cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Swi1Timeless Prevents Repeat Instability at Fission Yeast Telomeres

Genomic instability associated with DNA replication stress is linked to cancer and genetic pathologies in humans. If not properly regulated, replication stress, such as fork stalling and collapse, can be induced at natural replication impediments present throughout the genome. The fork protection complex (FPC) is thought to play a critical role in stabilizing stalled replication forks at several known replication barriers including eukaryotic rDNA genes and the fission yeast mating-type locus. However, little is known about the role of the FPC at other natural impediments including telomeres. Telomeres are considered to be difficult to replicate due to the presence of repetitive GT-rich sequences and telomere-binding proteins. However, the regulatory mechanism that ensures telomere replication is not fully understood. Here, we report the role of the fission yeast Swi1(Timeless), a subunit of the FPC, in telomere replication. Loss of Swi1 causes telomere shortening in a telomerase-independent manner. Our epistasis analyses suggest that heterochromatin and telomere-binding proteins are not major impediments for telomere replication in the absence of Swi1. Instead, repetitive DNA sequences impair telomere integrity in swi1Δ mutant cells, leading to the loss of repeat DNA. In the absence of Swi1, telomere shortening is accompanied with an increased recruitment of Rad52 recombinase and more frequent amplification of telomere/subtelomeres, reminiscent of tumor cells that utilize the alternative lengthening of telomeres pathway (ALT) to maintain telomeres. These results suggest that Swi1 ensures telomere replication by suppressing recombination and repeat instability at telomeres. Our studies may also be relevant in understanding the potential role of Swi1(Timeless) in regulation of telomere stability in cancer cells.
Infection of Monkey Kidney Tissue Cultures with Virus-Like Agents.

SummaryDuring attempts to adapt dengue virus to rhesus monkey kidney cultures, an unidentified agent which causes formation of syncytial masses and vacuolation in such cultures was encountered. Subsequently, 3 additional agents with similar cytopathogenic effects were passed and maintained in HeLa cell cultures from uninoculated monkey kidney cultures. Renal tissue and not the medium constituents is the source of the agent. Bacteriological studies with one agent were negative. The same agent passed through a Selas filter. Accordingly it is considered to be virus-like in nature. Similar experiments were not done with 3 other agents but because of certain common characteristics are believed to be of the same nature.
Thoughts on In-toeing and Out-toeing: Twenty Years' Experience with Over 5000 Cases and a Review of the Literature

We are reporting over 5000 cases of children presenting with toeing-in or toeing-out problems. Patients were seen over a period of 20 years. The toeing-in and toeing-out gait patterns are discussed in terms of the relationship to the hip joint and the tibiofibular unit. It is concluded by the authors that most of these problems represent normal variants in the development of the child and require no treatment. The necessity and modalities of therapy for the remainder are discussed in detail. The current literature on the subject is also reviewed.
Could Raising the Minimum Wage Improve the Public’s Health?

The author reflects on the impact an increase in the minimum wage would have on the public's health in the United States. He comments on public health research into the minimum wage and their findings including low birth weight and post-neonatal mortality. He mentions the lack of variation in time series research and talks about research using simulation models to estimate the effects that raising New York City's minimum wage to 15 dollars per hour would be.
The effects of obesity on recovery after endometrial cancer surgery.

e20640 Background: Excess body fat is a risk factor for endometrial cancer. However, its effects on recovery and quality of life following surgery for endometrial cancer have not yet been determine...
Abstract 117: NOS1β Mediates the Difference Between Juxtamedullary and Superficial Glomerular Injury with Aging

Renal function measured by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) declines with aging. But the mechanism has not been clarified. Nitric oxide synthase 1 β (NOS1β) is highly expressed in the macula densa (MD) and modulates tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF), which is an important mechanism for GFR regulation. We hypothesized that expression of NOS1β in MD decreases with aging, which enhances TGF response and contributes to the decline of GFR. We further hypothesized that NOS1β expression in superficial (SF) MD is lower than that of juxtamedullary (JM) MD, which contribute to more severe renal injury in renal cortex with aging. First, GFR was measured by plasma FITC-inulin clearance after a single bolus injection in conscious 12-week young mice and 20-month-old C57/BL6 mice. GFR was reduced by 36.4% in aged mice (236±9.7 vs 150±7.6 μl/min). Then we compared the glomerular injury in 20-month-old C57/BL6 mice with 12-week mice. The aged mice have significant severed injury compared to the young mice as indicated by injury scores (3.6) and expanded fractional mesangial area (FMA) per glomerulus (26.4%). In addition, injuries were more evident in SF glomeruli with larger FMA (29.3%) than that in JM glomeruli (16.9%). Next we measured NOS1β protein abundance and found that NOS1β protein in aged mice was reduced by 73% compared to young mice. In addition, we compared the NOS1β abundance between SF and JM glomeruli in aged and young mice. NOS1β protein level decreased by more than 90% in SF nephrons in aged mice compared with the young mice. In contrast, there was no significant changes in NOS1β expression in JM nephron between aged and young mice. To determine whether NOS1β mediates the changes in GFR and renal injury, we repeated the experiments in age matched MD specific NOS1β knock out (MD-NOS1KO) mice. In MD-NOS1KO mice, GFR in aged mice was reduced by 29.5% (203±15.7 vs 143±13.2 μl/min) compared young mice. Aged MD-NOS1KO mice had more severer renal injury compared with age-match wild type mice with higher injury score (4.7 vs 3.6), increased FMA (40.9% vs 26.4%) and occurrence of glomerulosclerosis (GS 30.8% ), but diminished difference between JM glomerulus (FMA37.4%, GS34.1%) and SF glomerulus (FMA42.2%, GS29.7%).
Influences and Barriers on Physical Activity in Pediatric Oncology Patients

