cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lidocaine attenuation testing: An in vivo investigation of putative LQT3-associated variants in the SCN5A-encoded sodium channel

Background Long QT syndrome type 3 (LQT3) accounts for 5%–10% of long QT syndrome and results from gain-of-function mutations in the SCN5A -encoded sodium channel. Approximately 2% of healthy individuals host rare SCN5A variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Distinction of true LQT3-causative mutations from background genetic noise is essential. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the use of the lidocaine attenuation test (LAT) in evaluating patients with possible LQT3. Methods We reviewed the LAT results and medical records for 25 patients with a possible LQT3-associated SCN5A variant. The LAT involved a loading dose of 1 mg/kg of intravenous lidocaine followed by continuous infusion at 50 μg/(kg⋅min) for 20 minutes. If the corrected QT interval shortened by ≥30 ms, the LAT was defined as positive. Results Sixteen patients (64%) had a positive LAT, 6 of which demonstrated the E1784K variant. A positive LAT correlated in 86% of cases with abnormal in vitro channel function (mean corrected QT interval attenuation 43 ± 3 ms vs 25 ± 5 ms for wild-type variants; P = .03). Four of 5 patients (80%) with a VUS had a positive LAT (T1304M [2 patients], L1786P, and R800L). The T1304M variant demonstrated abnormal in vitro function and a positive LAT, opening the door for a potential variant promotion from VUS to likely pathogenic. Conclusion The LAT may help distinguish true LQT3-causative mutations from an otherwise noncontributory VUS. Given that lidocaine acts as a late sodium current blocker, a positive LAT may enable the early identification of a pathological accentuation of the late sodium current that could be targeted therapeutically.
The IGF-p53 connection in cancer.

Abstract Healthy tissue growth depends on a well-controlled and context-appropriate balance of cellular proliferation, cell cycle arrest, and programmed cell death (apoptosis). Disturbance of this balance by activation of oncogenes, inactivation/mutation of tumor suppressor genes, or inhibition of apoptosis can promote tumorigenesis. This mini-review will focus on evidence for the contribution of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling and its regulation by the transcription factor, p53, to tumor development and progression.
Near Field Microscopy

In the following, some of the basic considerations at the foundation of near field microscopy are presented [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Near field microscopy is a new form of microscopy which was first proposed in 1928 as a means of increasing microscope resolution over that available by traditional techniques of far field microscopes.
The Gauss Lemma and the Hopf-Rinow Theorem

Fix x ∈ M. In T x M, we define the tangent spheres $${S_x}(r): = \{ y \in {T_x}M:F(x,y) = r\} $$ (6.1.1) and open tangent balls $${B_x}(r): = \{ y \in {T_x}M:F(x,y) = r\} $$ (6.1.2) of radii r. The exponential map exp x is a local diffeomorphism at the origin of T x M because its derivative there is the identity; see §5.3. Thus, for r small enough, not only does exp x [S x (r)] makes sense, it is also diffeomorphic to S x (r). The image set $${\exp _x}[{S_x}(r)]$$ is called a geodesic sphere in M centered at x. We later show why it can be said to have radius equal to r.
Is it Worse to Steal Money or Ideas? Impression formation and punishment for a motivated thief

Employee theft is widely recognized as an extremely problematic workplace phenomenon (Forbes, 2015). As such, a large body of research has sought to illuminate the factors surrounding theft (e.g. G...
Asymptotic and Numerical Analysis of Dynamics in a Generalized Free-Interfacial Combustion Model

Dynamics of temperature distribution and interfacial front propagation in a generalized solid combustion model are studied through both asymptotic and numerical analyses. For asymptotic analysis, we focus on the weakly nonlinear case where a small perturbation of a neutrally stable parameter is taken so that the linearized problem is marginally unstable. Multiple scale expansion method is used to obtain an asymptotic solution for large time by modulating the most linearly unstable mode. On the other hand, we integrate numerically the exact problem by the Crank-Nicolson method. Since the numerical solutions are very sensitive to the derivative interfacial jump condition, we integrate the partial differential equation to obtain an integral-differential equation as an alternative condition. The result system of nonlinear algebraic equations is then solved by the Newton’s method, taking advantage of the sparse structure of the Jacobian matrix. Finally, we show that our asymptotic solution captures the marginally unstable behaviors of the solution for a range of model parameters.
On healthcare by popular appeal: critical assessment of benefit and risk in cannabidiol based dietary supplements

ABSTRACTIntroduction: In recent decades, federal legislation in the U.S. has recognized a new paradigm of pharmacotherapy in which ideology and popular demand, as opposed to sound clinical evidence...
Deep learning hybrid 3D/2D convolutional neural network for prostate MRI recognition.

e16600Background: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer of men in the United States, with over 200,000 new cases diagnosed in 2018. Multiparametric MRI of the prostate (mpMRI) has emerged as va...
Phylogenetic aggregation increases zoonotic potential of mammalian viruses

