cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Culture, memory, and structural change: explaining support for "socialism" in a post-socialist society

Two decades ago, East European state socialism met with a paradoxical fate. Between 1989 and 1991, communist party hegemony was abolished, leaving the very idea of socialism permanently discredited—or so it seemed. Yet in the decade that followed, “socialistic” principles and practices would retain—or perhaps acquire—a surprising degree of popular appeal. Was this a cultural legacy of systematic indoctrination? A strategic response to material insecurities? Perhaps a combination of both? In this article, it is argued that many previous efforts to unravel the paradox are inadequate because they ignore both the “strategic” dimensions of culture and the cultural dimensions of instrumental reason. Using life-history data on the former East Germany, it is shown that apparently discredited ideologies can acquire renewed salience in the wake of regime change if they (1) remain culturally available as strategies of action that (2) provided material opportunities or symbolic privileges in the past, and (3) promise to ameliorate new problems engendered by alternative strategies.
Soluble polyacetylenes derived from the ring-opening metathesis polymerization of substituted cyclooctatetraenes: electrochemical characterization and Schottky barrier devices

Recent developments in ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) have enabled the synthesis of poly-cyclooctatetraene (poly-COT), a material which is isostructural to polyacetylene. This liquid-phase polymerization method allows facile construction of interfaces, films, and devices with polyacetylene-like materials. The ROMP method also allows the preparation of soluble, yet highly conjugated polyacetylene analogs from substituted cyclooctatetraenes (R-COT). The redox characteristics of R-COT polymers were investigated at electrodes modified with thin polymer films. Voltammetric methods were used to characterize the redox response, band gap, electrochemical doping, and cis-trans isomerization properties of these polyenes. We have applied poly-COT technology to the fabrication of Schottky diodes and photoelectrochemical cells, by forming poly-COT films on semiconductor surfaces. The resultant semiconductor/organic-metal interfaces behave more ideally than semiconductor contacts with conventional metals, in that changes in the work function of the conducting polymer exert a large and predictable effect on the electrical properties of the resulting Schottky diodes. Transparent films of the solution-processible polymer poly- trimethylsilyl-cyclooctatetraene (poly-TMS-COT) have been cast onto n-silicon substrates and doped with iodine to form surface barrier solar cells. These devices produce photovoltages that are much larger than can be obtained from n-silicon contacts with conventional metals.
Triple Therapy Greatly Increases Myocardial Salvage During Ischemia/Reperfusion in the in situ Rat Heart

Background Cangrelor, a P2Y12 receptor blocker, administered just prior to reperfusion reduced but did not eliminate myocardial infarction in rabbits. Combining cangrelor with ischemic postconditioning offered no additional protection suggesting they protected by a similar mechanism. To determine if cangrelor’s protection might be additive to other cardioprotective interventions we tested cangrelor in combination with ischemic preconditioning, cariporide, a sodium-hydrogen exchange blocker, and mild hypothermia.
Genomic Scale Mutant Hunt Identifies Cell Size Homeostasis Genes in S. cerevisiae

Abstract Background: In most eukaryotic cells, there is a relationship between cell size and proliferative capacity. For example, in order to commit to cell division, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae must attain a "critical cell size." This mechanism coordinates growth with cell division to maintain cell size homeostasis. Because very few cell size control genes are known, the genetic pathways responsible for cell size homeostasis remain obscure. Furthermore, elucidation of the mechanism of cell size homeostasis has been recalcitrant to genetic analysis primarily due to the difficulty in cloning cell size control genes. Results: To identify new size control genes, the effect of 5958 single gene deletions (4792 homozygous and 1166 heterozygous gene deletions) on cell size in yeast grown to saturation was systematically determined. From these data, 49 genes were identified that dramatically altered cell size. Of these, 34 are involved in transcription, signal transduction, or cell cycle control; 88% of these genes have putative human homologs. Sixteen genes regulate cell size in a dosage-dependent manner, and the majority of mutants identified fail to correctly exit the cell cycle. Many of these genes are components of Ccr4-Not transcriptional complexes or function in the PKC-MAP kinase pathway. These genes may modulate cell size by altering the expression or activity of G1-phase cyclins. Conclusions: These results illustrate how systematic genetic screens can be used to dissect intricate biological processes that are refractory to classic genetic approaches. This genomic-wide genetic screen yielded 46 new cell size mutants and systematically assessed the effect of 5958 single gene deletions on cell size as cells exited the cell cycle.
GLP-1 Analogs Reduce Hepatocyte Steatosis and Improve Survival by Enhancing the Unfolded Protein Response and Promoting Macroautophagy

Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a known outcome of hepatosteatosis. Free fatty acids (FFA) induce the unfolded protein response (UPR) or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress that may induce apoptosis. Recent data indicate ER stress to be a major player in the progression of fatty liver to more aggressive lesions. Autophagy on the other hand has been demonstrated to be protective against ER stress- induced cell death. We hypothesized that exendin-4 (GLP-1 analog) treatment of fat loaded hepatocytes can reduce steatosis by autophagy which leads to reduced ER stress-related hepatocyte apoptosis. Methodology/Principal Findings Primary human hepatocytes were loaded with saturated, cis- and trans-unsaturated fatty acids (palmitic, oleic and elaidic acid respectively). Steatosis, induced with all three fatty acids, was significantly resolved after exendin-4 treatment. Exendin-4 sustained levels of GRP78 expression in fat-loaded cells when compared to untreated fat-loaded cells alone. In contrast, CHOP (C/EBP homologous protein); the penultimate protein that leads to ER stress-related cell death was significantly decreased by exendin-4 in hepatocytes loaded with fatty acids. Finally, exendin-4 in fat loaded hepatocytes clearly promoted gene products associated with macroautophagy as measured by enhanced production of both Beclin-1 and LC3B-II, markers for autophagy; and visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Similar observations were made in mouse liver lysates after mice were fed with high fat high fructose diet and treated with a long acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide. Conclusions/Significance GLP-1 proteins appear to protect hepatocytes from fatty acid-related death by prohibition of a dysfunctional ER stress response; and reduce fatty acid accumulation, by activation of both macro-and chaperone-mediated autophagy. These findings provide a novel role for GLP-1 proteins in halting the progression of more aggressive lesions from underlying steatosis in humans afflicted with NAFLD.
Serotonin and forskolin enhance both magnitude of contraction and relaxation rate of Aplysia dorsal extrinsic muscle independently of acetylcholine receptor

Hexamethonium bromide (Hex. Br.) blocks acetylcholine (ACh) elicited contractions but not electrically elicited contractions of isolated preparations of Aplysia californica dorsal extrinsic muscle. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) enhances both magnitude and relaxation rate of ACh and electrically elicited contractions. In the presence of Hex. Br., 5-HT still exhibits its modulatory effects on electrically elicited contractions. Forskolin enhances both magnitude and relaxation rate of ACh and electrically elicited contractions. Forskolin (10(-5) M) increases the cyclic AMP content of the accessory radula closer and dorsal extrinsic muscles.
Quantum interference and collapse of the wavefunction in cavity QED

Abstract We calculate the delayed coincidence rate for photons transmitted by a driven cavity containing N two-level atoms. Under cavity QED conditions (strong dipole coupling) the coincidence rate shows a nonclassical dependence on delay. This novel behavior illustrates the interference of probability amplitudes and the collapse of the wavefunction in quantum mechanics.
Solution Focused Therapy: An Alternative Approach to Addictions Nursing

topic: The application of solution-focused therapy as an alternative approach to addictions nursing. purpose: To acquaint nurses with solution-focused therapy as a treatment modality that uses specific techniques to focus on clients’strengths and resources, rather than on pathology. source: Traditional method of addictions treatment as a way of confronting a client's denial are contrasted with solution-focused therapy approaches, which provides a positive framework that uses clients’competencies to create necessary solutions. conclusions: Solution-focused therapy represents a caring and humanistic approach to the practice of addictions nursing.
Molecular fluxes from a spacecraft measured with quartz microbalances

A technique has been developed to obtain a characterization of the self-generated environment of a spacecraft and its variation with time, angular position, and distance. The density, pressure, outgassing flux, total weight loss, and other important parameters were obtained from data provided by two mass measuring crystal microbalances, mounted back to back, at a distance of 1 m from the spacecraft equivalent surface. The strongest source appeared to be caused by a material diffusion process which produced a directional density at 1 m distance of about 160 billion molecules per cu cm after 1 h in vacuum and decayed to 1.6 billion molecules per cu cm after 200 h. Self-contamination of the spacecraft was equivalent to that which occurs in a 300-km altitude orbit.
Multivesicular Release Underlies Short Term Synaptic Potentiation Independent of Release Probability Change in the Supraoptic Nucleus

Magnocellular neurons of the supraoptic nucleus receive glutamatergic excitatory inputs that regulate the firing activity and hormone release from these neurons. A strong, brief activation of these excitatory inputs induces a lingering barrage of tetrodotoxin-resistant miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs) that lasts for tens of minutes. This is known to accompany an immediate increase in large amplitude mEPSCs. However, it remains unknown how long this amplitude increase can last and whether it is simply a byproduct of greater release probability. Using in vitro patch clamp recording on acute rat brain slices, we found that a brief, high frequency stimulation (HFS) of afferents induced a potentiation of mEPSC amplitude lasting up to 20 min. This amplitude potentiation did not correlate with changes in mEPSC frequency, suggesting that it does not reflect changes in presynaptic release probability. Nonetheless, neither postsynaptic calcium chelator nor the NMDA receptor antagonist blocked the potentiation. Together with the known calcium dependency of HFS-induced potentiation of mEPSCs, our results imply that mEPSC amplitude increase requires presynaptic calcium. Further analysis showed multimodal distribution of mEPSC amplitude, suggesting that large mEPSCs were due to multivesicular glutamate release, even at late post-HFS when the frequency is no longer elevated. In conclusion, high frequency activation of excitatory synapses induces lasting multivesicular release in the SON, which is independent of changes in release probability. This represents a novel form of synaptic plasticity that may contribute to prolonged excitatory tone necessary for generation of burst firing of magnocellular neurons.
War on! : Why a 'war on cancer' should replace our 'war on crime' (and terror)