Objectives: To determine the influence of family, peers, school, and physicians on exercise in pediatric oncology patients and evaluate the barriers to physical activity levels in this population. Methods: A search of PubMed and Google Scholar resulted in 12 related articles. The articles were assessed for the influence of school systems, family, peers, self-efficacy, and physicians on exercise. Additionally barriers and interventions to physical activity were also assessed. Limitations and research methodologies of each article were also evaluated. Results: Many school systems were unsure of expectations in regards to physical activity for their returning students with cancer. Most schools acknowledged willingness to increase exercise for these students; however, there is a communication gap between the medical field and the school system on what expectations should be. Family is associated with increased physical activity levels and healthier diets in this population with children preferring mothers as exercise partners more than fathers. While physician interventions have been shown to positively impact physical activity, it has been reported that physicians are not engaging in exercise counseling with their patients. Conclusion: Several issues and barriers related to physical activity in pediatric oncology population were identified. Studies have demonstrated it is feasible to increase physical activity and self-efficacy in this population. Further research is needed to better understand and quantify these issues as well as further test the interventions that have been suggested in this review and have been successful in other pediatric populations.
COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF METOPROLOL AND NEBIVOLOL ON BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL IN AFRICAN-AMERICANS

Background: Beta blockers (BB) are well established drugs in management of hypertension. We aim to compare effects of two BB -Metoprolol and Nebivolol, a third generation BB with vasodilatory property mediated by nitric oxide release, on blood pressure (BP) control. Methods: This is a prospective,
Impaired testosterone biosynthesis in cryptorchidism

In an attempt to determine whether the production and synthesis of testosterone (T) by the testis is impaired by the cryptorchid state, the ability of the cryptorchid rat testis to form T was assessed at various time periods into adulthood after the surgical induction of cryptorchidism in the newborn period. The intratesticular T content of the descended testis rose from 0.3 ng/testis at 14 days of age to 71.2 ng/testis at adulthood (day 56); whereas in the cryptorchid testis, the values were 0.4 ng/testis and 2.0 ng/testis, respectively, at the same ages ( P β -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) in the ∆ 4 T biosynthetic pathway were measured. All these enzyme activities in the cryptorchid testis were inhibited at 56 days of age by about 80% when compared with the descended testis ( P
Lope de Vega en televisión

This article unpacks the image that Spanish National Television (TVE) has made of Lope de Vega from the 1960s to nowadays. By analyzing the entire fifty year corpus of Lope’s plays broadcast on TVE, as well as other shows in which he figures as a protagonist, I explore the extent to which television stands as a medium capable of offering alternative approaches that question the Lope myth that cultural memory has institutionalized around his persona.
Peer support for physical activity adoption among breast cancer survivors: Do the helped resemble the helpers?

Interventions offering peer mentoring programmes promoting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) have shown improvements in MVPA and well-being from baseline; however, research is limited. The purpose of this study was to compare the physical activity (PA) levels and psychosocial well-being of coaches and participants at baseline and following a 12-week intervention. Breast cancer survivors (<5 years) were recruited and randomised into either exercise (Reach-to-Recovery (RTR) + PA) or control (RTR Control). Participants in both groups were individually assigned one of the 18 available coaches who delivered either the MVPA intervention or the control condition via telephone. PA (7-Day PA Recall), psychosocial well-being, fatigue and mood were assessed at baseline and intervention completion. Seventy-six breast cancer survivors (average age = 55.62 (±9.55)) were randomised. At baseline, all participants showed significantly lower MVPA (p = .001) and well-being (p < .05) as compared to coaches. However, post-intervention showed significant improvement in PA and well-being in RTR + PA, so that they were no longer significantly different from the coaches. Post-intervention, MVPA (p < .01), quality of life (p < .05) and fatigue (p < .05) remained significantly lower in RTR Controls compared to coaches. Future interventions should consider the behavioural patterns not only of the participants, but also of those who deliver the interventions.
Clinical Benefits of Inverse Planning for High Dose Rate Prostate Brachytherapy

