cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The arden syntax for medical logic modules

The Arden Syntax for sharing medical knowledge bases is described. Its current focus is on knowledge that is represented as a set of independent modules that can provide therapeutic suggestions, alerts, diagnosis scores, etc. The syntax is based largely upon HELP and the Regenstrief Medical Record System. Each module, called a Medical Logic Module or MLM, is made of slots grouped into maintenance, library, and knowledge categories. The syntax has provisions for querying a clinical database and representing time. Several clinical information systems were analyzed and appear to be compatible with the syntax. The syntax has been tested for syntactic ambiguities using the tools lex and yacc. Seventeen institutions are currently in the process of adopting the Arden Syntax for their decision-support systems. A subcommittee of ASTM has been formed to develop standards for sharing medical knowledge bases. The Arden Syntax has been published by ASTM as a initial standard for sharing medical knowledge.
Evolution of the clinical management of hypertension: Emerging role of “specific” vasodilators as initial therapy

Abstract The primary hemodynamic hallmark of essential hypertension is elevated systemic vascular resistance that may be affected by increased sympathetic tone, activation of the renin-angiotensin system, or structural and cellular abnormalities (e.g., those involving calcium) of the blood vessel wall. The aim of therapy, therefore, is to reduce vascular tone through the use of a specific blocker of neurohormonal mechanisms or a nonspecific vasodilator. These agents are not equally effective in all patients. In comparing these drugs, the following issues are important: pathophysiology, patient demography, mechanism of drug action, long-term efficacy, and metabolic effects. Several studies have suggested that there is a response to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in young and middle-aged patients, whereas in elderly patients there may be more of a response to calcium channel blockers. Alpha 1 -adrenergic blockers, however, appear to be effective in all age groups. Calcium channel blockers and alpha 1 -adrenergic blockers generally are more effective in black patients than are angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. Neither of these agents adversely affects serum potassium, glucose, or plasma lipid levels. In fact, data suggest that alpha 1 -adrenergic blockers may reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Unlike alpha-adrenergic blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers may produce a negative inotropic effect and improved cardiac diastolic relaxation. In addition to all of these factors, it is important that the agent selected as initial antihypertensive therapy be efficacious, have a favorable side-effects profile, and have no adverse influences on other risk factors.
The (Non)Accumulation of Capital: Explicating the Relationship of Structure and Agency in the Lives of Poor Black Men

The concepts of habitus and capital are crucial in the research tradition of social and cultural reproduction. This article applies both terms to an analysis of aspects of the life histories of low-income African American men. In exploring how their past experiences relate to their present-day statuses as nonmobile individuals, this article also revisits and redefines the utility of habitus and capital as conceptual devices for the study of social inequality. It expands the empirical terrain covered by the concept of capital to include that which allows low-income individuals to manage their existence in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities while also hindering their mobility in the broader social world. One implication of this approach is an improved cultural analysis of low-income individuals. The improvement lies in that their behavior can be better understood as reflections of their readings of social reality, which are based upon the material and ideational resources that they have accumulated throughout their lives, and not simply as manifestations of flawed value-systems or normative orientations.
Neuropeptide Y modulation of ethanol intake: Effects of ethanol drinking history and genetic background

Intracerebroventricular administration of NPY suppresses ethanol intake in selectively bred alcohol-preferring rat lines, but not in rats selectively bred for low ethanol drinking or in unselected Wistar rats, when access to ethanol is limited to 2 h/day. However, when rats undergo chronic (24 h/day) ethanol drinking (or exposure to ethanol by vapor inhalation) and have periods of imposed ethanol abstinence, the reductions in ethanol drinking following NPY administration are enhanced in alcohol-preferring rats and are also observed in unselected Wistar rats. Thus, sensitivity to the effects of NPY on ethanol drinking appears to be altered by selective breeding for ethanol preference and by a prior history of chronic but intermittent exposure to ethanol.
Childhood cervical lymphadenitis: a reappraisal.

