cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variational encoding of complex dynamics

Often the analysis of time-dependent chemical and biophysical systems produces high-dimensional time-series data for which it can be difficult to interpret which individual features are most salient. While recent work from our group and others has demonstrated the utility of time-lagged covariate models to study such systems, linearity assumptions can limit the compression of inherently nonlinear dynamics into just a few characteristic components. Recent work in the field of deep learning has led to the development of the variational autoencoder (VAE), which is able to compress complex datasets into simpler manifolds. We present the use of a time-lagged VAE, or variational dynamics encoder (VDE), to reduce complex, nonlinear processes to a single embedding with high fidelity to the underlying dynamics. We demonstrate how the VDE is able to capture nontrivial dynamics in a variety of examples, including Brownian dynamics and atomistic protein folding. Additionally, we demonstrate a method for analyzing the VDE model, inspired by saliency mapping, to determine what features are selected by the VDE model to describe dynamics. The VDE presents an important step in applying techniques from deep learning to more accurately model and interpret complex biophysics.
Increases in Depressive Symptoms, Suicide-Related Outcomes, and Suicide Rates Among U.S. Adolescents After 2010 and Links to Increased New Media Screen Time:

In two nationally representative surveys of U.S. adolescents in grades 8 through 12 (N = 506,820) and national statistics on suicide deaths for those ages 13 to 18, adolescents’ depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide rates increased between 2010 and 2015, especially among females. Adolescents who spent more time on new media (including social media and electronic devices such as smartphones) were more likely to report mental health issues, and adolescents who spent more time on nonscreen activities (in-person social interaction, sports/exercise, homework, print media, and attending religious services) were less likely. Since 2010, iGen adolescents have spent more time on new media screen activities and less time on nonscreen activities, which may account for the increases in depression and suicide. In contrast, cyclical economic factors such as unemployment and the Dow Jones Index were not linked to depressive symptoms or suicide rates when matched by year.
Outcomes in microvascular head and neck reconstruction in the setting of restricted residency hours.

Abstract Background Resident duty hour restrictions can limit the frequency of resident flap checks at smaller institutions with “home” call. Institutions are compensating with adjuvant nursing flap checks as well as incorporating technology; however, this management remains controversial. Methods A prospective cohort of 122 free flaps for reconstruction of the head and neck by a single surgeon. Demographic information, operative details, postoperative care, and flap outcomes were recorded. Results Over 42 months, 122 free flaps were performed on 115 patients. The overall flap success rate was 96%. The flap success rate at 72 h was 98% and 96% at the time of discharge with reexploration rates of 11.6%. The intraoperative and postoperative salvage rates were 71% and 64.3% respectively. Conclusion Limited resident flap checks combined hourly nurse flap checks and an implantable Doppler is an effective monitoring protocol for academic programs in the setting of residency duty hour restrictions.
Experimental Aspects of Electrochemistry at Microelectrodes

The development of extensive research using microelectrodes has produced a literature containing many details which serve as guidelines for successful experimentation. Experimental issues important in working with microelectrodes are fabrication, testing of the resulting electrodes, measurement of small currents, especially in the steady state, and instrumentation for fast experiments (scan rates ≥ 1000 Vs-1 or characteristic times of ≤ 50 μs). Appropriate electrodes and instrumentation are commercially available for types of applications which are routine.
«Ein Fiasko des Geistes». Hermann Broch’s Rediscovered Early Critique «Ein offiziöser Gschaftlhuber der Kultur» (1918):

In 1918, writing under a pseudonym, Hermann Broch (1886-1951) published a biting critique of the anthropogeographer Erwin Hanslik (1880-1940). This short text, which takes aim at what Broch perceived to be Hanslik’s deterministically reductive and essentialist claims, provides depth and nuance to our current understanding of this early phase of Broch’s critical oeuvre, while also offering more broadly a unique view onto the contemporary debates that played out in the fields of anthropology, cultural studies, his­tory, and philosophy during the first decades of the twentieth century.
FIVE-YEAR FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES AFTER EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE SURGERY: A Prospective, Controlled Study.

PURPOSE To evaluate 5-year functional outcomes involving the inner retina after epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery. METHODS The study eye (SE) and fellow eye (FE) of 20 patients undergoing ERM surgery were examined preoperatively and at 3, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months postoperatively. Retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thicknesses were analyzed using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Humphrey visual field mean deviation, pattern SD, and qualitative changes were assessed and compared over time. RESULTS Mean GC-IPL thickness in SEs was less than that of FEs at all time points with progressive thinning in SEs after ERM surgery. There was significant thinning of the superotemporal GC-IPL in SEs as compared to FEs at 3 months and 60 months (P < 0.05). Humphrey visual field mean deviation was greater in SEs as compared to FEs but statistically significant only at 0, 12, and 24 months (P < 0.05). Pattern SD increased from baseline in SEs but remained near baseline in FEs. CONCLUSION Surgical eyes after ERM surgery demonstrated progressive thinning of the GC-IPL and transient worsening trends in Humphrey visual field mean deviation and pattern SD as compared to controls after ERM surgery.
Participatory video methods in UX: sharing power with users to gain insights into everyday life

