cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid Collection of Biospecimens by Automated Identification of Patients Eligible for Pharmacoepigenetic Studies

Epigenetics plays an important role in regulating gene expression, and can be modified by environmental factors and physiological conditions. Studying epigenetics is a promising approach to potentially improving the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of human diseases, and to providing personalized medical care. However, the role of epigenetics in the development of diseases is not clear because epigenetic markers may be both mediators and outcomes of human diseases. It is particularly complicated to study pharmacoepigenetics, as medication use may modify the epigenetic profile. To address the challenges facing pharmacoepigenetic research of human diseases, we developed a novel design to rapidly identify, contact, and recruit participants and collect specimens for longitudinal studies of pharmacoepigenetics. Using data in real-time from electronic medical record systems, we can identify patients recently start on new medications and who also have a blood test. Prior to disposal of the leftover blood by the clinical laboratory, we are able to contact and recruit these patients, enabling us to use both their leftover baseline blood sample as well as leftover specimens at future tests. With treatment-naive and follow-up specimens, this system is able to study both epigenetic markers associated with disease without treatment effect as well as treatment-related epigenetic changes.
An overview of the report of the national commission on sleep disorders research

The National Comission on Sleep Disorder Research evaluated the status of insomnia and other sleep disorders in the US. The Commission found that insomnia is prevalent affecting 20-30 million Americans, has significant morbidity especially related to attention and memory processes and cost the US an estimated $ 15 billion a year. It also estimated that all of these figures should rise significantly by the year 2000. Other sleep disorders (eg, narcolepsy and sleep apnea) although less prevalent have significant costs to patients and society associated with them. The Commission recommended that the US develop a research and education program to develop new insights into the basic mechanisms of sleep disorder. The education program needs to be directed to the general public; medical practitioners, as well as patients.
Sampling for Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae) larvae and damage in celery.

A sampling plan to estimate population levels of Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard) larvae and total mining damage was developed for use in celery. Dispersion indices from Taylor's power law were calculated from 1992 data obtained from whole plant samples collected from commercial fields at two times during the cropping season and utilizing one of three different leafminer management strategies. Analysis of covariance indicated that variance–to–mean relationships were consistent among petiole position among plants, pest management strategies, and time of growing season for live L. huidobrensis larvae and total numbers of mines per petiole. In an attempt to develop a presence–absence sampling plan, all equation was derived to relate the proportion of petioles infested, P(l) , to the mean number of live larvae or the mean number of mines per petiole. However, predicted frequencies of infested petioles delivered from this equation were significantly greater than the frequencies of petioles infested with live larvae or infested with mines observed in validation studies. This lack of fit between predicted and expected frequencies precludes use of a presence–absence sampling plan to predict mean densities from the proportion of leaves infested. The results from Taylor's dispersion analysis were also used to evaluate a constant precision–level sampling plan. Validation tests of this sampling plan indicated that the formula used to ca1culate critical stoplines accurately predicted the observed cumulative totals of live larvae or total numbers of mines. Implementation of a sequential sampling plan for L. huidobrensis larvae with a 0.25 level of precision and with a possible maximum sample size of 100 petioles (to compensate for the prohibitively large sample sizes necessary at low densities) should greatly reduce the amount of labor necessary to achieve accurate estimates of population densities and to facilitate the use of action thresholds based upon these estimates.
Maternal oxygen transport variables during the third trimester of normal pregnancy

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to measure and calculate oxygen transport variables in uncomplicated term pregnancies. Study Design: Ten normotensive primiparous women between 36 and 38 weeks’ gestation underwent pulmonary and radial arterial catheterization as part of a larger study. Seven women had studies repeated at approximately 12 weeks post partum. Measurements were made with patients in the left lateral recumbent position after a 30-minute stabilization period. Cardiac output was measured with the thermodilution technique. Blood samples were obtained simultaneously from the pulmonary and radial arteries and analyzed in duplicate for oxygen content with a blood gas analyzer. Results: The oxygen contents of both arterial and mixed venous blood are significantly lower (P
The mass dependence of moments of inertia of rapidly-rotating nuclei

Abstract An analysis of high-spin moments of inertia for the yrast sequences of deformed nuclei from A =72–184 indicates that within each deformed mass region, the moment of inertia is surprisingly constant. In contrast, between the different deformed mass regions the A 5 3 dependence of the moment of inertia, expected for a macroscopic rotor, is approximately restored.
The Formation of a Tokamak-like Plasma in Initial Experiments Using an Outboard Plasma Gun Current Source

