cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extracellular biodegradable macromolecular gadolinium(III) complexes for MRI.

The clinical application of macromolecular gadolinium (Gd) complexes as MRI contrast agents is limited by the slow excretion of Gd(III) complexes and consequent long-term tissue accumulation of toxic Gd ions. To alleviate the problem of slow excretion, biodegradable polydisulfide-based macromolecular Gd(III) complexes were designed and prepared based on the disulfide-thiol exchange to allow degradation of the macromolecules by endogenous thiols and to facilitate excretion of Gd(III) complexes after the MRI examination. The in vitro degradation study showed that the polydisulfide agent was readily degraded by cysteine at plasma thiol concentrations. No cross-reaction was observed between the cysteine-34 on human serum albumin (HSA) with the agent. Concentration-dependent blood pool contrast enhancement was observed for the polydisulfide agents. The agents of both high molecular weight (35,000 Da) and low molecular weight (17,700 Da) produced significant contrast enhancement in the heart and aorta in rats at relatively high doses. Except for the bladder, the signal intensities gradually decreased over time. Significant blood pool contrast enhancement was also observed for the high molecular weight agent at a low dose (0.03 mmol-Gd/kg), but not for the agent with a lower molecular weight. The contrast enhancement in the urinary bladder increased over time for the polydisulfide agents and Gd(III)-(DTPA-BMA). Degradation products were identified by mass spectrometry in the urine samples from the rats administered with both polydisulfide agents, which confirmed that the polydisulfide agents were degraded in vivo and excreted through renal filtration. The preliminary results demonstrated the in vitro and in vivo degradability, superior blood pool contrast enhancement, and rapid clearance through renal filtration of the novel biodegradable macromolecular agent. This agent has a great potential for further preclinical and clinical development with application in contrast-enhanced blood pool and cancer MR imaging. Magn Reson Med 51:27–34, 2004. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Coding of hyperspectral imagery using adaptive classification and trellis-coded quantization

A system is presented for compression of hyperspectral imagery. Specifically, DPCM is used for spectral decorrelation, while an adaptive 2D discrete cosine transform coding scheme is used for spatial decorrelation. Trellis coded quantization is used to encode the transform coefficients. Side information and rate allocation strategies are discussed. Entropy-constrained codebooks are designed using a modified version of the generalized Lloyd algorithm. This entropy constrained system achieves a compression ratio of greater than 70:1 with an average PSNR of the coded hyperspectral sequence approaching 41 dB.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Accurate GPU-accelerated surface integrals for moment computation

We present algorithms for computing accurate moments of solid models that are represented using multiple trimmed NURBS surfaces and triangles. Our algorithms make use of programmable Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) to accelerate the moment computations. For NURBS surfaces, we evaluate the surface coordinates and normals accurately, with theoretical bounds, using our GPU NURBS evaluator. We have developed a framework that makes use of this data to evaluate surface integrals of trimmed NURBS surfaces in real time. Since typical solid models also contain flat planes that are usually tessellated into triangles, our framework also includes GPU acceleration of the moment contributions of such flat faces. Using our framework, we can compute volume and moments of solid models with theoretical guarantees. Our algorithms support local geometry changes, which is useful for providing interactive feedback to the designer while the solid model is being designed. We can compute the center of mass and check for stability of the solid model interactively. Other applications of such real-time moment computation include deformation modeling, animation, and physically based simulations.
A novel specificity protein 1 (SP1)-like gene, regulating protein kinase C-1 (PKc1)-dependent cell-wall integrity and virulence factors in Cryptococcus neoformans

Eukaryotic cells utilize complex signaling systems to detect their environments, responding and adapting as new conditions arise during evolution. The basidiomycete fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is a leading cause of AIDS-related death worldwide and utilizes the calcineurin and protein kinase C-1 (Pkc1) signaling pathways for host adaptation and expression of virulence. In the present studies, a C-terminal zinc finger transcription factor, homologous both to the calcineurin-responsive zinc fingers (Crz1) of ascomycetes and to the Pkc1-dependent specificity protein-1 (Sp1) transcription factors of metazoans, was identified and named SP1 because of its greater similarity to the metazoan factors. Structurally, the Cryptococcus neoformans Sp1 (Cn Sp1) protein was found to have acquired an additional zinc finger motif from that of Crz1 and showed Pkc1-dependent phosphorylation, nuclear localization, and whole genome epistatic associations under starvation conditions. Transcriptional targets of Cn Sp1 shared functional similarities with Crz1 factors, such as cell wall synthesis, but gained the regulation of processes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, including trehalose metabolism, and lost others, such as the induction of autophagy. In addition, overexpression of Cn Sp1 in a pkc1Δ mutant showed restoration of altered phenotypes involved in virulence, including cell wall stability, nitrosative stress, and extracellular capsule production. Cn Sp1 was also found to be important for virulence of the fungus using a mouse model. In summary, these data suggest an evolutionary shift in C-terminal zinc finger proteins during fungal evolution, transforming them from calcineurin-dependent to PKC1-dependent transcription factors, helping to shape the role of fungal pathogenesis of C. neoformans.
Toward Integrating Cognitive Neuroscience: One Method Deserves Another