Seventy-four children with cervical lymphadenopathy were evaluated between January, 1972 and January, 1973. Lymphadenitis was atributed to Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci in 26 per cent of the patients, to Staphylococcus aureus (mainly penicillin-resistant) in 36 per cent, to both staphylococci and streptococci in three per cent, and to peptostreptococci in five per cent. One patient each had lymphadenitis caused by Mycobacterium scrofulaceum, Francisella tularensis , pseudomonas, and a fastidious gram-negative rod. In 24 per cent of the children no etiologic agent could be identified. The minimal diagnostic evaluation of cervical lymphadenopathy should include intradermal mycobacterial skin tests and bacterial cultures of the throat, impetiginous lesions, and lymph node aspirates. Aspirated material should be cultured aerobically and anaerobically.
Determination of instantaneous torque from airgap flux measurements in a switched reluctance motor

This paper presents the results of developing a magnetic field sensor that measures the air-gap flux inside an operating switched reluctance motor. Employing the giant magnetoresistive (GMR) effect associated with copper-cobalt nanowires, the computation of instantaneous torque in a switched reluctance machine is developed for real-time applications. Consideration is given to the number of sensors with respect to the accuracy of the resulting torque estimate. Results are given from a magnetic finite element study of a prototype switched reluctance machine that has been equipped with a GMR sensor array.
Molecular dynamics in polycrystalline testosterone studied by proton NMR

Polycrystalline testosterone (17 beta-hydroxy-4-androsten-3-one, C19H28O2) has been investigated by proton NMR methods between 70 K and the melting point 428 K. Reductions in dipolar second moment and two well-resolved minima in the spin-lattice relaxation time measured at 25 MHz are ascribed to reorientation of the two methyl groups in the molecule. Activation energies Ea characterizing the motions were 6.1 +/- 0.5 and 11.9 +/- 0.9 kJ/mol; the pre-exponential time factors tau 0 were (2.3 +/- 0.1) x 10(-13) and (2.85 +/- 0.2) x 10(-13) s, respectively.
An Improved Single Event Resistive-Hardening Technique for CMOS Static RAMS

A technique that will improve RAM cell performance while maintaining single event upset immunity has been identified. The resistor-hardening configuration combines cross-coupled gate resistors and a pair of resistors used to isolate the miore sensitive devices (those not fabricated in wells). Improvements in RAM cell write time and critical charge are discussed as well as the impact of this technique on the cell's noise miargin.
Older adults' perspectives on screening prior to initiating an exercise program.

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of older adults with screening prior to starting an exercise program (structured or unstructured), and the impact this had on their willingness to engage in physical activity. This was a qualitative study using a focus group methodology. Focus groups were conducted in regionally dispersed sites in which exercise programs were ongoing or had been offered. A total of 122 older adults were included in this study, the majority of whom were African American (72%) with ages ranging from 50s to the 80s. An interview guide was used to facilitate each of the focus groups. Seventeen codes were identified and were reduced to 4 major themes: (1) Description of screening experienced; (2) Perception of purpose or need for screening; (3) Benefits of screening; and (4) Screening as a barrier to exercise. The participants indicated that there were some benefits associated with screening, such as safety assurances, although screening was also noted to be a barrier to exercising. Older adults who were already active, or had regular health care, believed that “screening” was not necessary. Pre-activity screening has different meanings for older adults depending on their own personal situations, resulting in potentially different motivational implications for adopting more active lives. For many, screening increased their sense of confidence and served as a positive motivator. Others felt that screening was irrelevant and actually hindered one's ability to join an activity group. We conclude with recommendations for refocusing future screening guidelines and suggestions for future research.
Measuring Pollution in Fresh Water Streams

(1935). Measuring Pollution in Fresh Water Streams. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society: Vol. 65, No. 1, pp. 240-245.
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents

ORAL hypoglycemic agents are commonly prescribed drugs. In the United States they account for about 1 percent of all prescriptions.1 This review discusses the pharmacology, mechanisms of action, ef...
Metamorphosis of the marine bryozoan Membranipora membranacea: An ultrastructural study of rapid morphogenetic movements

The colonial marine bryozoan Membranipora membranacea produces a planktotrophic cyphonautes larva that is encased by a triangular bivalved shell. Following a relatively long free-swimming phase, the cyphonautes larva settles and undergoes a dramatic metamorphosis to become the sessile progenitor of the colony, referred to as the ancestrula. This paper examines the initial morphogenetic movements of metamorphosis that transform the cyphonautes larva into an incipient ancestrula. At the onset of metamorphosis, contractions of the striated median muscles situated along the anterior and posterior margins of the larva cause a retraction of the larval apical organ and a centripetal movement of the anterior and posterior ends of the larva. Concurrently, the ciliated corona at the base of the larva is pulled within the shell by contractions of the striated lateral muscles. As the larva assumes a more spherical shape, the posterior margins of the shell are spread apart, and the internal sac is everted. Eversion of the sac is apparently achieved by contractions of the lateral muscles that cause a buckling of the shell in the apical-basal direction. The neck region of the everted sac secretes adhesive granules that attach the larva to the substratum. Subsequently, contractions of the nonstriated sac muscles fold the valves of the shell over each other and draw the larva toward the substratum. The initial events of metamorphosis that culminate in the attachment and flattening of the larva are completed in 10-15 seconds. In the subsequent few minutes, the lateral edges of the everted sac fuse with the neighboring margins of the aboral epithelium underlying the shell and thus form the fully sealed body wall of the incipient ancestrula.
An index theorem for families of Fredholm operators parametrized by a group

On etudie des formes differentielles invariantes a gauche sur des groupes de Lie de dimension infinie qui realisent les espaces classifiants de la K-theorie complexe
Alms of Courses in Religion

(1950). Alms of Courses in Religion. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 31, No. 2, pp. 305-309.
Antitrust, the Internet, and the Economics of Networks

Network industries, including the Internet, have shown significant growth, substantial competition, and rapid innovation. This Chapter examines antitrust policy towards network industries. The discussion considers the policy implications of various concepts in the economics of networks: natural monopoly, network economic effects, vertical exclusion, and dynamic efficiency. Our analysis finds that antitrust policy makers should not presume that network industries are more subject to monopolization than other industries. We find that deregulation and the strength of competition in network industries have removed justifications for structural separation as a remedy. Also, we argue that that deregulation and competition have effectively eliminated support for application of the essential facilities doctrine. Antitrust policy in network industries should be guided by considerations of dynamic efficiency.
Pentamidine Pharmacokinetics in Patients with AIDS with Impaired Renal Function

In patients with normal renal function, pentamidine elimination half-life and plasma clearance (mean +/- SD) were 6.22 +/- 1.17 hr and 411 +/- 55 liters/hr, respectively. With creatinine clearances from 35 to 145 ml/min, neither the elimination half-life (P = .47) nor the plasma clearance (P = .40) was correlated with renal function. Plasma concentrations in patients receiving dialysis ranged between 5.9 and 582 ng/ml and appeared not to be significantly affected by dialysis. The number of prior doses and the elimination half-life estimated from the terminal slope were correlated (r = .81, P = .025), and the results suggested that the current assay technology is still not sensitive enough to detect true elimination half-life. Trough plasma concentrations ranged between 4.3 and 67.5 ng/ml (28.4 +/- 26.6 ng/ml) in patients who had received prior doses of pentamidine, a result suggesting that drug accumulation occurs with multiple dosing. The data suggest that dosage adjustments are not necessary with creatinine clearances of greater than 35 ml/min. Because multiple dosing leads to increased trough concentrations and drug accumulation, lower dose regimens may still be efficacious, yet associated with reduced toxicity.
Contrast of metamorphic and structural histories across the work channel lineament, Coast Plutonic Complex, British Columbia

