cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Specific Central Nervous System Medications Are Associated with Temporomandibular Joint Symptoms

Aims. There is evidence of association between bruxism and the increasingly common central nervous system stimulants prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) often prescribed for depression or anxiety. However, the evidence is not clear on whether these medications inducing bruxism are directly associated with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The aim of this work is to evaluate whether these medications are associated with TMD symptoms. Methods. Medical history and participant data were obtained for 469 patients from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Dental Registry and DNA Repository, dating back to 2006. The chi-square test was used to determine any statistically significant associations. Results. There were no statistically significant associations between ADHD stimulant medications or SSRIs and reported TMD symptoms. However, there were significant differences seen between specific brands of medications and reported TMD symptoms. Individuals prescribed methylphenidate (Concerta) were less likely to report temporomandibular joint discomfort (). Conversely, individuals prescribed citalopram (Celexa) were more likely to report temporomandibular joint discomfort (). Conclusion. Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction may be influenced by the use of certain medications prescribed for depression or attention deficit hyperactive disorder.
Notes on the Fauna of the Chipola Formation-XXXII A New Species of the Genus Cymatium (MOLLUSCA: GASTROPODA)

While collecting fossil mollusks along Tenmile and Farley Creeks in Calhoun County, Florida, this investigator discovered a number of specimens of a new species of Cymatium. This species and many other unusual forms were concentrated in a highly fossiliferous layer of reddish brown earth that directly overlies a more compact deposit of gray siliceous sediment. A total of four nearly complete specimens of the Cymatium were obtained from the south side of Tenmile Creek at Tulane collection site 951 (TU 951). Two additional specimens were collected on the north side of Tenmile Creek at the power line near TU 1098. One of these specimens is complete and the second consists of a large fragment of the body whorl. Another large fragment of the body whorl of this species was collected from the south side of Farley Creek at TU 819. This fragment measures 40 mm from the end of the siphonal canal to the shoulder of the body whorl and is larger than any of the other specimens. An additional example of this species was also collected by Emily Vokes, on Tenmile Creek at TU 546.
Analysis of DNA Barcode Sequences Using Neural Gas and Spectral Representation

In this paper we present an application of the neural gas network to the classification of the DNA barcode sequences. The proposed method is based on the identification of distinctive words, extracted from the spectral representation of DNA sequences. In particular we calculated the “signatures” that are a characteristic of the DNA sequence at different taxonomic levels. In order to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method, we tested it over 10 real barcode datasets belonging to different animalia species, provided by on-line resource Barcode of Life Database (BOLD).
Demonstration of Electrically Injected Parity-Time-Symmetric Microring Lasers

Single-mode lasing is demonstrated in an electrically injected coupled microring arrangement at telecommunication wavelengths by exploiting the unique physics associated with parity-time-symmetry.
Cyber mercenaries: the state, hackers, and power

While cyberspace is the most recent domain for states to fight and project power in, they still rely on an instrument of power from ancient times, proxy actors. Understanding the relationship betwe...
C-39: The impact of cryopreservation on fitness of cell therapy products in human clinical trials – the MSC paradigm

Marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from either autologous or from random donor origin are being investigated in a large number of clinical trials as a cellular pharmaceutical for treatment of immune disorders and in regenerative medicine applications. Most typically, a polyclonal pool of culture expanded cells is cryopreserved after serial passaging and banked for later use. Human subjects subsequently receive an intravenous transfusion of MSCs which were retrieved from cryostorage no more than a few hours beforehand. It is assumed that viable, immediate post-thaw MSCs deploy the same biochemical, homing and immune modulatory features as their pre-freeze counterparts. We here propose that this assumption may be erroneous and may provide, in part, an explanation for discrepancy between pre-clinical models of MSC effectiveness and negative outcome of a large prospective randomized Phase III clinical trial (NCT00366145) of random donor MSCs for treatment of steroid-resistant acute GvHD. We show that MSC functional fitness as a transfusional product can be significantly altered due to post thaw heat shock response and cytoskeletal disruption.
AN APPROACH TO INEQUALITIES FOR THE DISTRIBUTIONS OF INFINITE-DIMENSIONAL MARTINGALES

Let (f n)n=0 ∞ be a martingale (understood either in the weak or strong sense) in a separable Banach space (X, ∥ ∥) with respect to an increasing sequence of σ-algebras \((A_{n})_{n=0}^{\infty}, f_{0}\equiv 0, d_{n}=f_{n}-f_{n-1}, n=1,2,..., d_{0}\equiv 0, f^{*}=sup{||f_{n}||:n=0,1,...}, d^{*} denotes similarly, s=(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}E_{n-1}||d_{n}||^{2})^{1/2}\), where En-1 stands for E(∣A n-1).
Family planning and fertility in South Africa under apartheid