While many viruses of wild mammals are capable of infecting humans, our understanding of zoonotic potential is incomplete. Viruses vary in their degree of generalism, characterized by the phylogenetic relationships of their hosts. Among the dimensions of this phylogenetic landscape, phylogenetic aggregation, which is largely overlooked in studies of parasite host range, emerges in this study as a key predictor of zoonotic status of viruses. Plausibly, viruses that exhibit aggregation, typified by discrete clusters of related host species, may (i) have been able to close the phylogenetic distance to humans, (ii) have subsequently acquired an epidemiologically relevant host and (iii) exhibit relatively high fitness in realized host communities, which are frequently phylogenetically aggregated. These mechanisms associated with phylogenetic aggregation may help explain why correlated fundamental traits, such as the ability of viruses to replicate in the cytoplasm, are associated with zoonoses.
KRAS G12C mutation associated outcomes among patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

e21079Background: Recent progress in targeted therapy includes the demonstration of promising anti-tumor activity and safety of a KRAS inhibitor in patients with advanced malignancies harboring the...
Hydrocortisone treatment is associated with a longer duration of MODS in pediatric patients with severe sepsis and immunoparalysis.

Severe critical illness-induced immune suppression, termed immunoparalysis, is associated with longer duration of organ dysfunction in septic children. mRNA studies have suggested differential benefit of hydrocortisone in septic children based on their immune phenotype, but this has not been shown using a functional readout of the immune response. This study represents a secondary analysis of a prospectively conducted immunophenotyping study of pediatric severe sepsis to test the hypothesis that hydrocortisone will be differentially associated with clinical outcomes in children with or without immunoparalysis. Children with severe sepsis/septic shock underwent blood sampling within 48 h of sepsis onset. Immune function was measured by quantifying whole blood ex vivo LPS-induced TNFα production capacity, with a TNFα response < 200 pg/ml being diagnostic of immunoparalysis. The primary outcome measure was number of days in 14 with MODS. Univariate and multivariable negative binomial regression models were used to examine associations between hydrocortisone use, immune function, and duration of MODS. One hundred two children were enrolled (age 75 [6–160] months, 60% male). Thirty-one subjects received hydrocortisone and were more likely to be older (106 [52–184] vs 38 [3–153] months, p = 0.04), to have baseline immunocompromise (32 vs 8%, p = 0.006), to have higher PRISM III (13 [8–18] vs 7 [5–13], p = 0.0003) and vasoactive inotrope scores (20 [10–35] vs 10 [3–15], p = 0.0002) scores, and to have more MODS days (3 [1–9] vs 1 [0–3], p = 0.002). Thirty-three subjects had immunoparalysis (TNFα response 78 [52–141] vs 641 [418–1047] pg/ml, p < 0.0001). Hydrocortisone use was associated with longer duration of MODS in children with immunoparalysis after adjusting for covariables (aRR 3.7 [1.8–7.9], p = 0.0006) whereas no association with MODS duration was seen in children without immunoparalysis (aRR 1.2 [0.6–2.3], p = 0.67). Hydrocortisone use was independently associated with longer duration of MODS in septic children with immunoparalysis but not in those with more robust immune function. Prospective clinical trials using a priori immunophenotyping are needed to understand optimal hydrocortisone strategies in this population.
Single Shot Spinal

Neuraxial blockade is a common anesthetic for labor and delivery and orthopedic surgeries. Single shot spinals are a type of neuraxial blockade involving a single administration of intrathecal local anesthetic possibly paired with adjuncts. This chapter reviews techniques for placing a single shot spinal, including positioning, dosing, complications, and assessment.
Context-driven detection of distracted driving using images from in-car cameras

Abstract Distracted driving on roads has been a perennial problem. There is increasing consensus now among various stakeholders that this practice will not be eliminated with mere warnings from subject matter experts. Instead, these warnings must also be augmented with appropriate technological assistance to facilitate safer driving. There has been an urgent interest in the community to devise newer technologies for detecting when drivers are distracted on roads. In this paper, we design a computer vision techniques that process image data recorded from inside of cars to automatically infer when subjects are driving distracted. However, our innovation lies in adding context to the predictions. We do so, by first detecting and localizing a number of objects in cars that contribute to distracted driving (e.g., hands, smartphones, radio etc.) from images. Then, we process the relative locations of these objects using machine learning algorithms within an image to make predictions on distracted driving. We believe that our proposed context-driven approach is unique. We expect it to better facilitate correction of distracted driving, when real-time feedback to subjects come with appropriate contextual interpretation of the specific aspects that contributed to distracted driving. Performance evaluations of our techniques reveal a) mAP score of 63.90 for an IoU of 0.5 in object localization; and b) an overall accuracy of 94 % in detecting instances of distracted driving based on object localization. Processing time incurred by our technique is around 200ms only. As such, we believe that our system is accurate, fast, practical and context-aware also.
Oncologic outcomes in resected ampullary cancer: Relevance of histologic subtype and adjuvant chemotherapy