Methods in Mind. Carl Senior, Tamara Russell, and Michael S. Gazzaniga (Eds.). 2006. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, 394 pp., $55.00 (HB)In the preface of Methods in Mind, the editors express their intent to provide a text that integrates different cognitive neuroscience methods. The chapter authors were given the lofty charge of describing their method of choice, considering the method's strengths and limitations, and how other methods might be integrated. By-and-large, the editors have achieved their goal.
ViKI: an accessibility project

Although computerized assistive devices for most handicaps are becoming more widely available, one major drawback is that users must currently provide customized interfaces for every computer system they use. In addition to specialized input and output devices, such assistive devices also frequently require customized software. This paper proposes an alternative solution, by providing a customized interface (both hardware and controlling software) on a laptop computer that is then used to control standard software on any other host computer. In this way, the user can carry their specialized interface to essentially any general computer, and can interact with any standard software supported on the host. The laptop system becomes a virtual keyboard to the host machine.
CT evaluation of placental abruption in pregnant trauma patients

The purpose of the study was to assess the possibility of placental injury detection on computed tomography (CT) in pregnant trauma patients. The images and dictated reports of 44 CT scans of pregnant women who presented to the University of California Irvine Medical Center (UCIMC) from 2003 to 2008 for traumatic abdominal conditions were reviewed for placental abruption. Performances of original dictated reports, an untrained reviewer, and a trained reviewer (who was trained on 22 non-traumatic scans) were compared. Of the 66 pregnant women who received abdominal CT scans, 44 sustained abdominal trauma. Seven suffered placental abruptions, all of which were identified on CT. Sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 79.5%, respectively, for the untrained reviewer, 100% and 82.1% for the trained reviewer, and 42.9% and 89.7% for the original dictated reports. Placental abruptions are often overlooked on CT scan. Sensitivity may be improved by systematic evaluation of the placenta and specificity by training on normal placental morphology.
New synthetic route to α‐alkylacrylonitriles and a study of their homopolymerization and copolymerization reactions

Aliphatic aldehydes have been condensed with cyanoacetic acid and the resulting olefin intermediates hydrogenated and then submitted to a Mannich-type reaction to produce α-alkylacrylonitriles with the alkyl groups ranging from C1 to C12. It was not necessary to isolate the intermediates when the reactions were carried out in acetonitrile solutions. The α-alkylacrylonitriles with C7 or higher alkyl groups in the chains would polymerize by radical initiation in emulsion to give polymers which were sticky, rubbery products and showed adhesive characteristics. Anionic initiation did not yield polymers with the α-alkylacrylonitriles containing high alkyl groups but did convert the C2 to C4 alkyl-substituted acrylonitriles to low molecular weight colored products. Some copolymers of α-alkylacrylonitriles with acrylonitrile were prepared in emulsion by radical initiation. The monomer ratios in these copolymers were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectra.
A four-node plate bending element based on Mindlin/Reissner plate theory and a mixed interpolation

This communication discusses a 4-node plate bending element for linear elastic analysis which is obtained, as a special case, from a general nonlinear continuum mechanics based 4-node shell element formulation. The formulation of the plate element is presented and the results of various example solutions are given that yield insight into the predictive capability of the plate (and shell) element.
Multiple interacting liquids

The particle level set method has proven successful for the simulation of two separate regions (such as water and air, or fuel and products). In this paper, we propose a novel approach to extend this method to the simulation of as many regions as desired. The various regions can be liquids (or gases) of any type with differing viscosities, densities, viscoelastic properties, etc. We also propose techniques for simulating interactions between materials, whether it be simple surface tension forces or more complex chemical reactions with one material converting to another or two materials combining to form a third. We use a separate particle level set method for each region, and propose a novel projection algorithm that decodes the resulting vector of level set values providing a "dictionary" that translates between them and the standard single-valued level set representation. An additional difficulty occurs since discretization stencils (for interpolation, tracing semi-Lagrangian rays, etc.) cross region boundaries naively combining non-smooth or even discontinuous data. This has recently been addressed via ghost values, e.g. for fire or bubbles. We instead propose a new paradigm that allows one to incorporate physical jump conditions in data "on the fly," which is significantly more efficient for multiple regions especially at triple points or near boundaries with solids.
Stream recession curves and storage variability in small watersheds

