cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stem cell-based approaches to engineering vascularized bone

The treatment of large, non-healing bone defects remains a clinical challenge, and has driven efforts toward the development of new approaches to engineer vascularized bone grafts. Despite great advances in bone tissue engineering over the past decade, clinical translation of stem cell-based strategies has been limited. This article discusses the hurdles blocking the effective application of stem cell-based regeneration of mature bone with perfusable vascular networks as well as avenues for potentially overcoming those hurdles. Particular focus is placed on the combination of autologous heterogeneous cell sources with key regenerative growth factors to mimic the complex cellular and biochemical environments that occur during normal bone healing. Understanding how to guide the intrinsic self-assembly mechanisms of these cells may increase their regenerative efficacy and enable in situ tissue morphogenesis. The development of more effective, safer, and simpler approaches to engineer vascularized bone grafts may bring stem cell-based approaches closer to wider clinical application.
Interactions between parasitized and unparasitized conspecifics: parasitoids modulate competitive dynamics

Parasitism influences many aspects of a host's behavior and physiology. Therefore, parasitism is also likely to influence the competitive ability of the host. Field populations of phytophagous insects are often a mix of parasitized and unparasitized conspecifics and the inclusion of parasitism in their competitive dynamics may alter expected outcomes. We investigated the influence of parasitism by the hymenopteran parasitoid Phanerotoma franklini Gahan on the competitive interactions among larvae of its host Acrobasis vaccinii Riley. We found that parasitized larvae were poorer competitors and required less food to complete development compared to unparasitized larvae. To examine the influence of parasitism on the competitive dynamics of this system, we constructed an individual-based model parameterized with our laboratory data. The model examined the role of resource availability and parasitism rate on larval survival. The model suggests that parasitized larvae (and, hence parasitoids) experience higher levels of mortality from competition than unparasitized larvae. Further, the model also suggests that the decreased consumption of resources by parasitized larvae results in a decline in the occurrence of competition as the parasitism rate increases. We suggest that these observations may be general to many parasitoid–host systems.
Suture reaction masquerading as a conjunctival malignancy.

Abstract Case report: We report a case of conjunctival inflammation secondary to a retained suture masquerading as a neoplastic lesion. Excisional biopsy was performed in the right eye on a superior bulbar conjunctival lesion that appeared to be a conjunctival malignancy. A past history of ptosis surgery was obtained. Careful repeated examination with anesthesia, applying traction to the forniceal conjunctiva, revealed an occult polypropylene suture. Despite clinical features typical of malignancy, histologic examination revealed only chronic inflammatory cells. Comments: Patients with suspicious conjunctival lesions and a history of ptosis surgery should be carefully explored for retained suture fragments. Examination with anesthesia may be needed to find an occult suture.
Pharmacotherapy of borderline outpatients.

The charts of 50 outpatients meeting both Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines (DIB) and DSM-III criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), 29 outpatients meeting DSM-III criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD), and 26 outpatients meeting DSM-III criteria for Dysthymic Disorder, as well as DSM-III criteria for some other type of Axis II disorder (dysthymic other personality disorder [OPD]) were reviewed blind to proband diagnosis to determine both the percentage of those in each group who had adequate medication trials and the efficacy of those trials. Borderlines were significantly more likely than antisocial controls to have received an adequate trial of some form of medication. They were also significantly more likely than antisocial controls to have received an adequate trial of anxiolytics and antidepressants. However, they were distinguished at the trend level or better from both antisocial and dysthymic OPD controls by their greater likelihood of having received an adequate trial of neuroleptics, lithium, and polypharmacy. The percentage of adequately treated borderlines who experienced some degree of symptom relief was not significantly different than that found in either control group. However, adequately treated borderlines were significantly less likely than adequately treated dysthymic OPD controls to have had a definite response to pharmacotherapy (i.e., shown marked improvement of target symptoms).
Conformational sampling of S- and R-warfarin in polar solvents: Implications for stereoselective complex formation

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations of the open side chain conformation of ionic and neutral S- and R-warfarin in aqueous solvent and acetonitrile are described. In all cases, warfarin is found to sample a broad conformational ensemble with major and minor states due to torsional degrees of freedom associated with its side chain. Thermodynamics and kinetics of transitions between these states are analyzed from the simulations and interpreted in the context of stereoselective interactions in biological and non-biological complexes.
Using norm-referenced tests to determine severity of language impairment in children: disconnect between U.S. policy makers and test developers.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify various U.S. state education departments' criteria for determining the severity of language impairment in children, with particular focus on the us...
Electromagnetic Probes in PHENIX

Abstract Electromagnetic probes are arguably the most universal tools to study the different physics processes in high energy hadron and heavy ion collisions. In this paper we summarize recent measurements of real and virtual direct photons at central rapidity by the PHENIX experiment at RHIC in p+p, d+Au and Au+Au collisions. We also discuss the impact of the results and the constraints they put on theoretical models. At the end we report on the immediate as well as on the mid-term future of photon measurements in PHENIX.
Attribution of Responsibility in a Campus Stabbing Incident.