Solenoid-free tokamak startup via point-source DC helicity injection is demonstrated on the Pegasus Toroidal Experiment using a high current density, low impurity plasma gun mounted near the outboard midplane. A threshold in the vacuum vertical magnetic field strength that allows the injected current filament to relax into a tokamak-like topology is observed. A simple 2-D model of the vacuum magnetic field suggests this threshold is the maximum field strength that allows a toroidally connected field null to form. Discharges with I p ≈ 17 kA are produced using less than 2 kA of injected current and no inductive drive. The tokamak-like discharges exhibit current decay times about five times longer than the injected current decay, expansion of the plasma into the vacuum region and a significant increase in the line-integrated density.
A retrospective review of lithium usage in veterans with multiple sclerosis

Abstract Objective Lithium (Li) reduces disease activity in animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS), but has not been previously studied in human MS. While developing a clinical trial to test the effects of Li in MS, we performed a retrospective chart review to determine the safety and tolerability of Li among US veterans with MS. Methods We identified all veterans with MS prescribed Li from 1998 to 2009 using the Department of Veterans Affairs Pharmacy Benefits Management. Charts were reviewed for Li-related adverse events and effects on the MS disease course. Results Among 21,847 veterans with MS, 101 met inclusion criteria and took Li ≥6 months. Eighteen percent of subjects experienced a Li-associated adverse event. Later age of MS onset was associated with increased risk of Li-related adverse events ( p =0.004). Associations between Li use and MS disease activity were mixed: Li was not associated with increased risk of enhancing MRI lesions (p =0.655), but annualized relapse rates were higher on Li (0.34 vs. 0.20, p =0.044). In contrast, change in Expanded Disability Status Scale scores was greater in the off-Li period than the on-Li period (0.8 vs. 0.3, p =0.003). Conclusion Adverse events occur in a minority of Li-treated MS patients. A consistent effect of Li on MS disease activity was not apparent. These findings indicate a clinical trial will be needed to ascertain Li's effects on the MS disease course.
Methylthioadenosine nucleoside phosphorylase deficiency in methylthio-dependent cancer cells.

Abstract The cleavage of the methylthio group from methylthioadenosine is shown to involve two enzymes, a nucleosidase which catalyses the phosphorolytic cleavage of methylthioadenosine to yield adenine and 5-methylthioribose-1-phosphate and an enzyme which uses the latter compound as substrate and catalyses the release of the methylthio group as an ether-extractable product. Three malignant murine hematopoietic cell lines which require methylthio group supplementation for proliferation in vitro are shown to lack methylthioadenosine nucleosidase activity while retaining activity of the second enzyme. Four cell lines which are methylthio-independent in vitro contain activity of both enzymes. The data suggest that the requirement for exogenous methylthio groups in certain cells is caused by the block in their biosynthetic pathway imposed by methylthioadenosine nucleoside phosphorylase deficiency. Secondarily, the data suggest that all cells require methylthio or related groups for division.
Nigral dopamine type-1 receptors are reduced in Huntington's disease: A postmortem autoradiographic study using [3H]SCH 23390 and correlation with [3H]forskolin binding

Abstract Intrastriatal injection of excitatory amino acids, particularly quinolinic acid, has been proposed as an animal model of Huntington's disease. Such neurotoxic lesions of caudate-putamen result in marked dopamine type-1 (D1) receptor losses in the injected nuclei as well as in the ipsilateral substantia nigra pars reticulata. Postmortem human substantia nigra from Huntington's disease brains and from control brains were examined using in vitro autoradiography. A marked reduction in [ 3 H]SCH 23390 binding (labeling D1 receptors) in the substantia nigra of postmortem brains of Huntington's patients was identified, thus paralleling the alterations seen in the animal models. A positive, statistically significant correlation was also encountered between D1 receptor binding (labeled by [ 3 H]SCH 23390) and [ 3 H]forskolin binding (which identifies adenylate cyclase, a second messenger system linked to D1 receptor activation). The results suggest that in the human—as in lower vertebrates—D1 receptors are located on striatonigral terminals and that D1 receptor loss tends to be paralleled by a reduction in adenylate cyclase. Radioactive agents selective for the D1 receptor may prove useful in future studies of Huntington's disease using positron emission tomography scanning.
Up-down photometers for auroral profile studies.

UV rocket-borne up-down photometer measuring zenith and nadir intensities for auroral profile studies
Optimal sizes of dielectric microspheres for cavity QED with strong coupling

