cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New horizons in skeletal physiology and pathophysiology.

ABSTRACT Objective To review new discoveries that revisit our current thinking on the genesis of osteoporosis using hypogonadal and thyrotoxic bone loss as examples. Methods We focus on cell biologic, mouse genetic, and human studies that have established a direct action of the interior pituitary hormones follicle-stimulating hormone and thyrotropin on the skeleton and discuss emerging clinical evidence for a novel pituitary-bone axis in humans that bypasses master endocrine organs, namely the ovaries and thyroid gland. Results The cataloguing of human mutations, the use of genetically modified mice that recapitulate human disease, and the rapid growth of genomic sciences have together had a profound impact on how basic research is translated into clinical practice. The skeleton has become a paradigm for the application of such advances to an extent that hitherto unrecognized physiologic and pathophysiologic findings have emerged. We propose that hypogonadal and thyrotoxic bone loss are not solely due to changes in the level of master hormones, but instead also arise from the direct action of anterior pituitary hormones on the skeleton. Conclusions We predict a pituitary-bone axis in which pituitary hormones bypass traditional endocrine targets to affect the skeleton directly with remarkable sensitivity. New therapeutic targets thus become a likely possibility. (Endocr Pract. 2010;16:874-881)
Numerical Solution Techniques for Dynamic Analysis of Marine Riser

A riser is one of the major components of a drilling system used for drilling offshore wells from floating vessels. It is a structural link between the drilling vessel and the wellbore at sea floor and is used in drilling, production and mining. A classical solution of the partial differential equation which governs riser response is not generally possible. Rather a numerical technique must be utilized. First the riser has to be approximated by a system of discrete coordinates. A series of simultaneous equations are then obtained by discretization of the riser which can be solved on a digital computer. There are two alternative methods of formulating the simultaneous equations: finite difference method, and finite element method.
Recoil distance lifetimes of rotational states in $sup 236$U

Half-lives for members of the $sup 236$U ground-state rotational band have been measured by the recoil-distance method following Coulomb excitation with $sup 40$Ar$sup 8+$ projectiles. The B (E2, I$Yields$I-2) values in units of e$sup 2$ b$sup 2$ determined from the half-lives of the 4$sup +$, 6$sup +$, 8$sup +$, 10$sup +$, and 12$sup +$ states are 3.03+-0.20, 3.28+-0.19, 3.42+-0.28, 3.11+- 0.30, and 3.34$sup +2$.$sup 23$/sub em-dash//sub 0//sub .9//sub 5/, respectively. Transition quadrupole moments Q$sub 20$(I/subi/$Yields$I/subf/) deduced from the lifetimes are constant within experimental error and thus support the characterization of $sup 236$U as a good rotor to spin 12$sup +$. (AIP)
Ligand and proton exchange dynamics in recombinant human myoglobin mutants.

Abstract Site-specific mutants of human myoglobin have been prepared in which lysine 45 is replaced by arginine (K45R) and aspartate 60 by glutamate (D60E), in order to examine the influence of these residues and their interaction on the dynamics of the protein. These proteins were studied by a variety of methods, including one and two-dimensional proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, exchange kinetics for the distal and proximal histidine NH protons as a function of pH in the met cyano forms, flash photolysis of the CO forms, and ligand replacement kinetics. The electronic absorption and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of the CO forms of these proteins are virtually identical, indicating that the structure of the heme pocket is unaltered by these mutations. There are, however, substantial changes in the dynamics of both CO binding and proton exchange for the mutant K45R, whereas the mutant D60E exhibits behavior indistinguishable from the reference human myoglobin. K45R has a faster CO bimolecular recombination rate and slower CO off-rate relative to the reference. The kinetics for CO binding are independent of pH (6.5 to 10) as well as ionic strength (0 to 1 m -NaCl). The exchange rate for the distal histidine NH is substantially lower for K45R than the reference, whereas the proximal histidine NH exchange rate is unaltered. The exchange behavior of the human proteins is similar to that reported for a comparison of the exchange rates for myoglobins having lysine at position 45 with sperm whale myoglobin, which has arginine at this position. This indicates that the differences in exchange rates reflects largely the Lys → Arg substitution. The lack of a simple correlation for the CO kinetics with this substitution means that these are sensitive to other factors as well. Specific kinetic models, whereby substitution of arginine for lysine at position 45 can affect ligand binding dynamics, are outlined. These experiments demonstrate that a relatively conservative change of a surface residue can substantially perturb ligand and proton exchange dynamics in a manner that is not readily predicted from the static structures.
From "Business Unionism" to "Social Movement Unionism": The Case of the AFL-CIO Milwaukee County Labor Council

AFL-CIO Central Labor Councils are regional labor federations that provide horizontal links between locals from different national unions. As such, labor councils afford an opportunity for local un...
The Aging Driver Medicine, Policy, and Ethics