Recent laboratory work has suggested a defensive attribution interpretation of the attribution of responsibility following an accident. The present study was an attempt to test these notions in a field situation. A questionnaire was devised concerning a campus stabbing incident in which one girl suffered severe consequences and her companion suffered less severe consequences. Results were compatible with defensive attribution. Those participants who most closely identified with the victim (females) perceived chance as a contributing factor less often when consequences were severe, and held the victim more responsible for her fate, than did participants who did not identify with the victim (male).
MDMA. Nonmedical use and intoxication.

(1986). MDMA: Nonmedical Use and Intoxication. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs: Vol. 18, MDMA: Proceedings of the Conference, pp. 349-354.
The development of estrogen receptor systems in the rat brain and pituitary: postnatal development.

The postnatal development of the estrogen receptor system of the rat brain is described by means of data from in vitro cytosol binding assays and from in vivo cell nuclear experiments using 3H-labeled estrogens. Cytosol and nuclear measures give a similar picture of the changes in estrogen receptor levels from day 2–3 up to day 25 of postnatal life. Pituitary receptor levels reach a peak at day 10 and then decline slightly. A similar, though less pronounced, peak was seen in hypothalamus between days 8 and 15. In the amygdala, the concentration of receptors remains relatively constant apart from a slight increase around day 10. In the preoptic area, receptor levels increase throughout the entire period studied. In the cortex receptor levels increase between days 3 and 10 and then decline precipitously and remain low from day 15 onwards. In the midbrain and brain stem receptor levels remain low throughout the entire period. Occupation of estrogen receptors by estradiol in cell nuclei was investigated by means of an exchange assay. No occupation was seen in either cortex or limbic structures (hypothalamus, amygdala, preoptic area) of female pups on postnatal days 2–3; low level occupancy amounting to around 5% of capacity was seen in limbic structures but not in cortex of females on postnatal days 10–11 and 25–26. The possibility is discussed that this estrogen arises from testosterone via aromatization. The apparent absence of receptor occupation by endogenous circulating estradiol is discussed in relation to the presence and progressive disappearance of alpha-fetoprotein in the neonatal period. Data is presented showing that injected estrogens have a longer half-life in newborn rats than in 3-week-old animals and that estrogens such as diethylstilbestrol and moxestrol, which do not bind strongly to alpha-fetoprotein, gain access to brain estrogen receptors at lower doses compared to estradiol-17β.
Compound polyglactin 910/polypropylene small vessel prostheses

Abstract This study evaluated morphologic and functional characteristics of tissue reactions to compound prostheses of 69% absorbable polyglactin 910 (PG910) and 31% nonabsorbable polypropylene in the rabbit. Forty-two woven PG910/polypropylene prostheses (24 × 4 mm internal diameter) implanted into rabbit infrarenal aortas were harvested after 2 weeks to 12 months. Each explant was photographed and sectioned for light microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Randomly selected explants underwent either compliance and bursting strength measurements or assays of production of prostacyclin and thromboxane metabolites by luminal surfaces of both regenerated conduits and normal control aortas in response to administered sodium arachidonate. Results showed 100% patency with no aneurysms and 2% stenoses (1 of 42 prostheses). Confluent endothelial-like cellular luminal surfaces covering oriented smooth muscle-like myofibroblasts comprised the inner capsules whose thicknesses stabilized at 1 to 2 months. Only residual polypropylene remained in the prostheses after 2 months. Compliance studies reflected a 0.65 mm (14%) change over a pressure range of 0 to 160 mm Hg. All regenerated prosthesis-tissue complexes had bursting strengths greater than the proximal perianastomotic native aortas, which burst between 600 and 2000 mm Hg. At 1 month the rate of production of 6-keto-PGF 1α per square millimeter of surface area of experimental segments was normal. Production of 6-keto-PGF 1α by experimental segments at 3 months had increased fourfold whereas thromboxane B 2 (TxB 2 ) production remained unchanged. The 6-keto-PGF 1α /TxB 2 ratio increased from 1 to 4 months. This study demonstrates clinically efficacious morphologic, mechanical, and biochemical characteristics of PG910/polypropylene-elicited vascular prosthesis-tissue complexes. (J VASC SURG 1987;5:572-83.)
The DOE office of solar energy technologies’ vision for advancing solar technologies in the new millennium

