cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uranium complexes formed at hematite surfaces colonized by sulfate-reducing bacteria.

Modeling uranium (U) transport in subsurface environments requires a thorough knowledge of mechanisms likely to restrict its mobility, such as surface complexation, precipitation, and colloid formation. In closed systems, sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) such as Desulfovibrio spp. demonstrably affect U immobilization by enzymatic reduction of U(VI) species (primarily the uranyl ion, UO22+, and its complexes) to U(IV). However, our understanding of such interactions under chronic U(VI) exposure in dynamic systems is limited. As a first step to understanding such interactions, we performed bioreactor experiments under continuous flow to study the effect of a biofilm of the sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio desulfuricans attached to specular hematite (α-Fe2O3) surfaces on surface-associated U(VI) complexation, transformation, and mobility. Employing real-time microscopic observation and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), we show that the characteristics of the U(VI) complex(es) formed at the hemat...
Control of sexually transmitted infections for HIV prevention - Authors' reply

In their Comment (June 21, p 2064), Ronald Gray and Maria Wawer question whether control of sexually trans mitted infections (STIs) should be promoted specifi cally for HIV prevention in HIV-negative populations. However, the trials they quote for bacterial STIs were done in selected populations in Africa that might not refl ect the situation in urban areas where numbers of sexual partners are greater than in rural areas and where STI control activities would be expected to have a greater eff ect. The trials were done either in rural areas or among female sex workers, because of ease of access and high follow-up rates, and showed that optimum STI care does not comprise mass therapy or syndromic treatment alone. By contrast, there is still a lack of data in urban areas, particularly among heterosexual men. Funders have tended to concentrate on STI interventions for women rather than men, possibly because of political correctness and the logistical diffi culty in identifying the secondary eff ect of HIV prevention in women through interventions in men. The trials to suppress herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) to prevent HIV acquisition in HSV-2-positive individuals discussed in the Comment also omitted heterosexual men. Moreover, in most of the women included in the trials, there was no recent history of genital ulcers, making the negative results not that surprising. On the basis of observational data, investment is still justifi ed in developing quality onestop STI services in urban areas that provide a package of good-quality medication, including treatment for genital herpes, condom promotion, counselling, education, and HIV testing.
Academic genealogy and direct calorimetry: a personal account

Each of us as a scientist has an academic legacy that consists of our mentors and their mentors continuing back for many generations. Here, I describe two genealogies of my own: one through my PhD ...
Intimidation and projective identification in group therapy of physically abused early adolescent boys

This paper examines the emergence and course of intimidation in a school-based psychotherapy group for early adolescent boys. Projective identification is demonstrated as the mechanism underlying intimidation among these boys, freeing them of feelings of helplessness as well as offering a sense of power and control. Intimidating looks, gestures and words served to pressure others into identifying with projected content.
7-Azidomethoxy-Coumarins as Profluorophores for Templated Nucleic Acid Detection

Templated nucleic acid detection is an emerging bioanalytical method that makes use of the target DNA or RNA strand to initiate a fluorogenic reaction. The Staudinger reduction holds particular promise for templated sensing of nucleic acids because the involved functional groups are highly chemoselective. Here, the azidomethoxy group, which can be removed under Staudinger conditions, is used to cage 7-hydroxycoumarin fluorophores. The reduction by phosphines and the subsequent loss of the azidomethoxy substituent induce a significant bathochromic shift of the major absorbance band in the near UV region. When excited at the appropriate wavelength, this change in the absorbance spectrum translates into a substantial fluorescence turn-on signal. The described profluorophores are readily conjugated to amino-modified DNAs and are rapidly uncaged by a triphenylphosphine-DNA probe under the control of a DNA template. In addition, turnover of the probes on the target strand is demonstrated, yielding substantial signal amplification.
Banquet Speech. The Ingredients for Global Standards and Ubiquity

Hear Mr. Theall discuss critical ingredients that are necessary to make a successful standards organization survive and flourish; and how the HomePlug Powerline Alliance is an excellent case study of those ingredients
Syndapin Isoforms Participate in Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis and Actin Organization

Syndapin I (SdpI) interacts with proteins involved in endocytosis and actin dynamics and was therefore proposed to be a molecular link between the machineries for synaptic vesicle recycling and cytoskeletal organization. We here report the identification and characterization of SdpII, a ubiquitously expressed isoform of the brain-specific SdpI. Certain splice variants of rat SdpII in other species were named FAP52 and PACSIN 2. SdpII binds dynamin I, synaptojanin, synapsin I, and the neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (N-WASP), a stimulator of Arp2/3 induced actin filament nucleation. In neuroendocrine cells, SdpII colocalizes with dynamin, consistent with a role for syndapin in dynamin-mediated endocytic processes. The src homology 3 (SH3) domain of SdpI and -II inhibited receptor-mediated internalization of transferrin, demonstrating syndapin involvement in endocytosis in vivo. Overexpression of full-length syndapins, but not the NH2-terminal part or the SH3 domains alone, had a strong effect on cortical actin organization and induced filopodia. This syndapin overexpression phenotype appears to be mediated by the Arp2/3 complex at the cell periphery because it was completely suppressed by coexpression of a cytosolic COOH-terminal fragment of N-WASP. Consistent with a role in actin dynamics, syndapins localized to sites of high actin turnover, such as filopodia tips and lamellipodia. Our results strongly suggest that syndapins link endocytosis and actin dynamics.
Kramers-restricted closed-shell CCSD theory