As technologies proliferate into all aspects of daily life, UX practitioners have the ability and responsibility to engage in research to help organizations better understand people's needs. We argue that UX practitioners have an ethical commitment to deploy methods that consciously shift power to create a more equitable relationship between researcher and participants. This article offers participatory video as a method for UX practitioners that democratizes the design process and creates rich visual data. We detail two cases of participatory video methods and how they were used to explore the potential of participatory methods in UX.
Elucidation of the Carbon-Dominated, Chemically and Structurally Heterogeneous, Geopolymeric Material Nanostructure

Timely insight into fundamental material structures and access to the relevant material properties—without delving into complex experimental or sophisticated simulation-based investigations—are pivotal in accelerated material design and development processes. In the present investigation, we attempted to enable a direct physical and structural characterization of the carbon-dominated heterogeneous geopolymeric material nanostructure to critically evaluate the applicability of the general purpose DREIDING force field and assess the degree of uncertainty in the prediction of the underlying material properties. The findings of the present investigation indicate that the DREIDING force field could offer a good compromise between simple force fields and the computationally expensive quantum calculation-based force fields, where few or no experimental data are available, but with reduced accuracy. Therefore, the general-purpose DREIDING force field can potentially be used to model a class of nanoporous geopolymeric materials that exhibit significant structural and chemical heterogeneities.
Classical to Quantum Transitions in Multilayer Plasmonic Metamaterials

We demonstrate that classical-to-quantum transition of free electron plasma can be used to as a doping-independent parameter controlling optical topology of metamaterials and present a comprehensive description of this phenomenon. © 2019 The Author(s)
Diet Pill and Laxative Use for Weight Control and Subsequent Incident Eating Disorder in US Young Women: 2001–2016

Objectives. To investigate the prospective association of diet pill and laxative use for weight control with subsequent first eating disorder diagnosis in young women.Methods. We used longitudinal ...
How perspective-based aggregation undermines the Pareto principle:

The Pareto principle is a normative principle about preferences that advocates concordance with unanimous preference. However, people have perspectives not just preferences. Evaluating preferences ...
A high-efficiency Doherty Power Amplifier for wireless base stations

This paper presents a new high-efficiency two-way Doherty Power Amplifier (DPA) with a modified output matching structure for Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) low-to-medium power bas...
Unique material modifications of Ga2O3 enabled by ultrafast laser irradiation

Ultrafast (femtosecond pulse) laser irradiation provides unique laser-material interactions associated with high instantaneous electric fields and short timescales that lead to a nonequilibrium state between excited electrons and phonons. These interactions result in material modifications that differ from conventional chemical, physical, and thermal processing at much longer timescales, and an opportunity to address material and device processing challenges associated with wide-bandgap materials such as Ga2O3. In this work, we explore ultrafast laser irradiation (Ti:sapphire, 150 fs pulse width) of bulk (010) Sn-doped β-Ga2O3 under two different wavelengths, fundamental (780 nm) and frequency-doubled (390 nm), and a range of laser fluences. We identified a regime for laser-induced damage threshold resulting in material ablation, thermally-induced straight crack formation, and recrystallization. Rastering on a β-Ga2O3 substrate created surface nanostructures including laser-induced periodic surface structures at a high spatial frequency (period ~250 nm). These highly aligned periodic structures can be controlled by laser polarization and wavelength, presenting a means for direct writing of surface nanostructures. Enhanced atomic movement associated with a transient metallic state can provide a means for intentional generation of point defects via the laser irradiation. These point defects may offer a means of electrical modification, which was demonstrated as more than five orders of the magnitude enhancement of lateral conductance on rastered β-Ga2O3. Moreover, a hydrophobic surface of β-Ga2O3was achieved by ultrafast laser irradiation.
Androgens During Infancy, Childhood, and Adolescence: Physiology and Use in Clinical Practice

We provide an in-depth review of the role of androgens in male maturation and development, from the fetal stage through adolescence into emerging adulthood, and discuss the treatment of disorders of androgen production throughout these time periods. Testosterone, the primary androgen produced by males, has both anabolic and androgenic effects. Androgen exposure induces virilization and anabolic body composition changes during fetal development, influences growth and virilization during infancy, and stimulates development of secondary sexual characteristics, growth acceleration, bone mass accrual, and alterations of body composition during puberty. Disorders of androgen production may be subdivided into hypo- or hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism may be either congenital or acquired (resulting from cranial radiation, trauma, or less common causes). Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism occurs in males with Klinefelter syndrome and may occur in response to pelvic radiation, certain chemotherapeutic agents, and less common causes. These disorders all require testosterone replacement therapy during pubertal maturation and many require lifelong replacement. Androgen (or gonadotropin) therapy is clearly beneficial in those with persistent hypogonadism and self-limited delayed puberty and is now widely used in transgender male adolescents. With more widespread use and newer formulations approved for adults, data from long-term randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed to enable pediatricians to identify the optimal age of initiation, route of administration, and dosing frequency to address the unique needs of their patients.
Trans-esophagogastric junction pressure gradients during straight leg raise maneuver on high-resolution manometry associate with large hiatus hernias.