The whispering gallery modes (WGMs) of quartz microspheres are investigated for the purpose of strong coupling between single photons and atoms in cavity quantum electrodynamics (cavity QED). Within our current understanding of the loss mechanisms of the WGMs, the saturation photon number n0 and critical atom number N0 cannot be minimized simultaneously, so that an "optimal" sphere size is taken to be the radius for which the geometric mean sqrt(n[sub 0]N[sub 0]), is minimized. While a general treatment is given for the dimensionless parameters used to characterize the atom-cavity system, detailed consideration is given to the D2 transition in atomic cesium at lambda0 = 852 nm using fused-silica microspheres, for which the maximum coupling coefficient ga/(2pi)[approximate]750 MHz occurs for a sphere radius a = 3.63 µm corresponding to the minimum for n0[approximate]6.06×10^–6. By contrast, the minimum for N0[approximate]9.00×10^–6 occurs for a sphere radius of a = 8.12 µm, while the optimal sphere size for which sqrt(n[sub 0]N[sub 0]) is minimized occurs at a = 7.83 µm. On an experimental front, we have fabricated fused-silica microspheres with radii a~10 µm and consistently observed quality factors Q>=0.8×10^7. These results for the WGMs are compared with corresponding parameters achieved in Fabry-Perot cavities to demonstrate the significant potential of microspheres as a tool for cavity QED with strong coupling.
Monitoring and Mining Animal Sounds in Visual Space

Monitoring animals by the sounds they produce is an important and challenging task, whether the application is outdoors in a natural habitat, or in the controlled environment of a laboratory setting. In the former case, the density and diversity of animal sounds can act as a measure of biodiversity. In the latter case, researchers often create control and treatment groups of animals, expose them to different interventions, and test for different outcomes. One possible manifestation of different outcomes may be changes in the bioacoustics of the animals. With such a plethora of important applications, there have been significant efforts to build bioacoustic classification tools. However, we argue that most current tools are severely limited. They often require the careful tuning of many parameters (and thus huge amounts of training data), are either too computationally expensive for deployment in resource-limited sensors, specialized for a very small group of species, or are simply not accurate enough to be useful. In this work we introduce a novel bioacoustic recognition/classification framework that mitigates or solves all of the above problems. We propose to classify animal sounds in the visual space, by treating the texture of their sonograms as an acoustic fingerprint using a recently introduced parameter-free texture measure as a distance measure. We further show that by searching for the most representative acoustic fingerprint, we can significantly outperform other techniques in terms of speed and accuracy.
Biotechnology and new integrated pest management approaches

Area-wide pest management technologies will take on new appearances as the drive to eliminate and/or greatly reduce the use of chemical pesticides increases. The use of genetically altered insects has the most potential for successfully displacing certain pesticides, although the development of genetic engineering technologies for agricultural pest species is still in its infancy. Transformation vectors need to be developed as do transformation methodologies. Here we report the possibility of developing an interspecies vector and discuss ways in which such a vector could be used successfully in an integrated pest management system. If such an approach were developed, it could be utilized with other alternative methods, thereby providing a safe, ecologically sound means of controlling insect pests without damaging the agricultural economy.
Black soldiers in two world wars: ‘Men of Bronze’ (1980) and ‘Liberators’ (1992)

(1994). Black soldiers in two world wars: ‘Men of Bronze’ (1980) and ‘Liberators’ (1992). Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 467-474.
Whaling Futures: A Survey of Faroese and Vincentian Youth on the Topic of Artisanal Whaling

This article presents the results of surveys with postsecondary students in the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic and St. Vincent in the Caribbean on the topics of whaling and consumption of associated food products. Results are analyzed to predict future trends in whaling activities in both locations. Whaling faces both cultural and environmental challenges to its continuance. Perceptions and opinions of today's educated youth are arguably the best indicator of future trends in whaling nations—at least those trends that are within the control of culture and society. The results of this survey support a challenge to the conventional theory that whaling is a dying form of artisanal food production by showing that the food products obtained through whaling remain popular with the participants in both locations. These students exhibit varying degrees of familiarity with, and willingness to participate in, whaling activities.
TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF THE PROSTATE AMONG MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES: 1984 TO 1997

Purpose: We examine the epidemiology and associated risks of transurethral resection of the prostate among Medicare beneficiaries for the period 1984 to 1997.Materials and Methods: We used hospital claims for transurethral resection of the prostate from a 20% national sample of Medicare beneficiaries for the period 1991 to 1997. Risk of mortality and reoperation were evaluated using life table methods and compared to those for the period 1984 to 1990. We also examined the association between surgical volume and adverse outcomes following resection using unique urologist identifier codes from the 1997 part B Medicare claims.Results: Compared to 1984 to 1990, age adjusted rates of transurethral resection for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) during 1991 to 1997 declined by approximately 50% for white (14.6 to 6.72/1,000) and 40% for black (11.8 to 6.58/1,000) men. Of the men who underwent resection for BPH during the recent period 53% were 75 years old or older but 30-day mortality in men 70 years old or o...
Post-natal diet determines insulin resistance in fetally malnourished, low birthweight rats (F1) but diet does not modify the insulin resistance of their offspring (F2)