A Kramers' restricted version of the closed shell coupled cluster singles doubles theory is presented. The theory may be used in conjunction with 2 or 4-component relativistic reference wavefunctions. The intrinsic treatment of the spin-orbit coupling doubles the number of independent quantities (amplitudes and integrals) relative to a spin-independent formalism. The number of operations required to evaluate the equations is four times larger than in the optimal spin-independent closed shell formalism.
How Scandalous Is Knowledge of Evolutionary Psychology

Biological science is deepening our understanding of life at a brisk rate, but interdisciplinary discourse is not keeping pace. This essay offers an account of themes from evolutionary biology that can enrich appreciation of the complexities of human behavior. Because this topic touches fields with different and more traditional perspectives, frictions and misunderstandings exist, and I have employed examples from a single source in order to clarify the science. In her critique of evolutionary psychology published in her book Scandalous Knowledge, the social theorist Barbara Herrnstein Smith has set forth views that are not in harmony with either evolutionary biology or cognitive neuroscience. She asserts that specialized features of mental processing postulated by evolutionary psychologists are without empirical justification; further, she dismisses the concept as embracing “non-physical mental organs.” There exist, however, numerous examples of how brains process information in specific, functional ways, frequently characteristic of the species. Furthermore, the charge of “non-physical mental organs” is not only wrong; it reveals a failure to recognize that biology has two complementary modes of explanation. One is historical and addresses cause in terms of the historical course of evolution and the process of natural selection. The other is proximate and includes many levels of analysis from molecular to social. Because brains have evolutionary histories, the ‘function’ of a particular aspect of mental processing can have a hypothetical explanation in terms of adaptive advantage that is independent of any knowledge of the underlying neural circuitry. A computational model of the brain and representational processing of sensory information, however, are both compatible with observed properties of neurons in the retina and visual cortex as well as with evolutionary processes. Finally, study of the mental processes of non-human primates provides insight into the evolution of our own minds.
Digital image motion correction by spatial warp methods.

A technique for correction of motion between images which are obtained in high‐speed digital subtraction or cine angiographic acquisitions is being tested. The method is based on the application of quadratic polynomial equations which transform one image so that it matches a reference image.Images which have been processed in this manner can be summed to improve the signal‐to‐noise ratios over individual images. The technique for motion correction currently being tested uses operator interaction to establish the appropriate polynomial transformation. An operator selects fiducial (reference) points on an image which will be the reference. Then he selects the corresponding fiducial points on the image to be processed. The algorithm calculates the coefficients of a pair of quadratic polynomial equations and applies them to each pixel in the image. Results demonstrate the application of the technique in phantoms and in digitized cine angiograms.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor Inhibits Amiloride-Sensitive Na+Channel Function in Cystic Fibrosis Airway Epithelium in vitro

Abstract Cystic fibrosis (CF) airway epithelial cells have a reduced cAMP-dependent Cl − conductance channel (CFTR) function but an increased level of amiloride-sensitive Na + channel (ENaC) activity. Recently, expression of the α -subunit of the ENaC protein complex was shown to be down-regulated by activation of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway. In the present study we have examined the actions of a potent regulator of the ERK pathway, recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor (rhHGF), on the function of ENaC in confluent, polarized monolayers of both primary cultures of CF airway cells and an SV40-transformed CF nasal epithelial cell line (JME CF/15). Treatment of JME/CF 15 cells with rhHGF at concentrations of 100 ng/ml and above was found to dramatically decrease the activity of amiloride-sensitive Na + transport. This effect required basolateral exposure of the cytokine. Addition of 100 ng/ml rhHGF to JME/CF 15 cells decreased I eq with a t 1/2 of 18 h, with a maximal inhibition of 90% by 36 h. By 48 h, stimulation with rhHGF induced a down-regulation of its receptor, c-met , expressed in these cells. The decrease in I eq of JME/CF 15 monolayers was not immediately reversed upon removal of rhHGF. Treatment with rhHGF did not appear to affect monolayer resistances nor Cl − currents induced by mediators such as isoproterenol, histamine or bradykinin. Studies with primary cultures of CF airway cell sheets demonstrated comparable sensitivity and time-course properties for the inhibition of amiloride-sensitive currents following rhHGF addition. These observations are consistent with the possible application of an extracellular signalling molecule, such as the cytokine HGF, to reduce the abnormally high activity of amiloride-sensitive Na + ion channels observed in CF airway cells.
The Generalized Fitting Subsystem of a Fusion System