With the graying of America, more older persons will be driving. Physiological changes associated with normal aging and diseases that commonly affect the elderly may compromise their ability to drive safely. Although all states have regulations governing driving licensure, few offer specific guidelines regarding older persons. Accordingly, much of the responsibility for determining medical competence to drive and counseling patients in this regard is left to physicians. Normal physiologic changes may limit sensory information, particularly visual, available to the driver. In addition, chronic diseases in older persons including coronary artery disease, dementia and other neurologic disorders, diabetes mellitus, and drug use may increase the risk of crashes while driving. Once the question of competence to operate an automobile has been raised, ethical dilemmas must be addressed regarding the benefit of continued driving for the individual versus the risk to that person and society as a whole. In this article, we review the medical grounds for determining competence to drive, discuss ethical implications, and report current legal regulations for physicians and aging drivers. Future directions and possible areas for further research are outlined.
Single-question measures of overall job satisfaction: A comment on Quinn, Staines and McCullough

Abstract A survey of national sample of workers finds differences in percentages of workers reporting job dissatisfaction as a function of the wording of six questions used to measure overall job satisfaction. These results are compared with a local sample of production workers who answered a job satisfaction questionnaire employing the same six questions. There is a statistically significant difference between the national sample and the local sample. The differences obtained suggest that the employees' work and life situation are at least as influential in changing questionnaire responses as the wording of questions is. Implications for practice are discussed.
Improving performance of emergency medical services personnel during resuscitation of cardiac arrest patients: the McMAID approach.

Purpose of reviewThe article presents the method we developed to improve emergency medical service personnel training.Recent findingsFollowing the introduction of new prehospital protocol for emergency medical services that initially dramatically improved survival of patients with witnessed out-of-h
Genetic algorithms as global random search methods: An alternative perspective

Genetic algorithm behavior is described in terms of the construction and evolution of the sampling distributions over the space of candidate solutions. This novel perspective is motivated by analysis indicating that the schema theory is inadequate for completely and properly explaining genetic algorithm behavior. Based on the proposed theory, it is argued that the similarities of candidate solutions should be exploited directly, rather than encoding candidate solutions and then exploiting their similarities. Proportional selection is characterized as a global search operator, and recombination is characterized as the search process that exploits similarities. Sequential algorithms and many deletion methods are also analyzed. It is shown that by properly constraining the search breadth of recombination operators, convergence of genetic algorithms to a global optimum can be ensured.
Canine Lipoproteins and Atherosclerosis: I. Isolation and Characterization of Plasma Lipoproteins from Control Dogs

Canine plasma lipoproteins were fractionated into four distinct classes by ultracentrifugation combined with Geon-Pevikon block electrophoresis and characterized with respect to physical and chemical properties. The distribution of plasma lipids and lipoproteins was quite unlike that in man, the dog having approximately five to six times as much high density as lower density lipoproteins. Despite the marked difference in distribution, human lipoprotein equivalents were present. Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) isolated at density less than 1.006 g/ml were triglyceride-rich particles ranging in size from 260 to 900 A in diameter. The density range from 1.006 to 1.063 g/ml contained two classes of lipoproteins: one closely resembled aolow density lipoprotein (LDL) with β mobility and a particle size of approximately 200 A and the other (called HDL1) was closely related to the high density lipoproteins with respect to immunochemical reactivity, electrophoretic mobility, and apoprotein content. The HDL1 particles ranged in size from 100 to 350 A in diameter and appeared to be unlike any of the commonly described human lipoproteins. High density lipoproteins called HDL2 isolated in the density range from 1.087 to 1.21 g/ml were protein-rich particles ranging in size from 55 to 85 A. The apolipoprotein patterns of VLDL, LDL, and HDL2 on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were similar to those of the corresponding lipoproteins of man.
Operation of a high power, broadly tunable infrared dye laser

Abstract We discuss the operation and performance of a ruby pumped infrared dye laser with a wide tuning range and a high out-put power. The longitudinally pumped infrared laser was operated in the Littrow configuration without an intracavity beam expander. The dye, IR 125, exhibited a tunability range that extended from 8325 A to 9375 A. The dye laser had a pulse duration of 20 ns and an output power of 12.5 MW with a 2.3 joule ruby pump. The maximum output power of the infrared laser was limited by the damage threshold of the tuning element.
Pivotal role of Harakiri in the induction and prevention of gentamicin-induced hearing loss

Gentamicin is a widely used ototoxic agent. In this study, we shed light on the mechanisms underlying gentamicin-induced hearing loss. More importantly, we demonstrate in vivo and in vitro the effectiveness of a strategy for preventing drug-induced hearing loss using l-carnitine (LCAR), a safe micronutrient that plays a key role in energy metabolism and detoxification [Rebouche, C. J. & Seim, H. (1998) Annu. Rev. Nutr. 18, 39-61]. We show that LCAR prevents changes in hearing threshold and cochlear damage in newborn guinea pigs exposed to gentamicin in utero. Mechanistically, gentamicin-induced apoptosis of auditory cells is mediated by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway through up-regulation of the proapoptotic factor Harakiri (Hrk). Most important, small interfering RNA (siRNA) experiments demonstrate that Hrk up-regulation is crucial for gentamicin-induced apoptosis. LCAR, in contrast, prevents both gentamicin-induced Hrk up-regulation and apoptosis acting by means of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Together, these results outline pathways for gentamicin-induced hearing loss and its prevention and assign a key role to Hrk in these processes. Thus, our data offer a conceptual framework for designing clinical trials using a safe micronutrient, LCAR, as a simple preventive strategy for iatrogenically induced ototoxicity.
Light intensities required to suppress nocturnal melatonin secretion in albino and pigmented rats

