cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HIV/AIDS preventive self-efficacy, depressive symptoms, and risky sexual behavior in adolescents: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey

Abstract Background High incidence rates of HIV/AIDS infections among youth draw attention to the need for emphasizing the reduction of risky sexual behavior, a major contributor to the spread of HIV/AIDS. Few researchers have examined the relationship between self-efficacy for HIV/AIDS preventions, depressive symptoms, and adolescent risky sexual behavior. This insufficient understanding limits nurses' ability to provide effective programs for reducing adolescents' risky sexual behaviors. Objectives This study was conducted to investigate the relationships among HIV/AIDS preventive self-efficacy, depressive symptoms, and risky sexual behavior in Taiwanese adolescents. Design A cross-sectional, correlational study. Settings Seven vocational high schools located in a metropolitan area in southern Taiwan. Participants A convenience sample of 16–18-year-old vocational high school Taiwanese adolescents ( n =734) participated in this study. Methods Several self-administrated questionnaires, including HIV/AIDS Preventive Self-efficacy scale, the Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression scale, Safe Sex Behavior Questionnaire, and a form for demographic data, were used to collect data. Results Taiwanese adolescents who had higher HIV/AIDS preventive self-efficacy scores had less overall risky sexual behavior. Adolescents who had less depressive symptoms had higher HIV/AIDS preventive self-efficacy. More depressive symptoms were correlated to more risky sexual behavior. Conclusion Improving Taiwanese adolescents' HIV/AIDS preventive self-efficacy could be useful to reduce risky sexual behaviors in this population. Results of this study may assist nurses in understanding factors related to adolescents HIV/AIDS related risky sexual behavior and its' preventions. However, future longitudinal studies are needed to clarify whether depressive symptoms is a major influential factor that might interfere with the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS prevention programs.
A comparison between the Born and Rytov approximations for the inverse backscattering problem

We compare the Born and Rytov approximations in solving the inverse acoustic backscattering problem, i.e., determining medium properties from reflections. For the one‐dimensional problem, we show that the Rytov approximation is generally better than the Born approximation in predicting sound speed changes, while both methods have the same error in determining the positions of reflectors. This is shown analytically for simple models and numerically for more general models. The performance of the Rytov approximation is degraded when low‐velocity regions are present in the medium being probed. The accuracy of the inversion depends on the manner in which the sound speed perturbation is linearized. The location of the receiver affects the accuracy of the inversion, and, in the case of the Rytov approximation, best results are obtained when the receiver is at the interface between the known and unknown regions. Furthermore, the Rytov method is less sensitive to the choice of reference sound speed used in the in...
Rational proteomics IV : modeling the primary function of the mammalian 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 8

Significant sequence homology has been detected between prokaryotic beta-ketoacyl-[acyl carrier protein] reductases (BKR) and eukaryotic 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases type 8 (17beta-HSD_8). Three-dimensional models of ternary complexes of human 17beta-HSD_8 with NAD cofactor and two chemically distinct substrates, the BKR substrate {CH3-(CH2)(12)-CO-CH(2)-CO-S-[ACP]} and the HSD substrate {estradiol} have been constructed (the atomic coordinates are available on request; e-mail: pletnev@hwi.buffalo.edu). The more extensive and specific interactions of 17beta-HSD_8 with the BKR substrate compared to interactions with estradiol raise a serious question about the enzyme's primary function in vivo and suggest that it is likely to be involved in the regulation of fatty acid metabolism rather than in the steroid-dependent activity that has been demonstrated in vitro.
Combating Unintended Consequences of In-Class Revision Using Study Skills Training

In order to assess the most effective means of revising course material in-class, the researchers manipulated the type of revision (spaced after each chapter versus a single, pre-exam revision) and collected exam scores, student study time estimates, and student confidence estimates. In addition, the researchers manipulated whether the class received a study skills training lecture at the beginning of the semester. Results indicated that a single, massed revision might have a counterintuitive effect, increasing student confidence, while decreasing study time and exam scores. This negative effect, however, was mitigated by a brief study skills training that highlighted the dangers of overconfidence and massed practice.
Co-combustion of brewer's spent grains and Illinois No. 6 coal: Impact of blend ratio on pyrolysis and oxidation behavior

Co-combustion of locally available biomass in existing coal-fired power plants is an attractive option to increase the share of renewable fuels in the energy market with minimal capital investment. Utilizing existing coal-fired combustion equipment for blends requires knowledge of pyrolysis and combustion characteristics. This study presents thermal evolution profiles (decomposition rates, apparent activation energies and devolatilized compounds) of coal–biomass blends to probe the effect of blend ratios on pyrolysis and combustion behavior. The global rate of pyrolysis of Illinois No. 6 coal and brewer's spent grains (BSG) is a function of fuel composition, though analysis of evolved gases suggests the presence of both potential additive and synergistic interactions on a molecular level. For oxidation, a rapid decrease in peak conversion rate is seen as the percentage of BSG increases from 0% to 20%, becoming less pronounced as the percentage of BSG increases above 20%.
Asymptotic analysis for optimal investment and consumption with transaction costs