'War on' is the leading form of anti-policy in the United States. Since the late 1950s we have seen wars on cancer, poverty, drugs and terror. Thus far, the most far-reaching of these, the war on crime, has transformed American democracy since the 1960s. The deformation of our population and institutions now requires not simply an end to that war and its extension (the 'War on Terror'), but the deployment of a new 'war on' to stimulate change in the governmentalities which have been established by the war on crime. A renewed 'war on cancer' offers great promise in this regard when analyzed in terms of the history of disease as a stimulus to change in governmentality, and specifically to the rise of biological citizenship.
Giardia and Cryptosporidium removal from waste-water by a duckweed (Lemna gibba L.) covered pond

Aims: To determine the ability of duckweed ponds used to treat domestic waste-water to remove Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Methods and Results: The influent and effluent of a pond covered with duckweed with a 6 day retention time was tested for Giardia cysts, Cryptosporidium oocysts, faecal coliforms and coliphage. Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts were reduced by 98 and 89%, respectively, total coliforms by 61%, faecal coliforms by 62% and coliphage by 40%. There was a significant correlation between the removal of Giardia cysts and Cryptospordium oocysts by the pond (P < 0·001). Influent turbidity and parasite removal were also significantly correlated (Cryptosporidium and turbidity, P=0·05; Giardia and turbidity, P=0·01). Conclusions: The larger organisms (parasites) probably settled to the bottom of the pond, while removal of smaller bacteria and coliphages in the pond was not as effective. Significance and Impact of the Study: Duckweed ponds may play an important role in wetland systems for reduction of Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
Radar detection of multiple moving targets in clutter using time-frequency radon transform

In this paper, we analyze features of radar returns from moving targets, introduce the basic concept of time-frequency-Radon transforms, describe the Radon transform for line feature detection, discuss their applications to detection of multiple moving targets in clutter, and demonstrate two examples of moving target detection using simulated radar data.
Nonlinear H∞ robust control applied to F-16 aircraft with mass uncertainty using control surface inverse algorithm

Abstract In this paper, an analytic solution of nonlinear H ∞ robust controller is first proposed and used in a complete six degree-of-freedom nonlinear equations of motion of flight vehicle system with mass and moment inertia uncertainties. A special Lyapunov function with mass and moment inertia uncertainties is considered to solve the associated Hamilton–Jacobi partial differential inequality (HJPDI). The HJPDI is solved analytically, resulting in a nonlinear H ∞ robust controller with simple proportional feedback structure. Next, the control surface inverse algorithm (CSIA) is introduced to determine the angles of control surface deflection from the nonlinear H ∞ control command. The ranges of prefilter and loss ratio that guarantee stability and robustness of nonlinear H ∞ flight control system implemented by CSIA are derived. Real aerodynamic data, engine data and actuator system of F-16 aircraft are carried out in numerical simulations to verify the proposed scheme. The results show that the responses still keep good convergence for large initial perturbation and the robust stability with mass and moment inertia uncertainties in the permissible ranges of the prefilter and loss ratio for which this design guarantees stability give same conclusion.
Possible molecular basis for changes in potassium handling in acute renal failure

Renal potassium excretion is diminished in acute renal failure (ARF). The gastrointestinal tract can compensate for deficient renal potassium excretion in many patients with ARF. For both impaired renal potassium excretion and gastrointestinal compensation in ARF, little is known about the role of potassium channels. We hypothesized that specific changes in the expression of the secretory renal outer medullary potassium channel (ROMK), and the potassium channel regulator, channel-inducing factor (CHIF), in kidney and colon could contribute to changes in potassium handling. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent uninephrectomy and 35 minutes of renal ischemia, followed by varying periods of reperfusion. Renal function, serum and urine potassium levels, and aldosterone levels were measured. The expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) for ROMK and CHIF in the kidney and CHIF in the colon were measured by Northern blot hybridization. Serum creatinine level was increased at 24 hours and started to decline at 48 hours of renal ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Serum potassium level was increased at 24 hours, further elevated at 48 hours of IRI, and returned to normal at 7 days of IRI. Urine potassium level was reduced at 24 and 48 hours. Northern blot analysis indicated that the expression of ROMK1 mRNA in the cortex or medulla remained unchanged at 24 hours but profoundly decreased (by 70% to 80%) at 48 hours (n = 4; P < 0.01). The expression of CHIF mRNA in the kidney cortex or medulla decreased by 25% to 30% at 24 hours and 35% to 40% at 48 hours of IRI (n = 4; P < 0.05 for each group). CHIF mRNA expression in the distal colon was moderately increased at 24 hours (approximately twofold) and significantly enhanced at 48 hours (more than threefold; P < 0.01; n = 4) of IRI. Serum aldosterone level was increased approximately threefold at 48 hours of IRI (P < 0.01; n = 6). In conclusion, (1) suppression of ROMK and CHIF in the kidney may contribute to decreased renal potassium excretion in ARF; (2) enhanced expression of CHIF in the distal colon in IRI could be an adaptive response to increase potassium excretion in the colon and help modify hyperkalemia in ARF; and (3) increased aldosterone levels, as a response to hyperkalemia, could be upregulating colonic CHIF.
Methods for characterizing CRT displays