During the apartheid era, all South Africans were formally classified as white, African, colored, or Asian. Starting in 1970, the government directly provided free family planning services to residents of townships and white-owned farms. Relative to African residents of other regions of the country, the share of African women that gave birth in these townships and white-owned farms declined by nearly one-third during the 1970s. Deferral of childbearing into the 1980s partially explains the decline, but lifetime fertility fell by one child per woman.
Risk of gastrointestinal and hepatic toxicities in patients with hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative breast cancer treated with CDK 4/6 inhibitors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

e18284Background: CDK4/6 inhibitors are proven to be beneficial in patients with hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative breast cancer. Studies have suggested an increased risk of gastrointestinal ...
TCT-761 Reproducibility of aortic annular area interpretation for transcatheter aortic valve replacement among industry representatives and physicians using multidetector computed tomography

Little has been included in the medical literature about the involvement of industry representatives in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is commonly used, and plays an integral role, to assess the aortic annulus and other parameters
Discrepancies in the Validity of Self-Reported Cigarette Smoking in Adults With and Without ADHD

Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with an increased smoking prevalence and impairments in executive function, which may negatively affect the validity of self...
The Theory of Agency Redux

The theory of agency has found applications across the social sciences as well as in management fields; there are literally thousands of papers that employ it. Unlike many popular theoretical appro...
Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery in Patients With Movement Disorders: A Propensity-matched Analysis of Outcomes and Cost.

STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective study using national administrative data from the MarketScan database. OBJECTIVE To investigate the complication rates, quality outcomes, and costs in a nationwide cohort of patients with movement disorders (MD) who undergo spinal deformity surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Patients with MD often present with spinal deformities, but their tolerance for surgical intervention is unknown. METHODS The MarketScan administrative claims database was queried to identify adult patients with MD who underwent spinal deformity surgery. A propensity-score match was conducted to create two uniform cohorts and mitigate interpopulation confounders. Perioperative complication rates, 90-day postoperative outcomes, and total costs were compared between patients with MD and controls. RESULTS A total of 316 patients with MD (1.7%) were identified from the 18,970 undergoing spinal deformity surgery. The complication rate for MD patients was 44.6% and for the controls 35.6% (P = 0.009). The two most common perioperative complications were more likely to occur in MD patients, acute-posthemorrhagic anemia (26.9% vs. 20.8%, P < 0.05) and deficiency anemia (15.5% vs. 8.5%, P < 0.05). At 90 days, MD patients were more likely to be readmitted (17.4% vs. 13.2%, P < 0.05) and have a higher total cost ($94,672 vs. $85,190, P < 0.05). After propensity-score match, the overall complication rate remained higher in the MD group (44.6% vs. 37.6%, P < 0.05). 90-day readmissions and costs also remained significantly higher in the MD cohort. Multivariate modeling revealed MD was an independent predictor of postoperative complication and inpatient readmission. Subgroup analysis revealed that Parkinson disease was an independent predictor of inpatient readmission, reoperation, and increased length of stay. CONCLUSION Patients with MD who undergo spinal deformity surgery may be at risk of higher rate of perioperative complications and 90-day readmissions compared with patients without these disorders. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Biology and Management of Doveweed (Murdannia nudiflora) in Ornamental Crop Production

Doveweed is a common warm-season annual weed in Florida landscapes, container nurseries, and other agricultural production systems. This new 5-page article is written for green industry professionals and others to aid in the identification and management of doveweed in and around ornamental plants. Preemergence and postemergence herbicides are covered, as well as basic information on doveweed biology and growth. Written by Yuvraj Khamare, Chris Marble, Nathan Boyd, and Shawn Steed, and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep576
Trophic structure and potential carbon and nitrogen flow of a rhodolith bed at Santa Catalina Island inferred from stable isotopes

In many coastal marine systems with low productivity, cross-habitat exchange of subsidies has been shown to have significant bottom-up effects. California rhodolith beds (Lithothamnion australe Foslie) support invertebrate communities whose biomass doesn’t appear to be supported by the limited productivity of rhodoliths. Detrital subsidies from the water column and adjacent giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera forests may supplement the base of the food web in these beds. Stable isotope analyses were conducted using seawater organic matter, sediment organic matter, and macroalgae as endmembers to determine their relative importance to consumers and create trophic structure of a rhodolith bed off Santa Catalina Island. Using cluster analysis on carbon δ13C and nitrogen δ15N values of 13 invertebrate consumer taxa, five trophic groups were identified: planktivore, zooplanktivore, detritivore, herbivore, and carnivore. The isotope ratios of sediment organic matter from within rhodoliths were similar to benthic and drifting kelp M. pyrifera tissue, suggesting neighboring kelp habitats, or other unmeasured sources, may contribute to the organic matter within rhodoliths. Detritivores, herbivores, and carnivores appeared to consume particulate organic matter from the water column directly or indirectly through prey. Follow-up experiments indicated that increasing surface area of giant kelp pieces increased drift rates while smaller kelp material moved less and may have greater potential to be retained within rhodolith beds during periods of increased water motion. Overall, temporal fluctuations in the supply and export of suspended particulate organic matter from the water column and drift macroalgal subsidies from adjacent kelp forests may have considerable effects on secondary production and community structure of rhodolith beds.
Comparative Study of Variable-Ratio Modular Multilevel Switched Capacitor Dc/dc Converter Topologies