Abstract. The pattern of streamflow recession after rain events offers clues about the relationship between watershed runoff (observable as river discharge) and water storage (not directly observable) and can help in water resource assessment and prediction. However, there have been few systematic assessments of how streamflow recession varies across flow rates and how it relates to independent assessments of terrestrial water storage. We characterized the streamflow recession pattern in 61 relatively undisturbed small watersheds (1–100 km2) across the coterminous United States with multiyear records of hourly streamflow from automated gauges. We used the North American Regional Reanalysis to help identify periods where precipitation, snowmelt, and evaporation were small compared to streamflow. The order of magnitude of the recession timescale increases from 1 day at high flow rates (~1 mm h−1) to 10 days at low flow rates (~0.01 mm h−1), leveling off at low flow rates. There is significant variability in the recession timescale at a given flow rate between basins, which correlates with climate and geomorphic variables such as the ratio of mean streamflow to precipitation and soil water infiltration capacity. Stepwise multiple regression was used to construct a six-variable predictive model that explained some 80 % of the variance in recession timescale at high flow rates and 30–50 % at low flow rates. Seasonal and interannual variability in inferred storage shows similar time evolution to regional-scale water storage variability estimated from GRACE satellite gravity data and from land surface modeling forced by observed meteorology, but is up to a factor of 10 smaller. Study of this discrepancy in the inferred storage amplitude may provide clues to the range of validity of the recession curve approach to relating runoff and storage.
Downregulation of microRNAs miR-1, -206 and -29 stabilizes PAX3 and CCND2 expression in rhabdomyosarcoma.

Elevated levels of PAX3 and cell proliferation genes are characteristic features of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). We hypothesize that the increased levels of these genes are stabilized due to downregulation of specific miRNAs. In this study, we show that downregulation of miR-1, -206 and -29 stabilizes the expression of PAX3 and CCND2 in both embryonal (ERMS) and alveolar (ARMS) RMS types. Ectopic expression of miR-1 and 206 in JR1, an ERMS cell line, show significant downregulation of PAX3 protein expression, whereas overexpression of these miRNAs in Rh30, an ARMS cell line, did not show any effect in PAX3 protein levels. In ARMS, PAX3 forms a fusion transcript with FOXO1 and the resultant loss of PAX3 3′UTR in the fusion transcript indicate an oncogenic mechanism to evade miRNA-mediated regulation of PAX3. Further, we show that miR-1, -206 and -29 can regulate the expression of CCND2, a cell cycle gene. In addition to CCND2, miR-29 also targets E2F7, another cell cycle regulator. Cell function analysis shows that overexpression of miR-29 downregulates the expression of these cell cycle genes, induces partial G1 arrest leading to decreased cell proliferation. Taken together our data suggest that the RMS state is stabilized by the deregulation of multiple miRNAs and their target genes, supporting a tumor suppressor role for these miRNA.
Role of the Sympathetic Adrenal System in the Pathogenesis of the Insulin Resistance Syndrome

ABSTRACT: The pathophysiology of the various manifestations of Syndrome X has been poorly understood. A possible mechanism involves stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Insulin plays an important role in the relationship between dietary intake and SNS activity. Because insulin-mediated glucose uptake in central hypothalamic neurons regulates SNS activity in response to dietary intake, a hypothesis was developed that links the hyperinsulinemia of obesity to sympathetic stimulation, the latter exerting a prohypertensive effect mediated by the kidney, the heart, and the vasculature. Evidence in support of this hypothesis has been obtained from the Normative Aging Study (NAS) in which a relationship between insulin (and glucose) and the SNS, and between insulin and SNS activity and blood pressure was demonstrated. The characteristic dyslipidemia in NAS subjects, moreover, was related to insulin and epinephrine. As reported in other studies, insulin level was directly associated with low HDL and high triglyceride levels. An independent inverse association was also noted between urinary epinephrine excretion and lipid levels: high epinephrine excretion rates were associated with high HDL and low triglyceride levels and, conversely, low epinephrine excretion was associated with low HDL and high triglycerides. In the NAS, therefore, increased SNS activity contributes to hypertension while diminished adrenal medullary activity contributes to the low HDL and high triglyceride levels commonly seen in association with hypertension.
Are we ready to match donor and recipient in liver transplantation

The discrepancy between donor supply and or-gandemandisthemajorlimitationandanutterpriorityto face for all those working in liver transplantation. Todate, a solution for this dramatic gap is still to be found,as we do not have enough organs to transplant all thepatients currently placed on the waiting lists. On theone hand, this gap raises such technical issues as theselection of potential donors and recipients on the basisof biological and clinical parameters. On the other, itsettles ethical questions: Who gets to be transplanted?Why one patient instead of another? These are arduouschoices that transplant surgeons and physicians havefaced and that they have debated for the longest time.George Ioannou’s study, published in this issue of
Tunable megawatt soliton pulse generation covering the optimum wavelength window for tissue penetration

We demonstrate 1600–1820 nm tunable MW soliton generation using a solid-core photonic crystal rod pumped by a compact fiber source, and its application to in vivo deep penetration three-photon microscopy in mouse brain.
Lab-on-a-chip thermoelectric DNA biosensor for label-free detection of nucleic acid sequences