The purpose of this paper is to report the clinical benefits of our in house inverse planning routine (IPSA) for the treatment planning of prostate high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR). IPSA has been designed for 3D image guided brachytherapy treatment planning. The optimization process is guided by dose objectives define for each organ extracted from medical imaging. IPSA takes into account multiple targets (prostate, boost) and multiple organs at risk (urethra, rectum, bladder, etc.). IPSA is setup to maximize the prostate dose coverage while taking into account other clinical objectives like the dose homogeneity and the organs at risk protection. A simulated annealing algorithm optimizes the dwell times to fulfill the dose objectives in less than 1 minute. The dose volume histograms of 30 consecutive prostate cancer patients were computed and analyzed for this study. The prostate volumes range from small to large and the number of implanted catheters vary accordingly. The dosimetric indices are excellent independently of the gland size and shape. IPSA reduced significantly the treatment planning time and produced improved treatment plans with reduced dose to the organs at risk compare to conventional treatment planning methods. This anatomy based optimization achieved conformal dose coverage to the prostate opening the possibility to deliver higher dose to the prostate while reducing the dose deliver to the urethra and normal tissues. Wide adaptation of this technology should improve quality of patient care.
Surface Flaws and the Mechanical Behavior of Glass Optical Fibers

The strength and static fatigue behavior of glass optical waveguide fibers were investigated. Bimodal distributions of surface flaws were generally observed, and several types of defects were identified. Consideration of strength — length aspects of these fibers indicated that the strength of 1 km lengths is in the range of 300–400 MN/m2. Static fatigue results suggested a stress corrosion process with a characteristic constant n ≃ 26, but data analysis was complicated by the presence of a wide range of critical flaw sizes in the test populations.
Medical Management of Gastrointestinal Cancer

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer includes a wide variety of malignancies, starting in the esophagus and ending at the other end of the GI tract, the anus. They are derived from the ectoderm, the mesoderm, or the entoderm and the histologies encompass many subtypes including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, small cell tumors, sarcomas, and lymphomas. As a group they make up more than 25% of all new cancers and are responsible for 24.7% of all cancer deaths (SILVERBERG and LUBERA 1988). The various histologies in the several anatomic sites have distinct clinical features and responsiveness to systemic therapy. Surgery, which plays a major role in management of some GI cancers such as colon, has a lesser role in the management of hepatocellular or pancreatic cancers. These latter cancers tend to present with multicentric or far advanced disease that does not lend itself to surgical resection. Likewise, sensitivity to radiation therapy is quite varied.
MANAGING ACCELERATING DATA GROWTH IN THE GENOME DATABASE

The international Human Genome Project has entered a phase marked by phenomenal data growth. Rapid increases in the size and complexity of genomic maps, sequences, and macromolecular structures threaten to overwhelm the existing scientific information infrastructure. The traditional organization of public biological databases is inadequate to meet the problems arising from this increased flow. The Genome Database, an international repository of human genetic and physical mapping information, has been extensively revised to address these issues. Features of the new GDB architecture that were designed specifically to address expanding data volume include: direct public curation of the database, electronic data submission, efficient querying of specific genomic regions, and a modular database design. These features are described, with emphasis on their contribution to the query, display, and analysis of large data sets.
PERTURBATION OF DIFFERENTIATION AND THE KINETIC MODEL BY GLUCOSE

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses perturbation of differentiation and the kinetic model by glucose. A dynamic analysis of a metabolic network under the steady-state conditions of the living cell is possible through the use of kinetic models, which can simulate changes in enzyme activity, changes in metabolite flux, and concentration over the course of differentiation. Such model serves to: (1) provide a framework within which to judge the relevance of in vitro data to conditions operative in the living cell; (2) organize and orient the data, hence revealing meaningful experimental approaches; and (3) make specific predictions that can be substantiated or refuted. With such a model, a reaction can be presented by different enzyme mechanisms to determine which allow a realistic simulation; that is, give output consistent with the appropriate experimental data. Such an analysis has been made possible with the kinetic model of carbohydrate metabolism during differentiation in the cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum.
High levels of endogenous DNA adducts (I-compounds) in pig liver. Modulation by high cholesterol/high fat diet.

Abstract I (indigenous)-compounds are bulky endogenous DNA adducts which are detected by 32 P -postlabeling in unexposed animals. I-compound levels in rodents depend on age, species, strain, gender, tissue, diet, and chemical exposure. There are two classes of I-compounds, type I and type II. While many type I I-compounds may not reflect DNA damage, type II I-compounds have been identified as oxidative DNA lesions some of which can be produced in vitro under Fenton reaction conditions. In rats, caloric restriction (CR) increases the levels of many type I I-compounds compared with ad libitum fed animals, while high fat diet has the opposite effect. Here, we have tested whether hepatic DNA of a non-rodent mammal, the pig, contains I-compounds and whether feeding a high cholesterol/high fat (HC/HF) diet modulates their levels, assuming this would affect the formation of lipid-related precursors and cause oxidative stress. Male Yorkshire pigs aged 2 months old, were fed either control or HC/HF diet (control diet supplemented with 2% cholesterol and 19% lard) for 2 months. Pig liver DNA contained at least 19 type I and five type II I-compounds. Among the former, only five matched corresponding spots in rat liver DNA, while all the latter DNA lesions were detected in both species. The levels of both types of DNA modifications were six to eight-fold higher in pig DNA. HC/HF diet reduced levels of many type I I-compounds up to several fold but had little effect on the oxidative lesions. Several type I I-compounds showed negative linear correlations with serum cholesterol levels, while this association was positive for total type II I-compounds. The substantially elevated steady-state levels of bulky endogenous DNA adducts in the species with the longer life expectancy were surprising. Thus, for the first time, an intimate link between nutritional status and endogenous DNA modifications has been established in a non-rodent system. We propose that in order to explain our observations, differences in diet composition, antioxidant defenses, and DNA repair, as well as cytochrome P 450 modulation of precursor levels and hormonal effects need to be considered.
Nutrient- and dose-dependent microbiome-mediated protection against a plant pathogen.