Abstract Computer-controlled CRT displays can be described by a two-stage model. The first stage consists of a linear transformation matrix relating radiometric scalars of each channel with either spectral radiance or tristimulus values. The second stage is non-linear and relates digital counts with the radiometric scalars for each channel. The term system gamm, Γ, is introduced to define the non-linear stage. Γ can be characterized by either direct measurement or using a theoretical model with gain, k g , offset, k o , and exponential, γ, parameters. Techniques and recommendations are given both to determine the transformation matrix coefficients and estimate Γ using several methods. Special attention is given to Macintosh imaging systems. Key issues include channel and spatial independence tests, including optical flare due to internal reflections, and problems arising from preset video look-up table entries.
Synthesis of the food mutagens MelQx and 4,8-DiMelQx by copper(I) promoted quinoxaline formation

Abstract The regiocontrolled syntheses of the title compounds ( 1 and 2 ) is described. The key step is a new intramolecular alkyne amination and aromatization process ( 5 → 6 ; 8 → 9 ) effected by tetrakis(acetonitrile)copper(I) tetrafluoroborate.
Design to improve the productivity and execution of gravity surveys

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is responsible for conducting gravity surveys which are used to measure the variations in the pull of gravity of the earth's surface. Gravity surveys are vital for the country's safety (e.g. creation of flood plain maps and evacuation routes) and the economy (e.g. used for detecting petroleum and natural gas). The current set of gravity measurements known as the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88') are outdated and lack complete coverage of the United States and its territories (e.g. Alaska has minimal data coverage). To improve accuracy, NOAA has begun a new survey, named GRAV-D, to combine existing ground (high definition) and satellite data (low definition) along with new aerial data (taken from aircraft) to establish the new datum. There is a complex logistical process in conducting the aerial surveys that are subject to large uncertainties due to weather, vehicle and personnel availability, and equipment failures. This paper describes the design of a logistics process to reduce the variation in the standard survey block from 24.59 to 15.11 days/survey. This is required to meet a Congressional mandate stipulating that the survey be completed by 2022. Analysis of factors affecting the completion of block surveys indicates high variability in aircraft maintenance, equipment repair, and weather related delays. Analysis using a decisionsupport tool designed to assist planners in managing the process by identifying elements that contribute to schedule risk, and advising mitigating strategies, indicates improved contingency planning through: (i) additional spares, (ii) additional support personnel, (iii) weather forecasting, and (iv) improved coordination among contractors would significantly reduce delays in the execution of the plans.
Laser lights or dim bulbs? Evaluating reference librarians’ use of electronic sources

The proliferation of electronic sources in reference departments has made them increasingly important in providing reference service to library patrons. These sources include the online public access catalog, electronic databases (both indexes and full‐text databases), and the Internet. Much has been written on evaluation of reference librarians in the traditional areas of reference desk service, the use of print sources, and bibliographic instruction. Discusses the establishment of guidelines for assessment of reference librarians’ effectiveness in providing service to patrons using electronic sources and methods of assessing individual effectiveness.
Hierarchical correctness proofs for distributed algorithms

This thesis introduces a new model for distributed computation in asynchronous networks, the input-output automaton. This simple, powerful model captures in a novel way the game-theoretical interaction between a system and its environment, and allows fundamental properties of distributed computation such as fair computation to be naturally expressed. Furthermore, this model can be used to construct modular, hierarchical correctness proofs of distributed algorithms. This thesis defines the input-output automaton model, and presents an interesting example of how this model can be used to construct such proofs.
Microcracks in rocks: a review

