictions of the two theories. It indicates that the wavelength dependence in these observations is bounded by these two theories. We conclude that the proposed theory for fat overdense plasma channels with irregular surfaces and the theory for long, thin overdense channels bracket the observed wavelength dependence.
Simulation of the effect of different parameters on the swelling characteristics of a pH-sensitive hydrogel

Hydrogels are 3-D network polymeric materials that exhibit a large volume phase-transition due to a of change in their environment so that the response causes the hydrogel to swell or shrink. Since hydrogels have been found to be useful for chemical sensing and delivery, there is a growing interest in their use for medicine. This ,requires a thorough understanding of the hydrogels characteristic response to pH. The hydrogel response can be explained by various physical equations which are often challenging to solve. We discuss the simulation of such phase-transitions in steady-state conditions emphasizing the response to solvent pH and other environmental stimuli. We demonstrate a method for simulating pH response of hydrogels and describe numerical model and its implementation in detail. Though a few models have been developed for simulation of these hydrogel characteristics, these have been based on custom programs implemented in individual laboratories and often not generally accessible. Hence, our modeling effort is implemented using the generic finite element software COMSOL and the method can be used with any software having similar capabilities. The effect of buffer solution concentration, fixed charge density, the solution pH on the swelling characteristics are studied. Results are compared with published experimental data.
Prediction of urinary excretion of 131I-orthoiodohippurate.

A new formula is presented for the prediction of urinary excretion at approximately 35 min after injection of 131I-orthoiodohippurate, derived from a large series of normal kidney donors, before and after unilateral nephrectomy, and a few patients with diseases in which there was no evidence of urinary tract obstruction. The best formula was: Expected percent dose excretion at 35 min = 79.3[1−e−(0.004798 x ERPF)] with a standard error of estimate (Sy·x) of 5.2% dose. This value has been particularly useful in clinical practice in the calculation of an excretion index (actual/expected percent dose excretion) which separates various post-transplantation entities and various nephrouologic processes.
Identification of a deoxyribonucleic acid allelic variant for β-4 galactosyltransferase expression associated with male sperm binding /penetration infertility

Abstract Studies on mouse sperm-egg binding and fertilization have been suggested to involve the interaction of sperm-associated β-4 galactosyltransferase with egg zona pellucida glycoproteins. A population of human males, whose sperm demonstrated an inability to penetrate ovulated zona pellucida-free hamster eggs in vitro, were examined for the level of activity of (β-4 galactosyltransferase. The level of enzyme activity was found to be reduced in human sperm isolated from this group of individuals compared with a known hamster penetration-positive group. Analysis of the deoxyribonucleic acid from these individuals by Southern hybridization with a putative human complementary deoxyribonucleic acid clone to β-4 galactosyltransferase identified a unique allele lacking 0.8 and 0.4 kb restriction fragments on digestion with the endonuclease Taq I. These results represent the first evidence to suggest that mutations could be associated with the human gene for galactosyltransferase. Our data help to clarify one of the possible molecular mechanisms responsible for sperm-egg binding/ penetration interactions. (Ann J OBSTET GYNECOL 1989;160:1160-5.)