The notion of a fusion system was first defined and explored by Puig, in the context of modular representation theory. Later, Broto, Levi, and Oliver extended the theory and used it as a tool in homotopy theory. The author seeks to build a local theory of fusion systems, analogous to the local theory of finite groups, involving normal subsystems and factor systems. Among other results, he defines the notion of a simple system, the generalized Fitting subsystem of a fusion system, and prove the L-balance theorem of Gorenstein and Walter for fusion systems. He defines a notion of composition series and composition factors and proves a Jordon-Hoelder theorem for fusion systems.|The notion of a fusion system was first defined and explored by Puig, in the context of modular representation theory. Later, Broto, Levi, and Oliver extended the theory and used it as a tool in homotopy theory. The author seeks to build a local theory of fusion systems, analogous to the local theory of finite groups, involving normal subsystems and factor systems. Among other results, he defines the notion of a simple system, the generalized Fitting subsystem of a fusion system, and prove the L-balance theorem of Gorenstein and Walter for fusion systems. He defines a notion of composition series and composition factors and proves a Jordon-Hoelder theorem for fusion systems.
The exaerobic zone, a new oxygen-deficient marine biofacies

Classical biofacies models1,2 for reconstructing palaeoenvironments of strata deposited in oxygen-deficient marine settings define three principal facies: aerobic (> 1.0 ml 1−1 O2), dysaerobic (1.0 to 0.1 ml 1−1 O2) and anaerobic (<0.1 ml 1−1 O2) zones. These models have postulated a decrease in organism size and degree of calcification as well as a drastic reduction in the relative percentage of fauna possessing calcified skeletons as the dysaerobic/anaerobic boundary is approached. Through use of evidence independent of that provided by body fossils, we demonstrate here that in portions of the Monterey Formation (Miocene; California) the bivalve Anadara montereyana occurs in situ almost exclusively in strata deposited at the dysaerobic/anaerobic boundary. The occurrence of fossils of large well-calcified benthic macroinvertebrates at this redox boundary contradicts classical biofacies models1,2 and there-fore provides the basis for definition of a new oxygen-related biofacies, the 'exaerobic zone’. The exaerobic zone concept, when adjusted for differences in basin configuration and palaeoceano-graphic conditions, provides a potentially useful model for explain-ing occurrences of shelly benthic fossils within laminated, organic-rich strata of other Phanerozoic marine sequences.
The binding of aromatic sulfonamides to erythrocytes

Abstract Earlier work in vitro showing that sulfanilamide and acetazolamide had an affinity for erythrocytes was confirmed and extended. Eighteen sulfonamides were studied in vitro. Twelve unsubstituted drugs (aryl-SO2NH2), all carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, had varying degrees of affinity for red cells; dissociation constants varied 10,000-fold. Six substituted drugs (aryl-SO2NHR), all antibacterial agents and not carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, had no affinity for erythrocytes. Acetazolamide and the other unsubstituted drugs accumulated in canine red cells to 32–92 μmoles l against concentration gradients. Sulfanilamide and other benzene-sulfonamides could be washed out readily, but acetazolamide and other heterocyclic compounds could not. The Kdiss of the sulfanilamide complex is 2 ×d 10−6 M; that of the acetazolamide complsx is about 10−8 M. Acetazolamide interferes competitively with the accumulation of sulfanilamide in red cells. Formation of the acetazolamide-red cell complex is not dependent on an energy source, pH, or temperature. Red cells of bird, reptile and fish also bind acetazolamide. Binding is to components within the cells, probably not hemoglobin. One component of binding is carbonic anhydrase; for most arylsulfonamides there are also other receptors, in both dog and man. The total Kdiss, and the KI for carbonic anhydrase are within one log unit of each other, for a given drug, in the four cases studied. The drug receptors in red cells have a “fit” similar to carbonic anhydrase since they react quite specifically with aryl-SO2NH2. In other tissues, such as lens, acetazolamide binds to carbonic anhydrase alone. Apart from the bound fraction most of the unsubstituted arylsulfonamides appear in erythrocytes, both in vivo and in vivo, in diffusible forms. The degree of diffusion varies greatly among the drugs. The diffusible or free tissue concentration of drug, and its Kdiss. or KI, quantitatively determine the degree of binding or enzyme inhibition.
A microfabricated preconcentration device for breath analysis

a b s t r a c t Breath analysis promises to be a noninvasive method for diagnosis of lung cancer in its early stages. Cer- tain ketones and aldehydes in exhaled breath have been identified as indicators of lung cancer. We report a preconcentration device or preconcentrator with thousands of micropillars fabricated from a silicon wafer that have been engineered to selectively trap trace gaseous ketones and aldehydes in exhaled breath. The micropillar surfaces were functionalized with a quaternary ammonium aminooxy salt, 2-(aminooxy)ethyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium iodide (ATM), for capturing trace carbonyl com- pounds flowing through the preconcentrator by means of an oximation reaction. The unreacted ATM and reacted ATM adducts were eluted out of the preconcentrator with methanol and were directly ana- lyzed by Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS). The preconcentration results indicate that the capture percentages of acetone depend on the molar ratio of ATM/acetone. The analysis of exhaled breath demonstrates that the preconcentrator is suitable for quantitative analysis of ketones and aldehydes in exhaled breath. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Sort-synchronization control in microfluidic loop devices with experimental uncertainties using a model predictive control (MPC) framework