We consider an agent who invests in a stock and a money market and consumes in order to maximize the utility of consumption over an infinite planning horizon in the presence of a proportional transaction cost $\lambda > 0$ . The utility function is of the form U(c) = c 1-p /(1-p) for p > 0, $p\neq 1$ . We provide a heuristic and a rigorous derivation of the asymptotic expansion of the value function in powers of $\lambda^{1/3}$ , and we also obtain asymptotic results on the boundary of the “no-trade” region.
Youth Apprenticeship in a Laboratory of Democracy

Wisconsin became the only state to adopt the German apprenticeship system for a sustained period of 1911 to 1933. The actual implementation is compared across sectors to identify the institutional conditions of successful state policy. The generalization of apprenticeship in metalworking and construction highlights the importance of secondary associations between government and the market. The subsequent divergence of these sectors suggests that the reconstruction of regional labor market institutions must accompany contemporary policy developments.
Aeromonas Hydrophila and Plesiomonas Shigelloides Endophthalmitis

Aeromonas hydrophila and Plesiomonas shigelloides are gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic rod-like bacteria. Both organisms have a reputation for low virulence in humans. Only recently have two corneal ulcers, one case of posttraumatic endophthalmitis, and two possible conjunctival infections caused by A. hydrophila been reported. 1-3 To our knowledge, there have been no reports of P. shigelloides ocular infections. We treated a case of posttraumatic endophthalmitis caused by A. hydrophila and P. shigelloides.
Z 2 spin-orbital liquid state in the square lattice Kugel-Khomskii model

We argue for the existence of a liquid ground state in a class of square lattice models of orbitally degenerate insulators. Starting with the SU(4)-symmetric Kugel-Khomskii model, we utilize a Majorana Fermion representation of spin-orbital operators to access unusual phases. Variational wave functions of candidate liquid phases are thus obtained, whose properties are evaluated using variational Monte Carlo. These states are disordered and are found to have excellent energetics and ground state overlap $(g40%)$ when compared with exact diagonalization on 16-site clusters. We conclude that these are spin-orbital liquid ground states with emergent nodal fermions and ${\text{Z}}_{2}$ gauge fields. Connections to spin-3/2 cold-atom systems and properties in the absence of SU(4) symmetry are briefly discussed.
Nucleic acid metabolism in a slime mold with synchronous mitosis.

Abstract In the synchronously dividing slime mold, Physarum polycephalum , the synthesis of DNA as shown by incorporation of 14 C fron [6- 14 C]orotic acid into DNA-thymine, occured immediately after the nuclear division and lasted for 1–2 h. During the remainder of the interphase, which might last from 12–20 h, there was no significant labeling of the DNA. The incorporation of label into RNA at any time of the cell cycle suggested that RNA synthesis was continuous, although there was some indication that this process might be retarded at the time of division and DNA synthesis. The relative timing of DNA sythesis and nuclear division would tend to rule out the synthesis of DNA as a “trigger” for mitosis. Preliminary experiments indicated that the mold was capable of converting orotic acid to thymine nucleotides throughout the interphase; this suggests that the control of DNA synthesis must occur at some point very close to the final polymerization of the molecule.
Bipolar Electrode Focusing: Faradaic Ion Concentration Polarization

Bipolar electrode (BPE) focusing locally enriches charged analytes in a microchannel along an electric field gradient that opposes a counter-flow. This electric field gradient forms at the boundary of an ion depletion zone generated by the BPE. Here, we demonstrate concentration enrichment of a fluorescent tracer by up to 500,000-fold. The use of a dual-channel microfluidic configuration, composed of two microchannels electrochemically connected by a BPE, enhances the rate of enrichment (up to 71-fold/s). Faradaic reactions at the ends of the BPE generate ion depletion and enrichment zones in the two, separated channels. This type of device is equivalent to previously reported micro/nanochannel junction arrangements used for ion concentration polarization, but it is experimentally more flexible and much simpler to construct.
“Yes, U Can!” Professional Development Program