This paper compares five variable-ratio modular multilvel switched capacitor dc/dc converter topologies from a power loss point of view. The standardized workflow is introduced to obtain five power loss and stress distribution related criteria in a quick and concise fashion. The theortical background of the workflow is presented and the workflow is elaborated with a circuit example. By applying the introduced workflow to the listed topologies, it is shown that the workflow provides valuable insights into the topologies' projected power loss.
Intraoperative Mapping of Parathyroid Glands Using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging.

ABSTRACT Background Hypoparathyroidism is a common complication following thyroidectomy. There is a need for technology to aid surgeons in identifying the parathyroid glands. In contrast to near infrared technologies, fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIm) is not affected by ambient light and may be valuable in identifying parathyroid tissue, but has never been evaluated in this capacity. Methods We used FLIm to measure the UV induced (355 nm) time-resolved autofluorescence signatures (average lifetimes in 3 spectral emission channels) of thyroid, parathyroid, lymphoid and adipose tissue in 21 patients undergoing thyroid and parathyroid surgery. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess the ability of FLIm to discriminate normocellular parathyroid from each of the other tissues. Various machine learning classifiers (random forests, neural network, support vector machine) were then evaluated to recognize parathyroid through a leave-one-out cross-validation. Results Statistically significant differences in average lifetime were observed between parathyroid and each of the other tissue types in spectral channels 2 and 3 respectively. The largest change was observed between adipose tissue and parathyroid (P Conclusion We found that FLIm derived parameters can distinguish the parathyroid glands and other adjacent tissue types and has promise in scanning the surgical field to identify parathyroid tissue in real-time.
"Don't Close the Door on Them": Recruiting and retaining vulnerable Black adolescents in prevention research.

There is a need to understand why some strategies work better than others for engaging vulnerable Black adolescents in prevention research, especially those who are affected by parental drug use. The current study sought to fill this gap. Thirty in-depth interviews were conducted with parents who reported a history of illicit drug use (N = 11), young adults who had a biological parent with a history of illicit drug use (N = 14), and service providers who work with families affected by illicit drug use (N = 5). Nearly all participants were Black and lived or worked in Baltimore, Maryland. Over half of the participants were female (62%). Interviews were recorded and ranged from 30 to 92 minutes in length. Data were analyzed using an inductive, content analysis approach. Four themes emerged (coined STAR): SAFE people and places minimize retraumatization; TEAMING UP with community partners increases acceptability; ADDRESSING a range of needs helps adolescents survive; and RELATABLE facilitators understand and listen to adolescents. Findings build onto and extend previous research that highlights strategies to recruit and retain vulnerable Black adolescents in prevention research.
Suppressive neutrophils require PIM1 for metabolic fitness and survival during chronic viral infection

Summary The immune response to a chronic viral infection is uniquely tailored to balance viral control and immunopathology. The role of myeloid cells in shaping the response to chronic viral infection, however, is poorly understood. We perform single-cell RNA sequencing of myeloid cells during acute and chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection to address this question. Our analysis identifies a cluster of suppressive neutrophils that is enriched in chronic infection. Furthermore, suppressive neutrophils highly express the gene encoding Proviral integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus-1 (PIM1), a kinase known to promote mitochondrial fitness and cell survival. Pharmacological inhibition of PIM1 selectively diminishes suppressive neutrophil-mediated immunosuppression without affecting the function of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs). Decreased accumulation of suppressive neutrophils leads to increased CD8 T cell function and viral control. Mechanistically, PIM kinase activity is required for maintaining fused mitochondrial networks in suppressive neutrophils, but not in M-MDSCs, and loss of PIM kinase function causes increased suppressive neutrophil apoptosis.
Community-based System Dynamics Modeling of Sensitive Public Health Issues: Maximizing Diverse Representation of Individuals with Personal Experiences