Summary Plant-associated microbial communities can promote plant nutrient uptake, growth, and resistance to pathogens [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Host resistance to infection can increase directly through commensal-pathogen interactions or indirectly through modulation of host defenses [ 4 , 5 , 6 ], the mechanisms of which are best described for rhizosphere-associated bacteria. For example, Arabidopsis plants infected with the foliar pathogen, Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato (Pst), increase their root secretion of malate, which attracts Bacillus subtillis to the roots and leads to a stronger host response against Pst [ 7 ]. Although there are numerous examples of individual defensive symbionts (e.g., [ 8 ]), it is less clear whether this type of protection is an emergent property of whole microbial communities. In particular, relatively little is known about whether and how the presence of phyllosphere (above-ground) microbial communities can increase host resistance against pathogens. In this study, we examined the ability of augmented tomato phyllosphere microbiomes to confer resistance against the causal agent of bacterial speck, Pst. Across five independent experiments, the augmented phyllosphere microbiome was found to decrease pathogen colonization. Furthermore, the dose of commensal bacteria applied affected the degree of protection conferred, and although the effect is dependent on microbial composition, it is not clearly related to overall bacterial diversity. Finally, our results suggest that resources available to the phyllosphere microbial community may play an important role in protection, as the addition of fertilizer abolished the observed microbiome-mediated protection. Together, these results have clear relevance to microbiome-mediated protection within agricultural settings and the use of plant probiotics to increase disease resistance.
PT-Symmetry on-a-Chip: Harnessing Optical Loss for Novel Integrated Photonic Functionality

The development of non-Hermitian parity-time (PT) symmetric quantum mechanics has offered a powerful platform to engineer novel device functionality for integrated photonics. In this chapter, we review the chip-scale applications of PT-symmetry in photonic devices, including the implementation of the unidirectional reflectionless PT metamaterial, coherent asymmetric light-light switching, and orbital angular momentum (OAM) laser on-chip. We study the optical analogy of non-Hermitian PT systems, manipulate the complex refractive index properties such as gain/loss modulation, and investigate the unique wave transport characteristics near the exceptional point (EP) to achieve these intriguing on-chip functionalities.
Introduction: Skin Anatomy, Imaging Approaches, and Dermatology Terminology

Skin is the largest organ in the body and has an intricate structure that serves multiple important functions. The histology, imaging modalities, and normal anatomy of skin are reviewed in this chapter, along with basic dermatology terminology. Familiarity with the histology and anatomy of skin are important for understanding the corresponding imaging abnormalities discussed in subsequent chapters.
Transition State Analysis of the Reaction Catalyzed by the Phosphotriesterase from Sphingobium sp. TCM1.

Organophosphorus flame retardants are stable toxic compounds used in nearly all durable plastic products and are considered major emerging pollutants. The phosphotriesterase from Sphingobium sp. TC...
Health Indicators of a Cohort of Midwest Farmers: Health Outcomes of Participants in the Certified Safe Farm Program.

Occupational illness, injury, and fatality rates for those working in production agriculture are higher than in any other industry. A potential risk factor contributing to occupational injuries acr...
Parametric study on liquid and surface properties affecting meniscus dynamics during bubble formation in capillaries- Applications to frying

Abstract A parametric study was conducted to understand the effect of orifice diameter, and liquid and surface properties on meniscus formation between subsequent bubbles for a submerged orifice. Parameters studied were liquid viscosity and surface tension, and wettability of the capillary surface. Pressure in the orifice chamber and high-speed video of the meniscus motion were recorded. Meniscus behavior was characterized using the Weber number (We): single bubbles (We 1). Bond number (Bo) characterized meniscus motion: capillary driven (Bo
Recurrence Rates Following Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization are Improved Following a Criteria Based Return to Sport Testing Protocol

Objectives:Recurrent shoulder instability after arthroscopic shoulder stabilization is a challenging complication that often manifests after return to sports. Many physicians use an arbitrary minim...
Correlates of health-related quality of life in youth with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.