BACKGROUND Straight leg raise (SLR) while supine increases intra-abdominal pressure. We hypothesized that elevations in intra-abdominal pressure would transmit into the thoracic cavity if the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) was disrupted. METHODS Consecutive patients undergoing esophageal HRM were included if they had adequate SLR (hip flexion with knees extended for ≥ 5 seconds while supine). EGJ morphology was subtyped based on lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and crural diaphragm (CD) location (type 1: LES and CD overlap; type 2: separation of < 3 cm; type 3: separation of ≥ 3 cm). EGJ tone was assessed using EGJ contractile integral (EGJ-CI). HRM studies were analyzed according to Chicago Classification v3.0. Mean and peak intra-thoracic and abdominal pressures were measured at baseline and during SLR using on-screen software tools. Trans-EGJ gradients were compared, and pressure gradient < 1 mmHg denoted the equalization of pressures. KEY RESULTS Of 430 patients, 248 (57.5 ± 0.9 years, 69.4% F) completed SLR. EGJ morphology was type 1 in 122 (49.2%), type 2 in 56 (22.6%) and type 3 in 40 (16.1%). In types 1 and 2 EGJ, neither the mean nor peak trans-EGJ pressure gradient changed with SLR (P ≥ .17 for each). In contrast, in type 3 EGJ, peak pressure gradient decreased significantly following SLR (3.5 ± 1.8 mmHg vs. -8.6 ± 4.8 mmHg, P = .01). More type 3 EGJ patients equalized peak (65%) pressures across EGJ compared with types 1 and 2 (27%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES The evaluation of intra-abdominal and intra-thoracic pressures with SLR during esophageal HRM can provide evidence of physiological disruption of the EGJ barrier.
Effect of localized tendon remodeling on supraspinatus tear propagation.

Abstract Rotator cuff tear propagation is multifactorial and may be due to localized changes in mechanical properties from tendon remodeling based on the inhomogeneous stresses experienced by a tendon with a tear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of localized tendon remodeling on tear propagation for simulated supraspinatus tendon tears. A validated computational model of a supraspinatus tendon using subject-specific geometry and material properties with a 1 cm wide anterior tear was used. The medial edge of the supraspinatus tendon was displaced 5 mm to induce tear propagation and cohesive elements were used to model tear propagation. Four remodeling scenarios were investigated: (1) Baseline (no remodeling), (2) Positive remodeling (increased fiber stiffness) and (3) Negative remodeling (decreased fiber stiffness) at tear tips, and (4) Negative remodeling along the medial-lateral tear edge. Output parameters included the amount of tear propagation, critical load to propagate the tear, and maximum principal stress at the tear tips. Positive remodeling at the tear tips resulted in the largest amount of tear propagation (18.4 mm), highest peak maximum principal stress (25.2 MPa), and lowest critical load to propagate the tear (249N). Conversely, negative remodeling at the tear tips resulted in the least amount of tear propagation (16 mm), lowest peak maximum principal stress (17.6 MPa) and highest critical load to propagate the tear (278N). Overall, remodeling at the tear tips has the greatest effect on tear propagation. Therefore, a better method for clinicians to measure tendon stiffness at the tear tips would be helpful to improve outcome of patients.
Unraveling the implications of multiple histidine residues in the potent antimicrobial peptide Gaduscidin-1.

Abstract The development of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as potential therapeutics requires resolving the foundational principles behind their structure-activity relationships. The role of histidine residues within AMPs remains a mystery despite the fact that several potent peptides containing this amino acid are being considered for further clinical development. Gaduscidin-1 (Gad-1) is a potent AMP from Atlantic cod fish that has a total of five His residues. Herein, the role of His residues and metal-potentiated activity of Gad-1 was studied. The five His residues contribute to the broad-spectrum activity of Gad-1. We demonstrated that Gad-1 can coordinate two Cu2+ ions, one at the N-terminus and one at the C-terminus, where the C-terminal binding site is a novel Cu2+ binding motif. High affinity Cu2+ binding at both sites was observed using mass spectrometry and isothermal titration calorimetry. Electron paramagnetic resonance was used to determine the coordination environment of the Cu2+ ions. Cu2+ binding was shown to be responsible for an increase in antimicrobial activity and a new mode of action. Along with the traditional AMP mode of action of pore formation, Gad-1 in the presence of Cu2+ (per)oxidizes lipids. Importantly, His3, His11, His17, and His21 were found to be important to lipid (per)oxidation. This insight will help further understand the inclusion and role of His residues in AMPs, the role of the novel C-terminal binding site, and can contribute to the field of designing potent AMPs that bind metal ions to potentiate activity.
Assessing Quality of Psychiatric Care to Assure Quality of Student Training