Abstract Background Outcomes in ampullary cancer (AC) may differ by pathologic subtype. No guidelines exist for the administration of adjuvant therapy (AT). We sought to evaluate the effect of subtype and AT on survival. Methods An institutional review of patients undergoing resection for AC from 2008-17 was performed. Recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards modeling. Results Of 53 patients, two-thirds (62%) were stage III. Histologic subtype was evenly split between intestinal and pancreatobiliary (43% and 40%). Half of patients received AT. RFS and OS were 25 (95% CI 16–32) and 41 (CI 22–60) months, respectively, without significant difference by subtype. Stage II/III disease was associated with worse OS (HR 3.7, P = 0.03), which was improved with receipt of AT (HR 0.44, P Conclusion Stage is the primary determinant of survival in AC, which may be improved with AT.
PREDICTION OF THE PROBABILITIES FOR CHANGING OF THE AGRICULTURAL LOANS USING MARKOV CHAIN MODEL

The Agricultural Bank of Egypt (ABE) has the right to perform all credit portfolio of the commercial banks. In this context, the ABE faces a problem in making a balance between practicing regular activities that achieve high returns and those with high costs from one side, and providing farmers with their needs of agricultural loans, as well. Therefore, the current research attempts to answer a question on how well the ABE can succeed in achieving these goals without affecting the size of loans provided to the agricultural sector as productive and investment loans. Hence, this research aimed at analyzing credit decisions made by the ABE in terms of the distribution of credit portfolio of agricultural loans, including productive and investment loans and predicting the size of these loans based on market mechanisms, as well. In order to achieve this objective, the research used the Markov series analysis for the period (1999/2000-2015/2016). The results predict an increase of 75% in the of loans provided to plant production in 2016/2017 whereas, the decrease in the of loans provided to plant production will reach about 25% in the same year. Even with the increase in the of plant production loans in general, the estimates expect that it will decline till the year 2019/2020, then it will stabilize over the rest of the period. Likewise, the estimates cited an increase of 81% in the of agricultural investment loans in 2016/2017. It is also expected that investment loans will decrease by about 19% in the same year. Despite the increase in the value of agricultural investment loans in general, the estimates expect that its decline in 2017/2018 and then move towards stability starting from 2019/2020 until the end of the period. Finally, the research recommends providing liquidity to meet the increasing demand on agricultural loans, especially with theprediction of increasing the number of borrowers. Besides, the expected increase of plant production loans largely mirrors the need to devote much efforts in reconsidering the geographical distribution of credit areas with respect to indicative and actual cultivated areas within the framework of the Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy towards 2030 (SADS)
Discontented and Jack of all trades: Revisiting male survival sex workers through modern sex work lenses:

Researchers have been moving toward understanding sex workers as agentic and career-based social actors for some time. However, while these modern sex work lenses are readily applied to a variety o...
Introduction: Diasporas from Latin America and Their Role in Public Diplomacy

In this introductory chapter, we provide a conceptualization of diaspora communities, summarize the roles that diasporas can play in public diplomacy, and explain the reasons why diasporas are (or should be) key actors for governments in home and host countries. In addition, we present an overview of Latin American diasporas and their characteristics, and we explain what makes them a unique locus for the study and practice of public diplomacy. Finally, we describe the structure of the book and introduce the different case studies analyzed in this volume, all of which are authored by Latin American scholars, which is another contribution of this volume to the field of public diplomacy
Lessons learnt with donor:acceptor photovoltaic blends: can they be applied to doped polymer systems?

The question of how free charges are generated in donor:acceptor blends requires consideration that they are typically comprised of a complex phase morphology where intermixed and relatively phase-pure domains of the donor and acceptor co-exist. The local arrangement of the donor and acceptor plays thereby a decisive role in the fate of photogenerated electron-hole pairs –whether they dissociate to free charges or geminately recombine– as we demonstrate on a series of donor polymer:fullerenes binaries by combining 2D-NMR, time-resolved ultra-fast spectroscopy and detailed structural data. Our insights are important as similar considerations apply to other blends, such as semiconductor:dopant binaries that lead to highly conductive systems. We discuss how the spatial arrangement affects charge transport, and provide a tentative picture of the complex correlation of structure and electronic landscape towards the understanding of organic photovoltaics and doped, conducting plastics.
Deception in defense of computer systems from cyber-attack

This is a chapter in Cyber War and Cyber Terrorism, ed. A. Colarik and L. Janczewski, Hershey, PA: The Idea Group, 2007.
Identification of Flexible Robotic Manipulators Using Neural Networks

The control of flexible-link robotic manipulators is a challenging problem because of the high degree of nonlinearity possessed by these systems. Equally challenging is the development of dynamic models and/or identification techniques that would allow real-time processing of all the information needed for controlling these manipulators. This article highlights some of the difficulties and problems that arise when using current approaches to control these systems. In this article, we utilize artificial neural networks as an alternative to perform identification of nonlinear dynamic systems, such as flexible manipulators, in real time. A particular type of neural network, radial basis function neural network, is examined along with the orthogonal least-squares learning technique, which linearizes the parameters of the network. The method is applied to the identification of an experimental Single-link flexible manipulator system and the results are shown and discussed.
Artifacts from photobleaching and dye-dissociation in fluorescence correlation spectroscopy

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is an optical technique in which the fluctuations in fluorescence intensity are quantified. The time correlation function gives insight into the dynamics of the molecule in its environment: typically the diffusion coefficient in a dilute solution is measured, but the technique has been expanded to uses in more complex environments, including living cells. In these environments photobleaching and dye-dissociation can substantially introduce artifacts in the FCS data. We present a technique to correct for the artifacts introduced by photobleaching and study dye dissociation in DNA solutions.
Predictors of Variation in Serum IGFI and IGFBP3 Levels in Healthy African American and White Men