A prominent topographic lineament along the western margin of the Coast Plutonic Complex of southeast Alaska and adjacent parts of British Columbia separates terranes of contrasting metamorphic histories where it enters British Columbia near Prince Rupert as the Work Channel lineament. The western terrane preserves a regional medium-high pressure metamorphic facies series, increasing from chlorite grade in the west to kyanite + muscovite migmatite near the lineament. The metamorphic, structural and age relations of the western terrane are consistent with a model of crustal thickening accompanied by westward transport of higher over lower grade metamorphic units during the Jurassic. This terrane was uplifted and cooled by Cretaceous time (∼85 Ma). East of Work Channel lineament, high temperature, relatively low pressure assemblages are overprinted onto high pressure assemblages. The low pressure metamorphic assemblages developed in the Eocene during rapid uplift (2 mm/yr) of rocks which initially may have been metamorphosed at the same time and along the same PT gradient as those of the western terrane. Structures along the Work Channel lineament suggest vertical motion during uplift of the eastern terrane and after metamorphism of the western terrane. Because the metamorphic discontinuity across the lineament is 3–5 kbar at about 700°, the lineament in the Prince Rupert area marks a major crustal break.
The role of right ventricular function in paediatric idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Introduction The prevalence of right ventricular dysfunction in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy is incompletely studied in children. Furthermore, right ventricular function may signal worse outcomes. We evaluated recently published right ventricular function echocardiographic indices in identifying dysfunction in children with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and the impact of right ventricular dysfunction on long-term prognosis. Methods A retrospective database review of right ventricular function indices in 30 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy was compared with 60 age- and sex-matched controls from January, 2001 until December, 2010. Right ventricular function was assessed by Doppler tissue peak systolic S', early and late diastolic E' and A' waves and isovolumic acceleration at the tricuspid valve annulus; pulsed wave Doppler tricuspid valve inflow E and A waves; right ventricular myocardial performance index; tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion; right ventricular fractional area change. Results Right ventricular systolic and diastolic function in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy was significantly impaired. All measured indices except for isovolumic acceleration and fractional area change were significantly reduced, with a p-value less than 0.05. There was no right ventricular index predictive of death or transplantation. Patients with poor outcome were significantly more likely to need inotropic support (p-value equal to 0.018), be placed on a ventricular assist device (p equal to 0.005), and have a worse left ventricular ejection fraction z-score (p-value equal to 0.002). Conclusion Right ventricular dysfunction is under-recognised in children presenting with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. The need for clinical circulatory support and left ventricular ejection fraction z-score less than minus 8 were primary determinants of outcome, independent of the degree of derangement in right ventricular function.
Retinoic acid upregulates β1-integrin in vascular smooth muscle cells and alters adhesion to fibronectin

Retinoic acid has an established physiological role in differentiation, development, and cellular growth. This study investigated the action of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on vascular integrins,...
Determining Modality and Factuality for Text Entailment

Recognizing textual entailment (TE) is a complex task involving knowledge from many different sources. One major source of information in this task is event factuality, since the inferences derivable from factual eventualities are different from those judged as possible or as non-existent. Some TE systems already factor in factuality features at the local level, but determining the factuality of events more generally involves dealing with information that is nonlocal to a particular textual event. In this paper, we present a tool providing events with their factuality values, characterized as pairs of modality and polarity features. In previous work, we identified polarity and modality at the local context with a performance of 92% precision and 56% recall. The research presented here extends and enhances our algorithm to incorporate the influence of non-local context as well as the identification of sources.
Multiple-resource periodic scheduling problem: how much fairness is necessary?