Sprague-Dawley albino rats or Long-Evans pigmented rats were exposed during the dark phase of the daily light:dark cycle to various intensities of a sunlight-stimulating white fluorescent light (0.022, 0.044, 0.110, 0.220, 0.440 or 2.200 microW/cm2) for 30 min; pineal glands and trunk blood samples were then collected and assayed for melatonin by radioimmunoassay. Albino rats exposed to irradiances of 0.110 microW/cm2 or less had pineal melatonin levels that were not significantly different from those of unexposed animals; higher irradiances significantly (P less than 0.001) reduced melatonin levels. In contrast, as little as 0.022 microW/cm2 significantly (P less than 0.02) reduced pineal and serum melatonin levels in the pigmented rats. These results suggest that something other than the simple presence or absence of eye pigmentation is the critical factor in determining the sensitivity of the rat's pineal to retinal-mediated photic suppression of melatonin synthesis.
Insect Fauna of Nine Uninhabited Islands near Aphaedo (Is.), Sinan-gun, Jeonnam

9 uninhabited islands near Aphaedo (Is.), Sinan-gun, Jeonnam were studied in order to examine the insect fauna distribution on uninhabited islands of the southwestern coast of Korea. The results of the study confirmed 6 species of 6 families and 2 orders in Yongdo (Is.), 9 species of 9 families and 5 orders in Jakdo (Is.), 9 species of 7 families and 5 orders of Bakkannoruseom (ls.), 8 species of 6 families and 3 orders of Annoru Island, 9 species of 7 families and 5 orders in Komakseom (ls.), 10 species of 5 families and 3 orders in Somumodo (Is.), 8 species of 7 families and 3 orders in Jukdo (Is.), 5 species of 5 families and 3 orders in Daemido (Is.) and 4 species of 4 families and 3 orders of Jeongjudo (Is.).
Structural analogues of the bimetallic reaction center in acetyl CoA synthase: a Ni--Ni model with bound CO.

Models for the active site of the acetyl CoA synthase (ACS) were synthesized by attachment of Cu+ and Ni(0) to nickel diaminodithiolate (S2N2) and diamidodithiolate (S2N2‘) complexes. The Ni−Ni species form stable CO adducts, i.e., [{(CO)2Ni}{NiS2N2‘}]2-, whereas the Cu-NiS2N2 and Cu-NiS2N2‘ models do not. These results provide supporting evidence for a biological role for reduced nickel in ACS.
Weaver's rhetorical theory: Axiology and the adjustment of belief, invention, and judgment

Any complete rhetorical theory must consider the problem of adjusting beliefs to others while maintaining the self. Richard Weaver suggests an approach to this problem by deriving a logic of belief from a social conception of man and adapting invention and judgment to this logic. Weaver presents rhetoric as a means for discovering ways to transcend cultural pluralism and inter‐cultural diversity without foregoing our selves.
The concept of brotherhood: beyond Arendt and the Muslim Brotherhood

Hannah Arendt claims the concept of brotherhood presents false notions of political community that elide historic hatreds of others and threaten modern political life. This paper explores Arendt’s critical assessment of the concept of brotherhood in order to reflect on one specific example: the politics of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt in the wake of the Arab Spring of 2011. While some observers reject Arendt’s assessment of brotherhood as too narrow, her criticisms raise useful questions about democracy and plurality, which confront any community that exhorts its members to act as ‘brethren’ rather than as ‘citizens.’ The Muslim concept of brotherhood suggests many different possibilities for belonging: a classic universalism of the Abrahamic natural law tradition; a progressive counter-public sphere; and as well the authoritarian private community of believers as represented in the early writings of the Muslim Brotherhood leadership. Therefore, the politically controversial Muslim Brotherhood has no m...
Isolation and characterization of functional Shiga toxin subunits and renatured holotoxin

Shiga toxin is a protein toxin produced by Shigella dysenteriae type I strains. In this report we present a procedure for the separation of functionally intact toxin A and B chains and for their reconstitution to form biologically active molecules. In agreement with the findings of others, the isolated A chain was shown to be a potent in vitro inhibitor of eukaryotic protein synthesis. The isolated B chain bound to HeLa cells and competitively inhibited the binding and cytotoxic activity of holotoxin. These findings show that the functional role of the B chain is to recognize cell surface functional receptors. By labelling the B subunit alone, prior to renaturation of holotoxin, the polypeptide chains were shown to associate noncovalently with a stoichiometry of one A chain and five B chains.
Diagnosis of Common Root Rot of Wheat and Barley

Diagnosis of common root rot of wheat and barley is discussed in detail, including its symptoms and signs, host range, taxonomy, and geographic distribution, as well as methods of isolation, identi...
Current status of thrombolytic therapy.