Abstract In the past decade the number of studies about microcracks in rocks has rapidly increased. This review of recent work concentrates on microcracks in rock as separate entities, emphasizing microcrack morphogenesis, kinematics, dynamics, population statistics and observational techniques. Cracks are produced when the local stress exceeds the local strength. The local stress may be augmented by twin lamellae interactions, kink bands and deformation lamellae, stress concentrations at grain boundary contacts and around intracrystalline cavities. Local strength may be reduced along cleavage planes, along grain boundaries and along any internal surface as a result of corrosion by chemically active fluids. Dislocations appear not to be a significant factor for crack nucleation below about 500°C in silicates. Spatial and temporal changes in temperature can also induce microcracking as a result of differential thermal expansion between grains with different thermoelastic moduli and thermal conductivities. The amount of quartz in the rock has a significant effect on thermally induced microcracks because of its large and variable thermal expansivity. The application of hydrostatic pressure between 100 and 200 MPa effectively closes most cracks, but the closure may not be uniform if crack wall asperities exist. Hydrostatic pressure appears to stabilize cracks and make crack growth more difficult. The number and average size of mechanically induced microcracks is greater in rock deformed at higher pressures. The application of a deviatoric stress field on the boundaries of a rock mass results, on a microscopic scale, in a very complex stress system which greatly affects nucleation and propagation paths. The relative amount of intragranular and intergranular cracking appears to depend upon mineralogy, rock type and stress state. The vast majority of stress-induced microcracks in rocks appear to be extensional. Statistically, they are predominantly oriented within 30° of the macroscopic maximum stress direction. Crack densities increase as macroscopic deviatoric stress increases above a threshold level. Crack size distributions may be either lognormal or exponential. Fracture in rock under compressive boundary loads is a result of the coalescence of many microcracks, not the growth of a single crack. Some crack configurations are more favorable for coalescence than others. As deviatoric stress increases and rock failure is approached, the microcrack population changes spatially from random to locally intense zones of cracking. Away from the fault, the crack density dies off rapidly to the background level a few grains away. Under lesser deviatoric stresses, slow, subcritical microcrack growth can occur as a result of stress-aided corrosion at the crack tip. The rate governing mechanism may be either the chemical reaction rate or the rate at which water can get to the crack tip. Important details still remain to be worked out.
Bacterial pollution of groundwater: A review

Contamination of groundwater resources from bacterial laden wastewater and effluents poses a great threat to the potability and use of these water sources. Future planning, development and management schemes must consider this topic to avoid costly and sometimes untested corrective actions. Major factors affecting the quantity and velocity at which bacteria are able to migrate through soil can be classified as (1) soil factors including particle size distribution, structure, clay content, pore size distribution and moisture regime, and (2) biological factors responsible for bacterial die-off including pH, temperature, moisture content, and nutrient supply. Past bacterial pollution problems have been shown to be localized and restricted to wells utilizing near-surface waters. The following problem areas exist and must be given special consideration in planning and development: (1) use of septic disposal systems in unsuitable soils; (2) drainage waters from wastewater application areas utilizing artificial drainage systems; (3) waste application in areas underlain by fractured crystalline rock or channelized bedrock; and (4) bacterial contamination induced over great distances by groundwater pumping.
Autonomic Wrapper Induction using Minimal Type System from Web Data

Biological and genomic source integration has become a major research field. Most of biological data has been provided over the Web. This Web data is unstructured and cannot be queried using traditional querying language. Furthermore, the problems that integration of biological data faces come from several factors such as the various data types, presentations and formats. So, it is not easy to find the desired data from diverse data sources. Although humans can easily understand Web data, which are heterogeneous and unstructured, it is impossible for machine itself to figure it out. In order for machine to extract data from the Web, it requires knowledge of both their structures and contents. We propose a novel architecture for automatic wrapper induction that exploits a user supplied type system and an ontology for establishing schema correspondence precisely and efficiently. In this paper, the type system helps recognize target data and improves precision of schema matching which is impossible without manual intervention
Evaluation of the biological responses of osteoblast-like UMR-106 cells to the engineered porous PHBV matrix

Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) has been investigated for biomedical applications due to its many biologically favorable properties. However, to explore its application in bone tissue engineering, the poorly bioactive surface property of PHBV must be improved. To engineer PHBV to achieve a biologically active surface, in this study each porous PHBV matrix was prepared by solute leaching of salt/PHBV cast film and was treated with ozone followed by dip coating with type I collagen. The biological responses of osteoblast-like UMR-106 cells after being grown on the engineered PHBV matrix were evaluated. Confocal microscopy and the MTT assay were used to map and quantify the viable cell proliferation on the PHBV matrix, respectively. The cells were cultivated in osteogenic media containing β-glycerophosphate and later stained with alizarin red to visualize mineralization of the matrix. RNA was extracted from the UMR-106 cells, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was applied to detect expression of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) (a house keeping gene) and bone sialoprotein (BSP) (marker of the osteoblastic phenotype). The results showed that the UMR-106 cells after cultivation on the engineered PHBV matrix retained the osteoblastic phenotype characteristics, indicating that the porous PHBV matrix after ozone treatment and collagen dip coatings are a promising scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 80A:, 2007
Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of voriconazole and a combination oral contraceptive co-administered in healthy female subjects