There are multiple reasons to assess quality of psychiatric care by medical students. A method for doing so is described. The method can also contribute directly to training and service objectives of a university-affiliated psychiatry clinic. Implementation of the method in one setting indicated that medical students on psychiatry clerkship can provide satisfactory care. A heterogeneous group of adult outpatients assigned to medical students improved, especially in reduction of symptomatic disturbance and initially identified problems. Improvement was judged fairly satisfactory although not optimal. Duration of treatment was not found to determine degree of improvement or level of patient satisfaction. Improvement remained stable through follow-up.
The Consequences of Friendships: Evidence on the Effect of Social Relationships in School on Academic Achievement

This paper examines the demographic pattern of friendship links among youth and the impact of those patterns on own educational outcomes using the friendship network data in the Add Health. We develop and estimate a reduced form matching model to predict friendship link formation and identify the parameters based on across-cohort, within school variation in the "supply" of potential friends. Our model provides novel evidence on the impact of small changes in peer demographic composition on the pattern of friendship links. The evidence suggests, for example, that increases in the share of African-American or Hispanic students leads to reductions in the incidence of cross race friendships. We then use the predicted friendship links from the model in an instrumental variable analysis of the effects of friends' socioeconomic status, as measured by parental education, on own grade point average outcomes. Although the conditional correlation between friendship composition and grade point average suggests large associations between friends' characteristics and own grades, this effect is robust only for females in the instrumental variable analysis. We then present evidence that the GPA effects are driven by science and English grades and a mechanism is likely through non-cognitive factors.
Programmed necroptosis is upregulated in low-grade myelodysplastic syndromes and may play a role in the pathogenesis

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is characterized by persistent cytopenias and evidence of morphologic dysplasia in the bone marrow (BM). Excessive hematopoietic programmed cell death (PCD) and inflammation have been observed in the bone marrow of patients with MDS, and are thought to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Necroptosis is a major pathway of PCD that incites inflammation; however, the role of necroptosis in human MDS has not been extensively investigated. To assess PCD status in newly diagnosed MDS, we performed immunofluorescence staining with computational image analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded BM core biopsies using cleaved caspase-3 (apoptosis marker) and necroptosis markers (receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 [RIPK1], phospho-mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein [pMLKL]). Patients with MDS, but not controls without MDS or patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia, had significantly increased expression of RIPK1 and pMLKL but not cleaved caspase-3, which was most evident in morphologically low-grade MDS (
Protective chromosome 1q32 haplotypes mitigate risk for age-related macular degeneration associated with the CFH-CFHR5 and ARMS2/HTRA1 loci.

Background Single-variant associations with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the most prevalent causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide, have been studied extensively. However, because of a lack of refinement of these associations, there remains considerable ambiguity regarding what constitutes genetic risk and/or protection for this disease, and how genetic combinations affect this risk. In this study, we consider the two most common and strongly AMD-associated loci, the CFH-CFHR5 region on chromosome 1q32 (Chr1 locus) and ARMS2/HTRA1 gene on chromosome 10q26 (Chr10 locus). Results By refining associations within the CFH-CFHR5 locus, we show that all genetic protection against the development of AMD in this region is described by the combination of the amino acid-altering variant CFH I62V (rs800292) and genetic deletion of CFHR3/1. Haplotypes based on CFH I62V, a CFHR3/1 deletion tagging SNP and the risk variant CFH Y402H are associated with either risk, protection or neutrality for AMD and capture more than 99% of control- and case-associated chromosomes. We find that genetic combinations of CFH-CFHR5 haplotypes (diplotypes) strongly influence AMD susceptibility and that individuals with risk/protective diplotypes are substantially protected against the development of disease. Finally, we demonstrate that AMD risk in the ARMS2/HTRA1 locus is also mitigated by combinations of CFH-CFHR5 haplotypes, with Chr10 risk variants essentially neutralized by protective CFH-CFHR5 haplotypes. Conclusions Our study highlights the importance of considering protective CFH-CFHR5 haplotypes when assessing genetic susceptibility for AMD. It establishes a framework that describes the full spectrum of AMD susceptibility using an optimal set of single-nucleotide polymorphisms with known functional consequences. It also indicates that protective or preventive complement-directed therapies targeting AMD driven by CFH-CFHR5 risk haplotypes may also be effective when AMD is driven by ARMS2/HTRA1 risk variants.
Becoming a Successful Scientist: Strategic Thinking for Scientific Discovery.