The Pfair algorithms are optimal for independent periodic real-time tasks executing on a multiple-resource system. However, they incur a high scheduling overhead by making scheduling decisions in every time unit to enforce proportional progress for each task. In this paper, we will propose a novel scheduling algorithm, boundary fair (BF), which makes scheduling decisions and enforces fairness to tasks only at period boundaries. The BF algorithm is also optimal in the sense that it achieves 100% system utilization. Moreover, by making scheduling decisions at period boundaries, BF effectively reduces the number of scheduling points. Theoretically, the BF algorithm has the same complexity as that of the Pfair algorithms. But, in practice, it could reduce the number of scheduling points dramatically (e.g., up to 75% in our experiments) and thus reduce the overall scheduling overhead, which is especially important for online scheduling.
Adaptive cuts for extracting specific white matter tracts

Extracting specific white matter tracts (e.g., uncinate fasciculus) from whole brain tractography has numerous applications in studying individual differences in white matter. Typically specific tracts are extracted manually, following replicable protocols which can be prohibitively expensive for large scale studies. A tract clustering framework is a suitable computational framework but from a neuroanatomical point of view, one of the key challenges is that it is very hard to design a universal similarity function for different types of white matter tracts (e.g., projection, association, commissural tracts). In this paper, we propose an adaptive cuts framework in which, using normalized cuts motivated objective function, we adaptively learn tract-tract similarity for each specific tract class using atlas based training data. Using the learnt similarity function we train an ensemble of binary support vector machines to extract specific tracts from unlabeled whole-brain tractography sets.
Structure property relationships in the design of alloy composition: Moving beyond electron to atom ratios

A model explaining the variability of oxygen solubility in the transition metals is proposed in this article. It assumes that the energy of solution can be represented as the sum of the work required to embed an oxygen atom in the electron gas of the host lattice, plus the energy generated through the formation of an oxygen anion. The latter term is treated as nearly constant across the transition metal series, leaving the work term to account for the observed variations in oxygen solubility. This work, we argue, can be approximated by the ratio of the number of metal electrons excluded from the region around the oxygen atom to the Fermi energy density of states. In turn, the number of electrons excluded by oxygen is assumed to be proportional to the charge density at the octahedral interstitial site. These assumptions allow us to define a solubility parameter that is easily determined with first-principles methods. This parameter is shown to correlate well with experimental findings regarding oxygen solubility in transition metals. Supported by these findings, we use first principle methods to identify alloying elements likely to reduce the solubility of oxygen in niobium.
Development of a neuroscience-oriented "methods" course for graduate students of pharmacology and toxicology.

To provide graduate students in pharmacology/toxicology exposure to, and cross-training in, a variety of relevant laboratory skills, the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy developed a “methods” course as part of the core curriculum. Because some of the participating departmental faculty are neuroscientists, this course often applied cutting-edge techniques to neuroscience-based systems, including experiments with brain G protein–coupled receptors. Techniques covered by the course include animal handling and behavioral testing, bacterial and mammalian cell culture, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, receptor binding of radioligands, plasmid DNA amplification and purification, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, and UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. The course also encompasses research aspects such as experimental design and record keeping, statistical analysis, and scientific writing. Students were evaluated via laboratory reports and examinations, and students in turn evaluated the course using a detailed exit survey. This course introduces the graduate student to many more techniques and approaches than can be provided by the traditional graduate “rotation” format alone and should serve as a template for graduate programs in many basic research disciplines.
Sequence Elucidation of an Unknown Cyclic Peptide of High Doping Potential by ETD and CID Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Identification of an unknown substance without any information remains a daunting challenge despite advances in chemistry and mass spectrometry. However, an unknown cyclic peptide in a sample with very limited volume seized at a Pennsylvania racetrack has been successfully identified. The unknown sample was determined by accurate mass measurements to contain a small unknown peptide as the major component. Collision-induced dissociation (CID) of the unknown peptide revealed the presence of Lys (not Gln, by accurate mass), Phe, and Arg residues, and absence of any y-type product ion. The latter, together with the tryptic digestion results of the unusual deamidation and absence of any tryptic cleavage, suggests a cyclic structure for the peptide. Electron-transfer dissociation (ETD) of the unknown peptide indicated the presence of Gln (not Lys, by the unusual deamidation), Phe, and Arg residues and their connectivity. After all the results were pieced together, a cyclic tetrapeptide, cyclo[Arg-Lys-N(C6H9)Gln-Phe], is proposed for the unknown peptide. Observations of different amino acid residues from CID and ETD experiments for the peptide were interpreted by a fragmentation pathway proposed, as was preferential CID loss of a Lys residue from the peptide. ETD was used for the first time in sequencing of a cyclic peptide; product ions resulting from ETD of the peptide identified were categorized into two types and named pseudo-b and pseudo-z ions that are important for sequencing of cyclic peptides. The ETD product ions were interpreted by fragmentation pathways proposed. Additionally, multi-stage CID mass spectrometry cannot provide complete sequence information for cyclic peptides containing adjacent Arg and Lys residues. The identified cyclic peptide has not been documented in the literature, its pharmacological effects are unknown, but it might be a “designer” drug with athletic performance-enhancing effects.
Formalization of Laplace Transform Using the Multivariable Calculus Theory of HOL-Light