Paper Presentation Purpose for the Program As a Magnet‐designated facility, we encourage our nurses to consider completing their baccalaureate degree, obtain a specialty certification, or return to school to obtain a masters or doctoral degree. Responses from these nurses often include: “I don't even know where to start,” “I think I'm too old,” and “It's too expensive. I can't afford it.” The Institute of Medicine and experts such as Dr. Patricia Benner have long advocated the baccalaureate degree as the minimum education required for entry into nursing practice. Many existing nurses who completed a diploma or associate degree program are overwhelmed by the idea of returning to school. Proposed Change An innovative program was developed to offer counseling/referral for nurses interested in educational opportunities and professional growth. After the pilot this program was opened to nurses at all sites/locations within the St. Luke's Healthcare System. Components of this program include a referral into the program, an initial questionnaire, preparation of materials, a confidential one‐on‐one meeting with the participant, and a follow‐up questionnaire. Overwhelming response has resulted in expanding and dividing the program into two groups. The first group includes those staff members who are not clinical but desire a clinical career. The second group includes those staff members who are not clinical and do not want a clinical position but desire professional growth. This resulted in a significant increase in volume and an opportunity to partner with organizational development. Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation Before the program was piloted in the fall of 2009, much care was given to the creation of forms, data tracking, and an electronic database of various nursing programs, which identify the admission process, prerequisites, application deadline, contact information, and costs associated with each program. Additional program information was prepared, including information on tuition reimbursement, certification prepayment, and scholarships offered by the healthcare system. The “Yes, You Can!” program has provided services to more than 280 participants in 3 years. Implications for Nursing Practice Assisting interested and motivated nurses in navigating the process toward a specialty certification and/or furthering their education is of benefit to all. The individual nurse benefits personally and perhaps financially from furthering his/her education. The employer benefits from the added knowledge and new ways of thinking. The patients benefit from the nurses advanced education and their ability to integrate and synthesize.
Construction and characterization of three region-specific microdissection libraries for human chromosome 18.

Three region-specific libraries for the entire human chromosome 18 were constructed using microdissection and MboI linker-adaptor microcloning techniques. The libraries included 18pter-p11.1 (designated 18P library), 18q 11.1-q12.3 (18Q1 library), and 18q21.1-qter (18Q2 library). Samples of the microclones from each library were analyzed in detail. The insert sizes ranged between 50–600 bp, with a mean of 180–220 bp for the three libraries. The libraries contained approximately 40–60% microclones with unique sequence inserts. More than 30 unique sequence microclones from each library were analyzed by Southern blot hybridization to demonstrate that they are human specific and were derived from chromosome 18. The human gemomic HindIII fragments hybridized to each microclone were determined and microclones crosshybridized to rodent species were identified. These region-specific libraries and the unique sequence microclones from the libraries are useful reagents for (1) isolating hughly polymorphic microsatellite markers for refined linkage analysis, (2) identifying corresponding YAC, BAC or other clones with large inserts for contig assembly and high resolution physical mapping, (3) isolating cDNA clones from the dissected region, and (4) convenient sequencing of the microclones to prepare high density markers and sequence-tagged sites (STSs). Such applications have been demonstrated in a series of similarly constructed microdissection libraries from other regions of the human genome.
Effects of feeding 17α-methyltestosterone, 11-ketotestosterone, 17β-estradiol, and 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine to channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus

Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, were fed 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) or 11-ketotestosterone (KT) at dietary levels of 5 and 32 mg kg−1, and β-estradiol (E2) or 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3) at dietary levels of 5 and 50 mg kg−1 under laboratory conditions. Among all treatments, only the lowest dose of KT produced a significant increase in weight gain over the control. This treatment also caused a reduction in body fat and an increase in body protein. The higher levels of KT and all levels of the other compounds had a neutral to negative effect on weight, protein and fat gains. Fish fed the androgens had broad heads, exophthalmia and dark skin. These fish had enlarged, precociously mature testes while ovaries were not affected. The fish fed E2 or T3 had dark skin, and those fed T3 had broad heads, exophthalmia, and thickening at the base of the fins. The fish fed E2 had degenerated oocytes but testes were not affected. Liver and kidneys of fish from all treatments were examined histologically. In the fish fed E2, the nuclei of many of the hepatocytes were near the sinusoids rather than centrally located as in the control. Vacuolation of epithelial cells of renal tubules in the trunk kidney was found in all treated fish but not in the control.
Characterization of complex coronary artery stenosis morphology by coronary computed tomographic angiography.

Objectives This study sought to assess the ability of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in identifying complex coronary stenosis morphology before invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background Complexity of stenosis morphology affects PCI success. Whether CTA can detect the entire spectrum of recognized complex stenosis morphologies has not been investigated. Methods All nonbypassed, nonstented, ≥2-mm–diameter native coronary arterial segments in 85 consecutive patients who underwent ICA ≤30 days after CTA were assessed. Two blinded CTA readers qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated all lesions ≥70% stenotic by visual inspection and characterized each as type C or nontype C, according to the modified American College of Cardiology morphology criteria for estimating PCI risk. Results were compared with ICA data similarly analyzed by 2 blinded interventional cardiologists. The PCI procedure duration and contrast use were compared between type C and nontype C lesions identified on both ICA and CTA. Results CTA detected 84 of 93 lesions (90%) causing ≥70% stenosis on ICA and correctly characterized 42 of 53 lesions (79%) found to concurrently show type C morphology on ICA. Type C features most frequently missed by CTA were ostial involvement (5 cases) and lesion length >20 mm (7 cases). Major branch involvement was the most frequent false-positive type C feature (12 cases). Mean PCI duration in patients with and without type C lesions on CTA were 42.4 ± 24.7 min and 21.5 ± 13.3 min (p = 0.009), respectively; mean total contrast used were 263 ± 150 ml and 140 ± 47 ml (p = 0.007), respectively. Conclusions In vessels segments ≥2 mm in diameter, CTA can predict lesions likely to reach ≥70% stenosis on ICA and provide added value in discerning complex morphologies associated with these lesions. Presence of complex, severely obstructive lesions on CTA is associated with higher contrast use and greater procedure length during PCI.
Pilot Series of Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Subtotal Gastrectomy with Extended Lymphadenectomy for Gastric Cancer