Abstract This study describes a thermoelectric method for detection of nucleic acid sequences that is based on measurement of the heat that is released when two DNA sequences hybridize. Microfluidic biosensor with an integrated thin-film antimony/bismuth thermopile was fabricated and successfully used to detect the heat released during DNA hybridization reaction. The thermopile was attached to the external surface of the lower channel wall and measured the dynamic change in temperature caused by the reaction. The intrinsic rejection of common-mode thermal signals by the thermopile in combination with hydrodynamic focused flow allows measurement of temperature changes on the order of 10−4 K without control of the ambient temperature. The microfluidic calorimeter contains a single flow channel, 100 μm high and 12 mm wide, two inlets and single outlet. An oligonucleotide probe, immobilized on the inner surface of the lower channel of the biosensor hybridized to its complementary target that is introduced through one of the inlets. The total sum of the area under the curve of the thermoelectric response was calculated as 30 μVs. The accuracy of the method to discriminate between complimentary and non-complimentary targets sequences was investigated by measuring the thermoelectric response when a mismatched sequence was introduced in the device. The described thermoelectric lab-on-a-chip device accurately detected complimentary and non-complimentary sequences. The applications of the DNA biosensor include detection of specific nucleic acid sequences for gene identification and pathogen detection.
Schizophrenia and the life course: national findings on gender differences in disability and service use.

This article compares the social disability and service utilization across the life course of men and women with schizophrenia. Based on an analysis of data from the 1989 Mental Health Supplement t...
The Polymerase Chain Reaction

This appendix describes the methodology behind PCR and gives a method for amplifying DNA enzymatically by the PCR and for optimizing this reaction for the sequence and primer set of interest.
A comprehensive analysis of performance and side-channel-leakage of AES SBOX implementations in embedded software

The Advanced Encryption Standard is used in almost every new embedded application that needs a symmetric-key cipher. In such embedded applications, high-performance as well as resistance against implementation attacks is mandatory. In this paper, we compare and contrast three different software implementations of AES. The first two are based on cryptographic lookup tables, while the third uses bit-slicing. We analyze the performance and side-channel resistance of each implementation on two different FPGA platforms, one based on a PowerPC processor, and the second based on a LEON-3 soft-core processor. Our measurements show that, on embedded platforms, a bit-sliced AES implementation does not always outperform a lookup-table based AES implementation. We also present a detailed analysis of the side-channel resistance and the source of side-channel leakage, and show that our bit-sliced implementation has eight times more side-channel leakage than the lookup-table implementations. Hence, we conclude that a variation on the implementation style for embedded software implementation of AES will not only affect performance, but also embedded system security.
Intrinsic signal amplification in the application of 2D SENSE parallel imaging to 3D contrast-enhanced elliptical centric MRA and MRV

The relative signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) provided by 2D sensitivity encoding (SENSE) when applied to 3D contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) is studied. If an elliptical centric phase-encoding order is used to map the waning magnetization of the contrast bolus to k-space, the application of SENSE will reduce the degree of k-space signal modulation, providing a signal amplification A over corresponding nonaccelerated acquisitions. This offsets the SNR loss in R-accelerated SENSE due to suquare root R and the geometry (g) factor. The theoretical bound on A is R and is reduced from this depending on the properties of the bolus profile and the duration over which it is imaged. In this work a signal amplification of 1.14-1.23 times that of nonvascular background tissue is demonstrated in a study of 20 volunteers using R = 4 2D SENSE whole-brain MR venography (MRV). The effects of a nonuniform g-factor and inhomogeneity of background tissue are accounted for. The observed amplification compares favorably with the value of 1.31 predicted numerically from a measured bolus curve.
Reverse logistics strategies as a means to improve profitability

To fully maximise profitability, strategies regarding reverse logistics must be analysed and implemented. This study researches several such logistics constructs such as resource commitment, production route efficiency and others. A thorough survey instrument was developed and mailed in effort to achieve accurate, statistically verifiable results. Findings show that while production route efficiency is something managers should focus on, production mix efficiency is something that doesn’t have a direct correlation to profitability. Resource commitment results were mixed, showing a need for more, future research in this area. These results show a key contribution to the field in such that managers now have access to statistically verified means of focusing limited resources towards improving profitability, which previous literature lacked.
Inhibitory cross-talk between steroid hormone receptors: differential targeting of estrogen receptor in the repression of its transcriptional activity by agonist- and antagonist-occupied progestin receptors.