Algebraic techniques based on Laplace transform are widely used for solving differential equations and evaluating transfer of signals while analyzing physical aspects of many safety-critical systems. To facilitate formal analysis of these systems, we present the formalization of Laplace transform using the multivariable calculus theories of HOL-Light. In particular, we use integral, differential, transcendental and topological theories of multivariable calculus to formally define Laplace transform in higher-order logic and reason about the correctness of Laplace transform properties, such as existence, linearity, frequency shifting and differentiation and integration in time domain. In order to demonstrate the practical effectiveness of this formalization, we use it to formally verify the transfer function of Linear Transfer Converter (LTC) circuit, which is a commonly used electrical circuit.
The impact of two freestanding emergency departments on a tertiary care center.

Abstract Background Freestanding emergency departments (FEDs) have become increasingly popular as the need for emergency care continues to grow. Objective To analyze the impact of two FEDs on a local tertiary care center's patient volume and admission rates. Methods A retrospective analysis examined monthly volume and admission rates for the main ED and two FEDs located 9.6 and 12 miles away. Main ED census records were divided into three distinct time frames: period A (control) was January 2007 through June 2007. Period B was July 2007 through July 2009 when one FED was open. Period C was August 2009 through June 2010 when both FEDs were open. A two-factor analysis of variance was used to analyze admission rates while adjusting for monthly variation. Results The mean monthly patient volume for the main ED was 4709 for period A, but dropped significantly ( p p p =0.3505) to 0.213 for period B, and then significantly ( p Conclusion Opening two FEDs decreased the volume and admission rates for the main ED and increased the overall ED volume for the health care system.
RNA-Based Gene Therapy for HIV with Lentiviral Vector–Modified CD34+ Cells in Patients Undergoing Transplantation for AIDS-Related Lymphoma

AIDS patients who develop lymphoma are often treated with transplanted hematopoietic progenitor cells. As a first step in developing a hematopoietic cell–based gene therapy treatment, four patients undergoing treatment with these transplanted cells were also given gene-modified peripheral blood–derived (CD34 + ) hematopoietic progenitor cells expressing three RNA-based anti-HIV moieties (tat/rev short hairpin RNA, TAR decoy, and CCR5 ribozyme). In vitro analysis of these gene-modified cells showed no differences in their hematopoietic potential compared with nontransduced cells. In vitro estimates of successful expression of the anti-HIV moieties were initially as high as 22% but declined to ~1% over 4 weeks of culture. Ethical study design required that patients be transplanted with both gene-modified and unmanipulated hematopoietic progenitor cells obtained from the patient by apheresis. Transfected cells were successfully engrafted in all four infused patients by day 11, and there were no unexpected infusion-related toxicities. Persistent vector expression in multiple cell lineages was observed at low levels for up to 24 months, as was expression of the introduced small interfering RNA and ribozyme. Therefore, we have demonstrated stable vector expression in human blood cells after transplantation of autologous gene-modified hematopoietic progenitor cells. These results support the development of an RNA-based cell therapy platform for HIV.
Extracellular matrix molecules and cell adhesion molecules induce neurites through different mechanisms.