Although the idea of furthering one’s career has universal appeal, it can be quite difficult to determine the best way to fulfill our professional aspirations. In Becoming a Successful Scientist, Dr. Craig Loehle attempts to describe the mental tools required for an aspiring scientist. The bulk of the book is dedicated to problem-solving strategies and guidelines for scientific discovery, but brief discussions of science-related careers and the relationship between science and the community are also included. Dr. Loehle’s basic tenet is that scientific discovery is a process that requires creative thinking, appreciation of the nature of discovery, the ability to navigate complex problems, and the capacity to verify experimental results. Throughout the book, he tries to demonstrate how the practical application of these processes can improve scientific inquiry and help increase individual productivity. Becoming a Successful Scientist appears to be designed for individuals who are considering, or who have just begun, a career in a science. The text itself draws on examples from a multitude of disciplines and uses frequent analogies to everyday life in order to illustrate the author’s points. Yet although these comparisons make the text accessible to a large number of readers, their frequent use is often confusing and makes it difficult for the reader to understand the underlying concepts. Further, these underlying notions may not always be of use to readers. For instance, important concepts such as the ability to identify complex, solvable questions that have scientific merit are glossed over in general terms and would benefit from a more in-depth analysis. In contrast, the section entitled “Strategic Problem Solving” extensively discusses a mathematical model to characterize productivity without demonstrating how the reader might use this model to influence their own productivity. The chief point of interest in the book is its strong physiological component. Dr. Loehle believes that an individual’s personality influences the way he or she approaches problems but states that differing personalities will not impair an individual’s productivity provided they learn how to use their skill sets correctly. The subsequent discussion of creativity-promoting tools, problem-solving skills, and data analysis techniques is absorbing and contains several useful tips for the interested reader. In the end, Becoming a Successful Scientist touches on a number of important concepts for aspiring scientists, yet the general nature of this text prevents an in-depth discussion of any one skill or discipline which ultimately limits the usefulness of the work.
J. Rosie Tighe and Elizabeth J. Mueller (Eds.), The Affordable Housing Reader (New York: Routledge, 2013).

The Affordable Housing Reader is an edited volume that collects classic and contemporary essays on affordable housing and community development. The book emphasizes housing as an area of social pol...
Society for Community Research and Action

Community psychology formally began in 1965 at the Swampscott, Massachusetts, conference. Its founders were concerned with the individualistic focus that dominated psychology. Community psychology was conceived as a redefinition of psychologists' roles, to empower psychologists to become change agents who studied and modified the social settings in which individuals interacted. Division 27 of the American Psychological Association, Community Psychology, was established in 1966. The division became a society and changed its name to Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA) in 1990 to better reflect its mission. Keywords: prevention; social action; social change
Myths and news narratives: Towards a comparative perspective of news

Abstract Comparative research across cultures provides a fruitful terrain for research into myths and narratives that are embedded in news content. The study of news as myth or narrative helps to examine the enduring values that a culture tells about itself. This perspective suggests that news is a social construction, but it also suggests that news amounts to an ongoing telling and retelling of familiar stories with a relatively consistent set of themes, actors and moral lessons that link with the broad, common beliefs of a dominant ideology. This study offers a nexus of structuralist and ethnographic approaches that creates a conceptual complement for the above‐mentioned kind of research. Following a conceptual discussion, the article addresses methodological considerations and offers a scheme for conducting research with a cross‐cultural research team.
Amino Acid Activation of mTORC1 by a PB1-Domain-Driven Kinase Complex Cascade.

The mTORC1 complex is central to the cellular response to changes in nutrient availability. The signaling adaptor p62 contributes to mTORC1 activation in response to amino acids and interacts with TRAF6, which is required for the translocation of mTORC1 to the lysosome and the subsequent K63 polyubiquitination and activation of mTOR. However, the signal initiating these p62-driven processes was previously unknown. Here, we show that p62 is phosphorylated via a cascade that includes MEK3/6 and p38δ and is driven by the PB1-containing kinase MEKK3. This phosphorylation results in the recruitment of TRAF6 to p62, the ubiquitination and activation of mTOR, and the regulation of autophagy and cell proliferation. Genetic inactivation of MEKK3 or p38δ mimics that of p62 in that it leads to inhibited growth of PTEN-deficient prostate organoids. Analysis of human prostate cancer samples showed upregulation of these three components of the pathway, which correlated with enhanced mTORC1 activation.
Development and characterization of PLA nanodispersion as a potential ultrasound contrast agent for cancer site imaging

In this study, a poly (D,L-lactic acid) (PLA) nanodispersion system was designed for targeting and imaging of cancer sites. Nanoparticles between 120 nm and 200 nm would allow delivery into the cancer site specifically via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect Also, by reducing reticuloendothelial system (RES) uptake and renal excretion, the nanoparticles would have longer circulation time under physiological conditions with minimal side effects. This advantageous system was prepared by a modified solvent diffusion method. Camphor, which upon removal by sublimation makes the nanoparticles hollow enabling gas introduction, was added to offer echogenicity to the particles. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) results demonstrated that these nanoparticles have approximately 200 nm size with unimodal distribution. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) results showed that the nanoparticles have a spherical shape and supported DLS results. These particles containing Sulfur hexafluoride (SF/sub 6/) gas have shown 7.5 dB enhancements at 5 MHz frequency. Thus, we can conclude that this PLA nanodispersion system has the potential for creating a multifunctional particle acting as a cancer targeting molecule, an ultrasound contrast agent, and further a drug carrier.
REVERSAL OF ETHIONINE-INDUCED INHIBITION OF ELONGATION OF AVENA COLEOPTILES BY ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE.