Although estrogen receptor (ER) and progestin receptor (PR) are members of different steroid hormone receptor subfamilies, there is considerable biological evidence for cross-talk between the estrogen and progestin hormone-receptor signaling pathways. We have developed a model system to analyze the mechanisms underlying this cross-talk, specifically the repression of ER-mediated transcriptional activity by PR complexed with agonistic or antagonistic ligands. Estrogen- and progestin-responsive reporter vectors containing a variety of promoters were transfected into primary cultures of rat uterine cells and 3T3 mouse fibroblasts with expression vectors for PR (the A and/or B isoforms) as well as ER. Our results demonstrate that both PR isoforms can act as potent ligand-dependent repressors of ER activity. The magnitude of the repression was dependent on the PR isoform (i.e., PR A or PR B), ligand type (i.e., agonist or antagonist), PR levels, and ligand concentration but was unaffected by the ER levels. The promoter context was important in determining both the magnitude and PR isoform specificity of the repression for agonist-occupied PR but not for antagonist-occupied PR. Ligand-occupied PR A was a stronger repressor of ER-mediated transcriptional activity than was ligand-occupied PR B, and antagonist-occupied PR was a more effective repressor than agonist-occupied PR. Mechanistic studies suggest that liganded PR represses ER activity by interfering with its ability to interact productively with the transcriptional machinery, a process known as quenching. The data do not support competitive repression, direct repression, or squelching as the mechanism of PR's inhibitory effect. Experiments with ER mutants demonstrated that the N-terminal portion of ER was required for repression by agonist-occupied PR but not by antagonist-occupied PR. These results, as well as other differences between the two PR-ligand complexes, suggest that they differentially target ER when repressing ER transcriptional activity. These findings underscore the mounting evidence for the importance of interactions between members of the steroid hormone receptor family.
Image analysis algorithms for estimating porous media multiphase flow variables from computed microtomography data: a validation study

Image analysis of three-dimensional microtomographic image data has become an integral component of pore scale investigations of multiphase flow through porous media. This study focuses on the validation of image analysis algorithms for identifying phases and estimating porosity, saturation, solid surface area, and interfacial area between fluid phases from gray-scale X-ray microtomographic image data. The data used in this study consisted of (1) a two-phase high precision bead pack from which porosity and solid surface area estimates were obtained and (2) three-phase cylindrical capillary tubes of three different radii, each containing an air–water interface, from which interfacial area was estimated. The image analysis algorithm employed here combines an anisotropic diffusion filter to remove noise from the original gray-scale image data, a k-means cluster analysis to obtain segmented data, and the construction of isosurfaces to estimate solid surface area and interfacial area. Our method was compared with laboratory measurements, as well as estimates obtained from a number of other image analysis algorithms presented in the literature. Porosity estimates for the two-phase bead pack were within 1.5% error of laboratory measurements and agreed well with estimates obtained using an indicator kriging segmentation algorithm. Additionally, our method estimated the solid surface area of the high precision beads within 10% of the laboratory measurements, whereas solid surface area estimates obtained from voxel counting and two-point correlation functions overestimated the surface area by 20–40%. Interfacial area estimates for the air–water menisci contained within the capillary tubes were obtained using our image analysis algorithm, and using other image analysis algorithms, including voxel counting, two-point correlation functions, and the porous media marching cubes. Our image analysis algorithm, and other algorithms based on marching cubes, resulted in errors ranging from 1% to 20% of the analytical interfacial area estimates, whereas voxel counting and two-point correlation functions overestimated the analytical interfacial area by 20–40%. In addition, the sensitivity of the image analysis algorithms on the resolution of the microtomographic image data was investigated, and the results indicated that there was little or no improvement in the comparison with laboratory estimates for the resolutions and conditions tested.
Rural Youth Perspectives on Why Kids Disconnect

In the United States, policy makers refer to young people, between the ages of 16 and 24, who are disconnected from school or work as “opportunity youth.” Although researchers have documented demog...
Chloride ion sites in silicate and aluminosilicate glasses: A preliminary study by 35Cl solid-state NMR

Despite the importance of the chloride ion in magmas and the fluids that separate from them, very little is known about atomic-scale structural environments for Cl− in silicate glasses. We present here the first solid-state 35Cl NMR data for Cl in silicate and aluminosilicate glasses, made possible by the availability of very high (14.1 to 18.8 Tesla) magnetic fields. We find that 35Cl has a wide range in chemical shifts that correlate well with cation-Cl distance and thus contain considerable structural information. In general, Cl is coordinated primarily by network-modifying alkali or alkaline earth cations, and we see no evidence for Al-Cl bonding.
Left ventricular myocardial deformation measurements by magnetic resonance Tissue Tracking agrees with tagging (HARP) in healthy volunteers

Background Left ventricular myocardial strain has been described as a potentially useful technique for evaluation and risk stratification of a range of acquired and congenital heart diseases. Tagged acquisition by cardiac MRI has been considered the reference standard for determining myocardial strain; however, this method can be time consuming and the tagged lines may not be visible throughout the cardiac cycle. Tissue Tracking software (Circle Cardiovascular Imaging) is a post-processing method which allows measurements of myocardial strain based on cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance images without the need for additional sequences. Augustine et al. (JCMR 2013) have previously reported reasonable agreement between Feature Tracking (Tom Tec) measurements for circumferential strain and tagging. We aimed to perform a similar comparison between Tissue Tracking software and tagging on a small cohort of normal volunteers.
Dental problems in the wind instrumentalist.