Robotic surgery is evolving as a therapeutic tool for thoracic and urologic applications; however, its use in gastric cancer surgery has not been extensively reported. The objective of this pilot series was to assess the feasibility of using robotic surgery in performing an extended lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer. Between June 2005 and July 2006, seven patients (3 female, 4 male) underwent combined laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy with omentectomy and robot-assisted extended lymphadenectomy using the da Vinci® Surgical System for early distal gastric tumors. The mean age of the patients was 64 years. Tumor staging ranged from 0 to II. Six patients had adenocarcinoma and one patient had a high-grade dysplastic adenoma. All procedures were completed successfully without conversion. The median operating time was 420 min. There was one intraoperative complication requiring a colon resection for a devascularized segment. The median number of nodes harvested was 24 (range = 17–30). Resection margins were negative in all specimens. Patients were hospitalized a median of 4 days (range = 3–9). Thirty-day mortality was 0%. Patients resumed a solid diet a median of 4 days postoperatively. Median followup was 9 (range = 0–10) months. There have been no tumor recurrences to date. Extended lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer using robotic surgery is safe and allows for an adequate lymph node retrieval. Our preliminary results suggest that this novel technique offers short hospital stays and low morbidity for patients undergoing surgical resection of distal gastric malignancies. Future studies will be necessary to better define the role of robotic surgery in gastric cancer treatment.
Sensitization of cat dorsal horn neurons to innocuous mechanical stimulation after intradermal injection of capsaicin.

Abstract Intradermal injection of 100 μg of capsaicin in cats excited dorsal horn spinal neurons classified as either ‘high threshold’ or ‘wide dynamic range’. Capsaicin enhanced their responses to innocuous mechanical stimulation. A role for these neurons in mechanical hyperalgesia is suggested.
Isolation by fluorescence-activated cell sorting of cells of a human lymphoblastoid cell strain containing mutations in the lambda immunoglobulin gene

Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to establish clonal populations of a human lymphoblastoid cell strain that contain spontaneously occurring and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine-induced mutations in the lambda immunoglobulin gene. Multiple rounds of FACS using a monoclonal antibody specific for the membrane-expressed human lambda immunoglobulin were used to enrich the population fraction of cells lacking a wild-type lambda immunoglobulin on the cell surface. Approximately 20% of the clonal populations established after five rounds of FACS-mediated enrichment did not express the lambda immunoglublin epitope recognized by the monoclonal antibody used for selection. However, evaluation of the FACS-selected mutant clonal populations with a polyclonal antilambda antibody, or a monoclonal antibody directed against a different epitope on the lambda immunoglobulin made by the T5-1 cells, indicated that the mutant clonal populations expressed lambda immunoglobulin on their cell surfaces. Additionally, the presence of lambda mRNA and of both secreted and cytoplasmic lambda protein confirmed the transcription and translation of the lambda immunoglobulin gene. These data suggest that FACS-mediated selection employing epitope-specific monoclonal antibodies provides a powerful technique for isolation of cell populations that express mutations within the coding region of the lambda immunoglobulin gene.
KAP-1 Promotes Resection of Broken DNA Ends Not Protected by γ-H2AX and 53BP1 in G1-Phase Lymphocytes

The resection of broken DNA ends is required for DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by homologous recombination (HR) but can inhibit normal repair by nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ), the main DSB repair pathway in G1-phase cells. Antigen receptor gene assembly proceeds through DNA DSB intermediates generated in G1-phase lymphocytes by the RAG endonuclease. These DSBs activate ATM, which phosphorylates H2AX, forming γ-H2AX in flanking chromatin. γ-H2AX prevents CtIP from initiating resection of RAG DSBs. Whether there are additional proteins required to promote resection of these DNA ends is not known. KRAB-associated protein 1 (KAP-1) (TRIM28) is a transcriptional repressor that modulates chromatin structure and has been implicated in the repair of DNA DSBs in heterochromatin. Here, we show that in murine G1-phase lymphocytes, KAP-1 promotes resection of DSBs that are not protected by H2AX and its downstream effector 53BP1. In these murine cells, KAP-1 activity in DNA end resection is attenuated by a single-amino-acid change that reflects a KAP-1 polymorphism between primates and other mammalian species. These findings establish KAP-1 as a component of the machinery that can resect DNA ends in G1-phase cells and suggest that there may be species-specific features to this activity.
Comparative studies of RNA: inferring higher-order structure from patterns of sequence variation