It has recently become clear that both extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins and various cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) can promote neurite outgrowth from primary neurons, though little is known of the intracellular mechanisms through which these signals are transduced. We have previously obtained evidence that protein kinase C function is an important part of the neuronal response to laminin (Bixby, J.L. 1989. Neuron. 3:287-297). Because such CAMs as L1 (Lagenauer, C., and V. Lemmon. 1987. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 84:7753-7757) and N-cadherin (Bixby, J.L. and R. Zhang. 1990. J. Cell Biol. 110:1253-1260) can be purified and used as substrates to promote neurite growth, we have now tested whether the response to CAMs is similarly dependent on protein kinase C. We find that inhibition of protein kinase C inhibits growth on fibronectin or collagen as well as on laminin. In contrast, C kinase inhibition actually potentiates the initial growth response to L1 or N-cadherin. The later "phase" of outgrowth on both of these CAMs is inhibited, however. Additionally, phorbol esters, which have no effect on neurite growth when optimal laminin concentrations are used, potentiate growth even on optimal concentrations of L1 or N-cadherin. The results indicate that different intracellular mechanisms operate during initial process outgrowth on ECM substrates as compared to CAM substrates, and suggest that protein kinase C function is required for continued neurite growth on each of these glycoproteins.
Neuroendocrine Nicotinic Receptor Activation Increases Susceptibility to Bacterial Infections by Suppressing Antimicrobial Peptide Production

Summary Stress mobilizes elements from the neuroendocrine system to modulate immune responses. Cholinergic stimulation via nicotinic receptor (nAchR) is a major neuroendocrine signaling axis associated with the stress response whose specific effects on the immune system are unknown. Here, we show that nAchR activation by topical agonist application or deletion of the nAChR antagonist catestatin ( Chga −/− ) reduced antimicrobial peptide (AMP) activity in skin extracts and increased susceptibility to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Group A Streptococcus infections. The adverse effects on AMP expression and infection were rescued by topical application of a nAChR antagonist. Stress-induced nAChR activation increased infection in wild-type, but not Chga −/− or cathelicidin-deficient, mice. These data identify a mechanism for the negative regulation of host-innate AMP response to infection through cholinergic activation and indicate nAChR-mediated cathelicidin dysregulation as a potential mechanism for increased susceptibility to infection following prolonged stress or nicotine use.
Results in the treatment of scoliosis with turnbuckle plaster cast correction and fusion.

1. Pseudarthrosis occurred in seven patients (12.9 per cent) of the fifty-four patients reported. 2. Fifty-one patients with idiopathic and paralytic scoliosis were analyzed in relation to the type of supplementary bone graft used in the fusion. In twenty-six patients in whom osteoperiosteal, bone-bank bone, or a combination of these two types of supplementary grafts were used, pseudarthrosis occurred in four (15.3 per cent). 3. In twenty-five patients in whom fresh, autogenous iliac-bone grafts were used, pseudarthrosis occurred once (4 per cent). This pseudarthrosis healed spontaneously with only a 14-degree loss of correction. It should be noted that by the use of fresh autogenous iliac-bone grafts, the incidence of pseudarthrosis was significantly reduced. Twenty-four of these twenty-five patients lost 15 degrees or less of correction. In twenty-three of these twenty-five patients, there was no loss greater than 6 degrees recorded after the first postoperative year. 4. A carefully performed spine fusion with use of a large amount of supplementary fresh autogenous iliac bone results in prompt formation of a massive solid fusion which is fully mature at one year.
Esophageal obstruction as a result of isolated eosinophilic gastroenteritis.