Abstract We examined the effects of prenatal and postnatal nutrition on birthweight and insulin sensitivity, indicated by the glucose/insulin (G/I) ratio, in adult rats (F1 generation) and in their adult offspring (F2 generation). Rat pups (F1) whose dams consumed low-protein diets during gestation (malnourished) consumed either nutritionally adequate (control) or high-fat diets ad libitum post-weaning. The offspring of these rats (F2) were maintained on the same diets as their respective dams. Separate pups (F1) whose dams consumed high-fat diets during gestation (over-nourished) were maintained on high-fat diets post-weaning, as were their offspring (F2). Birthweights were significantly reduced in all fetally malnourished F1 animals. At ∼70 d of age, fasting insulin sensitivity in over-nourished F1 rats was significantly reduced compared to controls regardless of whether they were malnourished or over-nourished in utero; however, fetally malnourished F1 rats consuming control diets post-natally had significantly greater fasting insulin sensitivity than control animals. At 30 and 120 min post-glucose load, insulin sensitivity was reduced 12–65% in both groups of over-nourished F1 rats as compared to the fetally malnourished F1 rats consuming the control diet. Birthweights were significantly lower in F2 animals whose dams (F1) were fetally malnourished and weaned to high fat diets. Insulin sensitivity was significantly reduced in all F2 animals versus control animals, regardless of dietary treatment. Thus, post-natal diets alter insulin sensitivity in fetally malnourished, adult rats; and maternal malnutrition during gestation results in insulin resistance in offspring, irrespective of offsprings’ birthweight or diet.
HIV-1 integrates into resting CD4+ T cells even at low inoculums as demonstrated with an improved assay for HIV-1 integration

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) establishes a latent reservoir early in infection that is resistant to the host immune response and treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The best understood of these reservoirs forms in resting CD4(+) T cells. While it remains unclear how reservoirs form, a popular model holds that the virus can only integrate in activated CD4(+) T cells. Contrary to this model, our previous results suggest that HIV-1 can integrate directly into the genomes of resting CD4(+) T cells. However, a limitation of our previous studies was that they were conducted at high viral inoculum and these conditions may lead to cellular activation or saturation of restriction factors. In the present study, we tested if our previous findings were an artifact of high inoculum. To do this, we enhanced the sensitivity of our integration assay by incorporating a repetitive sampling technique that allowed us to capture rare integration events that occur near an Alu repeat. The new technique represents a significant advance as it enabled us to measure integration accurately down to 1 provirus/well in 15,000 genomes--a 40-fold enhancement over our prior assay. Using this assay, we demonstrate that HIV can integrate into resting CD4(+) T cells in vitro even at low viral inoculum. These findings suggest there is no threshold number of virions required for HIV to integrate into resting CD4(+) T cells.
Comparison of the WRAT4 Reading Subtest and the WTAR for Estimating Premorbid Ability Level

The need to estimate premorbid ability level as part of a neuropsychological evaluation is well understood in the profession. The purpose of this study was to evaluate two popular reading tests for estimating premorbid ability. Participants were 102 undergraduate volunteers between the ages of 18 and 64 years (M = 25.89 years, SD = 9.54). Participants completed the Wechsler Test of Adult Reading (WTAR) and both forms of the Reading subtest of the Wide Range Achievement Test-Fourth Edition (WRAT4). The WTAR was scored using the Predicted Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ) and the Demographic Predicted FSIQ methods presented in the manual. Repeated-measures analyses of variance revealed no significant difference between the two forms of the WRAT4 and the WTAR for both the Predicted FSIQ, F(2, 202) = 0.399, p = .671, and the Demographic Predicted FSIQ, F(2, 190) = 0.085, p = .918, scoring approaches. Concurrent validity correlation coefficients between the three items using the Predicted FSIQ ranged from r = .75 to r = .78; using the Demographic Predicted FSIQ, coefficients ranged from r = .50 to r = .76. Our data suggest that the WTAR offers a slightly more reliable statistical portrait of cognitive functioning, especially with a more educated and originally higher-functioning population.
A Multilayer Iterative Circuit Computer

A multilayer iterative circuit computer (I.C.C.) is described, which is capable of dealing with problems involving spatial relationships between the variables, in addition to the inherent multiprogramming capabilities of this type of machine organization. Some of the novel features presented are: 1) A path-building method which retains the short-time access characteristic of the common bus system, while still permitting the simultaneous operation of several paths in the network without mutual interference. Furthermore, the connecting method allows communication between the modules in a one-to-one, one-to-many or many-to-many way. 2) A specialization in the functions of the individual layers, separating the flow of control signals from the flow of information. This step-by-step treatment of the instructions makes it possible to preinterpret them before the actual execution, thus permitting the inclusion of instructions acting from many-to-many operands. 3) Three-phase operation, with each phase active simultaneously in each layer, and operating on different instructions. Due to the overlapping of the phases in time, the total effective time per instructions remains the same. Once an instruction has been executed, the partially processed results are transferred to the next layer, and the now vacant layer starts the processing of the next instruction. The notable properties of the iterative structure are thus augmented by the inclusion of these features, resulting in a machine with iterative computational structure that includes a form of control or interpretation unit.
Solvent effects on formation and decay of electron donor—acceptor exciplex of C70 and N,N-diethylaniline. Fluorescence quenching due to solvent polarity and polarizability