A healthy mouth with intact functional oral tissue is essential to the wind instrumentalist. Since perioral pressures from playing wind instruments can cause tooth movement and increase muscle tone, orthodontic consultation should be considered when selecting instruments for young players. Maintaining the integrity of the dental arches through regular dental examination, preventative dental procedures, the use of lip shields, bonding materials, replacement prostheses, and splinting and supporting mobile teeth can circumvent loss of tooth structure, malpositioning of teeth, unnecessary tooth extraction, and loss of soft tissue. Complete dentures usually prevent playing; however, improved denture retention methods offer hope for continued playing. Xerostomia and oral cancer are potential problems that become more likely with age and are especially serious for the wind instrumentalist.
EVOLUTIONARY LOGIC AND ADLERIAN SOCIAL INTEREST

Evolutionary explanations of human social behavior are increasing in popularity among social scientists. Unfortunately, many psychologists are ill-equipped to argue for or against evolutionary explanations. While numerous examples of inappropriate evolutionary analyses exist, the present article focuses upon one which is a subtle yet profound distortion in the service of maintaining the status quo of individual psychology. We hope our analysis will encourage others to be cautious when applying evolutionary principles to the psychological domain.
Analysis on Pneumoconiosis Incidence of 70 Workers in lead zinc Plant

[Objective]To understand the incidence of pneumoconiosis in lead and zinc plant workers.[Methods]According to"Occupational Health Surveillance Measures","diagnostic criteria of pneumoconiosis"(GBZ70-2009) and "standard chest radiograph for pneumoconiosis diagnosis",occupational health examination and pneumoconiosis diagnosis were conducted on 70 workers from another city who worked in a lead and zinc plant in Liangshan State since 1989.[Results]A total of 61 workers were diagnosed pneumoconiosis,the incidence was 87.14% which was significantly higher than that of coal industry in a city(4.38%).36 cases were silicosis stage Ⅲ,occupying 59.01% of total silicosis cases which was significantly higher than composition ratio of silicosis stage Ⅲ in Sichuan Province during 1949-1998(11.62%).[Conclusion]It shows a feature of high incidence of pneumoconiosis and high stage pneumoconiosis in workers of this lead and zinc plant,which does harm to the health of workers seriously.Occupational health surveillance and the improvement of labor protection should be strengthened to ensure the legal protection of the health of workers.
Atomistic Monte Carlo simulation and continuum mean field theory of the structure and equation of state properties of alkane and polymer melts

A continuum mean field approach based on Generalized Flory Theory and the Polymer Reference Interaction Site Model is developed to describe the structural and equation of state properties of normal alkane liquids and linear polyethylene melts. Efficient Monte Carlo simulations based on a new algorithm that employs concerted rotations around up to seven consecutive skeletal bonds along a chain are also conducted on the same systems. A realistic united-atom model is chosen to describe the geometry and energetics of the molecules and used throughout the study. Comparisons between the simulations and experimental thermodynamic and structural results are good and those between the mean field theory and the exact simulation results are reasonable. A method is described for quickly sampling the conformation of unperturbed chains in continuous space. The statistics of these chains compare very well with conformationally equilibrated chain statistics from the bulk simulation; this provides a confirmation of Flory's Random Coil Hypothesis. The need for improving the mean field theory and for enhancing the equilibration rate of the Monte Carlo simulations are identified. A new neighbor-list scheme is introduced for use in polymer Monte Carlo simulations.
Circulating anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in relation to age and season in male and female beluga (Delphinapterus leucas).

The present study aimed to describe serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) patterns of ex situ male and female beluga to examine the influence of age (divided into 5-year categories) or sexual maturation and reproductive season. In males aged 5–9 years, AMH concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in all age categories exceeding 15 years and were not influenced by season (P = 0.57). AMH concentrations in females peaked in the 5–9-year age category during the breeding season and decreased (P < 0.05) after 9 years of age. Aged females displayed lower (P < 0.05) AMH concentrations than immature and mature animals and immature females secreted higher concentrations than mature animals (P = 0.03). For mature females, seasonal differences (P = 0.02) in AMH concentrations were detected, with females in the breeding season displaying higher AMH concentrations than in the non-breeding season. This is the first time AMH has been characterised in a cetacean species and the first potential hormonal evidence of reproductive senescence in beluga. Further research is required to determine if this hormone can be used as a predictor of fertility for the species.
Does the incorporation of portion-control strategies in a behavioral program improve weight loss in a 1-year randomized controlled trial?