Abstract Droplet microfluidic devices are being used in several applications. Increasing sophistication of these applications require precise control of the droplet behavior in such devices. However, it has been shown that even the simplest loop devices (a channel that splits into two arms and subsequently recombines) can demonstrate nonlinear behavior like period doubling, bifurcations and chaos. This behavior of the droplets makes control using traditional methods difficult. In this paper, a model based control algorithm is proposed for active sort-synchronization control in microfluidic devices. A recently proposed network model is used in this control. The control concepts are demonstrated on simulation studies using a prototypical loop device.
Single component, reversible ionic liquids for energy applications

Single component, reversible ionic liquids have excellent potential as novel solvents for a variety of energy applications. Our energy industry is faced with many new challenges including increased energy consumption, depleting oil reserves, and increased environmental awareness. We report the use of reversible ionic liquids to solve two energy challenges: extraction of hydrocarbons from contaminated crude oil and carbon capture from power plant flue gas streams. Our reversible solvents are derived from silylated amine molecular liquids which react with carbon dioxide reversibly to form ionic liquids. Here we compare the properties of various silylated amine precursors and their corresponding ionic liquids. We show how the property changes are advantageous in the two aforementioned energy applications. In the case of hydrocarbon purification, we take advantage of the polarity switch between precursor and ionic liquid to enable separations. In carbon capture, our solvents act as dual physical and chemical capture agents for carbon dioxide. Finally, we show the potential economics of scale-up for both processes.
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid masquerading as a chalazion

Chalazia are among the most common eyelid lesions presenting to eye care providers. Often successfully managed conservatively, some require more invasive intervention such as incision and drainage or steroid injection. Lesions that recur, do not respond to treatment, or are atypical in appearance or natural history should prompt more thorough analysis, often with biopsy and subsequent microscopic analysis. Not uncommonly, such atypical chalazia may be masking a more serious diagnosis. Eyelid cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma masquerading as a chalazion is exceedingly rare. We present a case report of an atypical chalazion that was refractory to incision and drainage as well as intralesional steroid injection. Incisional biopsy revealed the lesion to be a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma requiring full-thickness excision and subsequent reconstruction. The patient provided written informed consent, and the contents herein are acceptable under the provisions of the institutional review board. Following Mohs excision and oculoplastic reconstruction with a Hughes flap, the patient has had a good outcome and is currently free of recurrence. Recurrent chalazia that are defiant to surgical and medical interventions should prompt biopsy and evaluation by pathology. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis as early intervention can save a patient's eye and, not infrequently, their life.
Tm glucose in a case of congenital intestinal and renal malabsorption of monosaccharides.

Extract: Maximal rate of renal tubular reabsorption of glucose (TmG) was determined in a 9-month-old girl with congenital intestinal malabsorption of glucose and galactose associated with constant glucosuria. At the time of the procedure, the patient had attained normal growth and development and was enjoying good health following a 5-month dietary regimen which excluded virtually all carbohydrates other than fructose. The standard glucose titration of renal tubules was carried out, using 4 arterial plasma glucose concentrations (PG), each maintained over 3 consecutive 20-minute periods while the glomerular filtration rate was kept relatively constant. The following observations were made: 1. The rate of filtered glucose (FG) was found to exceed that of reabsorption (TG) at all PG levels ranging from 31 to 243 mg%, revealing a very low renal plasma threshold. 2. A TmG of 76.7 mg/min/1.73 m2 was achieved at a PG level of 174 mg%, when FG/TG = 1.35. This amounts to 25% of the normal adult value, taken as 303 mg/min/1.73 m2. Compared with data on premature and full-term newborns, it reflects a profound deficiency of tubular reabsorption of glucose in our patient. 3. A marked drop of TGwas recorded during the final hour of titration with prolonged elevation of FG; and the observation was felt to be valid. A search of the literature revealed that others have observed the same phenomenon in subjects with suboptimal tubular reabsorption of glucose relative to the filtered load. Speculation: The finding of a low TmG in our patient with documented intestinal malabsorption of glucose and galactose strengthens Crane's original concept that a common mechanism mediates active transport of glucose at the intestinal and renal tubular epithelia. The marked drop of TG after prolonged elevation of FG in subjects with suboptimal tubular reabsorption of glucose seems to reflect a sudden ‘fatigue’ or inhibition of an already strained transport mechanism. It is postulated that this propensity for ‘fatigue’ or inhibition, by whatever processes, may be part of the profile of defective epithelial transport of glucose in these patients.
Sharing standards work with Japan