Abstract Ethionine inhibition of elongation of Avena coleoptiles has been measured in water and in 3-indoleacetic acid. In the presence of 0.01 M 1-ethionine the inhibition amounts to about 70%. The application of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) effectively counteracts this inhibition; optimal ATP concentrations are between 2.5 and 5 × 10 −4 M . In the absence of ethionine ATP still exhibits a stimulatory effect on elongation. It is suggested that ethionine may exert its inhibiting effect on the protein synthesis necessary for elongation of the oat coleoptile by interference with ATP metabolism.
Electrocardiographic imaging: I. Effect of torso inhomogeneities on body surface electrocardiographic potentials

Effect of Inhomogeneities on Body Surface.Introduction: Body surface potential maps (BSPMs) and conventional ECG reflect electrical sources generated by cardiac excitation and repolarization and noninvasively provide important diagnostic information about the electrical state of the heart. Because the heart is located within the torso volume conductor, body surface potentials also reflect the effects of torso inhomogeneities, which include blood, lungs, bone, muscle, fat, and fluid. It is necessary to characterize and understand these effects in order to interpret BSPM and ECG in terms of cardiac activity without “contamination” from the inhomogeneous volume conductor. Methods and Results: Actual measured epicardial and body surface potentials were obtained during normal sinus rhythm and for different pacing protocols from a Langendorff-perfused dog heart suspended in a human-shaped torso tank. Accurate geometry of the torso inhomogeneities was digitized from the Visual Human Project and appropriately introduced into a computer model of the tank setup. The geometry and electrical properties of the volume conductor could be varied. Both homogeneous and inhomogeneous torsos have major smoothing effects on BSPM, which is of very low resolution compared with its corresponding epicardial potential pattern. Relative to a homogeneous torso, the inhomogeneities have only a minor effect on BSPM patterns. They augment potential magnitudes depending on the pattern of epicardial activation. Variations of geometry and electrical properties within the normal physiologic range have minimal effects. Conclusion: Effects of torso inhomogeneities on 12-lead ECGs are minimal, and the associated ECG changes fall within the range of normal interindividual variations.
Comparison of laparoscopic skills performance between single-site access (SSA) devices and an independent-port SSA approach

Background This study compared the performance of validated laparoscopic tasks on four commercially available single-site-access (SSA) devices with the performance of those tasks on an independent-port (IP) SSA setup.
Stationary Waves in the Winter Stratosphere: Seasonal and Interannual Variability

The zonal mean wind and stationary waves 1 and 2 in the January 1973 - February 1977 northern winter stratosphere are determined, on the basis of monthly average conventional and satellite data, by diagnosing wave propagation with the aid of the Eliassen-Palm (1961) flux and the refractive index-squared. Both the seasonal trend and the interannual variability of the amplitude of wave 1 reflect variations in zonal mean wind and the corresponding refractive index. During each year studied, a midwinter minimum in wave 1 amplitude occurs at and above 1 mb as a consequence of a midwinter curvature maximum. In three of the four sudden warmings of wave 1 type which occurred during the study period, the month prior to the warming was characterized by abnormally weak winds near the climatological mean jet, a detached secondary jet at low and high altitude, and abnormally large wave 1 amplitude throughout the upper and middle stratosphere.
Ureteroscopy with pediatric cystoscope in adults

Abstract Limited ureteroscopy can be carried out in adults, using a regular pediatric cystoscope. This equipment is now available in many hospitals. Three illustrative cases are repoted.
Novel polymorphism in the FMR1 gene resulting in a "pseudodeletion" of FMR1 in a commonly used fragile X assay

The fragile X syndrome is the most commonly inherited cause of mental retardation. Genetic diagnosis of this disease relies on the detection of triplet repeat expansion in the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome. Although the majority of disease in fragile X patients is due to mutations involving triplet repeat expansion, deletion of various portions of FMR1has also been described in association with the fragile X syndrome. Here we describe a rare polymorphism in the noncoding region of FMR1 that mimics detection of a deletion in a commonly used assay for fragile X syndrome, which can result in misdiagnosis of the disease.
Orthogonal surface acoustic wave device based on langasite for simultaneous biosensing and biofouling removal

We report a combined three-dimensional structural and fluid structure interaction finite element study of an orthogonal surface acoustic wave (SAW) device based on langasite (LGS). Our simulation results indicate that simultaneous sensing and nonspecifically bound protein removal can be achieved through the use of multidirectional transducers on a single piezoelectric device. We find that the (0, 22, 90) Euler direction on the LGS-based device is suitable for biosensing via propagation of pure shear-horizontal waves, whereas the (0, 22, 0) direction allows for acoustic streaming induced biofouling removal through the propagation of mixed mode waves with prominent surface normal component. This study reveals the possibility of integrating sensing and biofouling removal functions on a single SAW device, thereby enhancing sensor performance.
Stiffness versus prestress relationship at subcellular length scale

Local intracellular variations of cell mechanical properties, which are essential for vital cellular functions, have not been well characterized and are poorly understood. Here, we used results from our previous biomechanical imaging study to obtain relationships between intracellular shear modulus and prestress. We found that the subcellular shear modulus vs. prestress relationships exhibited positive linear correlations, consistent with previously observed behaviors at the whole cell and tissue levels. This, in turn, suggests that the prestress may be a unifying factor that determines material properties of living matter at different length scales.
Synthesis and pharmacology of site-specific cocaine abuse treatment agents: restricted rotation analogues of methylphenidate.