Community-based system dynamics (CBSD) models enhance our understanding of stigmatized public health issues and related health disparities. The accuracy and usefulness of these models depend upon the individuals who take part in group modeling sessions. Marginalized individuals that are personally impacted by these health issues are critical in the function and development of the models. However, the extent of inclusion varies between studies since such individuals are often hard to recruit. There is substantial diversity in how individuals experience a stigmatized public health issue and with the underrepresentation of individuals with personal experience, research may conclude in biased model development. The purpose of this study was to explore a method that would increase representation for individuals with personal experience of stigmatized issues in model development. We used a case study from a CBSD project on the association between alcohol misuse (AM) and intimate partner violence (IPV) within a Northern Plains American Indian community. Group model building sessions were held at three community organizations: a faith-based re-entry program, a substance use rehabilitation program for pregnant women and mothers, and a domestic violence shelter. Session participants (clients of these organizations) were quick to understand the systems method and were engaged in the modeling process. There were few similarities between the three CBSD models. Each model contributed unique system components, and a consolidated model provided a rich picture of the complex AM-IPV system, as well as the ways in which health disparities are maintained. Coupled with an emphasis on transparency and trust building between researchers and modelers, our approach illuminated the diversity of ways in which individuals with personal experience can perceive AM-IPV systems. Using similar strategies for model building can complement existing efforts to build representative models for stigmatized public health issues within communities.
Into the Facet-Selectivity of Sequenced Amphiphilic Peptoids at the Au-Water Interface

Shape-controlled colloidal nanocrystal syntheses often require aid from facet-selective solution-phase chemical additives to regulate atom addition/migration fluxes or oriented particle attachment. Because of their highly tunable chemical property and robustness to a wide range of experimental conditions, peptoids contribute to a very promising group of next-generation functional chemical additives. To generalize the design philosophy, it is critical to understand the origin of facet selectivity at the molecular level. We employ molecular dynamics simulations and biased sampling methods to investigate the origin of Au(111)-favored adsorption of a peptoid, Nce3Ncp6, that is evidenced to assist the formation of five-fold twinned nanostructures. We find that the facet-selectivity is achieved through a synergistic effect of both molecule-surface and solvent-surface interactions. Extending beyond the single-chain scenario, the order of peptoid-peptoid and peptoid-surface energetics, i.e., peptoid-Au(100) < peptoid-peptoid < peptoid-Au(111), further amplifies the distinct behavior of Nce3Ncp6 chains on different Au surfaces. Our studies set the stage for future peptoid design in shape-controlled nanocrystal syntheses by probing the facet selectivity from various perspectives.
Synthesis and Electrochemistry of Alkylidynetrihydridotriruthenium Clusters with Apical π-Substituents

The clusters, (μ-H)3Ru3(μ 3-CY)(CO)9−n (PPh3) n [Y=–CH2CHCH2, n=0 (1); Y=–CH2CHCH2, n=3 (2); Y=–C6H4CH3, n=0 (3); Y=–C6H4CH3, n=3 (4)], have been synthesized in good yields and characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy and by elemental analysis. The electrochemical properties of these clusters is also reported. These data indicate that the π-system of the apical substituent does not interact significantly with the cluster and should be available for further chemistry.
Solvent degradation of cloxacillin in vitro: Tentative identification of degradation products using thermospray liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Abstract The determination of cloxacillin and the other penicillin antibiotics at trace levels in pharmaceutical samples and biological fluids and tissues is difficult. Degradation of penicillins occurs during exposure to chemicals and solvents used in sample extraction, storage of extracts and chemical analysis. One of the most important factors for the determination of cloxacillin in bovine milk and tissues is the choice of solvent used for extraction. Cloxacillin stored in different solutions underwent two types of degradation: hydrolysis with decarboxylation to yield cloxacillinpenilloic acids when water or aqueous solutions of acetonitrile or 2-propanol were used, and alcoholysis to form cloxacillinpenicilloic acid ester when methanol or ethanol was used. Cloxacillin stored in aqueous methanol or acetonitrile solution underwent faster degradation when stored in water or aqueous solutions of 2-propanol or ethanol. The solvent combinations that resulted in minimum sample degradation of cloxacillin were acetonitrile-ethanol-water (25:25:50) or ethanol-water (50:50). Degradation of cloxacillin was faster at the lower levels (500 and 50 ng/ml) of the antibiotic for all solvents tested. Nearly complete degradation of cloxacillin was observed at the 50 ng/ml level after 2 h at 20°C. Degradation was nearly non-existent at the 1 mg/ml level of the antibiotic in each solvent.
Neonatal hospice program.

We wish to comment on the editorial by Silverman (A hospice setting for humane neonatal death, Pediatrics 69:239, 1982), which we find both insightful and timely. We feel we must take issue with some of Silverman9s statements. Over the last 3½ years we have actively incorporated hospice concepts into our neonatal program at Denver Children9s Hospital, creating a so-called Neonatal Hospice Program. 1. We agree that health care professionals involved in neonatal intensive care tend to be oriented to "rescue" care; however, in our own experience we have found that with adequate training not only are the staff members open, but often they are very willing to switch from a rescue to palliative mode of treatment in the appropriate circumstances.
Toxicity of the Chrysophyte flagellate Poterioochromonas malhamensis to the rotifer Brachionus angularis