Controlling food portion sizes can help reduce energy intake, but the effect of different portion-control methods on weight management is not known. In a 1-year randomized trial, we tested whether the efficacy of a behavioral weight-loss program was improved by incorporating either of the two portion-control strategies instead of standard advice about eating less. The Portion-Control Strategies Trial included 186 women with obesity (81%) or overweight (19%). Participants were randomly assigned to one of three equally intensive behavioral programs, consisting of 19 individual sessions over 12 months. The Standard Advice Group was instructed to eat less food while making healthy choices, the Portion Selection Group was instructed to choose portions based on the energy density using tools such as food scales and the Pre-portioned Foods Group was instructed to structure meals around pre-portioned foods such as single-serving main dishes, for which some vouchers were provided. In an intention-to-treat analysis, a mixed-effects model compared weight loss trajectories across 23 measurements; at month 12, weight was measured for 151 participants (81%). The trajectories showed that the Pre-portioned Foods Group initially lost weight at a greater rate than the other two groups (P=0.021), but subsequently regained weight at a greater rate (P=0.0005). As a result, weight loss did not differ significantly across groups at month 6 (mean±s.e. 5.2±0.4 kg) or month 12 (4.5±0.5 kg). After 1 year, measured weight loss averaged 6% of baseline weight. The frequency of using portion-control strategies initially differed across groups, then declined over time and converged at months 6 and 12. Incorporating instruction on portion-control strategies within a 1-year behavioral program did not lead to a greater weight loss than standard advice. Using pre-portioned foods enhanced early weight loss, but this was not sustained over time. Long-term maintenance of behavioral strategies to manage portions remains a challenge.
Consequences of intermittent treatment for hypertension: the case for medication compliance and persistence.

OBJECTIVE To review patient compliance with once-daily antihypertensive medications and the impact of partial compliance on healthcare outcomes. DATA SOURCES A MEDLINE search of the literature using the terms "patient compliance," "antihypertensive medications," and "hypertension" for the period 1976-1996 was conducted. In addition, papers cited in reference lists of source articles were reviewed. STUDY SELECTION Articles were selected if they described patterns of compliance, including rates for differing dosing regimens. Articles discussing once-daily dosing were selected only if they included information on the methodology for compliance assessment. Thirteen reports met these criteria. DATA SYNTHESIS Patterns of compliance vary, with only a partial relationship to dosing regimens. Overall compliance was 76% for once-daily antihypertensive medications, with a wide range found (53% to 85%). These data were comparable to the mean 75% compliance found for other medical disorders. CONCLUSIONS Persistence with treatment is necessary for reduction of long-term consequences of hypertension. Enhancing compliance with antihypertensive medications could thus have a profound impact on health outcomes. Once-daily dosing should be coupled with selection of a drug with long duration of action to overcome problems of missed doses. Widespread adoption of simple compliance enhancement methods could lead to decreased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease and stroke.
A Method to Extrapolate the Diffuse Upwelling Radiance Attenuation Coefficient to the Surface as Applied to the Marine Optical Buoy (MOBY)

The upwelling radiance attenuation coefficient (KLu) in the upper 10 m of the water column can be significantly influenced by inelastic scattering processes, and thus will vary even with homogeneous water properties. The Marine Optical BuoY (MOBY), the primary vicarious calibration site for many ocean color sensors, makes measurements of the upwelling radiance (Lu) at 1 m, 5 m, and 9 m and uses these values to determine KLu and propagate the upwelling radiance directed toward the zenith, Lu, at 1 m to and through the surface. Inelastic scattering causes the KLu derived from the arm measurements to be an underestimate of the true KLu from 1 m to the surface at wavelengths greater than 575 nm, thus the derived water leaving radiance is underestimated at wavelengths longer than 575 nm. A method to correct this KLu, based on a model of the upwelling radiance including Raman scattering and chlorophyll fluorescence has been developed which corrects this bias. The model has been experimentally validated, and this technique can be applied to the MOBY data set to provide new, more accurate products at these wavelengths. When applied to a 4 month MOBY deployment, the corrected water leaving radiance, Lw, can increase by 5 % (600 nm), 10 % (650 nm) and 50 % (700 nm). This method will be used to provide additional more accurate products in the MOBY data set.
IN VITRO SYNTHESIS OF VIRUS-SPECIFIC RNA USING TRANSCRIPTIONAL COMPLEX ISOLATED FROM ADENOVIRUS-INFECTED CELLS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the in vitro synthesis of virus-specific RNA using transcriptional complex isolated from adenovirus-infected cells. The control mechanisms of regulation of transcription and post-transcriptional modifications of RNA in eukaryotes are largely undefined. As an approach to understanding these mechanisms, a cell-free system containing an active viral-transcription complex from adenovirus-infected HeLa cells was developed. The complex contains viral DNA, cellular RNA polymerase II which has initiated transcription, methylase(s) and probably a poly (A) polymerase, and some other enzymes of processing. It appears that by proper manipulations, such a system could be used to transcribe and process RNA to generate translatable mRNA. In the presence of four nucleoside triphosphates, the complex synthesizes adenovirus-specific RNA in high yield. Depending on the experimental conditions, RNA synthesis could be carried out by elongation of already initiated RNA chains present in the complex or by de novo initiation and elongation of RNA chains in the presence of exogenous viral DNA.
Rate of Symptomatic Lymphocele Formation After Extraperitoneal vs Transperitoneal Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy and Bilateral Pelvic Lymphadenectomy