A series of threo-1-aza-3 or 4-substituted-5-phenyl[4.4.0]decanes (quinolizidines), which were envisioned as restricted rotational analogues (RRAs) of methylphenidate (MP), was synthesized and tested for inhibitory potency against [3H]WIN35,428, [3H]citalopram, and [3H]nisoxetine binding to the dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporters, respectively. Two different synthetic schemes were used; a Wittig reaction or acylation (followed by an intramolecular condensation) was a key feature of each scheme. The unsubstituted RRA, threo(trans)-1-aza-5-phenyl[4.4.0]decane (12a), was equipotent to unconstrained threo-MP against [3H]WIN35,428 binding. The extra ring in these RRAs (which reduces the conformational freedom) and the orientation and polarity of substituents at the 4-position on this extra ring are of critical importance to the biological activity. Generally, the RRAs paralleled the corresponding unconstrained MP derivatives in binding affinity to the three transporters. The results suggest th...
Three adjacent genes of African swine fever virus with similarity to essential poxvirus genes

Nucleotide sequencing of the right end of theSalIj fragment of the highly virulent Malawi Lil 20/1 strain of African swine fever virus (ASFV) has revealed three adjacent genes with similarity to: serine-threonine protein kinases; members of the putative helicase superfamily SF2; and the vaccinia virus 56 kDa abortive late protein. All three genes are transcribed to the left with respect to the orientation of the ASFV genome. Gene L19IL predicts a protein similar to serine-threonine protein kinases including vaccinia virus gene B1R. Gene L19KL predicts a protein that is likely to be a nucleic acid-dependent ATPase, as it has similarity to both the poxvirus 70 kDa early transcription factor subunit and the poxvirus nucleoside triphosphatase I gene. Gene L19LL has extensive similarity to the vaccinia virus 56 kDa abortive late protein.
Taste polymorphism in mice involving a bitter sugar derivative.

BECAUSE of the high correspondence between bitterness and the toxicity of naturally occurring bitter products1, it is important for many free-ranging animals to be able to recognize and reject bitter tasting stimuli. The wild rat and mouse have also been subjected to synthetic rodenticides, many of which are bitter tasting2. Selection pressures would therefore be expected to be directed toward maintaining sensitivity to bitter stimuli. By the same reasoning, sensitivity to bitter stimuli might well have been lost in some of the highly inbred strains of laboratory mice. Evidence of individual differences in responsiveness in non-homogeneous strains is suggestive of this trend3.
Stutterers' voice initiation times during conditions of novel stimulation

Abstract The present experiment examined stutterers' voice initiation times (VITs) during conditions of novel stimulation. The experimenters were interested in determining how VITs varied as a function of pacing and masking. Stutterers were examined in control, pacing, and masking conditions. The results indicated that: (1) stutterers significantly improved their VITs in the pacing condition as compared with the control condition (p = 0.005), (2) stutterers had significantly faster VITs in the pacing condition as compared with the masking condition (p = 0.005), and (3) stutterers improved VITs in the masking condition as compared with the control condition (p = 0.075). These results are discussed in terms of the facilatory nature of novel stimulation in modifying speech-system functioning.
Oscillations in nonlinear sampled-data systems

In this paper a method is presented to examine the necessary conditions for the existence of certain limit cycles in nonlinear sampled-data systems. The method is based on the principle of specifying a certain repetitive output from the nonlinearity and finding under what conditions this sequence will be sustained. Many examples are worked to illustrate the method.
Positron interactions with high-Z atoms at relativistic energies.

We consider the interaction of a positron with a bound electron of a high-Z atom. In particular, we present relativistic calculations of the cross sections for knockout and/or positronium formation in a thorium target, as well as an internal process in a hypothetical Z=164 "atom." Both plane-wave and distorted-wave Born approximations are discussed. We find peaks in the final sum energy of the electron-positron pairs due to the momentum distribution of the atomic electron. However, these peaks are too low in energy and are too broad compared with peaks claimed in e+e- scattering or with the anomalous positron peaks in heavy-ion experiments.
Evidence for the net accumulation of glycine into a synaptosomal fraction isolated from the telencephalon and spinal cord of the rat.