This paper is an introduction to the new DOE Office of Solar Energy Technologies (OSET). The OSET combines the Phovoltaics (PV), Concentrating Solar Power (CSP), and Solar Buildings programs into a single office. This new organization creates opportunities for efficiencies and joint efforts that benefit all three research programs. Most important, it creates a single focus within DOE for the solar energy industry, university researchers and the interested public to work with the Department of Energy to advance solar energy. This paper will discuss the DOE OSET programs for FY 2000 and expectations for FY 2001 based on our budget request. Finally, it will discuss how we expect a well-managed, coherent program guided by a strong vision, solid research plans and stakeholder involvement to be more effective in winning support for our programs and the solar industry.
On sparse reconstruction from Fourier and Gaussian measurements

This paper improves upon best-known guarantees for exact reconstruction of a sparse signal f from a small universal sample of Fourier measurements. The method for reconstruction that has recently gained momentum in the sparse approximation theory is to relax this highly nonconvex problem to a convex problem and then solve it as a linear program. We show that there exists a set of frequencies Ω such that one can exactly reconstruct every r-sparse signal f of length n from its frequencies in Ω, using the convex relaxation, and Ω has size k(r, n) = O(r log(n)·log 2 (r) log(r logn)) = O(r log 4 n ). A random set Ω satisfies this with high probability. This estimate is optimal within the log log n and log 3 r factors. We also give a relatively short argument for a similar problem with k(r, n) ≈ r[12 + 8 log(n/r)] Gaussian measurements. We use methods of geometric functional analysis and probability theory in Banach spaces, which makes our arguments quite short.
On the Synthesis of Optimum Linear Feedback Control Systems

Abstract Standard forms are presented which define transfer functions for optimum type 1 and type 2 feedback control systems, where systems with minimum integral of time multiplied absolute value of error in the presence of a step displacement input are considered to be optimum. The ITAE criterion adopted in this paper was previously introduced by Graham and Lathrop. The optimization procedure leading to the standard forms presented here, is based upon an all digital simulation coupled to an unconstrained optimization algorithm to minimize the ITAE criterion value. It is shown with the aid of examples how actual systems can be compensated by use of appropriate standard forms to obtain optimum responses.
Cyclic AMP accumulation and steroidogenesis in the human corpus luteum: effect of gonadotropins and prostaglandins.

ABSTRACT Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulates steroidogenesis in vitro in human corpus luteum slices, to a similar extent as hCG. This prostaglandin, as well as hCG and hLH also stimulates the incorporation of [8-3H] adenine into [8-3H] cyclic AMP in this in vitro system and this stimulation appears to be specific and dose related for these substances. The increase of [8-3H] cyclic AMP accumulation was found to be due to the stimulation of the synthetic adenyl cyclase enzyme system rather than the inhibition of the destructive phosphodiesterase enzyme system. Throughout the study, corpora lutea of the menstrual cycle were shown to be much more responsive to stimulation (hCG, LH, PGE2) in terms of steroid synthesis and cyclic AMP formation than corpora lutea of pregnancy. The reason for this difference between the two types of corpora lutea is not clear at this time but does not appear to be due to a deficiency in the adenyl cyclase system of pregnancy corpora lutea. The data of the present study brings our ...
Isolation and characterization of herbaceous lignins for applications in biomaterials

Abstract The imminent industrial production of cellulosic ethanol from annual plants will generate massive amounts of herbaceous lignins that will have to be valorized. However, the chemical and physical properties of herbaceous lignins are much less known than those of wood lignins. In the present study, organosolv lignins were extracted from wheat, triticale, corn, flax, and hemp residues using microwave irradiation under similar conditions. The extracted lignins were extensively analyzed by FT-IR, 31P NMR, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental and carbohydrate analysis to determine their applicability in polymers. All lignins were of high purity with low sugar, sulfur, and ash content. Corn, hemp, and flax lignins were found to contain high concentrations of non-methoxylated phenolic groups, syringyl phenolic groups, and aliphatic OH groups, respectively, making them promising candidates for production of phenolic resins, stabilization of polyolefins, and polyurethane synthesis, respectively. Triticale or wheat lignins were less specific, with a balanced content of OH groups, which makes them applicable to polyester synthesis.
Communication: Popcorn and Petri dishes

Cinemas are today's scientific lecture halls, finds Kevin Hand in a book probing how research enriches film.
Osteoblast and Osteoclast Differentiation in Modeled Microgravity

Prolonged microgravity experienced by astronauts is associated with a decrease in bone mineral density. To investigate the effect of microgravity on differentiation of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, we used a NASA-recommended, ground-based, microgravity-simulating system, the Rotary Cell Culture System (RCCS). Using the RCCS, we demonstrated that modeled microgravity (MMG) inhibited osteoblastogenesis and increased adipocyte differentiation in human mesenchymal stem cells incubated under osteogenic conditions. This transformation involves reduced RhoA activity and cofilin phosphorylation, disruption of F-actin stress fibers, and decreased integrin signaling through focal adhesion kinase. We have used the system to show that MMG also stimulates osteoclastogenesis. These systems provide the opportunity to develop pharmacological agents that will stimulate osteoblastogenesis and inhibit osteoclastogenesis.
Neutron and X-ray Reflectivity Studies of Human Serum Albumin Adsorption onto Functionalized Surfaces of Self-Assembled Monolayers