The IEEE is an international body, and its standards are likewise international in scope. However, in many areas such as EDA, the major locus of development work is in the US, and more specifically, in Silicon Valley. It is very easy to take the path of least resistance and hold standards meetings in San Jose, California, where attendance is generally good because many participants live within a few miles. Unfortunately, this path can lead to a myopic view of user needs and frustrate interested people from other regions. The Design Automation Standards Committee (DASC; http://www.dasc.org) of the IEEE Computer Society has a long history of rotating its meetings to other areas, including Europe and Asia, to avoid this problem.
Repressor structure and the mechanism of positive control

Abstract It has been suggested that the λ repressor stimulates transcription of its own gene by binding to the λ operator and contacting RNA polymerase bound to the adjacent promoter. We describe three different mutants (called pc ) of the λ phage repressor that are specifically deficient in the positive control function. We show that the amino acid residues altered in the pc mutants lie on the surface of the DNA-bound repressor that we predict, based on structural and other evidence, would most closely approach DNA-bound polymerase. Furthermore, we describe a pc mutant of the P22 repressor. We argue that in both the λ and P22 repressors a structure comprised of two alpha helices has two functions: to bind DNA and to contact RNA polymerase. In the two cases, however, different regions of this structure contact polymerase to mediate positive control.
Characterization of benzo[a]pyrene quinone-induced toxicity to primary cultured bone marrow stromal cells from DBA/2 mice: Potential role of mitochondrial dysfunction

Abstract Oral exposure of DBA/2 mice to benzo[a]pyrene (BP) has been shown to result in hematotoxicity which is manifested as aplastic anemia and leukemia. Since normal hematopoiesis is regulated by bone marrow stromal cells, in this study we have characterized the bone marrow stromal toxicity induced by BP and BP-derived metabolites, particularly quinones. Incubation of stromal cells with various concentrations of BP-1,6-, 3,6-, 6,12-, or 7,8-quinone for 24 hr resulted in a significant decrease of cell survival in a concentration-dependent manner, while cells treated with BP or BP-7,8-dihydrodiol did not exhibit any significant loss of cell survival. Among the BP quinones examined, BP-1,6-quinone was the most cytotoxic to stromal cells. The cytotoxicity induced by BP-1,6-quinone also exhibited a time-dependent relationship. Pretreatment of stromal cells with 1,2 dithiole-3-thione (D3T) resulted in a significant induction of both cellular reduced glutathione (GSH) content and quinone reductase (QR) activity in a concentration-dependent manner. However, D3T pretreatment did not offer any protection against BP-1,6-quinone-induced toxicity. Furthermore, dicumarol, a potent inhibitor of QR, or buthionine sulfoximine, a specific inhibitor of GSH biosynthesis, did not potentiate BP-1,6-quinone-induced cytotoxicity to stromal cells. In the presence of superoxide dismutase or catalase, BP-1,6-quinone-induced cytotoxicity was not altered. However, incubation of stromal cells with BP-1,6-quinone resulted in a significant depletion of cellular ATP content and mitochondrial morphological changes, which preceded the loss of cell survival. In addition to BP-1,6-quinone, other cytotoxic BP quinones also exhibited a capacity to deplete cellular ATP level in stromal cells, while BP, which was not cytotoxic to stromal cells, did not elicit any significant decrease in cellular ATP level. These observations suggest that mitochondria may be a potential target of BP quinones. Overall, the above results indicate that neither cellular GSH and QR nor reactive oxygen species appear to be involved in BP quinone-induced stromal cell injury and that BP quinones may elicit cytotoxicity to stromal cells through directly disrupting mitochondrial energy metabolism.
Stabilization of nonlinear quadratic systems

The authors consider the nonlinear quadratic control system Mdw/dt=Aw+f(w)+g(w, u), where M and A are 3/spl times/3 matrices and, for a fixed m-vector u, f(w) and g(w,u) are quadratic in the 3-vector w=(x, y, z)'. Several theorems and examples that explore the relationship between the quadratic function and the matrices that are involved are presented.
A model for the field dependence of magnetization discontinuities in high-anisotropy materials

A simple model involving two types of nuclei, neither with any unusual or unsymmetrical properties, can describe a large variety of phenomena related to the field dependence of coercive force in powders and nucleating fields in single particles of high-anisotropy materials, including orthoferrites and hexagonal oxides as well as cobalt-rare-earths. One type of nucleus is a domain wall trap that is activated by capturing a fragment of moving wall. The other type is any local disturbance that provides a reversal site by its interaction with the local magnetization. Together they permit reasonable quantitative predictions of a number of types of behavior that have been observed.
An Assessment of Supermax Prisons Using an Evaluation Research Framework

In recent years, states have invested heavily in supermaximum (supermax) security prisons, yet critical questions about them remain unaddressed. In this article, the author examines these prisons t...
Screening for Visual Impairment in Children Younger Than Age 5 Years: Recommendation Statement

This statement summarizes the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation on screening for visual impairment in children younger than age 5 years and the supporting evidence, and updates the 1996 recommendations contained in the Guide to Clinical Preventive Services , Second Edition: Periodic
Dissemination of a Continuing Education Program in Diabetes to Health Care Professionals