Abstract The optimal role of thrombolytic therapy in clinical practice has not been defined precisely. A review of available information indicates that such therapy may be useful in a small number of carefully selected patients with deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary emboli. The superiority of thrombolytic therapy over conventional surgery for arterial thrombi has not been convincingly demonstrated. Available evidence suggests such therapy should be reserved for those conditions in which surgery may be expected to have a poor outcome or be associated with a high incidence of complications. Preliminary information suggests thrombolytic therapy may be of benefit in selected patients with acute myocardial infarction. (J VASC SURG 1985;2:239-49.)
A High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for the Simultaneous Assay of aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate and Promethazine Hydrochloride in a Capsule Formulation

AbstractA method for the simultaneous quantitation of aspirin, caffeine, dihydrocodeine bitartrate and promethazine HCl was developed using reversed-phase, solvent-programming high-performance liquid chromatography. Linear gradient elution with acetonitrile in phosphate buffer (from 15:85 to 56:44) allowed all compounds to elute from a C-18 column within 7 min with adequate resolution. This method also allowed the resolution and quantitation of salicylic acid, the principle decomposition product of aspirin. CV% of eight determinations each of aspirin, caffeine, dihydrocodeine bitartrate and promethazine HCl are 0.64, 1.25, 3.37 and 1.72, respectively, and percent recoveries from spiked preparations were 100.25, 100.03, 100.45 and 98.00, respectively. This assay method was shown also to be suitable for dissolution studies with water or acetate buffer as the dissolution medium.
Intravenous endotoxin recruits a distinct subset of human neutrophils, defined by monoclonal antibody 31D8, from bone marrow to the peripheral circulation

Human neutrophils label with fluorochrome-labeled monoclonal antibody 31D8 as bright or dull. We determined the source and fate of 31D8 dull neutrophils by studying volunteers injected with endotoxin, epinephrine, or hydrocortisone, by examining bone marrow, and by examining skin blister exudate. We find that 31D8 dull neutrophils are normally not present in significant numbers in the circulation, are present in large numbers in normal marrow, and are recruited from the marrow by endotoxin, to a lesser extent by steroid, but not at all by epinephrine. 31D8 dull pattern correlates with morphologic immaturity in postendotoxin peripheral blood and bone marrow; however, blister exudate neutrophils contain only morphologically mature neutrophils, of which a significant number are 31D8 dull. We conclude that 31D8 dull neutrophils reside primarily in bone marrow and are released by agents which enhance bone marrow release of neutrophils. Their accumulation in skin blister exudate is unexplained, but suggests a special role in the inflammatory process.
Lateral transzygomatic middle fossa approach and its extensions: surgical technique and 3D anatomy

Abstract Background Various approaches to lesions involving the middle fossa and cavernous sinus (CS), with and without posterior fossa extension have been described. In the present study, we describe the surgical technique for the extradural lateral tranzygomatic middle fossa approach and its extensions, highlight relevant 3D anatomy. Methods Simulations of the lateral transzygomatic middle fossa approach and its extensions were performed in four silicon-injected formalin fixed cadaveric heads. The step-by-step description and relevant anatomy was documented with 3D photographs. Result The lateral transzygomatic middle fossa approach is particularly useful for lesions involving the middle fossa with and without CS invasion, extending to the posterior fossa and involving the clinoidal region. This approach incorporates direct lateral positioning of patient, frontotemporal craniotomy with zygomatic arch osteotomy, extradural elevation of the temporal lobe, and delamination of the outer layer of the lateral CS wall. Extradural drilling of the sphenoid wing and anterior clinoid process allows entry into the CS through the superior wall and exposure of the clinoidal segment of the ICA. Posteriorly, drilling the petrous apex allows exposure of the ventral brainstem from trigeminal to facial nerve and can be extended to the interpeduncular fossa by division of the superior petrosal sinus. Conclusion The present study illustrates 3D anatomical relationships of the lateral transzygomatic middle fossa approach with its extensions. This approach allows wide access to different topographic areas (clinoidal region and clinoidal ICA, the entire CS, and the posterior fossa from the interpeduncular fossa to the facial nerve) via a lateral trajectory. Precise knowledge of technique and anatomy is necessary to properly execute this approach.
Deforestation and detribalization in the Philippines: The Palawan case

Palawan Island contains the largest remaining expanse of unbroken forest cover in the Philippines. The forest is currently threatened by agricultural colonization, as numerous migrants from throughout the Philippines settle annually in the island's forested uplands. Further, Palawan is being heavily logged and is, in consequence, the focus of an acrimonious national environmental debate. This paper examines how land alienation and other forms of socioeconomic marginalization attending these pressures have undermined the well-being of Palawan's indigenous tribal peoples. It also explains how lack of secure tenure and failure to achieve popular participation so distort the gap between the ideal and the practice of agroforestry programs aimed at these peoples that such programs not only fail to ameliorate the ecological situation but further undermine tribal well-being.
A note on the theory of covalency and superexchange in transition metal salts

Abstract The electron redistribution and polarization contributions to the energy of the excited states corresponding to the anion-cation and cation-cation transfer are shown to be considerably reduced by the finite life time of the virtual excited state.
Effects of chlorpromazine on the isolated perfused rat heart.