Neutron and X-ray reflectivity (NR and XR) have been widely used for the investigation of the structure of thin organic films. Here we demonstrate how these sensitive techniques may be applied to the study of protein adsorption to well-characterized self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with different chemical functionalities. NR can be used for in situ study, while XR provides complementary information on the initial surfaces and dried layers measured in air after protein has been adsorbed. In situ measurements of adsorption of human serum albumin onto a hydrophilic NH2-terminated monolayer clearly show the presence of a thin layer of adsorbed protein next to the SAM. Adsorption of albumin onto a hydrophobic, deuterated, CD3-terminated SAM causes even bigger changes in the NR. Upon replacing the protein solution with protein-free buffer solution, the reflectivities from both kinds of monolayers do not change, demonstrating that the albumin adsorption is irreversible after several hours of contact with the protein solution. X-ray reflectivity measurements of dried substrates performed ex situ in air provide a lower bound estimate of the amount of protein which must be at the interface in situ. This combination of techniques provides a uniquely sensitive approach for studying changes that occur upon protein adsorption at an interface.
Towards a Verdian Ideal of Singing: Emancipation from Modern Orthodoxy

To try to understand the vocal styles demanded by the famously exacting Giuseppe Verdi, I consider a wide range of evidence, including the composer's scores and letters, contemporary treatises, reports on performances, and selected early recordings. On the basis of this material, I contend that the vocal styles known and advocated by Verdi differed radically from what is proposed by most modern pedagogues and nearly always heard in opera houses today. An examination of the evidence, as it bears on specific technical and expressive procedures, sheds light on nineteenth-century vocal style, offering novel interpretative possibilities to the modern performer.
Predicting shrub ecophysiology in the Great Basin Desert using spectral indices

Abstract Arid and semi-arid ecosystems are likely to be particularly sensitive to changes in precipitation. Reflectance spectra can provide valuable information and scaling opportunities regarding plant physiological responses to precipitation. However, their effectiveness in arid and semi-arid ecosystems with low vegetation cover remains equivocal. We compared stand-level spectral indices to leaf-level photosynthetic gas exchange, stem water potential, and leaf area index (LAI) of a Great Basin Desert shrubland ecosystem exposed to multiple, long-term snow depth manipulations. At the seasonal scale, several spectral indices were able to predict gas exchange variables, LAI to a lesser degree, but never stem water potential. Whereas spectral indices exhibited a seasonal response, they did not differ across snow depth treatments, in agreement with a lack of physiological responses to the snow depth treatments. This may be in part the result of the 2004–2005 ENSO event, which delivered heavy snowfall that may have overwhelmed responses to snowfall manipulations. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Red Edge Maximum Slope (REM) best predicted gas exchange variables in this ecosystem, although some relationships were species-specific. However, this research suggests that indices previously found to correlate well with ecophysiological variables may not serve as effective proxies in all ecosystems.
Inexperienced Versus Experienced Students' Expectations For Active Learning in Large Classes

Findings from a survey of undergraduates demonstrate links between students' experience level and their perceptions and expectations of large classes. The authors made a number of hypotheses, including that students prefer active-learning experiences but expect passive-learning experiences, that experienced students prefer large classes but demonstrate less commitment to them, and that students view low-level skills as more important than high-level skills in large classes. Findings supported the hypotheses, and implications of these findings as they relate to pedagogy in large classes are discussed.
Towards a Better Dynamic Theory for Type III Radio Bursts

An approximate numerical solution is given to the quasilinear equations governing the interaction of the electron streams exciting type III solar radio bursts and the background plasma. The density and temperature variations are taken into account and the stream is studied from r =1 to 20 R⊙. The method used is to level any positive slopes in the distribution function as they develop and record the energy released. None of the energy released is allowed to return to the stream and since no other damping mechanisms are taken into account, the solution is only applicable to the initial rise of the burst. Even then, the solution gives more decleration of the leading edge of the burst than observed which indicates that letting some of the energy released return to the stream is necessary. At the same time the solution does show that depletion of high velocity electrons is an important process and calls into question any analysis which neglects this process by, for example, integrating over the spectrum of plasma waves such as Zaitsev et al. (1972). It is shown that the case considered here is an opposite limiting case to the one considered by Zaitsev et al. and what needs to be done to find the more realistic solution in between these two limiting cases is indicated.
Fluorinated aromatic amino acids are sensitive 19F NMR probes for bromodomain-ligand interactions.