A goal of the Diabetes Research and Training Centers (DRTCs) is to translate advances in diabetes research into improved patient care by providing innovative, state-of-the-art training for health care professionals. This paper is a report on a collaborative DRTC-AADE training project. A 2-day diabetes program developed by the Chicago DRTC was packaged as a Workshop Instructor's Guide with accompanying slides and materials. AADE faculty observed the workshop presented by DRTC faculty and subsequently presented the workshop themselves. The evaluation design involved comparing a workshop presented by the DRTC faculty with a workshop presented by faculty from AADE. Three components were included in the evaluation: the participants' evaluation, a commitment-to-change evaluation, and the faculty observations. When comparing workshops, few differences were observed in participants' or faculty observers' evaluations. Moreover, participants at both workshops were equally successful at meeting goals related to improving their diabetes education practice behaviors. Dissemination of the program has been expanded and the workshop has become part of AADE's national continuing education efforts.
Effects of a favor and liking on compliance

Abstract A laboratory experiment was conducted to examine the effects of a favor and of liking on compliance with a request for assistance from a confederate. Liking for the confederate was manipulated, and male subjects then received a soft drink from the confederate, from the experimenter, or received no favor. Compliance with the confederate's request to purchase some raffle tickets was measured, as was liking for the confederate. The results showed that the favor increased liking for the confederate and compliance with his request, but the effect of manipulated liking was weak. Detailed ratings of the confederate as well as correlational data suggested that the relationship between favors and compliance is mediated, not by liking for the favor-doer, but by normative pressure to reciprocate.
Emotional Value: Creating Strong Bonds with Your Customers

This article presents a review of the book “Emotional Value: Creating Strong Bonds With Your Customers,” by Janelle Barlow and Dianna Maul.
Effects of chloride salts on appearance palatability and storage traits of flaked and formed beef bullock restructured steaks

Restructured steaks made with 0.5 or 1.0% KCl, 0.5% MgCl2 and 0.5% CaCl2 were more desirable and darker red in raw color than blends formulated with 0.5 or 1.0% NaCl. Visual properties of raw steaks containing 0.5 or 1.0% chloride salt were scored higher than the control (no salt added) in 14 of 16 orthogonal contrast mean comparisons. Steaks made with 1.0% CaCl2 or MgCl2 were rated lower than the control in flavor desirability and overall satisfaction ratings. Control, 0.5 or 1.0% NaCl or 0.5 and 1.0% KCl steaks were not different in juiciness, tenderness, flavor desirability or overall satisfaction ratings. Steaks made with chloride salts were rancid after 70 days frozen storage. Results showed steaks made with KCl were superior to steaks formulated with CaCl2 or MgCl2.
Point defects in aluminum: Single vacancy

The results of a first-principles calculation for the formation energy of a single vacancy in aluminum are reported. Solid-state scattering theory is modified to use localized Gaussian orbitals (instead of Wannier functions) and applied to evaluate the one-electron contribution. Energy bands and wavefunctions, obtained from a self-consistent LCGO band calculation, are used to evaluate the Green's function matrix. The defect potential consists of that due to the absence of a neutral atom, including the lattice relaxation. It is further made partially self-consistent by including the electronic dielectric function for screening.
LAPAROSCOPIC MARSUPIALIZATION OF THE DIFFICULT LYMPHOCELE USING INTERNALIZED PERITONEAL DIALYSIS CATHETER

Purpose: Definitive treatment of the recurrent or anatomically difficult lymphocele without a common wall between the lymphocele and peritoneal cavities requires open surgery. We present a novel technique of laparoscopic marsupialization of such lymphoceles with placement of a cable of 2 internalized peritoneal dialysis catheters for maintaining permanent lymphoperitoneal drainage. Materials and Methods: Two patients with a symptomatic, post-renal transplant pelvic lymphocele underwent the procedure. Laparoscopic marsupialization was performed with ultrasound guidance and in each case a cable of 2 internalized peritoneal dialysis catheters was anchored through the limited peritoneal window to maintain lymphoperitoneal drainage. Results: Both procedures were successful. During a followup of 20 and 21 months, respectively, no recurrence or infectious complications were noted in these immunocompromised patients. Conclusions: Laparoscopic marsupialization with internalization of peritoneal dialysis catheters is a feasible, alternative measure available for select cases with a difficult or recurrent lymphocele.
Labyrinth Walking in Corrections

A 6 week labyrinth walking program was pilot tested in a correctional setting and goals were to: 1) determine the feasibility of a labyrinth walking curriculum; 2) pilot test measures of health related quality of life (QOL) (pre and post-surveys) and blood pressure; and 3) examine the influence of relationship-centered teaching on subject satisfaction. Relational communication was used as a framework for this study, emphasizing concepts of trust, competency and similarly in the teacher. A pretest/posttest descriptive design was used. The sample was 14 offenders at a Massachusetts county jail. The intervention included six 90 minute sessions, composed of a lecture, a labyrinth walk, and journal writing. Measures included a demographic survey; pre and post session walk blood pressures; pre and post program QOL measures; and a post program measure of satisfaction. The sample was 57% Caucasian, 36% Hispanic, and 7% African American, with an average age of 34, mostly high school educated and single. Drug of ch...
Mobile Technologies as Cognitive-Behavioral Aids