Abstract Background Individual variation in circulating insulinlike growth factor-1 (IGF1) and its major binding protein, insulinlike growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3), have been etiologically linked to several chronic diseases, including some cancers. Factors associated with variation in circulating levels of these peptide hormones remain unclear. Methods Multiple linear regression models were used to determine the extent to which sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, personal and family history of chronic disease, and common genetic variants, the (CA) n repeat polymorphism in the IGF1 promoter and the IGFBP3-202 A/C polymorphism ( rs 2854744) predict variation in IGF1 or IGFBP3 serum levels in 33 otherwise healthy African American and 37 white males recruited from Durham Veterans Administration Medical Center. Results Predictors of serum IGF1, IGFBP3, and the IGF1: IGFBP3 molar ratio varied by race. In African Americans, 17% and 28% of the variation in serum IGF1 and the IGF1:IGFBP3 molar ratio, were explained by cigarette smoking and carrying the IGF1 (CA) 19 repeat allele, respectively. Not carrying at least 1 IGF1 (CA) 19 repeat allele and a high body mass index explained 8% and 14%, respectively, of the variation IGFBP3 levels. These factors did not predict variation of these peptides in whites. Conclusion If successfully replicated in larger studies, these findings would add to recent evidence, suggesting known genetic and lifestyle chronic disease risk factors influence IGF1 and IGFBP3 circulating levels differently in African Americans and whites.
Zoospore germination in the water mold. Blastocladiella emersonii. II. Influence of cellular and environmental variables on germination.

Abstract The effects of cellular and environmental variables involved in the population assay of zoospore germination have been examined. The following results were obtained: 1. 1. Within the standard conditions employed, only growth density and, to a lesser extent, temperature, seriously affect either the synchrony or the rate of zoospore conversion to round cells. 2. 2. Synchrony of round cell formation varies as a function of growth density in DM-2, but not PYG, medium. 3. 3. Synchrony, and probably rate, of round cell formation are profoundly influenced by temperature; neither a temperature threshold nor a temperature optimum was found within the viable (growth) range. 4. 4. Neither synchrony nor rate of round cell formation is affected by various manipulations of the zoospores prior to germination (centrifugation, deflagellation, prechilling, extended periods of swimming) or by zoospore concentration (within the standard range). At high zoospore concentrations, T 50 is increased. 5. 5. Synchrony and rate of round cell formation are indistinguishable in germination solution, an inorganic salts medium, and DM-2, a defined growth medium. Round cell formation is considerably more asynchronous in the previously standard, undefined growth medium (PYG). 6. 6. Of the constituents of germination solution, only KCl is necessary for moderately synchronous round cell formation, and the degree of synchrony is markedly dependent on KCl concentration. On the basis of these and other (Soll et al. , 1969) results, the following conclusions bearing on the germination process and on its control have been made: 1. 1. The moment of initiation of zoospore germination is precisely defined. 2. 2. KCl (or chloride salts of certain other monovalent cations) can initiate the changes associated with zoospore germination. 3. 3. Neither initial presence of a flagellum, flagellar retraction nor later presence of an internal flagellar axoneme are required for the successful completion of germination. 4. 4. At standard zoospore concentrations, cells do not interact to permit semisynchronous germination; at higher concentrations, cells do interact to inhibit germination. 5. 5. Zoospores can successfully complete germination at ice temperature. 6. 6. Heterogeneity in zoospore populations with respect to time of germination can be predictably varied by controlling the density of growth cultures from which the zoospores are derived.
Effector CD4 Cells Are Tolerized Upon Exposure to Parenchymal Self-Antigen

It has long been established that exposure of naive T cells to specific Ag in the absence of adjuvant leads to tolerization. Nonetheless, the potential of effector CD4 cells to be tolerized has been less well characterized. To address this issue, we have used an adoptive transfer system in which naive TCR transgenic hemagglutinin (HA)-specific CD4 + T cells are initially primed to express effector function upon exposure to an immunogenic recombinant vaccinia virus expressing HA, and then exposed to forms of HA that are tolerogenic for naive CD4 cells. HA-specific effector CD4 cells residing in both the spleen as well as in two separate nonlymphoid tissues were tolerized upon exposure to high doses of exogenous soluble HA peptide. Additionally, tolerance could also be induced by bone marrow-derived APCs that cross-present parenchymally derived self-HA. Thus, effector CD4 cells are susceptible to similar tolerogenic stimuli as are naive CD4 cells.
A measurement study of internet delay asymmetry

RTT has been widely used as a metric for peer/server selection. However, many applications involving closest peer/server selection such as streaming, tree-based multicast services and other UDP and TCP based services would benefit more from knowing one-way delay (OWD) rather than RTT. In fact, RTT is frequently used as as an approximate solution to infer forward and reverse delays by many protocols and applications which assume forward and reverse delay to be equal to half of RTT. In this paper, we compare and contrast one-way delays and corresponding RTTs using a wide selection of routes in the Internet. We first measure the extent and severeness of asymmetry in forward and reverse OWD in the Internet. We then attempt to isolate the causes of OWD asymmetry by correlating OWD asymmetry with the route asymmetry. Finally, we investigate the dynamics of delay asymmetry. We find there exists a weak correlation between the fluctuation of RTT and OWD but a strong correlation between OWD change and the corresponding route change.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for reconfigurability in single-track switch WSI arrays