Abstract Perfusion of hearts with chlorpromazine · HCl (50–5000 ng/ml) caused significant changes in heart rate, coronary flow, isometric systolic tension, certain metabolite concentrations, and electrical activity. Phosphorylase a activity remained normal. Chlorpromazine (50 ng/ml) decreased isometric systolic tension and prolonged QT interval in the electrocardiogram. Fructose 1,6-diphosphate and pyruvate concentrations were elevated, suggesting aldolase inhibition and decreased pyruvate utilization. Similar results were obtained at 500 ng/ml. At 5000 ng/ml, heart rate and isometric systolic tension were markedly diminished. Coronary flow increased briefly but returned to normal. PR, QT a , and QT intervals were prolonged. Fructose 1,6-diphosphate, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, and pyruvate concentrations in the tissue increased, while the amount of dihydroxyacetone phosphate and l -(−)-glycerol-1-phosphate decreased. No chlorpromazine-induced lesions, gross or microscopic, were found.
Verification of annotated models from executions

Simulations can help enhance confidence in system designs but they provide almost no formal guarantees. In this paper, we present a simulation-based verification framework for embedded systems described by non-linear, switched systems. In our framework, users are required to annotate the dynamics in each control mode of switched system by something we call a discrepancy function that formally measures the nature of trajectory convergence/divergence of the system. Discrepancy functions generalize other measures of trajectory convergence and divergence like Contraction Metrics and Incremental Lyapunov functions. Exploiting such annotations, we present a sound and relatively complete verification procedure for robustly safe/unsafe systems. We have built a tool based on the framework that is integrated into the popular Simulink/Stateflow modeling environment. Experiments with our prototype tool shows that the approach (a) outperforms other verification tools on standard linear and non-linear benchmarks, (b) scales reasonably to larger dimensional systems and to longer time horizons, and (c) applies to models with diverging trajectories and unknown parameters.
Note on a case of nonlinear diffusion.

When the functionQ in the equation ∇2c +Q(c) = 0 is positive and is of a specified kind, the equation admits of a centrally spherical solution such thatc is positive everywhere, tending to zero at infinity anddc/dr=0 atr=0. Physically this corresponds to a local concentration of the solute in an infinite medium without any membranes present. This result would indicate the possibility of the formation of spontaneous concentrations and non-uniformities in non-linear diffusion fields. Possible biological implications are mentioned. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A01E2041 00002
Immunosuppressant neurotoxicity in rat brain models: oxidative stress and cellular metabolism

Coadministration of the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine (CsA) and the mTOR inhibitors sirolimus (SRL) or everolimus (RAD) increases the efficacy of immunosuppression after organ transplantation. Neurotoxicity of CsA is a major clinical problem. Our goal was to assess the effects of CsA, SRL, and RAD on brain cell metabolism. The studies included the comparison of immunosuppressant-mediated effects on glucose metabolism, energy production, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in perfused rat brain slices, primary rat astrocytes, and C6 glioma cells. In brain slices and astrocytes, CsA inhibited Krebs cycle metabolism, while activating anaerobic glycolysis, most likely to compensate for the inhibition of mitochondrial energy production. SRL and RAD inhibited cytosolic glycolysis but did not cause changes in mitochondrial energy production. CsA + SRL inhibited Krebs cycle and glycolysis, thus reducing the ability of the cell to compensate for the negative effects of CsA on mitochondrial nucleoside triphosphate synthesis. In contrast to SRL at the concentrations tested, RAD reduced the CsA-induced ROS formation and antagonized CsA-induced effects on glucose and energy metabolism. Surprisingly, in C6 cells, SRL and RAD exposure resulted in high ROS concentrations without significant impairment of cell metabolism. Our results suggested that SRL enhances CsA-induced ROS formation and negative metabolic effects in brain cells, while RAD seems to antagonize the CsA effects. However, the three models showed different metabolic responses when challenged with the study drugs. In contrast to SRL, RAD enhances ROS formation in C6 glioma cells but has only minor effects on normal rat brain tissue.
Probabilistic temporal networks: A unified framework for reasoning with time and uncertainty

Complex real-world systems consist of collections of interacting processes/events. These processes change over time in response to both internal and external stimuli as well as to the passage of time itself. Many domains such as real-time systems diagnosis, story understanding, and financial forecasting require the capability to model complex systems under a unified framework to deal with both time and uncertainty. Current models for uncertainty and current models for time already provide rich languages to capture uncertainty and temporal information, respectively. Unfortunately, these semantics have made it extremely difficult to unify time and uncertainty in a way which cleanly and adequately models the problem domains at hand. Existing approaches suffer from significant trade offs between strong semantics for uncertainty and strong semantics for time. In this paper, we explore a new model, the Probabilistic Temporal Network (PTN), for representing temporal and atemporal information while fully embracing probabilistic semantics. The model allows representation of time constrained causality, of when and if events occur, and of the periodic and recurrent nature of processes.
The effect of memory blocking antibiotics and their analogs on acetylcholinesterase