Abstract Fluorescence of C70—N,N-diethylaniline exciplex is studied in solvent mixtures of hexane—acetone, hexane—THF, hexane—ethanol, and hexane—toluene at variable compositions. The results are inconsistent with the notion that the strong solvent dependence of exciplex fluorescence is due to specific interactions such as complexation between C70 monomer and solvent molecules. It is proposed that the quenching of exciplex fluorescence in polar or polarizable solvents is due to a competing decay process that results in the formation of solvated ions.
Surgical management of tumors invading the aorta and major arterial structures.

Background This study investigates surgical management of tumors arising from or involving the aorta and major arterial structures. Methods A retrospective single institutional review was conducted of patients undergoing arterial resection for tumors involving the aorta or major arterial structures between January 1992 and May 2009 at a tertiary care center. Patients with tumors abutting arteries without necessitating resection and those involving only venous structures were excluded. Patients were analyzed in groups by vessel involvement: aorta, carotid, external/common iliac, internal iliac, superficial femoral, and miscellaneous. Results Sixty patients were identified and included for review. The iliac arteries were most often resected, and sarcomatous pathology was most common (37 patients, 62%). Twelve patients underwent aortic resection, with eight (67%) of these undergoing graft reconstruction, one (8%) graft patch, and two (17%) primary repair. None of the 17 patients undergoing internal iliac resection underwent reconstruction, whereas the majority of patients in all other groups underwent reconstruction. Thirty-day mortality (TDM) was 0% in all groups, except the aortic (2/12, 17% TDM), and internal iliac arteries (1/17, 6% TDM). Estimated blood loss varied widely and was not significantly different between vessel groups ( p = 0.280). Overall, 44 of 60 (73%) patients had negative margins. Fourteen patients (23%) returned to the operating room, most for wound infection or dehiscence. Mean follow-up was 20.25 months (range: 0.5-122.0 months, SD: 23 months). Forty patients were followed up for more than 1 year. Thus, with an overall median follow-up of 12.25 months, overall survival was 60% with disease-free survival of 40%. Conclusions Resection of tumors involving the aorta and major arterial structures provides a reasonable option for treatment, but with significant perioperative morbidity. In selected patients, this aggressive intervention should be considered.
The Aims of Societies and the Aims of God

reducible to, yet inextricably bound up with, the aims of individuals. Human and institutional behavior both exhibit the formal characteristics of purposiveness; in particular, both have aims they seek to actualize. On the one hand, these aims are distinguishable: institutional goals are not simply the sum of individual ones. But, on the other hand, they are inseparable in the sense that personal goals are shaped by the purposes of the institutions which environ them while community ends are molded by the aims of the individuals who comprise them. It follows that a theology of God's activity in history is inadequate if it denies or slights the question of his purposes for nations and institutions. It will be argued that the divine aims are substantially the same for societies as for persons, and consequently that such qualities as sinful, wayward, moral, and redeemed characterize institutions as truly as they do men. In short, the question to which this article addresses itself might be phrased: "Is there any salvation apart from the salvation of the social order or, for that matter, apart from the salvation of the world?"
Clinical characteristics in 53 patients with cat scratch optic neuropathy.

Objective To describe the clinical manifestations and to identify risk factors associated with visual outcome in a large cohort of patients with cat scratch optic neuropathy (CSON). Design Multicenter, retrospective chart review. Participants Fifty-three patients (62 eyes) with serologically positive CSON from 5 academic neuro-ophthalmology services evaluated over an 11-year period. Methods Institutional review board/ethics committee approval was obtained. Data from medical record charts were collected to detail the clinical manifestations and to analyze visual outcome metrics. Generalized estimating equations and logistic regression analysis were used in the statistical analysis. Six patients (9 eyes) were excluded from visual outcome statistical analysis because of a lack of follow-up. Main Outcome Measures Demographic information, symptoms at presentation, clinical characteristics, length of follow-up, treatment used, and visual acuity (at presentation and final follow-up). Results Mean patient age was 27.8 years (range, 8–65 years). Mean follow-up time was 170.8 days (range, 1–1482 days). Simultaneous bilateral involvement occurred in 9 (17%) of 53 patients. Visual acuity on presentation ranged from 20/20 to counting fingers (mean, 20/160). Sixty-eight percent of eyes retained a visual acuity of 20/40 or better at final follow-up (defined as favorable visual outcome). Sixty-seven percent of patients endorsed a history of cat or kitten scratch. Neuroretinitis (macular star) developed in 28 eyes (45%). Only 5 patients had significant visual complications (branch retinal artery occlusion, macular hole, and corneal decompensation). Neither patient age nor any other factor except good initial visual acuity and absence of systemic symptoms was associated with a favorable visual outcome. There was no association between visual acuity at final follow-up and systemic antibiotic or steroid use. Conclusions Patients with CSON have a good overall visual prognosis. Good visual acuity at presentation was associated with a favorable visual outcome. The absence of a macular star does not exclude the possibility of CSON. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Effects of insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin, and leucine on protein turnover and ubiquitin ligase expression in rainbow trout primary myocytes

The effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), insulin, and leucine on protein turnover and pathways that regulate proteolytic gene expression and protein polyubiquitination were investigated...
TREATMENT OF A TYPE II DIABETIC BY A TOTALLY IMPLANTABLE INSULIN INFUSION DEVICE

Abstract The feasibility of treating type II diabetes by continuous intravenous infusion of insulin delivered by a totally implanted pump was tested in a 54-year-old man. An acceptable degree of blood glucose control was maintained while the patient carried on with his normal daily activities.
Ankyloglossia may cause breastfeeding, tongue mobility, and speech difficulties, with inconclusive results on treatment choices.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Ankyloglossia: facts and myths in diagnosis and treatment. Suter VG, Bornstein MM. J Periodontol 2009;80(8):1204-19. Reviewers Hisham Merdad, BDS, Ana Karina Mascarenhas, BDS, MPH, DrPH Purpose/Question Is there an association between ankyloglossia and breastfeeding difficulties, speech difficulties, malocclusion, and gingival recession? Which is the treatment option of choice in ankyloglossia? Source of Funding Information not available Type of Study/Design Systematic review Level of Evidence Level 3 Other evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Grade C Consensus, disease-oriented evidence, usual practice, expert opinion, or case series for studies of diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or screening.
New roles for astrocytes: The nightlife of an ‘astrocyte’. La vida loca!

Like a newly popular nightspot, the biology of adult stem cells has emerged from obscurity to become one of the most lively new disciplines of the decade. The neurosciences have not escaped this trendy pastime and, from amid the noise and excitement, the astrocyte emerges as a beguiling companion to the adult neural stem cell. A once receding partner to neurons and oligodendrocytes, the astrocyte even takes on an alter ego of the stem cell itself (S. Goldman, this issue of TINS). Putting ego aside, the 'astrocyte' is also (and perhaps more importantly) an integral component of neural progenitor hotspots, where the craziness or 'la vida loca' of the nightlife might not be so wild when compared with our traditional understanding of the astrocyte. Here, astrocytes contribute to the instructive confluence of location, atmosphere and cellular neighbors that define the daily 'vida local' or everyday local life of an adult stem cell. This review discusses astrocytes as influential components in the local stem cell niche.
Plasma Oscillations in Metals

The self-consistent field treatment of the electronic wave functions of a solid is used as a basis for a theory of plasma oscillations in a metal. Two procedures are used to calculate the plasma frequency, both being based on the Bohm and Pines method of introducing the plasma oscillators. It is found that band-to-band virtual transitions have a strong effect on the plasma oscillations in a metal. It is concluded that the effective mass treatments are not adequate to treat the electron-plasma interaction, except perhaps in certain semiconductors.
Response acquisition with delayed reinforcement in a rodent model of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) has been shown to exhibit behavioral characteristics analogous to those exhibited by humans diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study was conducted to further evaluate the validity of the SHR model of ADHD by characterizing learning of a novel response under conditions of delayed reinforcement. Seven experimentally naive SHRs and a control group of seven normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were exposed to a contingency where one lever press initiated pellet delivery after a 15-s, resetting delay. Rats in both groups acquired lever pressing, and the pattern of acquisition was well described with a three-parameter, sigmoidal equation. Response acquisition was retarded in the SHRs; they took longer to acquire the behavior, exhibited lower response rates and earned fewer reinforcers over the course of the experiment. When reinforcer delivery was made immediate in a subsequent condition, the SHRs exhibited higher response rates than the WKY, suggesting that the lower rates of responding seen in the SHRs were due to the reinforcer delay. The results replicate previous research on response acquisition with delayed reinforcement and provide further validation of the SHR strain as a model of ADHD. Like humans diagnosed with ADHD, the SHRs appear to be hypersensitive to delayed consequences, which in the present context, interfered with learning a novel behavior.
Life history and seasonal population growth of Oligonychus ilicis infesting Japanese holly in New Jersey.