The fault-tolerance issue for arrays of large numbers of processors is considered. An array grid model based on single-track switches is adopted. Single track requires less hardware overhead and suffers less from possible faults on switches. More significantly, it is possible to establish a very critical necessary and sufficient condition for the reconfigurability of such an array. This is used as the theoretical footing for the reconfiguration algorithm, using global control for the (fabrication-time) yield enhancement. This approach can also effectively deal with failures of switches, wires, and connections to obtain a solution. The simulations conducted indicate that a significant yield enhancement can be achieved. >
1‐Butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium Hexafluorophosphate ([Bmim]PF6)

[174501-64-5] C8H15F6N2P (MW 284.18) InChI = InChI=1S/C8H15N2.F6P/c1-3-4-5-10-7-6-9(2)8-10;1-7(2,3,4,5)6/h6-8H,3-5H2,1-2H3;/q+1;-1 InChIKey = IXQYBUDWDLYNMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N (room-temperature ionic liquid used as a polar and nonvolatile reaction medium for a wide variety of synthetic and catalytic transformations) Physical Data: mp 6.5 °C; d 1.38 g cm−3. Solubility: soluble in CH2Cl2, CHCl3, and EtOAc; immiscible with water and many nonpolar organic solvents such as diethyl ether and hexane. Form Supplied in: colorless to clear pale yellow viscous liquid; available from several commercial sources. Preparative Methods: the title reagent can be conveniently prepared by the reaction of 1-methylimidazole and n-butyl chloride under neat conditions, followed by anion exchange of the chloride intermediate with either HPF6 or NaPF6, and washing out of the inorganic by-product with water.1, 2 Purification: as prepared the reagent is usually pure enough for general use but a small amount of chloride contaminant may be present. The chloride-free material can be obtained by repeated exchange with HPF6 or NaPF6. Trace amounts of residual water may be removed by azeotropic distillation with benzene and drying in vacuo.3 For rigorous purification, the crude material can be first treated with activated charcoal then filtered through an alumina column to give a pure, colorless liquid.4 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: the toxicity and safety profiles of this reagent have not been fully established and it should be handled with precaution. It may be irritating to the eyes and skin. Although this material is stable toward air and moisture, it is highly recommended that the reagent be stored in a desiccator over a drying agent such as P2O5 to avoid degradation and water absorption.
Evangelicals and Political Tolerance

The article explores four possible explanations for the lower levels of political tolerance of evangelical Christians. First, these differences could be spurious, due to demographic differences. Second, evangelicals may be less tolerant of atheists, homosexuals, and communists, but more tolerant of groups on the other side of the political spectrum, suggesting a group effect. Third, evangelical intolerance may be the result of higher levels of religiosity. Finally, the religious doctrine of evangelicals may produce greater levels of intolerance. Using data from a national survey on tolerance and from the General Social Survey, the article concludes that demographic variables and religiosity are partial explanations for the greater intolerance of evangelicals. Group affect seems to play no role: evangelicals are less tolerant of communists, atheists, racists, and militarists. Finally, religious doctrine plays a major role in explaining evangelical intolerance.
L-696,229 specifically inhibits human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase and possesses antiviral activity in vitro.

L-696,229 (3-[2-(benzoxazol-2-yl)ethyl]-5-ethyl-6-methyl-pyridin-2 (1H)-one) is a specific inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase (RT) activity that possesses antiviral activity in cell culture (W.S. Saari, J.M. Hoffman, J.S. Wai, T.E. Fisher, C.S. Rooney, A.M. Smith, C.M. Thomas, M. E. Goldman, J. A. O'Brien, J. H. Nunberg, J. C. Quintero, W. A. Schleif, E. A. Emini, and P. S. Anderson, J. Med. Chem. 34:2922-2925, 1991). In the present study, the RT-inhibitory activity and antiviral properties were characterized in detail. The inhibition of RT activity was template-primer dependent with 50% inhibitory concentrations of 0.018 to 0.50 microM and was noncompetitive with respect to deoxynucleoside triphosphates. L-696,229 inhibited RT activity in a mutually exclusive manner with respect to either phosphonoformate or azidothymidine triphosphate and was a weak partial inhibitor of the RNase H activity associated with HIV-1 RT. The compound did not significantly inhibit other retroviral or cellular polymerases at 300 microM.L-696,229 inhibited the spread of HIV-1 infection in cell cultures with all cell types and viral isolates tested, including human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and a virus isolate resistant to azidothymidine.
Bioengineered skin constructs and their use in wound healing.