The toxicity of the chrysophyte flagellate Poterioochromonas malhamensis to the rotifer Brachionus angularis was investigated. Fed rotifers exposed to the flagellate experienced a mortality rate indistinguishable from starvation. Unfed rotifers exposed to the flagellate experienced a higher mortality rate. The mortality rate appears to depend on the flagellate concentration. Higher doses of flagellates resulted in quicker rotifer death. These laboratory results are consistent with the hypothesis that the occurrence of B. angularis in the field may be negatively related to the presence of P. malhamensis and related flagellates.
"I wish I was unhappy": W.E.B. Du Bois's Of The Coming of John as a Greek Tragedy

W.E.B. Du Bois's Of The Coming of John mirrors the genre conventions of the Greek Tragedy. Viewing the work in this light changes entirely not only the way in which the novel reads, but also what the reader takes away. In particular this story then articulates the importance of education for the overall wellbeing of African Americans in the story of John. As a Greek Tragedy, the story teaches the audience both how to better themselves for the good of their society, and prepares them for the emotional strain this journey towards progress may entail.
Induction of a Novel Mechanism of Accelerated Bacterial Clearance by Lipopolysaccharide in CD14-Deficient and Toll-Like Receptor 4-Deficient Mice

Despite the lack of a proinflammatory response to LPS, CD14-deficient mice clear Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli 0111) at least 10 times more efficiently than normal mice. In this study, we show that this is due to an early and intense recruitment of neutrophils following the injection of Gram-negative bacteria or LPS in CD14-deficient mice; in contrast, neutrophil infiltration is delayed by 24 h in normal mice. Similar results of early LPS-induced PMN infiltration and enhanced clearance of E. coli were seen in Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4-deficient mice. Furthermore, the lipid A moiety of LPS induced early neutrophil infiltration not only in CD14-deficient and TLR-4-deficient mice, but also in normal mice. In conclusion, the lipid A component of LPS stimulates a unique and critical pathway of innate immune responses that is independent of CD14 and TLR4 and results in early neutrophil infiltration and enhanced bacterial clearance.
Of nannies and nudges: the current state of U.S. obesity policymaking

In the sprawling American political debates over obesity, which date back a decade and a half, 'nanny state' has been a rhetorical cudgel used to oppose those seeking even modest state action to address rising obesity rates. This essay explores obesity policy through the prism of state involvement, focusing on four possible types of response to what virtually all those involved--physicians and nutritional scientists, public-health advocacy groups, even food industry executives--agree is a serious threat to individual and collective health.
Post‐transcriptional regulation of ribosomal protein gene expression during development in Dictyostelium discoideum

We have isolated recombinant plasmids that contain cDNA inserts complementary to mRNAs encoding six different r-proteins of Dictyostelium discoideum. Southern and quantitative dot blot analyses have shown that each of the r-protein genes represented in these plasmids is encoded by a single copy gene and that these genes are not tightly linked to each other. We have determined the relative amount of the six r-protein mRNAs present in cells at intervals throughout development and find that for the first 9 hours of development, each of the mRNAs remains present at virtually the same level as in vegetatively growing cells. Between 9 and 11 hours of development, there is a rapid loss of these mRNAs to 15% or less of vegetative levels, and that low level remains, or slightly declines, through the late stages of development. We have shown that two post-transcriptional events contribute to the developmental regulation of the expression of the r-protein genes. The first involves a specific block to translational initiation that is not the result of inactivation of these mRNAs by decapping or deadenylation. The second is a change in the stability of these mRNAs during early development. In order to begin to analyze the role of specific sequences that may act as targets or signals in these events, we have cloned and sequenced a 1.9-kb genomic DNA fragment that encodes one of the r-proteins. We find that transcription of this gene begins in a pyrimidine-rich region that is not preceded by a TATA box, the gene contains a single intron of 350 bp, and there are two alternative 3' processing sites. In addition, the 5'-untranslated region of the transcript contains an unusually high percentage of G and C residues relative to other Dictyostelium mRNAs.
Evaluation of two vitamin B12 assay kits and L. leichmannii bioassay.

Two commercially-available vitamin B12 radioassay kits and an older bioassay have been tested. It was found that the within-day coefficient of variation was lowest (11%) for values obtained by Pharmacia kits and highest (40%) for values obtained by the L. leichmannii bioassay. The within-day coefficient of variation for the Schwarz-Mann radioassay (26%) was over double that obtained for the Pharmacia radio-assay. The linear correlation coefficient computed on means of 40 duplicate samples analyzed on two different days was highest (r = 0.947) with the Pharmacia kit.
Induction of surface antigen CD69 expression in T-lymphocytes following exposure to actinomycin D.