Abstract Background Few studies have examined factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in youth with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). In adults, internalizing symptoms such as depression have been shown to be more closely associated with HRQoL than seizure frequency, however, this has not been studied in samples of youth. Investigations into these areas are needed in order to enhance our understanding of the impact of this condition on children and adolescents and inform future clinical intervention. Methods The current study includes 37 youth and one of their parents who attended a clinic visit for treatment of PNES. Children and parents completed measures of psychological functioning, and medical data were extracted from patient charts. Results Parent-reported anxiety (B=-0.45, p = 0.05) and depression (B=-0.60, p = 0.01) were related to parent-report of HRQoL; self-report of depression was related to self-reported HRQoL (B=-0.90, p Conclusions Internalizing symptoms, not seizure frequency, are associated with poorer overall functioning in youth with PNES. Interventions focused on improving anxiety and depression in addition to seizure cessation may contribute to improved HRQoL in youth with PNES more so than those focused on seizure cessation alone.
Impact of the ‘tubulin economy’ on the formation and function of the microtubule cytoskeleton

Abstract The microtubule cytoskeleton is assembled from a finite pool of α,β-tubulin, the size of which is controlled by an autoregulation mechanism. Cells also tightly regulate the architecture and dynamic behavior of microtubule arrays. Here, we discuss progress in our understanding of how tubulin autoregulation is achieved and highlight work showing that tubulin, in its unassembled state, is relevant for regulating the formation and organization of microtubules. Emerging evidence suggests that tubulin regulates microtubule-associated proteins and kinesin motors that are critical for microtubule nucleation, dynamics, and function. These relationships create feedback loops that connect the tubulin assembly cycle to the organization and dynamics of microtubule networks. We term this concept the ‘tubulin economy’, which emphasizes the idea that tubulin is a resource that can be deployed for the immediate purpose of creating polymers, or alternatively as a signaling molecule that has more far-reaching consequences for the organization of microtubule arrays.
Coupled Shifts in Ectomycorrhizal Communities and Plant Uptake of Organic Nitrogen Along a Soil Gradient: An Isotopic Perspective

Plants associating with mutualistic ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi may directly obtain nitrogen (N) bound in soil organic matter (N-SOM). However, the contribution of N-SOM to plant growth under field conditions remains poorly constrained. We tested the hypothesis that turnover in ECM communities along soil inorganic N gradients mediates a functional transition from plant reliance on N-SOM in low inorganic N soils, to primarily inorganic N uptake in inorganic N-rich condition soils. We quantified the δ 15 N of Q. rubra foliage and roots, organic and inorganic soil N pools, and used molecular sequencing to characterize ECM communities, morpho-traits associated with N-foraging, and a community aggregated sporocarp δ 15 N. In support of our hypothesis, we document the progressive enrichment of root and foliar δ 15 N with increasing soil inorganic N supply; green leaves ranged from − 5.95 to 0.16‰ as the supply of inorganic N increased. ECM communities inhabiting low inorganic N soils were dominated by the genus Cortinarius, and other fungi forming hyphal morphologies putatively involved in N-SOM acquisition; sporocarp estimates from these communities were enriched (+ 4‰), further supporting fungal N-SOM acquisition. In contrast, trees occurring in high inorganic N soils hosted distinct communities with morpho-traits associated with inorganic N acquisition and depleted sporocarps (+ 0.5‰). Together, our results are consistent with apparent tradeoffs in the foraging cost and contribution of N-SOM to plant growth and demonstrate linkages between ECM community composition, fungal N-foraging potential and foliar δ 15 N. The functional characteristics of ECM communities represent a mechanistic basis for flexibility in plant nutrient foraging strategies. We conclude that the contribution of N-SOM to plant growth is likely contingent on ECM community composition and local soil nutrient availability.
The Use of Conditioning Open-Label Placebo in Opioid Dose Reduction: A Case Report and Literature Review

1) Abstract Introduction: Adequate pain management for inpatients in rehabilitation units is essential for achieving therapeutic goals. Opioid treatments are commonly prescribed, but these are associated with numerous adverse effects, including the risk of addiction and decreased quality of life. Conditioning an open-label placebo is a promising approach to extend the analgesic effect of the opioid while reducing its overall dosage. Objectives: To describe a patient's experience in using conditioning open-label placebo (COLP) as a pharmaco-behavioral intervention to decrease opioid intake and its side effects after inpatient rehabilitation discharge, and to perform a literature review about the use of open-label placebo in pain. Methods: This case study has been extracted from a clinical trial initiated in 2018. A 61-year-old male was recruited at a tertiary rehabilitation hospital after suffering a traumatic sport-related injury and orthopedic surgery. Pain management included prescription of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and short-acting oxycodone. After trial participation, the patient requested off-label COLP treatment to help him decrease outpatient opioid utilization. Results: After COLP treatment, the patient could discontinue oxycodone intake (a reduction from 15 morphine equivalents/day) after rehabilitation discharge. Moreover, opioid side effects decreased from 46 to 9 points on the numerical opioid side-effects scale. A literature review identified five clinical trials using “honest” open-label placebo (OLP) or COLP as an experimental intervention for pain control. From these studies, two were in the area of chronic lower back pain, one in post spine surgery, one in irritable bowel syndrome, and another in spinal cord injury and polytrauma. Four studies reported positive outcomes related to pain control, while one study showed no significant differences in pain management between treatment-as-usual and the COLP group. Conclusion: The case report illustrates how a pharmaco-behavioral intervention can facilitate downward opioid titration safely after inpatient rehabilitation. It initiates a discussion about new approaches for opioid management using conditioning and the patient's expectation of pain relief.
Impact of EcSOD Perturbations in Cancer Progression