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Voriconazole, a broad-spectrum antifungal drug, is a substrate and inhibitor of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 isozymes. • Ethinyl oestradiol and norethindrone, components of the combination oral contraceptive drug Ortho-Novum® 1/35, also are substrates of cytochrome P450 CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 isozymes. • Because co-administration of voriconazole and Ortho-Novum® 1/35 could potentially result in pharmacokinetic interactions that increase systemic exposure of one or both drugs to unsafe levels, clinical studies are needed to define better the two-way pharmacokinetic interaction between these drugs. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • Although co-administered voriconazole and oral contraceptive did result in increased systemic exposures of all three drugs relative to respective monotherapy, co-administered treatment was generally safe and well tolerated. • It is recommended, however, that patients receiving co-administered voriconazole and oral contraceptives be monitored for the development of adverse events commonly associated with these medications. AIM To assess the two-way pharmacokinetic interaction between voriconazole and Ortho-Novum® 1/35, an oral contraceptive containing norethindrone 1 mg and ethinyl oestradiol 35 μg. METHODS In this open-label, three-period, fixed-sequence study, 16 healthy females received voriconazole (400 mg q12 h, day 1; 200 mg q12 h, days 2–4) (period 1), oral contraceptive (q24 h, days 12–32) (period 2), and combination voriconazole (400 mg q12 h, day 57; 200 mg q12 h, days 58–60) and oral contraceptive (q24 h, days 40–60) (period 3). RESULTS Voriconazole geometric mean AUCτ and Cmax increased 46% (12 682–18 495 ng h ml−1; 90% confidence interval [CI] 32, 61) and 14% (2485–2840 ng ml−1; 90% CI 3, 27), respectively, when co-administered with oral contraceptive vs. voriconazole alone. Ethinyl oestradiol geometric mean AUCτ and Cmax increased 61% (1031–1657 ng h ml−1; 90% CI 50, 72) and 36% (119–161 ng ml−1; 90% CI 28, 45), respectively, and norethindrone geometric mean AUCτ and Cmax increased 53% (116–177 ng h ml−1; 90% CI 44, 64) and 15% (18–20 ng ml−1; 90% CI 3, 28), respectively, during voriconazole co-administration vs. oral contraceptive alone. Neither ethinyl oestradiol nor norethindrone levels were reduced in subjects following voriconazole co-administration. Adverse events (AEs) were generally mild, occurring less in subjects receiving voriconazole alone (36 events) vs. oral contraceptive alone (88 events) or combination treatment (68 events); four subjects experienced a severe AE. CONCLUSIONS Co-administration of voriconazole and oral contraceptive increased systemic exposures of all analytes relative to respective monotherapy. Although generally safe and well tolerated, it is recommended that patients receiving co-administered voriconazole and oral contraceptive be monitored for development of AEs commonly associated with these medications.
An examination of Edward Inglefield's 1852 voyage into Jones Sound

Edward Augustus Inglefield is usually credited with penetrating Jones Sound to 84°W longitude during his Franklin search voyage of 1852. His chart of the region including Coburg Island replaced Horatio Austin's chart made in 1851 and became the accepted standard until the 20th century. By analysing Inglefield's map of Coburg Island it is shown that he made several errors in navigation and surveying which resulted in him believing he was further west than he really was and overestimating his speed. The results suggest he mistook Stewart Islands for Cone and Smith Islands and that his Sir Robert Inglis Peak reportedly seen near 84°W was actually Cone Island. Thus his penetration of Jones Sound was no further than Austin's the year before and the ready acceptance of his charts set back the mapping of that region of the Arctic for three quarters of a century.
Effect of light intensity on the distribution of C14 in sunflower leaf metabolites during photosynthesis

Abstract 1. 1. Samples of sucrose, alanine, and malic acid obtained from sunflower leaves which had photosynthesized C14O2 under strong and weak light were degraded, and the C14 content of the individual carbon atoms was determined. 2. 2. Under strong and weak light conditions, the distribution of C14 in alanine and the glucose or fructose of sucrose (carbon atoms 1, 2, 3, and 4, 5, 6) is similar. 3. 3. Under weak-light photosynthesis, the distribution of C14 in alanine and in the three carbon atoms of malic acid, β-carboxyl excluded, is similar; however, during photosynthesis in strong light, these three carbon atoms of malic acid were less uniformly labeled than those of alanine. 4. 4. This dissimilarity in labeling between alanine and these three carbon atoms of malic acid during strong- and weak-light photosynthesis was interpreted as a block in the conversion of pyruvic acid to malic acid via the tricarboxylic acid cycle caused by the high light intensity.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Background: Robotic surgery promises to extend the capabilities of the minimally invasive surgeon. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of robotic surgery in the setting of laparoscopic gastric bypass. Methods: The Zeus robotic surgical system was used in 50 laparoscopic gastric bypass procedures. The learning curve was staged to add complexity to the robotic tasks as experience grew. Robotic setup time, robotic operative time, total operative time, and operative outcomes were tracked prospectively. Results: We observed a significant decrease in the robotic setup time. Our robotic learning curve demonstrated decreased operative time, even as more complex tasks were accomplished. Total operative time also decreased significantly over the series. There were no complications in our series that could be attributed to the robotic technique. Conclusions: Robot-assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is safe. The steadiness and extra degrees of freedom of surgical robotic systems may improve the accuracy of laparoscopic tasks. The learning curve for robot-assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is significant but manageable.
Neuro-Behçet Disease in an African American Adolescent:

An 18-year-old African American adolescent presented with 1 week of fever, headache, and left arm and leg weakness. On examination, he had scrotal ulcers, left hemiparesis, dysarthria, and bilateral dysmetria. There was no uveitis or papilledema, but he had a history of recurrent oral ulcers. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was remarkable for moderate lymphocytic pleocytosis to 175/µL but was negative for infectious etiologies. Oligoclonal bands were absent from the CSF and an immunoglobulin index was normal. A serum workup for rheumatological disease including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor, angiotensin-converting enzyme, anti-Ro, and anti-La antibodies was unrevealing. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed T2-weighted hyperintensities with enhancement from the left internal capsule to the pons. Additionally, there were nonenhancing foci of T2-weighted hyperintensities in the right paracentral lobule, left corona radiata, hippocampi, and cervical spine (Figure 1A and ​andB).B). A head magnetic resonance venogram revealed near occlusion of the superior sagittal sinus (Figure 1D). A hypercoagulable workup including antiphospholipid antibodies was negative. Based on the clinical presentation and radiographic findings, a diagnosis of neuro-Behcet disease (NBD) was made. Treatment with therapeutic low-molecular-weight heparin, high-dose intravenous corticosteroids, and cyclophosphamide resulted in significant neurological improvement. Figure 1. Neuroimaging in neuro-Behcet disease: fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence (A) shows hyperintensities in the right cerebral peduncle and hippocampi. T1-postcontrast sequence (B) shows enhancement in the right thalamus. Cervical ... Neurological complications of Behcet disease are rare, typically reported as a 1% to 3% incidence in all cases of Behcet disease.1 This case illustrates some of the typical manifestations of NBD, which often include meningoencephalitis, parenchymal lesions, cerebral venous thrombosis, and aneurysm formation.1,2
Variable transmission lines: Structure and compact modeling

The concept of Variable Transmission Lines (VTL) offers digital tuning of transmission line characteristics to compensate for process variations and parasitic modeling uncertainties. VTL structures and models enabling robust silicon-based millimeter-wave IC design are proposed along with a compact model for their efficient simulation. The developed compact models have been successfully integrated into a standard silicon-foundry design kit to enable, for the first time, circuit-level simulations with parametric VTL. Several VTL evaluation structures have been fabricated in IBM 32nm CMOS SOI technology. Measurement results up to 65GHz are presented to evaluate the proposed structures and their models.
Horizontal gradient-freeze growth of InP crystals under controlled pressure

The use of a horizontal gradient-freeze (HGF) method employing a sealed pressure-balanced system for synthesis and in situ crystal growth without encapsulation is described. The thermal stability of semi-insulating InP:Ti,Hg is discussed, and synthesis by conventional methods and by liquid-encapsulated Czochralski (LEC) growth is considered. Synthesis and HGF growth under controlled P pressure are then examined. Since the melt is not encapsulated, the P pressure can be adjusted to obtain the optimum melt composition for minimizing defect density, impurity contamination, and twinning. In addition, in situ growth prevents impurity contamination that can results when a growth charge synthesized in one system is transferred to a second system for crystal growth. >
Stability of a clamped shallow arch subjected to impulsive loading

Abstract : Clamped circular aluminum arches have been explosively loaded using a spray deposited light ignited explosive (Silver Acetylide-Silver Nitrate). Using high speed photography and computerized data reduction, a detailed time history of the arch deflection has been obtained. This deflection was fitted with mode shapes in order to display the motion graphically. The experimental data shows that the clamped arch does not have a jump in response with increasing load level, but a transition from small displacement response to a large displacement response over a sizable range of load level.
Use of cartilage and bone implants in restoration of edentulous ridges.

Oral surgical approach combines homogenous freeze-dried tissue implant and soft tissue ridge extension.
Lattice Bending in Electrooptically Active Poly(nonylbithiazole) and Poly(nonylbisoxazole)

The ∼2.4 nm (100) lattice planes of electrooptically active poly(nonylbithiazole) (PNBT) and poly(nonylbisoxazole) (PNBO) crystallites have been imaged by means of low-dose high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The average dimensions of the observed crystallites were (14 ± 9) × (13 ± 6) nm (width vs length) and (80 ± 36) × (22 ± 9) nm for PNBT and PNBO, respectively. Atomization of dilute polymer solutions led to the formation of discontinuous thin films containing numerous holes. The influence of these surfaces on the crystallization process was evident in the preferential parallel orientation of the (100) fringes with respect to the film edges. Evidence of considerable lattice bending about the [010] (π−π stacking) direction was observed in both compounds. Two-dimensional maps of the local lattice curvature revealed substantial differences in the modes of deformation of the two polymers: PNBT crystallites curved in a continuous fashion, whereas PNBO crystallites localized the distor...
Tamsulosin palliates radiation-induced urethritis in patients with prostate cancer: results of a pilot study.