The ability of antibiotics to inhibit acetylcholinesterase was measured in homogenates of goldfish brain. Puromycin aminonucleoside was the most potent inhibitor followed by puromycin, cycloheximide and acetoxycycloheximide. Puromycin effectively impaired retention of active-avoidance learning in goldfish when injected either immediately before or after training, while puromycin aminonucleoside did not regardless of injection time. These results suggest that the known amnestic effects of puromycin, cycloheximide and acetoxycycloheximide are not a consequence of interference with acetylcholinesterase.
When long-term treatment is not long enough.

Abstract The author describes the evolution of his practice of psychiatry over 35 years, disputing the traditional valuation placed on the concept of termination and endorsing the value of ongoing therapy. Seven dimensions of ongoing therapy are described: narrative, privacy, counsel, personality, enrichment, reality, and anchoring. Two principles provide some insurance against unrecognized countertransference factors that might lead the therapist to prolong therapy: avoiding interpretation of resistance when patients suggest they wish to discontinue and explicitly informing patients when an acute disorder has abated sufficiently for therapy to cease.
Incidence and Significance of Positive Urine Cultures in Patients with an Orthotopic Neobladder

ABSTRACTPurpose: With an intact normal bladder bacterial colonization is uncommon unless intermittent catheterization is instituted. Because intestine, which is normally colonized with bacteria, is used to form an orthotopic neobladder, we determined whether patients with orthotopic urinary diversion are at increased risk for urinary tract infection and urosepsis.Materials and Methods: A total of 66 patients who received an orthotopic neobladder after radical cystectomy were prospectively evaluated with urinalysis and culture 2 months to 4 years postoperatively. No patient was on suppressive antibiotics unless they had recurrent urinary tract infections.Results: A total of 55 voided normally and 11 performed intermittent catheterization at least once daily due to high post-void residual urine. Of the patients who voided normally 78% had at least 1 positive urinalysis. If a patient had a positive urinalysis, bacteria was identified on culture in 50%. Overall 26 (39%) and 8 (12%) patients had a urinary trac...
Pseudomonas aeruginosa proteases and corneal virulence.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of corneal infections, particularly among users of soft contact lenses. Previous studies with chemically induced mutants deficient in alkaline protease (AP) or elastase (LasB) suggested that these proteases contributed to the rapid liquifactive stromal necrosis characteristic of P. aeruginosa corneal infections. Because these mutants might harbor other chromosomal changes that could affect virulence, the role of these proteases in the pathogenesis of corneal disease (as well as a second elastase, LasA protease) was reexamined by constructing isogenic mutants deficient only in these enzymes. Allelic exchange was used to construct mutants of P. aeruginosa PAO1-V deficient in AP (PAO1-V AP[ - ]), LasB and LasA protease (PDO801 LasB[ - ]), or all three proteases (PDO801 TM). These mutants were then evaluated for virulence using mouse scratch and rabbit intrastromal injection models of corneal disease. Loss of AP significantly increased disease scores in the rabbit (P <...
Release of invasive plants from fungal and viral pathogens

Invasive plant species both threaten native biodiversity and are economically costly, but only a few naturalized species become pests. Here we report broad, quantitative support for two long-standing hypotheses that explain why only some naturalized species have large impacts. The enemy release hypothesis argues that invaders' impacts result from reduced natural enemy attack. The biotic resistance hypothesis argues that interactions with native species, including natural enemies, limit invaders' impacts. We tested these hypotheses for viruses and for rust, smut and powdery mildew fungi that infect 473 plant species naturalized to the United States from Europe. On average, 84% fewer fungi and 24% fewer virus species infect each plant species in its naturalized range than in its native range. In addition, invasive plant species that are more completely released from pathogens are more widely reported as harmful invaders of both agricultural and natural ecosystems. Together, these results strongly support the enemy release hypothesis. Among noxious agricultural weeds, species accumulating more pathogens in their naturalized range are less widely noxious, supporting the biotic resistance hypothesis. Our results indicate that invasive plants' impacts may be a function of both release from and accumulation of natural enemies, including pathogens.
Prediction of aneurysm formation in vascular grafts of biologic origin.