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a normal byproduct of cellular metabolism and are required components in cell signaling and immune responses. However, an imbalance of ROS can lead to oxidative stress in various pathological states. Increases in oxidative stress are one of the hallmarks in cancer cells, which display an altered metabolism when compared to corresponding normal cells. Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD) is an antioxidant enzyme that catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide anion (O2−) in the extracellular environment. By doing so, this enzyme provides the cell with a defense against oxidative damage by contributing to redox balance. Interestingly, EcSOD expression has been found to be decreased in a variety of cancers, and this loss of expression may contribute to the development and progression of malignancies. In addition, recent compounds can increase EcSOD activity and expression, which has the potential for altering this redox signaling and cellular proliferation. This review will explore the role that EcSOD expression plays in cancer in order to better understand its potential as a tool for the detection, predicted outcomes and potential treatment of malignancies.
The association of lumbosacral transitional vertebral anomalies with acetabular dysplasia in adult patients with hip-spine syndrome : a cross-sectional evaluation of a prospective hip registry cohort.

Aims Some patients presenting with hip pain and instability and underlying acetabular dysplasia (AD) do not experience resolution of symptoms after surgical management. Hip-spine syndrome is a poss...
Prognostic value of 18F-FDOPA PET in patients with treated low-grade gliomas

1149 Objectives Patients with previously treated low-grade gliomas often present with T2 abnormalites on MRI without contrast enhancement. It is challenging to distinguish between recurrent non-enhancing tumor and treatment effect. This study examines the prognostic value of [18F]fluoro-L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (FDOPA) positron emission tomography (PET) in this group of patients. Methods Fifty-two patients with a history of previously resected low-grade gliomas were studied (24F, 28M; median age: 40.4y; resected: 47, biopsied: 5); 28 subjects received chemotherapy and/or radiation prior to the PET scan (chemo only: 19, radiation only: 5; chemo and radiation: 4). Lesion PET uptakes were rated between -2 and +2 with 0 indicating an uptake equal to that of the striatum. Patients were followed for tumor progression. Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify optimal thresholds for PET uptake rating for time to progression. FDOPA-PET data were compared with patient outcome data using Kaplan Meier analysis. Results Median time to progression was 7.9 months with 27 patients progressed (52%) and 5 patients deceased (10%). Lesion PET uptakes were given the following ratings: -2 (n=19), -1(n=10), 0(n=7), 1(n=1), 2(n=15). ROC analysis identified a threshold equal or greater to the striatum (rating of 0) for differentiating treatment effects from tumor recurrence (AUC: 0.78, sensitivity: 68% and specificity: 83% for all subjects; AUC:0.80, sensitivity: 75%, specificity: 83% for treated subjects). Patients with SUV below the threshold (rating -1 or -2) had an average progression time that was almost four times longer than patients with PET uptake equal to or above the threshold (19.12mo vs 5.46mo, log rank P Conclusions In patients with previously treated low-grade glioma being evaluated for recurrent tumor versus treatment effects, FDOPA uptake was predictive of time to progression, with PET uptake equal or greater than striatum as the threshold
Using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to observe loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) behavior on foraging grounds off the mid-Atlantic United States

Abstract This study represents the first documented use of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to actively track sea turtles in situ. From 2008 to 2014, an ROV was deployed to track the at-sea behavior of loggerhead turtles in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Seventy turtles were tracked, totaling 44.7 h of direct turtle footage. For all attempts, usable video with a turtle retained in view for a minimum of 30 s, was produced at a rate of 43.5% of effort. Turtles were first spotted from the boat, and then when the turtle was within ~ 50 m of the boat, the ROV was deployed to track the turtle for as long as possible. Tracking durations reached up to 426.1 min. Tracked turtles often remained within ~ 10 m of the surface; however loggerheads were tracked to the seafloor on 12 occasions. Turtles were filmed foraging both pelagically and benthically, even though bottom temperatures reached as low as 7.1 °C. A range of inter- and intra-species interactions were also captured. Several varieties of fish remained associated with individual turtles for extended periods of time, even during benthic foraging dives. Additionally, a variety of social interactions between loggerheads were documented. Generally these interactions were filmed occurring near the ocean surface. Overall, using the ROV provided great insight into loggerhead at-sea behavior, otherwise unattainable using previously established techniques.
National Academy Activities