The advent of personal digital assistants (PDAs) at the turn of this century opened new doors to functional independence for people with cognitive impairment. Pocket-sized electronic reminders help...
Genetic Ancestry, Social Classification, and Racial Inequalities in Blood Pressure in Southeastern Puerto Rico

Background: The role of race in human genetics and biomedical research is among the most contested issues in science. Much debate centers on the relative importance of genetic versus sociocultural factors in explaining racial inequalities in health. However, few studies integrate genetic and sociocultural data to test competing explanations directly. Methodology/Principal Findings: We draw on ethnographic, epidemiologic, and genetic data collected in southeastern Puerto Rico to isolate two distinct variables for which race is often used as a proxy: genetic ancestry versus social classification. We show that color, an aspect of social classification based on the culturally defined meaning of race in Puerto Rico, better predicts blood pressure than does a genetic-based estimate of continental ancestry. We also find that incorporating sociocultural variables reveals a new and significant association between a candidate gene polymorphism for hypertension (a2C adrenergic receptor deletion) and blood pressure. Conclusions/Significance: This study addresses the recognized need to measure both genetic and sociocultural factors in research on racial inequalities in health. Our preliminary results provide the most direct evidence to date that previously reported associations between genetic ancestry and health may be attributable to sociocultural factors related to race and racism, rather than to functional genetic differences between racially defined groups. Our results also imply that including sociocultural variables in future research may improve our ability to detect significant allele-phenotype associations. Thus, measuring sociocultural factors related to race may both empower future genetic association studies and help to clarify the biological consequences of social inequalities.
Magnetic properties of conducting polymer doped with manganese?zinc ferrite nanoparticles

The magnetic properties of superparamagnetic particles are influenced by the supporting matrix. We have systematically studied the DC magnetic properties of loosely packed manganese–zinc ferrite (Mn0.68Zn0.25Fe2.07O3) nanoparticles synthesized using a reverse micelle technique. The results have been compared with those for particles suspended in paraffin wax and embedded in a polypyrrole matrix. The polypyrrole-doped particles were prepared using an in situ ultraviolet irradiation method and spin-coated into thin films. The loosely packed particles showed no resolvable coercivity even well below the blocking temperature. On the other hand, the same particles in wax showed the opening up of a large coercivity below the blocking temperature. However, both the samples showed characteristic superparamagnetic transition peaks in the temperature-dependent susceptibility nearly at the same temperature. The particles in the polypyrrole matrix showed a remarkable increase in the blocking temperature and large hysteresis at 300 K. The structural characterization of the polymer-doped sample showed clustering of the nanoparticles.
KLEM: A Method for Predicting User Interaction Time and System Energy Consumption during Application Design

The impact of user interactions on the electric energy consumption of a portable computer system and on user efficiency is often not obtainable until after the software application is implemented and deployed on a specific hardware platform. In this paper, we present the keystroke-level energy model (KLEM), a method that can predict the user time and system energy consumption it will take to perform an interactive task at run time during the phase of application design. KLEM is based on the keystroke-level model (KLM), a psychological theory of human cognitive and motor capabilities that can predict execution time for a skilled user. We first create a design story board and define a set of tasks whose KLMs are to be constructed. We then construct KLEM of each task by correlating system activities to the user actions modeled in the corresponding KLM. We obtain the energy profiles of system activities from running a set of user interaction benchmarks on the target hardware platform. To verify KLEM, we conducted a user study of 10 participants on executing an information query task using eight different methods. The user time and system energy of the participants were measured on two popular handheld platforms: a Windows Mobile iPaq and a Palm OS Tungsten. Our experimental results show that KLEM has an average prediction error of 5.6% and 8.8% on user time, and 4.4% and 8.4% on energy consumption on the two platforms, respectively.
Intrathecal HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein gp120 Induces Enhanced Pain States Mediated by Spinal Cord Proinflammatory Cytokines

Perispinal (intrathecal) injection of the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein gp120 creates exaggerated pain states. Decreases in response thresholds to both heat stimuli (thermal hyperalgesia) and light tactile stimuli (mechanical allodynia) are rapidly induced after gp120 administration. gp120 is the portion of HIV-1 that binds to and activates microglia and astrocytes. These glial cells have been proposed to be key mediators of gp120-induced hyperalgesia and allodynia because these pain changes are blocked by drugs thought to affect glial function preferentially. The aim of the present series of studies was to determine whether gp120-induced pain changes involve proinflammatory cytokines [interleukin-1β (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], substances released from activated glia. IL-1 and TNF antagonists each prevented gp120-induced pain changes. Intrathecal gp120 produced time-dependent, site-specific increases in TNF and IL-1 protein release into lumbosacral CSF; parallel cytokine increases in lumbar dorsal spinal cord were also observed. Intrathecal administration of fluorocitrate (a glial metabolic inhibitor), TNF antagonist, and IL-1 antagonist each blocked gp120-induced increases in spinal IL-1 protein. These results support the concept that activated glia in dorsal spinal cord can create exaggerated pain states via the release of proinflammatory cytokines.
Minimum jerk for trajectory planning and control