Background:Over the past two decades, the field of wound healing and tissue repair has witnessed tremendous advances resulting from the biological sciences, biomedical and tissue engineering, and greater clinical understanding of wounds and their pathophysiology. In large part because of these advan
Factors associated with personal protection equipment use and hand hygiene among hemodialysis staff

Background Because exposure to blood by health care workers is frequent during hemodialysis, gloves are required for all contact with patients and their equipment, followed by hand hygiene. In this study, we investigated factors associated with performing these practices as recommended. Methods Staff members from a sample of 45 US hemodialysis facilities were surveyed using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Factors independently associated with reporting increased compliance with recommended hand hygiene and glove use practices during patient care were identified with multivariate modeling. Results Of 605 eligible staff members, 420 (69%) responded: registered nurses, 41%; dialysis technicians, 51%; and licensed practical nurses, 8%. Only 35% reported that dialysis patients were at risk for bloodborne virus infections, and only 36% reported always following recommended hand hygiene and glove use practices. Independent factors associated with more frequent compliance were being a technician (versus a registered nurse) and reporting always doing what was needed to protect themselves from infection. Conclusion Compliance with recommended hand hygiene and glove use practices by hemodialysis staff was low. The rationale for infection control practices specific to the hemodialysis setting was poorly understood by all staff. Infection control training should be tailored to this setting and should address misconceptions.
Metasurface-based half-wave plate

Half-wave plates (HWPs) are used to rotate the polarization state of linearly polarized light, and to switch the handedness of circularly polarized light. An ultrathin metasurface comprised nano-patch antennas and covered with amorphous Silicon is designed to perform as a half-wave plate at infrared frequencies. The design is fabricated using nanolithography techniques and its performance is measured by FTIR. A 30% throughput with less than 1% background noise is achieved in converting the polarization state. A good agreement is obtained between numerical and experimental results.
Phytochemical Evaluation of Some Cantharelloid Fungi

Abstract A white crystalline compound was isolated from dried carpophores of Gomphus kauffmanii (A. H. Smith) Corner in a yield of 2.0% and identified as norcaperatic acid. The presence of norcaperatic acid in a yield of approximately 4.4% was also re‐confirmed in the dried carpophores of G. floccosus (Schw.) Singer. Norcaperatic acid was not detected in dried carpophores of Can tharellus cibarius Fr., C. infundibuliformis Fr., C. subalbidus Smith et Morse, and G. clavantus S. F. Gray. The presence of mannitol was demonstrated in all six cantharelloid fungi.
Role of Genetic Susceptibility in Development of Treatment-Related Adverse Outcomes in Cancer Survivors

Clear and unambiguous associations have been established between therapeutic exposures and specific complications. However, considerable interindividual variability is observed in the risk of developing an outcome for a given therapeutic exposure. Genetic predisposition and especially its interaction with therapeutic exposures can potentially exacerbate the toxic effect of treatment on normal tissues and organ systems, and can possibly explain the interindividual variability. This article provides a brief overview of the current knowledge about the role of genomic variation in the development of therapy-related complications. Relatively common outcomes with strong associations with therapeutic exposures, including cardiomyopathy, obesity, osteonecrosis, ototoxicity, and subsequent malignancies are discussed here. To develop a deeper understanding of the molecular underpinnings of therapy-related complications, comprehensive and near-complete collection of clinically annotated samples is critical. Methodologic issues such as study design, definition of the endpoints or phenotypes, identification of appropriate and adequately sized study population together with a reliable plan for collecting and maintaining high-quality DNA, and selection of an appropriate approach or platform for genotyping are also discussed. Understanding the etiopathogenetic pathways that lead to the morbidity is critical to developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies, optimizing risk-based health care of cancer survivors, thus minimizing chronic morbidities and improving quality of life.
On the Antigenic Identity of Human Serum Beta and Alpha-2 Lipoproteins, and Their Identification in the Aortic Intima

By the use of immunoelectrophoresis, it was demonstrated that ultracentrifugally isolated, very-low-density (alpha-2) lipoproteins migrate faster toward the anode in electro-phoresis and diffuse more slowly in agar than do low-density (beta) lipoproteins. However, these two lipoprotein fractions were found to be antigenically indistinguishable with this technique. Extracts of the intima of aortas were shown to contain material with all the physical properties consistent with those of the low-density (beta) lipoproteins. Further-more, this was the only serum protein which was consistently found in high concentration in washed aortas. Beta lipoprotein was frequently found in plaque-free intimae. The impression was obtained that this lipoprotein was present in greater concentration in early atheromatous plaques than in plaque-free intimae, and that it was much more concentrated in the intimae of severely sclerotic aortas than in those of moderately or uninvolved aortas. However, it has not been demonstrated in the gruel from far-advanced plaques.
Particle motion in rapidly oscillating flows

Abstract An analysis of particle motion in rapidly oscillating flows provides a simple conceptual basis for particle retardation, hovering, and levitation. The method of averaging from nonlinear mechanics is the major mathematical toolin this analysis. The results provide a conservative design basis for particle motion modification in fluctuating flows, a phenomenon which may find application in flotation, settling, and multiphase contacting operations.
Risk Factors for Nursing Home Admissions and Exits: A Discrete-time Hazard Function Approach