As noted earlier in chapter 4, I became a member of the joint NAS/CAS-NASCO Panel on Air-Sea Interaction in 1959; and I was appointed to NAS/CAS in 1961. The strongest focus of NAS/CAS during much of the 1960s was on preparations for GARP; when this program began to take shape in the late 1960s the U.S. GARP Committee was created to oversee the program. Other NAS/CAS activities included studies of remote sensing and weather modification. The Panel on Remote Atmospheric Probing, chaired by Dave Atlas, produced a two-volume report that reviewed achievements and recommended development of acoustic, lidar, and microwave instrumentation for making atmospheric soundings from the earth and satellites.49 The Panel on Weather Modification published reports in 1962 and 1966 that emphasized the need for research to provide the basic understanding of processes occurring in clouds. The second of these reports included consideration of the possible effects of water vapor that would be introduced into the stratosphere by 400 supersonic transport planes. Based largely on analysis by James E. McDonald, the study suggested that the water vapor introduced into the stratosphere by burning of jet fuel might result in reducing stratospheric ozone concentration with consequent increase in damaging ultraviolet radiation at the ground. Although tentative, this suggestion triggered a political firestorm and contributed to the decision by Congress not to fund the supersonic transport. At about the same time Paul Crutzen and Harold Johnston showed that nitrogen oxides can act catalytically to destroy ozone in the stratosphere. Funding for research in stratospheric ozone increased dramatically, and in 1974 Mario Molina and Sherwood Rowland discovered that chlorofluorocarbon gases (CFCs) released at the ground can destroy ozone in the stratosphere. Molina, Rowland, and Crutzen, formerly an NCAR scientist, were awarded the 1995 Noble Prize for Chemistry for their work on stratospheric ozone.
MO‐FG‐204‐01: Improved Noise Suppression for Dual‐Energy CT Through Entropy Minimization

Purpose: In dual energy CT (DECT), noise amplification during signal decomposition significantly limits the utility of basis material images. Since clinically relevant objects contain a limited number of materials, we propose to suppress noise for DECT based on image entropy minimization. An adaptive weighting scheme is employed during noise suppression to improve decomposition accuracy with limited effect on spatial resolution and image texture preservation. Methods: From decomposed images, we first generate a 2D plot of scattered data points, using basis material densities as coordinates. Data points representing the same material generate a highly asymmetric cluster. We orient an axis by minimizing the entropy in a 1D histogram of these points projected onto the axis. To suppress noise, we replace pixel values of decomposed images with center-of-mass values in the direction perpendicular to the optimal axis. To limit errors due to cluster overlap, we weight each data point’s contribution based on its high and low energy CT values and location within the image. The proposed method’s performance is assessed on physical phantom studies. Electron density is used as the quality metric for decomposition accuracy. Our results are compared to those without noise suppression and with a recently developed iterative method. Results: The proposed method reduces noise standard deviations of the decomposed images by at least one order of magnitude. On the Catphan phantom, this method greatly preserves the spatial resolution and texture of the CT images and limits induced error in measured electron density to below 1.2%. In the head phantom study, the proposed method performs the best in retaining fine, intricate structures. Conclusion: The entropy minimization based algorithm with adaptive weighting substantially reduces DECT noise while preserving image spatial resolution and texture. Future investigations will include extensive investigations on material decomposition accuracy that go beyond the current electron density calculations. This work was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under Grant Number R21 EB012700.
Humility attenuates negative attitudes and behaviors toward religious out-group members

Humility is marked by the regulation of selfish impulses for the sake of others, including holding a modest view of one’s beliefs (and their relative strengths and weaknesses). In three studies, we evaluated the extent to which humility attenuates negative attitudes, behavioral intentions, and behaviors toward religious out-group members. In Study 1 (N = 159), humility regarding religious beliefs was associated with positive attitudes toward religiously different individuals. In Study 2 (N = 149), relational and intellectual humility were associated with less aggressive behavioral intentions in a hypothetical situation in which their cherished beliefs were criticized. In Study 3 (N = 62), participants implicitly primed with humility administered significantly less hot sauce (a behavioral measure of aggression) to a religious out-group member who criticized their cherished views relative to participants in the neutral prime condition. We highlight the importance of humility in promoting positive attitudes ...
Adsorption and contact angle studies: II. Water and organic substances on polished polytetrafluoroethylene☆

Abstract Ellipsometrically determined adsorption isotherms are reported for water, bromobenzene, nitro-methane, benzene, amyl, butyl, propyl, and ethyl alcohols, carbon tetrachloride, n -octane, and n -hexane on a polished polytetrafluoroethylene surface. These are nonwetting systems, and contact angles were also measured. In addition, isotherms were determined for two wetting systems, carbon tetrachloride on oxide-coated stainless steel and n -hexane on oxide-coated chromium-plated glass. For most of the nonwetting cases, the film pressure of the adsorbed film was not negligible, and should not not be omitted in semiempirical treatments of contact angle. The isotherms may be fitted by a previously proposed potential-distortion model, the choice of parameters also giving the observed contact angle. Alternatively, the isotherms are found to be segments of a single characteristic isotherm of the Polanyi type and thus obey a corresponding state principle. This characteristic isotherm for nonwetting systems does not fit the data for the two wetting cases, and the possibility is discussed that in the nonwetting cases the adsorbed state consists of bulk-like liquid in the form of micropatches or lenses rather than as a film of uniform thickness.
Is the rigid-body assumption reasonable?: Insights into the effects of dynamics on the electrostatic analysis of barnase–barstar