RNA structural chemistry and evolutionary biology, long considered disparate fields of study, are the topics of this review. Evolution transcends all of the sciences, adding a dimension that enriches every science it touches, and in its enrichment of those fields contributes back to evolutionary thought. RNA, on the other hand, is a molecule with an inordinate number of possible conformations; knowing which to evaluate experimentally is problematic. Analysis of RNA sequences from an evolutionary perspective reveals patterns of variation and sequence constraints, and suggests how an RNA sequence is folded up into its higher-order structure.
Choices, constraints, and calling: conservative protestant women and the meaning of work in the US

Uses qualitative data to explore how contemporary religious beliefs mark conceptions of work, particularly with regards to the beliefs of conservative protestant women. Compares liberal protestant women and men as well as conservative men against this group. States that conservative women consider motherhood as their most important work yet they are also most likely to feel “called” to their paid work. Cites that this has important implications for the sociological literature on gender and work. Builds on the original work of Max Weber.
Attitudes, Knowledge, and Intentions Related to Breastfeeding Among University Undergraduate Women and Men:

The purpose of the current study was to examine university undergraduate women's and men's attitudes and knowledge toward breastfeeding. Data were gathered for 111 women and 50 men. Data showed a significant relationship between positive attitudes toward breastfeeding and exposure to breastfeeding. Women and participants older than 20 years scored higher on measures of knowledge and attitudes. Results indicated that positive attitude toward breastfeeding was a significant predictor of intention to breastfeed among women and men. In conclusion, the results suggest that understanding attitudes among young adults is an important line of research. Further studies are needed to develop and evaluate interventions aimed at improving attitudes about breastfeeding and increasing initiation of breastfeeding among this population. J Hum Lact. 24(2):186-192.
An Evaluation of Drugs in the Elementary Schools: Some Geographic Considerations.

The relationship between type of educational institution and the prescription of medication to elementary-aged children with behavioral problems was examined with questionnaire data obtained from school psychologists, administrators, and mental health professionals. It was hypothesized that there would be a positive correlation between geographic location and frequency of resorting to psychoactive drugs as part of the therapeutic process. This assumption was found to be supported by our comparison of institutions in rural New York State with information compiled by others who studied urban-based primary grade facilities and their therapeutic practices. The conclusion speculates as to how urban systems vary from rural ones in their approach to correcting problems in pupil management.
Application of Spherical Gratings in Synchrotron Radiation Spectroscopy

The recent development in grazing incidence grating monochromator design is discussed and the performance limiting factors for such instruments are examined. Especially the aberrations of toroidal and spherical gratings are investigated using the optical path function concept. It is shown that large radius spherical gratings, which can be produced with better slope tolerances than aspherics, also yield smaller overall line curvature than toroids. Therefore, a new simple spherical grating monochromator design is proposed and its performance is analyzed.
Characterization of the surface carbonyl and hydroxyl coverage on glassy carbon electrodes using Raman spectroscopy

A fluorescein derivative was synthesized and covalently bonded to hydroxyl groups on glassy carbon surfaces. Since the fluorescein fluorescence was quenched by the carbon surface, its resonance Raman spectrum could be observed at surface coverages of approximately 1%. The fluorescein/GC bond was stable to repeated sonication in ethanol, but was rapidly hydrolyzed by mild base. This new label for surface hydroxyl groups was combined with a similar label for carbonyl groups to assess changes in the coverage of surface C–OH and CO with GC pretreatment. The relative densities of these species varied with both the initial GC heat treatment and with subsequent chemical treatment in hot HNO3 or hot KOH solutions. HNO3 increased the CO coverage on vacuum heat treated (VHT) GC, while KOH increased the C–OH coverage. Chemical treatments of GC following polishing or heat treatment were less selective, due to the significant initial coverage of CO and C–OH. In all cases, significant surface oxygen on GC was present in forms other than CO and C–OH.
Function of tuberoinfundibular dopamine neurons in pargyline- and reserpine-treated rats.