Abstract The expression of surface antigen CD69 in immune response cells is typically associated with the early stage(s) of cell activation, with maximal expression levels within 4 h of appropriate antigenic or mitogenic stimulation, and maintenance of these high expression levels for 18–24 h. The expression profiles of CD69 in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) cultured with actinomycin D prior to mitogenic stimulation were evaluated by direct immunofluorescence using flow cytometry. Pretreatment of PBMC suspensions with low, non-toxic levels of actinomycin D stimulated CD3 + T-lymphocytes to express CD69 in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, CD4 + T-lymphocytes were the primary cells responding in this fashion. Secondary mitogenic stimulation following antibiotic treatment potentiated cellular CD69 expression in these assays. CD69 expression was profoundly suppressed with in vitro actinomycin D concentrations ≥1–2 μg/ml, presumably by interference with cellular transcription/translation mechanisms. Parallel thymidine incorporation assays indicated that actinomycin D effectively inhibited thymidine uptake in a concentration-dependent manner, with complete inhibition at ≥0.1 μg/ml. The evaluation of cell cycling dynamics following antibiotic treatment, with and without secondary mitogen stimulation, indicated no substantial changes in DNA synthesis over controls. The diversity of these responses suggests that expression of CD69 may not solely reflect mitogenic activation status but may, under some conditions, result from induced cellular stress.
Loop-based design and reconfiguration of wafer-scale linear arrays with high harvest rates

Design and reconfiguration approaches for high harvest rates and parallel on-wafer diagnosis of linear arrays are described. The defect-tolerant designs use multiplexers to switch intercell connections and guarantee that the wire length between any two logically adjacent cells is constant, independent of fault distribution. The designs are appropriate for implementing linear arrays of wafer-scale memory and processor architectures. The harvesting of fault-free cells into a linear array is a percolation process; there exists a critical cell yield such that the harvest rate drops to zero (approaches 100%) if the cell yield is below (above) the critical value. Finding a maximum-size linear array for a given set of fault-free cells is polynomial time solvable if only the interconnections between fault-free cells are utilized, but is NP-complete if the interconnections between all cells are utilized. A heuristic reconfiguration algorithm utilizing the interconnections between all cells is presented. Application of boundary scan to parallel testing and on-wafer diagnosis of the arrays is described. >
Maximum entropy production in heavy ion collisions

Abstract It is shown that individual two body scattering reactions of complex systems such as heavy ions produce a minimum real entropy increase which can be measured experimentally. This entropy is defined independent of any theory and can be compared to theoretically predicted values.
Adolescent Immunizations: Policies to Provide a Shot in the Arm for Adolescents

With multiple vaccines for adolescents recently recommended and in various stages of development, the issue of how to effectively deliver immunizations to this age group has become increasingly important. This manuscript addresses some of the primary barriers and potential public health solutions to providing vaccinations effectively to adolescents. The foreseen complexities associated with each potential solution will be noted throughout; there remain potentially unforeseen ramifications as well.
Pharmacokinetics of kanamycin in dogs

The pharmacokinetics of kanamycin were studied in beagle dogs. A parenteral preparation of kanamycin sulphate (5% aqueous solution), which was given at a dosage level of 10 mg/kg of body weight, was the drug product used. The disposition curve which resulted from the intravenous administration of a single bolus dose of the drug was completely described by the biexponential equation: Cp= 50e-0.1977t+ 36.3e-0.0128t where Cp represents concentration of the drug in the serum at time t (in minutes) and the experimental constants are mean values. Pseudo-distribution equilibrium was rapidly attained and the apparent volumes of the central and peripheral compartments of the two-compartment open model were the same (ca 125 ml/kg). Body clearance (mean ± S.D., n= 6) of kanamycin was 3.21 ±0.72 ml/kg/min. The half-life of the drug was short (58.18 ± 18.43 min) and independent of the route of parenteral (intravenous and intramuscular) administration. Absorption of kanamycin from the intramuscular site was rapid, with a half-time of 9.08 ± 1.10 min. A systemic availability of 89.1 ± 15.8% was obtained. Based on the bioavailability and disposition kinetics a dosage regimen consisting of the intramuscular injection of the dose (10 mg/kg) at 6 h intervals is proposed. An intravenous infusion rate of 48 μg/kgymin is predicted to establish a steady state serum concentration of 15 μg/ml, which is a therapeutic level of the antibiotic for susceptible micro-organisms.
New optical engineering and instrument design programs at the University of California, Irvine Extension

Three years ago we reported on a new optics education program established at the Irvine Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) at the Advanced Technology and Education Park (ATEP) operated by the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD). This paper reports on new Optical Engineering and Instrument Design Programs now being offered through the University of California, Irvine Extension. While there are some similarities between the two programs, the differences are mainly the students' level. The community college level programs were targeted primarily at technicians and junior level engineers. The university level programs are targeted at senior level engineering and physical sciences university students, graduate and post graduate students and designers in industry. This paper reviews the reasons for establishing these certificate programs and their content, the students' motivations for taking them and their employers' incentives for encouraging the students.© (2010) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Application of the two-stage Markov chain Monte Carlo method for characterization of fractured reservoirs using a surrogate flow model