We describe a 19F NMR method for detecting bromodomain–ligand interactions using fluorine-labeled aromatic amino acids due to the conservation of aromatic residues in the bromodomain binding site. We test the sensitivity, accuracy, and speed of this method with small molecule ligands (+)-JQ1, BI2536, Dinaciclib, TG101348, and acetaminophen using three bromodomains Brd4, BrdT, and BPTF. Simplified 19F NMR spectra allowed for simultaneous testing of multiple bromodomains to assess selectivity and identification of a new BPTF ligand. Fluorine labeling only modestly affected the Brd4 structure and function assessed by isothermal titration calorimetry, circular dichroism, and X-ray crystallography. The speed, ease of interpretation, and low concentration of protein needed for binding experiments affords a new method to discover and characterize both native and new ligands.
Electron affinity and animal toxicity of benzene hexachloride isomers.

The development of gas chromatographic methods for animal metabolism studies with several isomers of benzene hexachloride (BHC) and 1,3,4,5,6-pentachlorocyclohex-1-ene (PCCH) (Ishida and Dahm 1965a, 1965b) allowed us to compare the electron affinity of the BHC isomers in the gaseous phase with their animal toxicity values. A correlation between these 2 properties has been suggested for insecticides (Clark3 1963) and compounds of biological and carcinogenic importance (Lovelock 1961, Lovelock et al. 1962).
Confidence and competition online: ESL student perspectives on web-based discussions in the classroom

Abstract English as a Second Language (ESL) students bring a diverse array of perspectives on language learning that inform how they negotiate different kinds of spaces in the university writing classroom. This study addresses the variance in how three different ESL students participated in web-based discussion boards and chat rooms in their first-year university writing course. Documenting students’ perceptions of technology provided pedagogical insight into how students took up or dismissed particular kinds of web-based writing. This study found that individual students made choices in their web-based writing in ways that reflected their previous experiences with technology and writing, their views of themselves as students and writers, and their relative comfort level with their peers in the classroom. However, their choices were also constrained by the pedagogical structure of the course, including the centrality of the instructor and the institutional directive for individualized assessment.
Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Circulating Melanoma Cells

Melanoma is an invasive malignancy with a high frequency of blood-borne metastases, but circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have not been readily isolated. We adapted microfluidic CTC capture to a tamoxifen-driven B-RAF/PTEN mouse melanoma model. CTCs were detected in all tumor-bearing mice and rapidly declined after B-RAF inhibitor treatment. CTCs were shed early from localized tumors, and a short course of B-RAF inhibition following surgical resection was sufficient to dramatically suppress distant metastases. The large number of CTCs in melanoma-bearing mice enabled a comparison of RNA-sequencing profiles with matched primary tumors. A mouse melanoma CTC-derived signature correlated with invasiveness and cellular motility in human melanoma. CTCs were detected in smaller numbers in patients with metastatic melanoma and declined with successful B-RAF-targeted therapy. Together, the capture and molecular characterization of CTCs provide insight into the hematogenous spread of melanoma.
In situ plasma monitoring of pulsed laser deposition of diamond-like carbon films

Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is a dynamically unstable process, which can be controlled by in situ diagnostic methods. Recently, an optical spectrometer (OS) was used to monitor the plasma composition and a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) was introduced to control the deposition rate. In the present studies, the development of PLD in situ control is continued by introducing an ion probe into the plasma and using the OS to measure the kinetic energy of carbon ions in diamond-like carbon (DLC) deposition. An original approach was used to read probe currents with 1024 sampling points during the time of flight of ablated species from the target to the substrate. The method was applied to the deposition of DLC, comparing the ablation of graphite and polycarbonate targets, using a 248 nm KrF wavelength. The correlation of probe currents with QCM and OS data is discussed and compared with results from electron energy loss spectroscopy and microindentation studies. Quantitative dependences between the laser fluence and kinetic energy of carbon species, deposition rate and ion current are found. A possible method for in situ control of DLC film growth with required properties is proposed based on the combination of these studies and existing models of DLC deposition and PLD dynamic control.
Dissociating the primary reinforcing and reinforcement-enhancing effects of nicotine using a rat self-administration paradigm with concurrently available drug and environmental reinforcers.

Rationale Nicotine has two effects on reinforcement in traditional self-administration paradigms. It serves as a primary reinforcer by increasing the probability of behaviors that result in nicotine delivery. However, nicotine also potently enhances behaviors that result in the delivery of nonpharmacological reinforcers.
Films Containing Reactive Mixtures of Perfluoroalkylethyl Methacrylate Copolymers and Fluorinated Isocyanates: Synthesis and Surface Properties

The fluorotelomer alcohol F(CF2)n(CH2)2OH (n ≈ 7.8), 2, contains a terminal hydroxyl group that reacts with the isocyanate group of a polyisocyanate cross-linking agent based on the isocyanurate trimer of hexamethylene diisocyanate, 1. The resulting fluorinated isocyanate, 3, contains a urethane linkage and a pendant perfluoroalkyl group. The modified isocyanate, 3, was used to prepare films containing acrylic copolymers with cross-linkable hydroxyl groups. Films were prepared using several varieties of acrylic copolymers with and without the incorporation of small amounts of fluorinated monomers. With regards to surface energy reduction, the initial film properties were excellent. For example, reactive mixtures of 3 with hydrocarbon hydroxyl-containing acrylic copolymers exhibited surfaces enriched with fluorine. Water and hexadecane advancing contact angles were measured to be ∼86° and ∼40° at ∼ 2.3 × 10-2 mole fraction (∼1900 ppm by weight F) of F(CF2)n(CH2)2O−, respectively. Hexadecane contact angles ...
Episodic withdrawal promotes psychomotor sensitization to morphine.