Abstract Electrostatically-driven association of proteins is important to many biological functions, and understanding which amino acid residues contribute to these interactions is crucial to protein design. Theoretical calculations that are used to elucidate the role of electrostatics in association are typically based on a single experimentally determined protein structure, while an underlying rigid-body assumption is adopted. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of conformational fluctuations on electrostatic interaction energies, as applied to the electrostatic analysis of barnase–barstar. For our calculations, we apply theoretical alanine-scan mutagenesis to introduce charge perturbations by replacing every ionizable residue with alanine, one at a time. Electrostatic clustering and free energy calculations based on the Poisson–Boltzmann method are used to evaluate the effects of each perturbation. Molecular dynamics simulations are performed for the barnase–barstar parent complex and seven experimental alanine mutations from the literature, in order to introduce relaxation before and after mutation. We discuss the effects of dynamics, in the form of pre- and post-mutation relaxation, on electrostatic clustering and free energies of association in light of experimental data. We also examine the utility of nine electrostatic similarity methods for clustering of barnase alanine-scan mutants. Our calculations suggest that the rigid-body assumption is reasonable for electrostatic calculations of barnase–barstar.
Presynaptic Inhibition of GABAB-Mediated Synaptic Potentials in the Ventral Tegmental Area during Morphine Withdrawal

Opioids increase the firing of dopamine cells in the ventral tegmental area by presynaptic inhibition of GABA release. This report describes an acute presynaptic inhibition of GABAB-mediated IPSPs by mu- and kappa-opioid receptors and the effects of withdrawal from chronic morphine treatment on the release of GABA at this synapse. In slices taken from morphine-treated guinea pigs after washing out the morphine (withdrawn slices), a low concentration of a mu receptor agonist increased, rather than decreased, the amplitude of the GABAB IPSP. In withdrawn slices, after blocking A1-adenosine receptors with 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3-dipropylxantine, mu-opioid receptor activation inhibited the IPSP at all concentrations and increased the maximal inhibition. In addition, during withdrawal, there was a tonic increase in adenosine tone that was further increased by forskolin or D1-dopamine receptor activation, suggesting that metabolism of cAMP was the source of adenosine. The results indicate that during acute morphine withdrawal, there was an upregulation of the basal level of an opioid-sensitive adenylyl cyclase. Inhibition of this basal activity by opioids had two effects. First, a decrease in the formation of cAMP that decreased adenosine tone. This effect predominated at low mu receptor occupancy and increased the amplitude of the IPSP. Higher agonist concentrations inhibited transmitter release by both kinase-dependent and -independent pathways. This study indicates that the consequences of the morphine-induced upregulation of the cAMP cascade on synaptic transmission are dependent on the makeup of receptors and second messenger pathways present on any given terminal.
AIDS and Anthropologists: Ten Years Later

Global AIDS Policy. Douglas A. Feldman. ed. Westport, CT: Bergin and Garvey, 1994 (cloth and paper),. + 250 pp. AIDS and STDs in Africa: Bridging the Gap between Traditional Healing and Modern Medicine. Edward C. Green. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1994. xii. 276 pp. Hidden in the Blood:. Personal Investigation of AIDS in the Yucatan. Carter Wilson. New York: Columbia University Press, 1995 (cloth and paper), xx. 168 pp. Plague Doctors: Responding to the AIDS Epidemic in France and America. Jamie L. Feldman. Westport, CT: Bergin and Garvey, 1995 (cloth), xii. 273 pp. Young People at Risk: Fighting AIDS in Northern Tanzania. Knut-Inge Klepp. Paul M. Biswalo. and Aud Talle. eds.Oslo: Scandinavian University Press, 1995 (cloth), xxviii. 243 pp. AIDS is. Kind of Kahungo That Kills. Hanne Overgaard Mogensen. Oslo: Scandinavian University Press, 1995 (cloth and paper), ix. 135 pp. Les Sciences Sociales Face au Sida: Cas Africains autour de l'Exemple Ivoirien. Jean-Pierre Dozon and Laurent Vidal. eds. Paris: Orstom, 1995 (paper). 300 pp. Sida et Anthropologie: Bilan et Perspectives. Jean Benoist and Alice Desclaux. eds. Paris: Karthala, 1995 (paper). 412 pp.
Characterization of the free radical formed in aerobic microsomal incubations containing carbon tetrachloride and NADPH.

Abstract Aerobic microsomal incubations containing either lipoxygenase or carbon tetrachloride and NADPH apparently produce the same free radical, as determined by spin trapping. The spectrum of the radical trapped in the presence of CCl 4 and NADPH is consistent with a carbon-centered dienyl lipid radical adduct. This species had previously been identified as the trichloromethyl radical adduct.