Discrete-time hazard functions were estimated to determine factors associated with the probability of admission to a nursing home from the community, and the probability of discharge to the community from nursing home care, for 3,332 individuals enrolled in The National Long Term Care Channelling Demonstration. This was a relatively frail elderly population assessed to be at high risk for nursing home use. In predicting admissions, major factors were found to be ethnicity (Blacks and Hispanics were at much lower risk), homeownership, advancing age, living alone, exhibiting higher cognitive and functional impairment levels, physician use, and living in an area with a larger nursing home bed supply. The probability of being discharged alive was predicted by several factors, including ethnicity (Blacks being less likely to be discharged), homeownership, being of younger age, better (self-rated) health, functional and cognitive capacities, and medical acuity.
Elucidating the collimation of laboratory plasma jets using soft x-ray interferometry

The mechanisms responsible for an increase in collimation of laboratory plasma jets with higher atomic number was studied using soft x-ray laser interferometry and 2D model simulations. Dense plasma jets (Ne~ 10 20 cm -3 ) were produced by irradiating V-shaped grooves of different materials (C, Al, and Cu) with 120 ps Ti:Sa laser pulses at peak intensities of 1 x 10 12 W cm -2 . High contrast soft x-ray interferograms of these plasmas were generated by combining a Mach-Zehnder interferometer that uses diffraction gratings as beam-splitters and a 46.9 nm table-top capillary discharge laser probe. A significant increase in jet collimation was observed for the higher Z materials. Simulations performed with the radiation hydrodynamic code HYDRA attribute differences in jet collimation to an increased radiation cooling of the higher Z jets.
Potential mechanisms for astrocyte‐TIMP‐1 downregulation in chronic inflammatory diseases

The pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 associated dementia, is exacerbated by an imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). In the context of disease, TIMP-1 has emerged as an important multifunctional protein capable of regulating inflammation. We previously reported differential TIMP-1 expression in acute versus chronic activation of astrocytes. This study investigates possible mechanisms underlying TIMP-1 downregulation in chronic neuroinflammation. We used interleukin (IL)-1β as a model pro-inflammatory stimulus and measured TIMP-1 binding to extracellular matrix, cell death, receptor downregulation, TIMP-1 mRNA stability and transcriptional regulation in activated astrocytes. TIMP-1 remained localized to the cell body or was secreted into the cell supernatant. DNA fragmentation ELISA and MTT assay showed that prolonged IL-1β activation of astrocytes induced significant astrocyte death. In acute and chronic IL-1β-activated astrocytes, IL-1 receptor levels were not significantly different. TIMP-1 mRNA stability was measured in astrocytes and U87 astroglioma cells by real-time PCR, and TIMP-1 promoter activation was studied using TIMP-1-luciferase reporter constructs in transfected astrocytes. Our results indicated that TIMP-1 expression is regulated through multiple mechanisms. Transcriptional control and loss of mRNA stabilization are, however, the most likely primary contributors to chronic downregulation of TIMP-1. These data are important for unraveling the mechanisms underlying astrocyte responses during chronic neuroinflammation and have broader implications in other inflammatory diseases that involve MMP/TIMP imbalance. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Transesophageal Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Aortic Graft Dehiscense at Coronary Anastomoses and Pseudonaneurysm Rupture into Right Atrium

We describe a case of aortic graft dehiscence at coronary anastomoses with rupture into the right atrium of the pseudoaneurysm complicating aortic graft replacement. These were diagnosed by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography.
Cdc37 regulates Ryk signaling by stabilizing the cleaved Ryk intracellular domain.

Ryk is a Wnt receptor that plays an important role in neurogenesis, neurite outgrowth, and axon guidance. We have reported that the Ryk receptor is cleaved by γ-secretase and that its intracellular domain (ICD) translocates to the nucleus upon Wnt stimulation. Cleavage of Ryk and its ICD is important for the function of Ryk in neurogenesis. However, the question of how the Ryk ICD is stabilized and translocated into the nucleus remains unanswered. Here, we show that the Ryk ICD undergoes ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. We have identified Cdc37, a subunit of the molecular chaperone Hsp90 complex, as a Ryk ICD-interacting protein that inhibits proteasomal degradation of the Ryk ICD. Overexpression of Cdc37 increases Ryk ICD levels and promotes its nuclear localization, whereas Cdc37 knockdown reduces Ryk ICD stability. Furthermore, we have discovered that the Cdc37-Ryk ICD complex is disrupted during neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells, resulting in Ryk ICD degradation. These results suggest that Cdc37 plays an essential role in regulating Ryk ICD stability and therefore in Ryk-mediated signal transduction.
Implicit Coordination in Software Development

This research proposal focuses on finding evidence of implicit coordination in software, analyzing the effects of that implicit coordination, and creating tools to further exploit the use of the inherently cheaper coordination means.
Review article: Mozart mythologized or modernized?