The relative intermittency or continuity of drug delivery is a major determinant of addictive liability, and also influences the impact of drug exposure on brain function and behavior. Events that occur during the offset of drug action (ie, acute withdrawal) may have an important role in the consequences of intermittent drug exposure. We assessed whether recurrent episodes of acute withdrawal contribute to the development of psychomotor sensitization in rodents during daily morphine exposure. The acoustic startle reflex—a measure of anxiety induced by opiate withdrawal—was used to resolve and quantify discrete withdrawal episodes, and pharmacological interventions were used to manipulate withdrawal severity. Startle potentiation was observed during spontaneous withdrawal from a single morphine exposure, and individual differences in initial withdrawal severity positively predicted the subsequent development of sensitization. Manipulations that reduce or exacerbate withdrawal severity also produced parallel changes in the degree of sensitization. These results demonstrate that the episodic experience of withdrawal during daily drug exposure has a novel role in promoting the development of psychomotor sensitization—a prominent model of drug-induced neurobehavioral plasticity. Episodic withdrawal may have a pervasive role in many effects of intermittent drug exposure and contribute to the development of addiction.
Relationship of Insulin Resistance and Hyperinsulinemia to Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

The purpose of our study was to examine the relationship between insulin resistance and blood pressure during pregnancy and to determine to what extent insulin resistance is related to the subsequent development of pregnancy-induced hypertension.The study population consisted of 292 women who had serum insulin, glucose and insulin-glucose ratios determined at 26–28 weeks gestation in a fasting state and 1 hr after a 50-g oral glucose challenge. These were compared with blood pressures at 26–28 weeks gestation and in the late third trimester.A statistically significant correlation exists overall between (1) blood pressure at 26–28 weeks gestation and both fasting insulin and insulin-glucose ratios, as well as (2) systolic blood pressure at term and fasting insulin levels. However, when controlled for confounding variables including body mass index, race and age, no statistically significant relationship remained. The metabolic variables in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension were not statistically...
Review: Physical disability and the cumulative impact of diabetes in older adults

The already high and increasing prevalence of diabetes among older adults will make ageing-related outcomes like physical disability an increasingly important complication of diabetes. Disability is a key indicator of both overall morbidity and the success of public health efforts to compress the period of morbidity in old age for the overall population. Many cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have now associated diabetes with increased risk of disabilities in mobility and in instrumental and basic activities of living. The explanation for higher disability among persons with diabetes appears to be multifactorial with neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, coronary heart disease, depression, obesity, visual impairment, and physical inactivity the most prominent factors. These factors are common in persons with diabetes and exert strong effects on risk of disability. Several promising interventions exist, ranging from exercise programmes and identification and treatment of depression, to long-term prevention of disability through better management of glycaemia and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Preliminary findings from the U.S. Diabetes Surveillance System suggest that, like the general population, prevalence of physical disability may also have declined among persons with diabetes during the last decade. Ultimately, preventing disability will likely depend on a combination of secondary and tertiary prevention along with, ideally, preventing diabetes in the first place. Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2005;5:13‐17
GENESIS-CBA: an agent-based model of peer evaluation and selection in the internet interdomain network

We propose an agent-based model for peer selection in the Internet at the Autonomous System (AS) level. The proposed model, GENESIS-CBA, is based on realistic constraints and provider selection mechanism, with ASes acting in a myopic and decentralized manner to optimize a cost-related fitness function. We introduce a new peering scheme, Cost-Benefit-Analysis, which, unlike existing peering strategies, gives ASes the ability to analyze the impact of each peering link on their economic fitness. Using this analysis, ASes engage in only those peering relations that can have a positive impact on their fitness. Our proposed model captures the key factors that affect network formation dynamics: highly skewed traffic matrix, policy-based routing, geographic co-location constraints, and the costs of transit/peering agreements. As opposed to analytical game-theoretic models, which focus on proving the existence of equilibria, GENESIS-CBA is a computational model that simulates the network formation process and allows us to actually compute distinct equilibria (i.e., networks) and to also examine the behavior of sample paths that do not converge. We find that such oscillatory sample paths occur in about 7% of the runs, and they always involve tier-1 ASes. GENESIS-CBA results in many distinct equilibria that are highly sensitive to initial conditions and the order in which ASes (agents) act. Our results imply that we cannot predict the properties of an individual AS in the Internet. However, certain properties of the global network or of certain classes of ASes are predictable.
The development of the vermiculate pattern in the brow region of crania from Indian Knoll, Kentucky