In this paper, we develop a procedure for subsurface characterization of a fractured porous medium. The characterization involves sampling from a representation of a fracture’s permeability that has been suitably adjusted to the dynamic tracer cut measurement data. We propose to use a type of dual-porosity, dual-permeability model for tracer flow. This model is built into the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method in which the permeability is sampled. The Bayesian statistical framework is used to set the acceptance criteria of these samples and is enforced through sampling from the posterior distribution of the permeability fields conditioned to dynamic tracer cut data. In order to get a sample from the distribution, we must solve a series of problems which requires a fine-scale solution of the dual model. As direct MCMC is a costly method with the possibility of a low acceptance rate, we introduce a two-stage MCMC alternative which requires a suitable coarse-scale solution method of the dual model. With this filtering process, we are able to decrease our computational time as well as increase the proposal acceptance rate. A number of numerical examples are presented to illustrate the performance of the method.
Global attractivity and periodic solutions in delay-differential equations related to models in physiology and population biology

With appropriate assumptions, the following two general first-order nonlinear differential delay equations may be employed to describe some physiological control systems as well as some population growth processes: $$x'(t) = f\left( {\int_{ - \tau }^{ - \sigma } x (t + s)d\mu (s)} \right) - g(x(t))$$ and $$x'(t) = x(t)\left[ {f\left( {\int_{ - \tau }^{ - \sigma } x (t + s)d\mu (s)} \right) - g(x(t))} \right].$$ It is assumed thatg(x) is strictly increasing,g(0)=0, and each of these two equations has a unique positive steady state. Sufficient conditions are obtained for this steady state to be a global attractor (with respect to continuous positive initial functions) whenf(x) is monotone or has only one hump. We also establish the global existence of periodic solutions in these equations.
Reversal of thermal hyperalgesia in a rat partial sciatic nerve ligation model by Prosaptide TX14(A).

Abstract We used the partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL) model of Seltzer to assess thermal hyperalgesia after administration of Prosaptide™ 14-mer, TX14(A). At a dose of 200 μg/kg in Wistar rats, subcutaneous delivery of TX14(A) reversed thermal hyperalgesia at 3 and 24 h. Values declined at 48 h and returned to baseline at 72 h. A dosing study of TX(14)A gave a dependent response with 100 μg/kg having a similar potency to the 200 μg/kg study with 50 and 10 μg/kg responding somewhat lower. When TX(14)A was administered every fourth day for 12 days at 100 μg/kg, 24 h post injection values returned to baseline each time. Our results suggest that Prosaptide™ may have potential for therapeutic use in neuropathic pain syndromes in humans.
Lobeline attenuates neonatal ethanol-mediated changes in hyperactivity and dopamine transporter function in the prefrontal cortex in rats.

Abstract Current therapies for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have varying efficacy in individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), suggesting that alternative therapeutics are needed. Developmental exposure to ethanol produces changes in dopamine (DA) systems, and DA has also been implicated in ADHD pathology. In the current study, lobeline, which interacts with proteins in dopaminergic presynaptic terminals, was evaluated for its ability to attenuate neonatal ethanol-induced locomotor hyperactivity and alterations in dopamine transporter (DAT) function in striatum and prefrontal cortex (PFC). From postnatal days (PND) 1–7, male and female rat pups were intubated twice daily with either 3 g/kg ethanol or milk, or were not intubated (non-intubated control) as a model for “third trimester” ethanol exposure. On PND 21 and 22, pups received acute lobeline (0, 0.3, 1, or 3 mg/kg), and locomotor activity was assessed. On PND 23–25, pups again received an acute injection of lobeline (1 or 3 mg/kg), and DAT kinetic parameters ( Km and V max ) were determined. Results demonstrated that neonatal ethanol produced locomotor hyperactivity on PND 21 that was reversed by lobeline (1 and 3 mg/kg). Although striatal DAT function was not altered by neonatal ethanol or acute lobeline, neonatal ethanol exposure increased the V max for DAT in the PFC, suggesting an increase in DAT function in PFC. Lobeline ameliorated this effect on PFC V max at the same doses that decreased hyperactivity. Methylphenidate, the gold standard therapeutic for ADHD, was also evaluated for comparison with lobeline. Methylphenidate decreased DAT V max and Km in PFC from ethanol-treated pups. Thus, lobeline and methylphenidate differentially altered DAT function following neonatal ethanol exposure. Collectively, these findings provide support that lobeline may be a useful pharmacotherapy for some of the deficits associated with neonatal ethanol exposure.
THE HUMORAL IMMUNE RESPONSE TO HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE B : A MATHEMATICAL MODEL BASED ON T-ZONE AND GERMINAL CENTER B-CELL DYNAMICS