Abstract Introduction and Objective: With the peritoneum acting as a natural surface for lymphatic reabsorption, transperitoneal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (tRARP) is thought to be associated with a lower incidence of symptomatic lymphoceles (SLs) compared with its extraperitoneal counterpart (eRARP) when bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection (BPLND) is performed. In this study, we aim to determine if there is a difference in SL formation and characteristics between the two approaches. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent eRARP or tRARP and BPLND by a single surgeon at a tertiary care academic center from July 1, 2003, to May 31, 2016. Patients with a history of prior pelvic radiotherapy, concomitant inguinal hernia repair, RARP without BPLND, or nonadenocarcinoma of the prostate were excluded. The resulting eRARP and tRARP groups were propensity matched for age, body mass index (BMI), American Association of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, D'A...
COMT val158met polymorphism links to altered fear conditioning and extinction are modulated by PTSD and childhood trauma.

BACKGROUND Risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is thought to be mediated by gene × environment (G × E) interactions that affect core cognitive processes such as fear learning. The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) val158met polymorphism has been associated with risk for PTSD and impaired fear inhibition. We used a large, relatively homogenous population to (1) replicate previous findings of poor fear inhibition in COMT Met/Met carriers with PTSD; (2) determine if COMT association with fear inhibition is moderated by childhood trauma (CT), an environmental risk factor for PTSD; and (3) determine if COMT is associated with altered fear processes after recent exposure to combat trauma. METHODS Male Marines and Navy Corpsmen of European-American ancestry were assessed prior to (n = 714) and 4-6 months after deployment to Afghanistan (n = 452). Acquisition and extinction of fear-potentiated startle, childhood and combat trauma history, and PTSD diagnosis were assessed at both time points. RESULTS Before deployment, Met/Met genotype was associated with fear inhibition deficits in participants with current PTSD; however, this association was dependent on CT exposure. After deployment, combat trauma was associated with a modest reduction in fear extinction in Met/Met compared with Val/Val carriers. There were no associations of COMT genotype with fear extinction within healthy and non-traumatized individuals. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the hypothesis that G × E interactions underlie associations of COMT val158met with fear inhibition deficits. These studies confirm that Met/Met carriers with PTSD have poor fear inhibition, and support further research in understanding how this polymorphism might impact response to extinction-based therapies.
Disparities in the Use of Immunization Services Among Underserved Minority Patient Populations and the Role of Pharmacy Technicians: A Review:

Objective: To provide a review of the issues surrounding the lack of use of immunizations and immunization services among underserved minority patients and outline the role of pharmacy technicians ...
Do bisphosphonates affect fusion rates? How to manage these medications in the perioperative time frame

Abstract Various treatment options are available for the management of patients with osteoporosis including bisphosphonates. While bisphosphonates have demonstrated effectiveness at reducing the risk of vertebral osteoporotic fractures, their mechanisms of action may render them contraindicated in the setting of spinal arthrodesis. Research studies reporting on the effects of bisphosphonate osteoporotic medications on spinal fusion remain limited, inconsistent and controversial with no clear guidelines. Future randomized and multi-center studies are needed that further examine the questions of bisphosphonates and spinal fusion.
Complex surface deformation of Akutan volcano, Alaska revealed from InSAR time series

Abstract Akutan volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Aleutian arc. An intense swarm of volcano-tectonic earthquakes occurred across the island in 1996. Surface deformation after the 1996 earthquake sequence has been studied using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), yet it is hard to determine the detailed temporal behavior and spatial extent of the deformation due to decorrelation and the sparse temporal sampling of SAR data. Atmospheric delay anomalies over Akutan volcano are also strong, bringing additional technical challenges. Here we present a time series InSAR analysis from 2003 to 2016 to reveal the surface deformation in more detail. Four tracks of Envisat data acquired from 2003 to 2010 and one track of TerraSAR-X data acquired from 2010 to 2016 are processed to produce high-resolution surface deformation, with a focus on studying two transient episodes of inflation in 2008 and 2014. For the TerraSAR-X data, the atmospheric delay is estimated and removed using the common-master stacking method. These derived deformation maps show a consistently uplifting area on the northeastern flank of the volcano. From the TerraSAR-X data, we quantify the velocity of the subsidence inside the caldera to be as high as 10 mm/year, and identify another subsidence area near the ground cracks created during the 1996 swarm.