Abstract Other than review of clinical experience, no assay exists that can reliably predict the long-term potential for aneurysm formation in an arterial prosthesis of biologic origin. Since mural degeneration probably results from proteolytic digestion, an in vitro assay was devised that used graft perfusion with 1% collagenase to induce rapid changes in mechanical properties. The effect of enzyme on graft diameter, compliance, permeability, and burst pressure was measured in ficin-digested, adipoyl chloride and glutaraldehyde—tanned bovine carotid artery and glutaraldehyde-tanned human umbilical vein. Both grafts have recently been reported to have a significant incidence of aneurysm within several years of implantation. Compliance and diameter were also measured noninvasively in patients with bovine carotid artery and human umbilical vein for more than 40 weeks after implantation. In vitro, the response to enzyme could be categorized into three groups. In group III, a diameter increase of more than 14% was associated with a significantly decreased compliance, and this paralleled the results found in aneurysmal grafts in vivo. In both grafts there was a strong correlation between postenzyme compliance change and initial compliance, loss of compliance being significantly greater in grafts with group III responses (p
Examining Modeling Approaches for the Rainfall-Runoff Process in Wildfire-Affected Watersheds: Using San Dimas Experimental Forest†

Wildfire can significantly change watershed hydrological processes resulting in increased risks for flooding, erosion, and debris flow. The goal of this study was to evaluate the predictive capability of hydrological models in estimating post-fire runoff using data from the San Dimas Experimental Forest (SDEF), San Dimas, California. Four methods were chosen representing different types of post-fire runoff prediction methods, including a Rule of Thumb, Modified Rational Method (MODRAT), HEC-HMS Curve Number, and KINematic Runoff and EROSion Model 2 (KINEROS2). Results showed that simple, empirical peak flow models performed acceptably if calibrated correctly. However, these models do not reflect hydrological mechanisms and may not be applicable for predictions outside the area where they were calibrated. For pre-fire conditions, the Curve Number approach implemented in HEC-HMS provided more accurate results than KINEROS2, whereas for post-fire conditions, the opposite was observed. Such a trend may imply fundamental changes from pre- to post-fire hydrology. Analysis suggests that the runoff generation mechanism in the watershed may have temporarily changed due to fire effects from saturation-excess runoff or subsurface storm dominated complex mechanisms to an infiltration-excess dominated mechanism. Infiltration modeling using the Hydrus-1D model supports this inference. Results of this study indicate that physically-based approaches may better reflect this trend and have the potential to provide consistent and satisfactory prediction.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF SHORT TERM CHANGES IN THE QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF STORED INSTANT NAVY BEAN POWDER

Lipid oxidation, changes in soluble protein, reducing sugar content, extent of nonenzymatic browning, and product color were monitored for instant navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) powder during 1 month of accelerated storage at 37°C. Below the monolayer, (aw 0.11), greater lipid oxidation occurred in neutral lipids and phospholipids of air-packed samples than in nitrogen samples. Indices revealed that monolayer samples browned more and lost more soluble protein than samples stored below the monolayer. Nitrogen-packed samples lost more reducing sugars and had darker colors than air-stored samples at each aw.
Proteins released from degenerating neurons are surrogate markers for acute brain damage.

The experimental and clinical study of degenerative brain disorders would benefit from new surrogate markers for brain damage. To identify novel candidate markers for acute brain injury, we report that rat cortical neurons release over 60 cytoskeletal and other proteins, as well as their proteolytic fragments into the medium during neuronal death. The profiles of released proteins differ for necrosis and apoptosis, although a subset of proteins is released generally during neurodegeneration. The value of this approach was established by immunodetection of the released proteins 14-3-3ζ and 14-3-3β, as well as calpain and caspase derivatives of tau and α-spectrin in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) following traumatic brain injury (TBI) or transient forebrain ischemia in the rat. These results indicate that proteins and their proteolytic fragments released from degenerating neurons are cerebrospinal fluid markers for acute brain damage and suggest that efflux of proteins from the injured brain may reflect underlying mechanisms for neurodegeneration.
Stochastic Force Defined Evolution in Dynamical Systems

Dynamics near and far away from thermal equilibrium is studied within the framework of Langevin equations. A stochasticity-dissipation relation is proposed to emphasize the equal importance of the stochastic and deterministic forces in describing the system's evolution and destination. It is a generalization of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. Close to a stationary state an explicit construction of the potential energy is given through a gauged singular decomposition. Possible directions to extend the present study into generic situations are pointed out.
Effects of Differences in Nasal Anatomy on Airflow Distribution: A Comparison of Four Individuals at Rest

Differences in nasal anatomy among human subjects may cause significant differences in respiratory airflow patterns and subsequent dosimetry of inhaled gases and particles in the respiratory tract. This study used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to study inter-individual differences in nasal airflow among four healthy individuals. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were digitized and nasal-surface-area-to-volume ratios (SAVR) were calculated for 15 adults. Two males and two females, representative of the range of SAVR values, were selected for flow analysis. Nasal CFD models were constructed for each subject by a semi-automated process that provided input to a commercial mesh generator to generate structured hexahedral meshes (Gambit, Fluent, Inc., Lebanon, NH, USA). Steady-state inspiratory laminar airflow at 15 L/min was calculated using commercial CFD software (FIDAP, Fluent, Inc., Lebanon, NH, USA). Streamline patterns, velocities, and helicity values were compared. In all subjects, the majority of flow passed through the middle and ventral regions of the nasal passages; however, the amount and location of swirling flow differed among individuals. Cross-sectional flow allocation analysis also indicated inter-individual differences. Laboratory water–dye experiments confirmed streamlines and velocity magnitudes predicted by the computational model. These results suggest that significant inter-individual differences exist in bulk airflow patterns in the nose.
Progressive optic neuropathy caused by contact with the carotid artery: improvement after microvascular decompression.