The uptake of [U-14C] glycine and unlabelled glycine into synaptosomes isolated from the telencephalon and spinal cord was studied. During the first 3 minutes, the rate of [U-14C] glycine (8 × 10−7M) taken up by synaptosome preparations (P2) from the spinal cord and telencephalon were estimated to be 0.100 and 0.0243 nmoles/mg protein/min, respectively. The addition of either 10−5M ouabain or 10−3M DNP significantly inhibited the accumulation of [U-14C] glycine. Approximately 85% of the radioactivity taken up by the incubated P2 fraction was found in the subfraction of P2 containing synaptosomes. A net accumulation of unlabelled glycine was observed when the crude synaptosomal fraction (P2) was incubated at 37°C in the presence of 0.0375, 0.075 and 0.15 mM glycine. In preparations from the telencephalon and spinal cord, this uptake of unlabelled glycine appeared to occur against a large concentration gradient. The rate of uptake was 2 to 6 times greater in preparations from the spinal cord than in similar preparations from the telencephalon.
Anorectic specificity as measured in a choice paradigm in rhesus monkeys.

Abstract The present report describes a new procedure for assessing anorectic specificity. Two rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) surgically prepared with indwelling intragastric cathetets were trained in a discrete trial choice paradigm to respond for either food or visual access to a room containing other monkeys. Our hypothesis was that a specific anorectic would reduce only food-maintained responding; responding to open a window would either not be affected or would increase. Caloric preloads, d-amphetamine, (d,l)-fenfluramine, and cholecystokinin octapeptide all decreased food-maintained by window opening. These results demonstrate that choice procedures are useful for assessing anorectic specificity.
Considerations regarding the contributions of B cells to chronic allograft rejection in experimental animal models.

In this article, I will review the evidence that donor-reactive alloantibodies contribute significantly to the development of allograft vasculopathy, as observed in several animal models of this disease. I will not address several interesting issues related to this topic, including the possible contributions of B cells other than the production of alloantibodies (for example, function of antigen presenting cells), the mechanisms of alloantibody-mediated pathology, the regulation of alloantibody production, or clinical studies that correlate post-transplant alloantibody production with the development of chronic allograft rejection. In general, the article will address 3 questions: (1) Are alloantibodies present during the development of experimental allograft vasculopathy? (2) Are alloantibodies sufficient to induce allograft vasculopathy? (3) Are alloantibodies required to produce allograft vasculopathy? I will also address several important issues related to these questions.
Stimulus parameters affecting paired-pulse depression of dentate granule cell field potentials. II. Low-frequency stimulation.

Abstract Low frequency (1 Hz) stimulation of the perforant path produces a depression in the population spike (PS) of dentate granule cell field potentials and also may affect the strength of paired pulse depression. The effects of 1 Hz stimulation (30 s train) on paired pulse depression (20 and 200 ms interpulse intervals, IPI) were evaluated in the unanesthetized rat under two conditions: (i) when the stimulus intensity of both pulses was increased simultaneously (5–100%); and (ii) when the stimulus intensity of the first (conditioning) pulse was increased (5–100%), while the stimulus intensity of the second (test) pulse was held constant (50%). The test PS amplitude was predicted based upon either the conditioning PS amplitude at the end of the 1 Hz train or upon the additive effects of paired pulse depression and 1 Hz stimulation. These predicted values then were assessed for the best fit to observed values following 1 Hz trains. Under both stimulus conditions, the 1 Hz depression in the conditioning PS amplitude exhibited characteristics that were identical to late paired pulse depression recorded before the train. A decrease in the test PS amplitude also was observed following 1 Hz stimulation at the 20 and 200 ms IPIs. The best fit to observed values of the test PS at the end of 1 Hz trains was provided by estimates based upon the additive effects of 1 Hz stimulation and paired pulse depression. These results indicate that the strenght of paired pulse depression in the unanesthetized rat is unchanged following 1 Hz stimulation, and further, that the 1 Hz depression in dentate granule cell field potentials most likely reflects the cumulative influence of late paired pulse depression.
Circadian variation of plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone among heterozygotic carriers of 21-hydroxylase deficiency (salt-losing form).

The circadian variation of 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels in 3 male obligatory carriers of 21 -hydroxylase deficiency (salt-losing form) was not significantly different from that of normal noncarrier m
First record of marsupials (Metatheria: Polyprotodonta) from the Oligocene in Africa

Metatherian (marsupial) and eutherian (placental) mammals are end members of a complex, possibly common North American1–4 or, less likely, a South American5 stock that diverged before the early late Cretaceous and underwent separate adaptive radiations establishing them as the two dominant mammalian groups (subclass Theria). By the later Cretaceous, marsupials were well situated in North America3 and were also present in South America6. Their oldest occurrences in Antarctica (later Eocene7) and Australia (Oligocene8) are artefacts of exceptionally poor fossil records of mammals on those continents and it is clear that the Metatheria must have been quite diverse in both areas (physically connected in pre-Eocene times9) very much earlier5,7. Marsupials probably did not reach Europe much before their earliest record there in the early Eocene10. The Metatheria have not been identified from Asia, nor until now from Africa. We now report the discovery of the first fossil remains of a didelphid marsupial in Oligocene rocks in North Africa.