A convoluted brow surface consisting of fine ridges, grooves, and depressions, first identified in ancient fossil hominids and termed the vermiculate pattern (VP), is often low in frequency and of moderate rugosity in crania of anatomically modern human populations. Burials at Indian Knoll, Kentucky, constitute an excellent series for study of the development of the VP, since cranial surfaces are usually well preserved, there are hundreds of immature and mature individuals previously assessed for age, and the VP is high in frequency and rugosity. While a surface pattern resembling a miniature VP is found on the supraorbital surface of all newborns, it is not found on any children age 2 or older. This newborn pattern is probably different in structure and origin from the adult VP. The smooth surface characteristic of children shows evidence of changing to the VP in some adolescents, but the fullest development of the VP occurs in adults. The VP continues to develop in rugosity into the fourth decade, especially in males. These observations indicate that the human VP is different in etiology from somewhat similar brow surfaces found sporadically in immature individuals of some species of nonhuman primates. Statements lumping all vermiculate bone surfaces as "fine cancellous bone" are premature. The human VP development shows no apparent relationship to phases of tooth eruption, as postulated for the appearance of areolar surfaces on brow ridges of immature non-human primates.
Fluid Resuscitation in Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a common inflammatory disorder of the pancreas resulting in considerable morbidity and a mortality rate of approximately 5%. Although there are no pharmacologic treatments known to improve important outcomes, aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation generally is recommended in all patients. However, few human investigations have been performed and several important questions have not been answered. For example, what is the optimal resuscitative fluid? Is there a role for colloid solutions? To what clinical marker should resuscitation be targeted? When is the best time to start such fluids and in which group of patients? This review describes the microcirculation of the pancreas and the pathophysiologic alterations caused by acute pancreatitis. Previous animal experiments are described, as are the limited human studies specifically addressing fluid resuscitation. Finally, current recommendations and goals for further investigation are highlighted. It is our hope that this review will stimulate interest in this often overlooked subject and lead to carefully designed human clinical trials using varying fluid solutions and rates, with an emphasis on patient monitoring and safety, in the near future.
The Mars airplane: a credible science platform

Significant technology advances have enabled planetary aircraft to be considered as viable science platforms. Such systems fill a unique planetary science measurement gap, that of regional-scale, near-surface observation, while providing a fresh perspective for potential discovery. Recent efforts have produced mature mission and flight system concepts, ready for flight project implementation. This work summarizes the development of a Mars airplane mission architecture that balances science, implementation risk and cost. Airplane mission performance, flight system design and technology readiness are described.
Quantification of serotonin 5-HT1A receptors in humans with [11C](R)-(-)-RWAY: radiometabolite(s) likely confound brain measurements.

C)(R)-(� )-RWAY has been shown to be a promising radioligand for imaging brain 5-HT1A receptors with positron emission tomography in rodents and nonhuman primates. We now report the first use of ( 11 C)(R)-(� )-RWAY in six healthy human subjects, using kinetic brain imaging and serial arterial measurements of plasma parent radiotracer. At 80 min after radiotracer injection, activity ratios were about three for brain receptor-rich regions compared with cerebellum. However, the washout from brain was unexpectedly slow relative to plasma clearance of the parent radiotracer. This disparity between brain and plasma activity was quantified with dis- tribution volume calculated from increasingly truncated brain imaging data. In both receptor-rich regions and cerebellum, distribution volumes were unstable and increased continuously from 90 to 150 min by about 30%. This increasing distribution volume was unlikely due to the variations or errors of plasma input at later time points, since a similar truncation of plasma time points from 150 to 90 min did not significantly affect the analysis of the brain data. When the metabolites of ( 11 C)(R)- (� )-RWAY in human and monkey were compared, a moderate lipophilic radiometabo- lite was present at a significantly higher percentage of total plasma radioactivity in human than in monkey. The relatively slow washout of activity from brain and the temporal instability of distribution volume likely reflect the accumulation of radiome- tabolite(s) in human brain. Although prior studies in rodents and nonhuman primates showed ( 11 C)(R)-(� )-RWAY to be a promising radiotracer, we suspect that a species dif- ference in metabolism caused this serious deficiency in humans. Synapse 61:469-
Refractive index of carcinogen-induced rat mammary tumours

Near-infrared optical techniques for clinical breast cancer screening in humans are rapidly advancing. Based on the computational inversion of the photon diffusion process through the breast, these techniques rely on optical tissue models for accurate image reconstruction. Recent interest has surfaced regarding the effect of refractive index variations on these reconstructions. Although many data exist regarding the scattering and absorption properties of normal and diseased tissue, no measurements of refractive index appear in the literature. In this paper, we present near-infrared refractive index data acquired from N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced rat mammary tumours, which are similar in pathology and disease progression to human ductal carcinoma. Eight animals, including one control, were employed in this study, yielding data from 32 tumours as well as adjacent adipose and connective tissues.
THE BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION OF BREAD.