Department of Neurosurgery, NYU Langone Medical Center, 462 First Avenue, Room 7S4, New York, NY 10016, United States Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Medical Center, 462 First Avenue, Room 7S4, New York, NY 10016, United States Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Langone Medical Center, 462 First Avenue, Room 7S4, New York, NY 10016, United States Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, 462 First Avenue, Room 7S4, New York, NY 10016, United States
Dopamine and Renal Function and Blood Pressure Regulation

Dopamine is an important regulator of systemic blood pressure via multiple mechanisms. It affects fluid and electrolyte balance by its actions on renal hemodynamics and epithelial ion and water transport and by regulation of hormones and humoral agents. The kidney synthesizes dopamine from circulating or filtered L-DOPA independently from innervation. The major determinants of the renal tubular synthesis/release of dopamine are probably sodium intake and intracellular sodium. Dopamine exerts its actions via two families of cell surface receptors, D1-like receptors comprising D1R and D5R, and D2-like receptors comprising D2R, D3R, and D4R, and by interactions with other G protein-coupled receptors. D1-like receptors are linked to vasodilation, while the effect of D2-like receptors on the vasculature is variable and probably dependent upon the state of nerve activity. Dopamine secreted into the tubular lumen acts mainly via D1-like receptors in an autocrine/paracrine manner to regulate ion transport in the proximal and distal nephron. These effects are mediated mainly by tubular mechanisms and augmented by hemodynamic mechanisms. The natriuretic effect of D1-like receptors is caused by inhibition of ion transport in the apical and basolateral membranes. D2-like receptors participate in the inhibition of ion transport during conditions of euvolemia and moderate volume expansion. Dopamine also controls ion transport and blood pressure by regulating the production of reactive oxygen species and the inflammatory response. Essential hypertension is associated with abnormalities in dopamine production, receptor number, and/or posttranslational modification.
Learning control strategies for chemical processes: a distributed approach

The design of a distributed learning system (DLS) which combines the features of instance-space and hypothesis-space methods is described. This algorithm decomposes a data set of training examples into subsets. After applying an inductive learning program on each subset, it synthesizes the results using a genetic algorithm. It is shown that this parallel distributed approach is more efficient, since each inductive learning program works on only a subset of data. Since the genetic algorithm searches globally in the hypothesis space, this approach gives a more accurate concept description. The implementation of DLS in Common LISP is discussed, and its distributed approach is compared to C4.5 and PLS1 algorithms. >
Bone mineral content and prostate cancer risk: data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

Study Type – Aetiology (inception cohort) Level of Evidence 2b OBJECTIVE To determine whether there might be differences in bone mineral content (BMC) between men who develop life-threatening prostate cancer and those who do not, as bone is a common site of prostate cancer metastases. SUBJECTS AND METHODS From 1973 to 1984, BMC was serially measured in 519 participants (778 observations) as part of a longitudinal study of ageing. We examined the association between serial BMC measurements with the development of overall and high-risk prostate cancer over the next one to three decades. For all prostate cancer cases, BMC was censored at the time of diagnosis. RESULTS During a median (range) overall follow-up of 21.1 (0.2–35.0) years after the last BMC measurement, 76 (14.6%) men were later diagnosed with prostate cancer (18 high-risk and 58 not high-risk). BMC declined with age to a greater extent in healthy controls than among men diagnosed with prostate cancer (P = 0.018, likelihood ratio test), and tended to decline less in high-risk than non-high-risk cases. CONCLUSION The distribution of BMC was significantly different between men who did and did not develop prostate cancer, over an extended follow-up. Specifically, BMC appeared to decline to a greater extent with age among healthy controls than in men with prostate cancer, especially high-risk disease. The biology underlying the lesser decline in BMC among men with prostate cancer remains unclear, but suggests that host factors in the bony milieu might be associated with prostate cancer development and progression.
Noise radiation from a continuous mold-line link flap configuration

The results of an experimental study of the noise from a Continuous Mold-Line Link (CML) flap are presented. Acoustic and unsteady surface pressure measurements were performed on a main element wing section with a half-span CML flap in NASA Langley's Quiet Flow Facility. The acoustic data were acquired with a medium aperture directional array (MADA) of microphones. The Deconvolution Approach for the Mapping of Acoustic Sources (DAMAS) method is applied to determine the spatial distribution and strength of the noise sources over the surface of the test model. A Coherent Output Power (COP) method which relates the output from unsteady surface pressure sensors to the output of the MADA is also used to obtain more detailed characteristics of the noise source distribution in the trailing edge region of the CML. These results are compared to those obtained for a blunt flap to quantify the level of noise benefit that is achieved with the CML flap. The results indicate that the noise from the CML region of the fl...