MOZART IN VIENNA 1781–1791 by Volkmar Braunbehrens. Trans. Timothy Bell. New York: Grove Weidenfeld, 1989, viii, 481. MOZART IN PERSON. HIS CHARACTER AND HEALTH by Peter J. Davies. Contributions to the Study of Music and Dance, 14. New York: Greenwood Press, 1989, xxvii, 272. MOZART. THE GOLDEN YEARS 1781–1791 by H.C. Robbins Landon. New York: Schirmer, 1989, 272. 1791. MOZART'S LAST YEAR by H.C. Robbins Landon. New York: Schirmer, 1988, 240. THE MOZART‐DA PONTE OPERAS. THE CULTURAL AND MUSICAL BACKGROUND TO LE NOZZE DI FIGARO, DON GIOVANNI, AND COSI FAN TUTTE. by Andrew Steptoe. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1988, 273.
Designing the “VeeValv” diaphragm valve

Abstract This article is concerned with the design and development of a new industrial fluid control valve. The product is a diaphragm valve called the “VeeValv” and makes the first major design change for several decades. In order to gain customer acceptance, this species of valve has to be available in a wide range of traditionally accepted materials (elastomers, rigid plastics and metals.) The designer therefore had to rely on changes in the shape of components and not materials to produce a considerable improvement in flow performance and make manufacture easier.
Hydrogen bonding Part 64. IR study of hydrogen bonding in tri-i-pentylammonium halides and their hydrates, formation of a molecular (i-C5H11)3NHF species, and NMR study of conformation of tri-i-pentylammonium ion in solution

Abstract Tri- i -pentylammonium chloride and bromide form monohydrates which contain planar (H 2 O·X) 2 clusters; these clusters are sandwiched between ammonium cations with NH hydrogen bonds to each cluster X − . The iodide fails to form any lower hydrate. “Tri- i -pentylammonium fluoride” is not a salt; rather the 1:1 adduct of HF and tri- i -pentylamine is a liquid molecular complex with a three-center covalent NHF bond. This adduct is somewhat hygroscopic, but does not form a crystalline monohydrate. Fourier transform NMR spectra and molecular modeling demonstrate that rotation is restricted about the α-CH 2 to β-CH 2 σ-bonds of the cation in solution, with the R 3 N + group and i -propyl group in a trans arrangement about each bond. Modeling and consideration of J values and splitting patterns suggest free rotation occurs about the β-CH 2 to γ-CH σ-bond, and that the δ-CH 3 groups also rotate freely.
Typification of the name Salicornia deserticola (Amaranthaceae/Chenopodiaceae)

In connection with my account of Salicornioideae Ulbrich (1934: 449, 543) for the Euro+Med Plantbase (Piirainen 2009), I had to make a decision on the identity of Salicornia deserticola Chevalier (1934: 804), a species described from inland north Algeria near Touggourt. According to Chevalier (1934), it differs from the woody perennial “ S. arabica L.” [a misapplied name for S. fruticosa (Linnaeus 1753: 3) Linnaeus (1762: 5)] mainly by its biennial life form and more slender stems, while it comes closer to the annual species of Salicornia Linnaeus (1753: 3).
Aptian anoxia in the Pacific Basin

Marine strata of Aptian age in the Pacific Basin include two distinct levels that represent episodes during which sediments rich in organic carbon were deposited. Both episodes lasted less than 1 m.y., as revealed in strata deposited atop submerged topographic highs. One unusually widespread episode of early Aptian age (∼117.5 Ma) correlates with coeval units in Europe and thus is analogous to the Cenomanian-Turonian oceanic anoxic event in its short duration and wide geographic extent. The second episode of late Aptian age (∼116.5 Ma) is restricted to allochthonous pelagic deposits in the Franciscan Complex of California. These results support the concept of widespread and narrowly synchronous anoxic events. Further, they show that organic carbon deposition in the Pacific Basin took place in intermediate water oxygen-minimum zones and thus differed in the mode of deposition, and hence paleoceanography, from that in other middle Cretaceous ocean basins.
Migraines and CAM

Migraines are a disabling condition affecting millions of adults and children worldwide. Complementary, alternative, and integrative medical approaches have been used for thousands of years to treat not only the migraine but also to help in prevention, reduction, or severity of future migraines. Many migraineurs use pharmacological treatments prescribed by their physician; many find these treatments do not provide relief, loose their effectiveness over time, or would rather use a nonpharmacological therapy. Although there has been research into a variety of complementary, alternative and integrative approaches to managing migraines, little extensive and reproducible research on any one approach has been conducted. The author investigated some of the current research and clinical thinking about complementary, alternative and integrative therapies, as well as general internet information that is easily accessible to all.
Effects of an estrogen antagonist on behavior and on estrogen retention in neural and peripheral target tissues.

Abstract Sexual receptivity was induced in ovariectomized female rats by a single intravenous injection of 4μg or more of estradiol-17β. Intravenous administration of the estrogen antagonist CI-628 up to 6 hr after the estrogen injection completely inhibited subsequent lordotic responses. A partial inhibition of behavior was observed when the antiestrogen was given 8 or more hr after the estrogen. Parallel analysis of retention of radioactivity following 3 H-estradiol administration in neural and peripheral tissues revealed that CI-628 displaced the hormone from uterine and hypothyseal receptor sites. However, radioactivity was not displaced from the anterior and posterior hypothalamus, anterior mesencephalon and cerebral cortex. The results suggest that the inhibitory action of CI-628 on behavioral receptivity was not mediated by displacement of estradiol from neural sites. Thus the model relating estradiol displacement to estrogen antagonism in peripheral tissues was not supported for neural tissues.