The synthesis and release of dopamine within tuberoinfundibular neurons were studied in rats treated with reserpine and/or pargyline. The effect of reserpine to elevate the serum concentration of prol
Control of Electro-Hydraulic Poppet Valves via Online Learning and Estimation

Online learning state trajectory control applied to Electro-Hydraulic Poppet Valves (EHPV) is considered herein. The control problem is to track a desired flow conductance coefficient KV for pressure or flow control applications. In general terms, the control methodology employed herein computes the input signal sent to the valve from the addition of three components. The first component comes from an experimentally approximated inverse input-output map of the system which gives a nominal input. The second component is computed through a neural network structure called the Nodal Link Perceptron Network that learns online the adjustment of this nominal map. The third component is an adaptive proportional feedback control input. This last component uses two system parameters known as the Jacobian and the Controllability parameter, which are estimated online via a recursive least squares algorithm with forgetting factor. The proposed controller is explored through experimental data on a pressure control application and the results are discussed.© 2005 ASME
Monte Carlo evaluation of Migdal-Eliashberg theory in two dimensions

Abstract We study the Holstein model, both through Monte Carlo simulations, and through diagrammatic perturbation techniques. Results for the half-filled case are presented. The agreement is excellent, even though charge density wave correlations are dominant, as long as a phonon self-energy is included in the calculation.
III: OCEAN CIRCULATION: Global Ocean Data Assimilation and Geoid Measurements

Parts of geodesy and physical oceanography are about to mature into a single modeling problem involving the simultaneous estimation of the marine geoid and the general circulation. Both fields will benefit. To this end, we present an ocean state estimation (data assimilation) framework which is designed to obtain a dynamically consistent picture of the changing ocean circulation by combining global ocean data sets of arbitrary type with a general circulation model (GCM). The impact of geoid measurements on such estimates of the ocean circulation are numerous. For the mean circulation, a precise geoid describes the reference frame for dynamical signals in altimetric sea surface height observations. For the time-varying ocean signal, changing geoid information might be a valuable new information about correcting the changing flow field on time scales from a few month to a year, but the quantitative utility of such information has not yet been demonstrated. For a consistent estimate, some knowledge of the prior error covariances of all data fields is required. The final result must be consistent with prior error estimates for the data. State estimation is thus one of the few quantitative consistency checks for new geoid measurements anticipated from forthcoming space missions. Practical quantitative methods will yield a best possible estimate of the dynamical sea surface which, when combined with satellite altimetric surfaces, will produce a best-estimate marine geoid. The anticipated accuracy and precision of such estimates raises some novel modeling error issues which have not conventionally been of concern (the Boussinesq approximation, self-attraction and loading). Model skill at very high frequencies is a major concern because of the need to de-alias the data obtained by the inevitable oceanic temporal undersampling dictated by realistic satellite orbit configurations.
Is it acceptable for people to take methylphenidate to enhance performance? No.

A drug that can improve your exam results may sound tempting, and John Harris believes that we should embrace its possibilities. Anjan Chatterjee (doi:10.1136/bmj.b1956), however, argues that the dangers have been underplayed
Shallow-water passive acoustic detection using normal modal components in fluctuation-based processing

The use of normal modes in fluctuation-based processing for passive shallow water acoustic detection of submerged sources is investigated. Simulations using a Pekeris waveguide have been done. The results indicate that fluctuations of the total acoustic field ar generally larger for near-surface noise sources, than for deeper ones. When individual modes are considered, the fluctuations are quite large when all noise sources are located near the ocean surface. But fluctuations are reduced when even a weak noise source is present at a deeper location. Fluctuations are always high in the small region in source depth where the modal function is close to zero. The submerged source indicator introduced by Wagstaff exhibit similar trends as the standard deviation of fluctuations, and accentuates those trends. Further research is suggested to learn the effects of using a finite number of hydrophones for modal projection. The effects of random ambient noise, and ambient noise sources distributed in a spatial continuum must also be investigated.
Cadmium-resistance in growing Rhodotorula sp. Y11.

Abstract The uptake of cadmium and responses to this metal were studied in growing Rhodotorula sp. Y11. In presence of cadmium, Y11 showed a similar lag phase with decreased μmax in comparison to the control cultures in the absence of cadmium. Different changes in contents of cell elemental composition (carotenoids, total protein, total soluble sugar, and phosphate content) were observed under cadmium pressure. Growing Rhodotorula sp. Y11 took up cadmium in a biphasic mode, involving an initial energy-independent biosorption to the cell surface, followed by a slower energy-dependent intracellular accumulation. In the presence of metabolic inhibitors, intracellular cadmium uptake of growing Y11 was significantly influenced.
A possible involvement of polyamines in the initiation of DNA synthesis by human WI‐38 and mouse BALB/3T3 cells

Changing the medium, or adding fresh serum, induces a large proportion of the proliferatively quiescent cells in confluent monolayers of human WI-38 and mouse BALB/3T3 cells to initiate a growth-division cycle. Exposure at the time of the medium change or serum addition to MGBG (methyl glyoxal bis [guanylhydrazone]), an inhibitor of spermidine and spermine synthesis and function, reduces or stops the subsequent flow of cells into the DNA-synthetic phase, without grossly affecting RNA synthesis. Mediation of MGBG action by an actual or functional shortage of spermidine or spermine (but not putrescine), and consequently an involvement of these polyamines in DNA synthesis, is strongly suggested by the reduction of the inhibitor's effectiveness by a brief (1-hour), early prereplicative exposure of the treated cells to exogenous spermidine and spermine (but not putrescine).
Quantifying Traffic- and Temperature-Induced Fatigue Damages of Asphalt Pavement