It has been experimentally verified that the jerk of the desired trajectory adversely affects the performance of the tracking control algorithms for robotic manipulators. In this paper, we investigate the reasons behind this effect, and state the trajectory planning problem as an optimization problem that minimizes a norm of joint jerk over a prespecified Cartesian space trajectory. The necessary conditions are derived and a numerical algorithm is presented.
GENETIC REDUCTION OF MTOR SIGNALING AMELIORATES ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE-RELATED COGNITIVE DEFICITS AND AMYLOID-B PATHOLOGY BY RESTORING HIPPOCAMPAL GENE EXPRESSION SIGNATURE

Background: Vascular pathology is a major feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementias. We recently showed that chronic administration of the target-of-rapamycin (TOR) inhibitor rapamycin, which extends lifespan and delays aging, halts the progression of AD-like disease and reduces amyloid-beta accumulation in (h)APP transgenic mice modeling AD. Methods: To investigate the effects of reduction of mTOR activity by rapamycin on hemodynamic, vascular and metabolic functions in brains of hAPPmicewe usedmulti-metric imaging systems (MRI and PET).Results: Our results demonstrate that hAPP mice have significantly reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) and vascular density that is not related to metabolic changes, especially in areas that have a prominent role in learning and memory. Chronic rapamycin restored vascular density and CBF, reduced vascular amyloidosis and microhemorrhages, decreased amyloid burden, and relieved AD-like cognitive deficits in hAPP mice. Reduction of mTOR activity also restored CBF in aged rats and in a model of atherosclerosis, suggesting that the mechanisms bywhich attenuation of mTOR activity restores CBF are common to different models of vascular disease, and to brain aging. In vivo multiphoton imaging of brain vessels revealed that rapamycin induced an increase in nitric oxide (NO) in vascular endothelium that was followed by vasodilation. Administration of an inhibitor of NO synthases reversed the protective effects of rapamycin on brain blood flow and vascular density, indicating that rapamycin preserves vascular integrity and CBF in AD mouse brains through NO signaling. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the preservation of vascular density and brain blood flow may be key to the maintenance of cognitive function in the hAPP mouse model of AD. Rapamycin, an FDA-approved drug that is already used in the clinic, may have promise as a therapy for AD and possibly for age-associated brain diseases beyond AD alone.
Preliminary prospective randomized experience with vascular clips in the creation of arteriovenous fistulae for hemodialysis

BACKGROUND: A new vascular clipping system (VCS) has been introduced for clinical use. This study was developed to determine whether patency rates and treatment outcomes for anastomoses in hemodialysis access surgery can be improved by the application of this new technology. METHODS: During a 10-month period, 96 consecutive patients requiring autologous fistula, synthetic fistula, or graft revisions for hemodialysis were prospectively randomized into two treatment groups. Anastomoses were constructed with the VCS in 46 patients and with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) suturing in 49 patients. The procedures were performed in an outpatient setting, at a large medical center, by one surgeon. Time to construct the anastomosis, amount of bleeding from the anastomotic site, and primary and secondary graft patencies were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean time to construct anastomoses in autologous and synthetic grafts using VCS clips was significantly shorter than with sutures (autologous 14 versus 22 minutes, P = 0.0001; and new grafts 26 versus 30 minutes, P = 0.04). Blood loss was less in anastomoses done with the VCS clip; however, statistical significance was reached only for autologous fistulas (P = 0.0001). At 2-year follow-up, primary and secondary patencies were similar for both the VCS and suture groups with the exception that a statistically significant improvement was found in secondary patency for autologous fistulas when performed with the VCS. CONCLUSIONS: The VCS clip is easy to use and produces a more rapid anastomosis with less bleeding. Primary and secondary patencies using the VCS clip were equivalent or improved when compared with standard suture. In our experience, no complications have been attributed to the use of the clip technique.
The (F)utility of Post-Conviction Polygraph Testing:

The apparent utility of the polygraph to work both as a treatment and supervision aid and as a deterrent for future offending is cited as ample justification for its use. This article examines these claims to demonstrate that although post-conviction polygraph testing may have some utility by increasing disclosures of prior offending and, within specific cases, admissions of treatment and supervision violations, the limited evidence accumulated thus far does not adequately ascertain its accuracy nor support its efficacy or effectiveness as a deterrent. The article concludes with recommendations for creating a real evidentiary base beyond polygraph testing's apparent ability to elicit more information from offenders to evidence that can determine whether it is efficacious and effective in reducing criminality and deviance.