The literature upon the bacteriology of bread is relatively meager. Thus far, work seems to have been done mainly upon the so-called "diseases" of bread and upon the question whether bacteria that are contained in the flour, yeast and milk or that are introduced by workmen survive the baking temperature. The results of investigations upon the diseases of bread are very uniform. The I best known bacterial disease is one in which gossamer-like threads are formed when the bread is cut or broken. This characteristic is usually, though not always, present in sticky or slimy bread. Organisms given the name of B. mesentericus, B. mesentericus panis viscosi I and II, B. mesentericus fuscus, B. panis and B. liodermis have been isolated from the sticky and slimy bread. B. prodigiosus 2 causes "bleeding bread." B. mesentericus vulgatus 3 iS found in sour bread. Whether non-spore producing bacteria survive the baking temperature must still be regarded as unsettled. The bacteria found in bread are so similar to those in flour 4 that it would be logical to think that the same bacteria survive. Stiegeler,5 however, believes that all bread diseases caused by micro-organisms, with the exception of ropy bread, are of exterior origin. Roussel6 and Marchand 7 inoculated unbaked dough with B. tuberculosis and recovered cultures in the baked bread which were pathogenic for animals. Atwater 8, B. Fenyvessy and L. Dienes 9 also believe from their experiments that bacteria may survive the baking temperature. On the other hand, Auche 10 also taking B. tuberculosis cultures found that in every case the baking temperature destroyed the pathogenicity of the cultures for laboratory animals. He also found B. coli, B. typhosus, several types of B. mesentericus, staphylococcus and streptococcus were non-resistant to the baking temperature. Leveran 11 believes that bread,
Appropriating Assessment: Possibilities for an Alliance Perspective through Teaching Social Foundations in Unusual Places

In this article, I explore teaching with a social foundations perspective in the unusual place of an Introduction to Assessment course for second-year, undergraduate, teacher candidates. By bringing the work of three candidates together with the four concerns of the proposed third edition of the Standards for Academic and Professional Instruction in Foundations of Education, Educational Studies, and Educational Policy Studies—P-12 students; professional educators; democratic educational practices; and research, policy, and advocacy—I argue for the possibility of alliance among educators through engagement of the interpretive, normative, and critical perspectives. Alliance did not emerge in the work of the three candidates—instead the Standards, as embodied in my teaching, furthered the dominance of the modern myths of progress and individualism. I propose however, that the addition of an alliance perspective to the three existing social foundations perspectives upon which the Standards rely might better a...
Localized Probabilistic Routing for Data Gathering in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

Longevity is a critical requirement for wireless sensor networks to application domains like environmental monitoring. Deterministic communication protocols that assume that packet loss implies congestion suffer due to the non-negligible probability of a wireless link being lossy even at very short distances. In this paper, we propose a localized probabilistic routing scheme aimed at extending network lifetime while coping with lossy links. The proposed protocol is informed by our study of the centralized algorithm that optimally computes paths. We obtain the most relevant properties from the centralized optimal routing algorithm and present their statistical models. The proposed routing scheme, based on the statistical models, is a promising step towards an optimal solution.
Papillomavirus E2 Proteins and the Host Brd4 Protein Associate with Transcriptionally Active Cellular Chromatin

The interaction of papillomavirus E2 proteins with cellular Brd4 protein is important for transcriptional regulation of viral genes and partitioning of viral genomes. Bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV-1) E2 binds cellular chromatin in complex with Brd4 in both mitotic and interphase cells. To identify specific sites of E2 interaction on cellular chromatin, a genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation-on-chip analysis was carried out using human promoter sequences. Both E2 and Brd4 were found bound to most transcriptionally active promoters in C33A cells. These promoters were also bound by RNA polymerase II and were modified by histone H3 acetylation and K4 trimethylation, all indicators of active transcription. E2 binding strongly correlated with Brd4 and RNA polymerase II occupancy and H3K4me3 modification at all human promoters, indicating that E2 bound to active promoters. E2 binding did not correlate with the presence of consensus E2 binding sites in the promoters. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of E2-bound cellular genes were not significantly changed by E2 expression. Thus, the papillomavirus E2 proteins bind to transcriptionally active cellular genes but do not change their activity. We propose that this may be a way for the virus to ensure that the viral genome is retained in transcriptionally active regions of the nucleus to escape silencing. Therefore, E2-mediated tethering of viral genomes to host chromatin has multiple roles: to partition the viral genome to daughter cells, to ensure that the genomes are retained in the nucleus, and to make certain that the genomes are retained in functionally active nuclear domains.