Abstract Purpose: A pilot study was performed to determine the effectiveness of Flomax (tamsulosin HCl) in the management of acute radiation urethritis in prostate cancer patients undergoing conformal external beam radiation therapy (RT). Potential predictors of response to Flomax were evaluated. Methods and Materials: From January 1998 to April 1998, 26 consecutive patients who developed symptoms of radiation urethritis while undergoing RT for prostate cancer were treated with Flomax, a superselective α 1A -adrenergic antagonist. A genitourinary review of systems served as the instrument used to assess baseline urinary function and treatment response. Results: The initial response rate to Flomax was 62% (16/26) at the 0.4 mg level and 60% (6/10) at the 0.8 mg level. Half of the 16 patients who initially responded to 0.4 mg subsequently progressed. Three-fourths of those patients who progressed, however, achieved a durable response with the 0.8 mg dose. Therefore urinary symptoms were ultimately controlled in 77% (20/26) of the patients. After correcting for the testing of multiple hypotheses ( n = 5), the presence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) approached statistical significance for predicting the initial response to the 0.4 mg dose of Flomax (78% vs. 25%, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Flomax appears to be effective in relieving the symptoms of radiation urethritis. A Phase II trial is justified and in progress.
Organization of predator assemblages in Neotropical tree holes: effects of abiotic factors and priority

. 1. Water-filled tree holes in a lowland forest in Panama harbour an assemblage of large predators consisting of the larvae of five common species of Odonata, the mosquito Toxorhynchites theobaldi, and tadpoles of Dendrobates auratus. Odonate females oviposit in both large and small tree holes. However, the three largest species emerge from larger tree holes, on average, than do the two smallest species. Can assembly rules explain this and other patterns of predator distribution? 2. Past experiments suggested that fast growth of the largest, but later-colonizing odonates enabled them to out-compete the smaller, slower-growing Mecistogaster in large holes. In small holes, however, the first predator, regardless of species, should presumably kill any later arrivals. Priority effects in small holes were tested for their consistency across predator species. Two alternative explanations for differential odonate survivorship were also tested: abiotic conditions and the effect of non-odonate predators. 3. Diurnal fluctuations in oxygen content, pH, and temperature within holes were as great as the variation found between large and small tree holes; abiotic conditions were poor predictors of species occupancy. 4. Exchanging the largest and smallest odonate species from their original holes did not affect survivorship, suggesting that the observed patterns of emergence are unlikely to result from differential tolerance to abiotic factors that were not measured. 5. When larger and smaller predators were paired in 400-ml pots and provided with alternative prey, typically only the larger predator survived, regardless of species. The exception was T. theobaldi, which was often killed by odonates and tadpoles smaller than itself. 6. Between May and July, the occurrence of Mecistogaster in large tree holes declined, before larvae could have emerged. Neither abiotic effects nor differential predation by non-odonates could explain this habitat-specific decrease in survivorship. This temporal pattern is most consistent with the previous conclusion that in large holes, Mecistogaster suffer intraguild predation from later-colonizing, but faster-growing Megaloprepus and aeshnids. Whereas Mecistogaster can pre-empt guild members from small tree holes, they cannot do so in large holes where predators with fast initial growth realize a competitive advantage.
T cell receptor gene usage in desmoglein-3-specific T lymphocytes from patients with pemphigus vulgaris.

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune disease mediated by autoantibodies against desmoglein-3 (Dsg3). It has been documented that both humoral and cellular autoimmunity play essential roles in the development of PV. Recently, we identified that T cells from PV patients respond to three antigenic fragments on the ectodomain of Dsg3. These T cells are CD4 α/β cells secreting a Th2-like cytokine profile, and responding of Dsg3 in a restriction to HLA-DRBI*0402 or 1401 alleles. Other characteristics of these cells, such as detailed epitope(s) and T cell receptors (TCRs) usage, however, have not been investigated. The purpose of this study is to determine detailed T cell epitope(s) and TCR genes utilized by Dsg3-specific T cells. Here, we found that Dsg3(AA145-192)-specific cells preferentially utilize the TCRVβ13 gene, while Dsg3(AA240-303)- and Dsg3 (AA570-614)-specific cells utilize Vβ7 and Vβ17 genes, respectively. Analysis of TCRVα gene expression, it appears that Vα22 gene is expressed by Dsg3(AA145-192)-specific cells, whereas the Vα10 gene is predominantly utilized by Dsg3(AA240-303)-specific T cells. There are no specific utilization of Vα gene in the group of cells proliferate to Dsg3 (AA570-614). We believe that this information will further our understanding of the properties of autoimmune T cells in patients with PV.