Abstract Through careful mapping of the physiology of the T-zone and GC B-blast dynamics to a mathematical representation of the cell processes including proliferation, migration, differentiation, and cell death, a mathematical model is constructed to capture the dominant nominal primary, late follicular, and secondary humoral response toHaemophilus influenzaeType b. This model explicitly incorporates the dynamics of memory B-cells, T-zone and GC B-dynamics, IgM and IgG antibodies, avidity maturation, and IC presentation by FDCs into a coherent framework. This paper describes the relevant immunology, the pertinent physiological assumptions, the developed model, and the parameter identification procedure. The model parameters were found using a parameter identification procedure that capitalizes on the timing and interactions of certain dominant physiological attributes. Simulation results and validation tests indicate that the model reflects not only a nominal primary and secondary humoral immune response but also the tertiary and T-independent responses. The model shows robustness to variations in infection dosage, bacterial growth rate (virulence of the strain), and onset-timing of the secondary response. The utility of this model in studying the humoral immune response is demonstrated through suggested physiological assumptions, mechanisms, and rates to be eventually clinically evaluated as well as insights into vaccination design. The model and parameter identification techniques are easily adapted to other diseases which primarily evoke a humoral immune response.
Grin and bare it: Locus of control in streakers

A study of 99 male and female streakers at one university revealed normality on demographic variables, but a significantly higher level of external control in male streakers over male nonstreakers, and a lower but nonsignificant level of external control in female streakers over female nonstreakers. Participants' explanations of the basis of their streaking behavior and their feelings about streaking were discussed.
Planar micro-optic solar concentrator

We present a new approach to solar concentration where sunlight collected by each lens in a two-dimensional lens array is coupled into a shared, planar waveguide using localized features placed at each lens focus. This geometry yields a thin, flat profile for moderate concentration systems which may be fabricated by low-cost roll manufacture. We provide analyses of tradeoffs and show optimized designs can achieve 90% and 82% optical efficiency at 73x and 300x concentration, respectively. Finally, we present preliminary experimental results of a concentrator using self-aligned reflective coupling features fabricated by exposing molded SU-8 features through the lens array.
Adolescent Obesity and Puberty: The “Perfect Storm”

Obesity is the most serious long-term health risk currently facing America's adolescents. Weight gain during adolescence carries a higher risk for adult obesity and the metabolic syndrome. This review highlights early adolescence as a particularly high-risk time for weight gain due to the synergy of naturally occurring metabolic changes along with increasing behavioral risk factors. One of the first potential health effects of abnormal weight gain during this period is earlier puberty, usually manifested as thelarche. The obesity epidemic is clearly implicated in the national trend toward earlier thelarche, although the data are not as strong in relation to menarche. Leptin activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, combined with insulin resistance, and increased adiposity may result in the higher estrogen levels that are linked to breast development. Young adolescents also experience a sharp decline in their level of physical activity, worsening nutritional habits, and other important psychosocial and developmental risk factors that may contribute to obesity and estrogen-dependent disease in later life, including polycystic ovary syndrome and breast cancer. Unfortunately, the very psychosocial factors that contribute to abnormal weight gain during early adolescence make prevention and treatment in this population particularly challenging. Therefore, intervening prior to pubertal onset becomes even more important given the risk factors present once puberty begins.
Role and Regulation of β-Catenin Signaling During Physiological Liver Growth

Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays key roles not only during development but also in adult tissue homeostasis. This is also evident in liver biology where many temporal roles of β-catenin have been identified during hepatic development, where, in hepatic progenitors or hepatoblasts, it is a key determinant of proliferation and eventually differentiation to mature hepatocytes, while also playing an important role in bile duct homeostasis. β-Catenin signaling cascade is mostly quiescent in hepatocytes in an adult liver except in the centrizonal region of a hepatic lobule. This small rim of hepatocytes around the central vein show constitutive β-catenin activation that in turn regulates expression of genes whose products play an important role in ammonia and xenobiotic metabolism. Intriguingly, β-catenin can also undergo activation in hepatocytes after acute liver loss secondary to surgical or toxicant insult. Such activation of this progrowth protein is observed as nuclear translocation of β-catenin and formation of its complex with the T-cell factor (TCF) family of transcription factors. Expression of cyclin-D1, a key inducer of transition from the G1 to S phase of cell cycle, is regulated by β-catenin-TCF complex. Thus, β-catenin activation is absolutely critical in the normal regeneration process of the liver as shown by studies in several models across various species. In the current review, the temporal role and regulation of β-catenin in liver development, metabolic zonation in a basal adult liver, and during the liver regeneration process will be discussed. In addition, the probability of therapeutically regulating β-catenin activity as a possible future treatment strategy for liver insufficiency will also be discussed.
Generalized petersen graphs which are cycle permutation graphs

A cycle permutation graph is obtained by taking two n-cycles each labeled 1, 2,…, n, along with the edges obtained by joining i in the first copy to α(i) in the second, where α ∈ Sn. A characterization of the intersection between cycle permutation graphs and the generalized Petersen graphs as defined by Watkins (J. Combin. Theory 6 (1969), 152–164), is given.