Bottom-up fatigue cracking (i.e., alligator cracking) in Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) is predicted based on accumulated damage caused by repeated traffic loading only. Since the number of thermal expansion and contraction is small compared to the number of traffic loads, MEPDG does not consider damage due to thermal expansion and contraction in fatigue cracking calculation of an asphalt pavement. However, thermal damage may be significant and possibly causes premature failure of asphalt pavement especially in zones where day-night and yearly temperature variations are relatively large. This study measures thermal fatigue damage at the bottom of an asphalt concrete and hence, the fatigue life of asphalt concrete using data from an instrumentation pavement section on Interstate 40 (I-40) in New Mexico. As a first step, fatigue models are developed for both vehicle and thermal loads based on laboratory beam fatigue test results. In the second step, using the field-measured strain and modulus values, fatigue damages due to vehicle load and temperature fluctuations are determined. Results show that damages due to traffic load and daily and yearly temperature fluctuations are 62, 5, and 33 % of the total fatigue damage, respectively, in 1-year analysis based on a specific site in New Mexico. Therefore, this study suggests that pavement design should consider fatigue damage due to temperature load in addition to damage due to repeated traffic loading.
Sigmoids distinguish more efficiently than heavisides

Every dichotomy on a 2k-point set in âN can be implemented by a neural net with a single hidden layer containing k sigmoidal neurons. If the neurons were of a hardlimiter (Heaviside) type, 2k 1 would be in general needed.
Minimally invasive intradural spinal dural arteriovenous fistula ligation.

Background Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) have traditionally been approached through a bilateral laminectomy procedure with intradural exploration and ligation of the fistulae. A minimally invasive approach for DAVF ligation may be associated with fewer complications and a shorter recovery than the traditional laminectomy procedure. Our objective was to determine the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of intradural DAVF ligation via the use of a minimally invasive microsurgical technique. Methods Seven patients with thoracolumbar DAVFs were microsurgically treated with a minimally invasive technique. The procedure entailed localization with the use of fluoroscopy followed by a midline 2.2-cm skin opening. Exposure was facilitated by the use of a tubular retractor. Intradural access was obtained after hemilaminectomy, and the fistula was identified and ligated. Dural closure was facilitated by the use of self-closing nitinol clips. The incidence of postoperative complications, blood loss, and length of hospital stay were reviewed. Results Each patient tolerated the procedure well. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Specifically, there were no new neurological deficits and no cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Each patient was ambulatory within 18 hours with only mild incisional back pain. Mean length of stay was 1.6 days. One-year follow-up demonstrated obliteration of the fistula with improvement or stabilization of neurological deficits in all cases. Conclusions The minimally invasive approach for intradural ligation of DAVFs appears to be a reasonable alternative to bilateral full laminectomies. Although no direct comparison with the more extensive bilateral laminectomy approach has been performed, our initial experience suggests that this novel approach may reduce blood loss and length of hospital stay.
Renal innervation is not required for compensatory renal growth in the rat

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether renal innervation is required for compensatory growth of the remaining kidney following unilateral nephrectomy. In the first study, young (6-week-old) rats were divided into 4 groups and the following surgical procedures were performed. Group 1 animals had their left and right kidneys removed and weighed to provide a measure of control weight prior to compensatory growth. Group 2 and 3 animals underwent right nephrectomy, followed by left kidney denervation (Group 2) or sham denervation (Group 3). Animals from Group 4 were subjected to right sham nephrectomy and sham denervation of the left kidneys. Three weeks later, animals from Groups 2, 3 and 4 were sacrificed and left kidneys were weighed. Relative to control kidney weight (Group 1), left kidney weight increased over 3 weeks by 92% when both kidneys were present (Group 4), representing normal renal growth. Animals with prior nephrectomy but intact renal innervation (Group 3) demonstrated an additional increase in kidney weight of 74% over the same interval, representing compensatory growth. Prior denervation of the left kidney (Group 2) had no effect on the degree of compensatory growth whether expressed in absolute kidney weight or relative to body weight. A second study was performed to determine whether renal innervation influences the initial state of compensatory growth when measured at an earlier time after unilateral nephrectomy. One week after right nephrectomy, left kidney weight was similar in animals with sham left renal denervation (1.08 ± 0.04 g) when compared to animals with left renal denervation (1.06 ± 0.02 g). Thus, for a least young rats, renal innervation is not required for full compensatory renal growth following unilateral nephrectomy.
Gain, loss and divergence in primate zinc-finger genes: a rich resource for evolution of gene regulatory differences between species.