The life history and seasonal population growth of the southern red mite, Oligonychus ilicis (McGregor), infesting Ilex crenata ‘Convexa’ are reported. Mean developmental times (in days) at 24°C are: egg incubation, 6.5; active larva, 1.4; quiescent larva, 1.0; active protonymph, 0.9; quiescent protonymph, 0.9; active deutonymph, 0.9; and quiescent deutonymph, 1.1. Females deposit 2.4 eggs/day, totaling 36 eggs/lifetime. Adults live for 16.5 days at 24°C. Field population growth of O. ilicis was compared in random counts of mites infesting carbaryl-treated and untreated Japanese hollies during the 1977 season. Treated groups showed a 6-fold increase in the number of immature mites and a 13-fold increase in the number of adult females and eggs compared to populations on untreated hosts. Populations peaked in November at 387 females/100 carbaryl-treated leaves and 25 females/100 untreated leaves. Treated populations produced 50.9 diapausing eggs/leaf and resulted in severe injury to host fOliage as compared to only 3.8 overwintering eggs/leaf and no leaf damage on untreated hollies. Neither the treated nor untreated populations followed the seasonal population growth pattern previously described. Data suggest these differences are attributable to the adverse effects of carbaryl on indigenous predatory populations.
the sannyasi and the Indian wrestler: the anatomy of a relationship

Indian wrestling (pahalwani) is a disciplined way of life that demands rigorous physical and moral training. In this regard it is analogous to the Hindu life path of world renunciation (sannyas). Here I show how Indian wrestlers use the model of sannyas to help define their way of life. Wrestlers recognize the centrality of the physico-moral body as a defining idiom of identity. Their interpretation of body discipline thus sheds light on general theoretical issues relating to identity formation and concepts of the person in Hindu South Asia. [India, wrestling, sannyas, asceticism, identity, body discipline]
Structural fault tolerance in VLSI-based systems

A system is structurally fault-tolerant (SFT) if it preserves a fault-free subsystem of a pre-determined interconnection structure when faults appear. We present a systematic approach to designing SFT VLSI-based systems that use shared buses as the main communication mechanism. To represent the target systems, we introduce a processor-bus-link (PBL) graph in which processing elements (PEs) and buses are both modeled as nodes. PE and bus faults correspond to the removal of nodes from the PBL graph. The node covering concept and the minimum-weight spanning arborescence algorithm are then applied to the design of SFT systems that can tolerate both PE and bus faults. The designs obtained have fewer spare communication ports than prior designs, no critical single point of failure, and simple circuitry for reconfiguration. >
MECHANISMS OF SPONTANEOUS AND INDUCED FRAMESHIFT MUTATION IN BACTERIOPHAGE T4

Frequencies of spontaneous and proflavine-induced frameshift mutations increased dramatically as a function of the number of reiterated base pairs at each of two sites in the lysozyme gene of bacteriophage T4. At each site, proflavine induces addition mutations more frequently than deletion mutations. We confirm that the steroidal diamine, irehdiamine A, induces frameshift addition mutations. At sites of reiterated bases, we propose that base pairing is misaligned adjacent to a gap. The misaligned configuration is stabilized by the stacking of mutagen molecules around the extrahelical base, forming a sandwich. Proflavine induces addition mutations efficiently at a site without any reiterated bases. Mutagenesis at such sites may be due to mutagen-induced stuttering of the replication complex.
The political economy of Israeli protectionism: An empirical analysis*

The aim of this study was to examine the tariff structure in Israel in terms of the four main theoretical models of endogenous commercial policy. The empirical results for levels of protection in Israel support several of the models. In particular the pressure group model performs well and especially the variable that represents the lobbying power of the Histadrut/public sector in Israel. This is consistent with the longstanding political power of the Histadrut in Israel. The Histadrut's role in the Israeli economy rises above the “western” concept of a labor union and takes on a quasi-governmental function. The clearest example of this elevated status is seen when the government included the Histadrut as part of the commission charged with the responsibility of carrying out the “nominal liberalization” process of the 1960s. Evidently it is this kind of political-economic power that allowed the Histadrut to affect the level of protection Histadrut-dominated industries received.
Measurement of root porosity (volume of root air space

Abstract Root research can benefit under many circumstances from determination of the % fraction of root volume occupied by air (root porosity). Root porosity provides an indication of root reaction or adaptability to environments with insufficient oxygen availability. Three primary approaches have been used for root porosity determinations: cross-sectional ratios, pycnometry, and dynamic gas displacement. These three methods are explained and their relative advantages and disadvantages discussed.
Recombination Proficiency Influences Frequency and Locus of Mutational Resistance to Linezolid in Enterococcus faecalis

In vitro linezolid resistance was selected at a higher frequency in Enterococcus faecalis JH2-2 than in recombination-deficient E. faecalis UV202. Resistance in JH2-2 was related to accumulated G2576T mutations in 23S rRNA genes, with the least resistance conferred by mutations in two of four copies. UV202 resistance was associated with a G2505A mutation present in a single copy in mutants with different MICs.
Rates of change of closed‐loop eigenvalues and eigenvectors of actively controlled structures

The sensitivity of the closed-loop eigenvalues and eigenvectors of actively controlled flexible structures with distinct eigenvalues is considered. The sensitivity information is essential in the optimization of large space structures with stability/performance robustness, closed-loop eigenvalues or damping ratios treated as objective or constraint functions
Clinical experience with a novel intracoronary perfusion catheter to treat no-reflow phenomenon in acute coronary syndromes.