The molecular changes underlying major phenotypic differences between humans and other primates are not well understood, but alterations in gene regulation are likely to play a major role. Here we performed a thorough evolutionary analysis of the largest family of primate transcription factors, the Kruppel-type zinc finger (KZNF) gene family. We identified and curated gene and pseudogene models for KZNFs in three primate species, chimpanzee, orangutan and rhesus macaque, to allow for a comparison with the curated set of human KZNFs. We show that the recent evolutionary history of primate KZNFs has been complex, including many lineage-specific duplications and deletions. We found 213 species-specific KZNFs, among them 7 human-specific and 23 chimpanzee-specific genes. Two human-specific genes were validated experimentally. Ten genes have been lost in humans and 13 in chimpanzees, either through deletion or pseudogenization. We also identified 30 KZNF orthologs with human-specific and 42 with chimpanzee-specific sequence changes that are predicted to affect DNA binding properties of the proteins. Eleven of these genes show signatures of accelerated evolution, suggesting positive selection between humans and chimpanzees. During primate evolution the most extensive re-shaping of the KZNF repertoire, including most gene additions, pseudogenizations, and structural changes occurred within the subfamily homininae. Using zinc finger (ZNF) binding predictions, we suggest potential impact these changes have had on human gene regulatory networks. The large species differences in this family of TFs stands in stark contrast to the overall high conservation of primate genomes and potentially represents a potent driver of primate evolution.
Biochemical, molecular, and pharmacologic approaches to large bowel cancer. An overview

The role of the nucleolus in the control of cell proliferation in mammalian cells is becoming increasingly clear. Our expanding knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate cell division in normal and cancerous cells opens new possibilities for improving the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of tumors.
Application des techniques de thérapie génique aux maladies ostéo-articulaires

Osteoarticular disorders are the major cause of disability in Europe and North America. It is estimated that rheumatoid arthritis affects 1 % of the population and that more than two third of people over age 55 develop osteoarthritis. Because there are no satisfactory treatments, gene therapy offers a new therapeutic approach. The delivery of cDNA encoding anti-arthritic proteins to articular cells has shown therapeutic efficacy in numerous animal models in vivo. Through the development and the experimental progresses that have been made for both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, this review discusses the different gene therapy strategies available today and the safety issues with which they may be associated. Among the different vectors available today, adeno-associated virus seems the best candidate for a direct in vivo gene delivery approach for the treatment of joint disorders.
Tuning icosahedral quasicrystals and their approximants from the Mg2Zn11 structure

Electronic tuning of Sc−Mg−Zn icosahedral quasicrystal (i-QC) and approximant (AC) phases was achieved according to pseudogap predictions from an electronic band structure analysis of Mg2Zn11. The i-QC and two AC phases were obtained in the Mg2- x Sc x Zn11 system. The QC compositions are Sc10.8(6)Mg3.2(6)Zn86.0(2) and Sc14.6(4)Mg3.3(4)Zn82.1(2) by EDX for x = 1.0 and 1.5, respectively. X-ray structure determination reveals that the 1/1 AC, Sc3Mg0.18(1)Zn17.73(1), crystallizes in space group Im , with a = 13.863(2) A. Electronic structure calculations on the 1/1 AC reveal that the Fermi level is located in the centre of the pseudogap, which appears to be greatly enhanced by Zn 4p and Sc 3d orbital mixing.
Anti-VEGF Therapy for the Management of Diabetic Macular Edema

To review the medical evidence for the use of intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). Evaluation of randomized clinical trials evaluating VEGF inhibitors for center-involved DME. Ranibizumab, an anti-VEGF antibody fragment, was evaluated in two phase III clinical studies entitled RISE and RIDE. At 24 months, significantly more ranibizumab treated patients gained ≥15 letters in vision as compared to the sham group (44.8 and 39.2 % vs. 18.1 %; P < 0.0001). The ranibizumab group improved a mean of 250.6–270.7 µm in central foveal thickness compared to a mean improvement of 125.8–133.4 µm for the sham group. In addition, ranibizumab treated patients were more likely to have improvement in retinopathy. Additional clinical trials have evaluated bevacizumab, another anti-VEGF antibody fragment, and aflibercept, a fusion protein that blocks VEGF. Both bevacizumab and aflibercept have also resulted in superior visual acuity outcomes compared to focal laser photocoagulation. All three agents appear to be safe though these clinical trials were not powered to evaluate safety as a primary outcome. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated the superior outcomes with anti-VEGF agents compared to laser alone or sham treatment. Bevacizumab, ranibizumab and aflibercept have all shown remarkable improvements in both visual acuity outcomes and retinal thickness reductions.
Physician Collaboration With Payers: An Important Step on the Road to Optimum Patient Care

In simpler times, patients willingly exchanged such things as food, clothing, and the fruits of their labor directly with physicians as payment for medical services rendered. Since the advent of third-party intermediaries who assumed responsibility for that payment, physicians have had a tenuous and often confrontational relationship with those intermediaries. This article discusses the rationale, principles, and methods whereby physicians can reverse the long-standing trend of confrontation with payers and thus provide benefit to themselves, payers, and patients through a collaborative process of positive engagement.