Background: The no-reflow phenomenon is an often seen complication in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This event is associated with poor prognosis and poses a therapeutic challenge. Methods: This retrospective study cohort was composed of 30 patients who presented with ACS between September 2007 and April 2009, and developed no-reflow during subsequent PCI. The primary end-point was defined as normal Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 3 flow with myocardial blush grade (MBG) ≥2 or an increase in TIMI flow by ≥2 grades with a MBG ≥2 after intracoronary drug infusion via the ClearWay (CW) RX perfusion catheter. Results: The population presented with a relatively high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. ST-elevation myocardial infarction was the most common presentation (60.0%), while 20% of the patients presented with cardiogenic shock. After intracoronary infusion of nicardipine or nitroprusside using the CW catheter, TIMI flow improved from the baseline in 19 cases (63.3%, P < 0.001), and 16 patients (53.3%, P < 0.001) achieved normal coronary flow at the end of the procedure. The rate of in-hospital death was 6.7% (2 cases). No clinical differences were noted between those patients who successfully achieved normal coronary flow and those with persistent no-reflow. Conclusion: The infusion of intracoronary drugs using the novel perfusion CW RX catheter seems to be safe and could help to improve myocardial perfusion in a selected group of patients presenting with ACS who developed no-reflow during PCI. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:109-113)
Dynamic scaling method of uTupleSpace data-sharing mechanism for wide area ubiquitous network

A wide area ubiquitous network (WAUN) was proposed as a new network for achieving a ubiquitous/pervasive environment. A WAUN covers a geographically wide area and connects us to a large variety of sensors and actuators distributed in the real world. To detect events and to flexibly control actuators in the real world using this connectivity, we have proposed a data-sharing mechanism called uTupleSpace. The uTupleSpace offers flexible communication in a ubiquitous environment, but it must have scalability to accommodate many programs and a large amount of data. To achieve scalability, we propose the dynamic-help method, which is a new dynamic scaling method. This method can guarantee search completeness and increased throughput in proportion to the increase in server hosts for a large number of device terminals. We also evaluate the proposed method with experiments using a micro-benchmark test. The result shows that the proposed method has enough scalability against the load of a typical application using sensor devices, while it also shows poor scalability against the load of another application using actuator devices. We indicate how to resolve this.
Social validation of relaxation training in pediatric headache control

This paper defines social validation, discusses its importance and illustrates procedures which have been used to measure the social validity of relaxation procedures in the treatment of chronic non-malignant pediatric headache disorders. Both participants and their parents reported positive benefits of the intervention and recommended it to other headache sufferers.
Sensitivity considerations for time-varying sampled-data feedback systems

A synthesis procedure for linear time-varying sampled-data feedback systems is described. Just as in the continuous system case, one of the advantages of feedback in a sampled-data system is that it can potentially reduce the effect of plant variations on the system performance. To a certain extent, load disturbance and instrument noise may be simultaneously reduced also. A time-domain sensitivity matrix is defined and used in the design of the digital compensators for prescribed insensitivity of the system to plant variation. In addition, two optimization criteria are presented for the design of these compensators when load disturbance and instrument noise have to be reduced as well. The procedure is also applicable to fime-invariant sampled-data systems.
Mr. Wilson's Cabinet of Wonder

Mr. Wilson's Cabinet of Wonder. Lawrence Weschler. New York: Pantheon Books, 1995.176 pp. b/w and color illus., $21.00 (cloth).
Coxsackie B4 viruses and atrial myxoma

Abstract Immunofluorescent antibody staining and electron microscopic studies revealed Coxsackie B 4 viral antigen and virus-like particles in the cytoplasm of the stellate cells of a right atrial myxoma surgically removed from a 54-year-old woman. The hypothesis is presented that the virus was the etiologic agent and contributing factor in the continuing growth of the myxoma and that it was not present as a secondary infection of the tumor cells. There is a need to extend these observations and continue such studies.
A wavelet multiresolution analysis for spatio-temporal signals

The wavelet filters of the conventional 3D multiresolution analysis possess homogeneous spatial and temporal frequency characteristics which limits one's ability to match filter frequency characteristics to signal frequency behavior. Also, the conventional 3D multiresolution analysis employs an oct-tree decomposition structure which restricts the analysis of signal details to identical resolutions in space and time. This paper presents a 3D wavelet multiresolution analysis constructed from nonhomogeneous spatial and temporal filters, and an orthogonal sub-band coding scheme that decouples the spatial and temporal decomposition processes.