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) are being recognized with an increasing frequency. They are characterized by prominent eosinophilic infiltration in the absence of parasitic infection, vasculitis, neoplasm, or other known causes of eosinophilia.1,2 They are routinely classified according to anatomic location or depth of inflammation and can have a variety of presentations and symptoms.3,4 We report an unusual case of eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG) in a middle-aged woman who presented with severe dysphagia and associated weight loss.
Cell-free compartmentalized protein synthesis inside double emulsion templated liposomes with: In vitro synthesized and assembled ribosomes

A cell-free expression platform for making bacterial ribosomes encapsulated within giant liposomes was capable of synthesizing sfGFP. The liposomes were prepared using a double emulsion template, and compartmentalized in vitro protein synthesis was analysed using spinning disk confocal microscopy. Two different liposome phospholipid formulations were investigated to characterize their effects on the compartmentalized reaction kinetics. This study was performed as a necessary step towards the synthesis of minimal cells.
Some Phycomycetes indigenous to soils of old growth forests

By the use of selective media and techniques which favor the isolation of Phycomycetes, 85 soil samples from four old growth forest sites in Kentucky, North Carolina and Tennessee were assayed for ...
Synaptomys cooperi in Kentucky, with Description of a New Subspecies

The scarcity of Kentucky specimens of Synaptomys in the recent papers of Hall and Cockrum (1953) and Wetzel (1955) have prompted the author to put on record his findings relative to the status of Synaptomys cooperi in Kentucky. Welter and Sollberger (1939) were apparently the first to record Synaptomys cooperi stonei Rhoads from Kentucky. They recorded two specimens from a swampy area near Morehead, Rowan County. Barbour (1951) was the second to record the species, with his five specimens from the summit of Big Black Mountain, in Harlan County. These are apparently the only two published accounts of the occurrence of the species in the state. The zoological collections of the University of Kentucky currently contain 86 specimens of Synaptomys cooperi from Kentucky, collected by the author and his students, largely since 1950. A series of 16 specimens from Mason County was borrowed from the private collection of Mr. James T. Wallace of Maysville. Three specimens from Rowan County were borrowed from the zoological collection of Morehead State College. Mr. Dwight M. Lindsay, of Georgetown College, Georgetown, Kentucky, kindly lent a series of 13 specimens of Synaptomys cooperi from Ripley and Jefferson counties, Indiana. Credit is due the Research Fund Committee of the University of Kentucky for financial assistance incident to the collection of many of the specimens. We have found Synaptomys rather easy to trap, particularly in the months of January, February and March. At this time in Kentucky, at least, the ground is relatively free of snow cover, and the tall grasses that constitute the habitat of Synaptomys are rather limited in distribution, confined largely to fence rows, swampy areas, and the relatively few waste fields. At this time of year, the population of Synaptomys is concentrated in such areas, and snap-back mouse traps set across the runs …
P4.075 The Importance of Alcohol and Peers in Risky Sexual Partner Selection

Background When sexual partners have risky context characteristics (i.e., partner drinking alcohol within two hours before sex, ≥ 3 age discordant, or met in public), adolescents are particularly vulnerable to having unprotected sex and acquiring sexually transmitted diseases. Based on social cognitive theory, we assessed the influence of adolescents’ alcohol use; their friends’ ages and alcohol use; and parental monitoring on adolescent sexual partner selection to identify potent predictive factors. Methods Data were from an urban cohort of youth participating in the Project Northland Chicago group-randomised, alcohol preventive intervention trial. We used ordinal logistic regression to analyse the predictive effect of 8 th grade self, peers, and parents factors on a sexual partner context risk score of 0 to 3 with 1 point for each risk characteristic of 17–18 year old adolescents’ most recent sex partner. We adjusted analyses for sexual partner relationship characteristics (casual or unexpected). Results Women were more likely to choose risky context partners at ages 17–18 years old if in 8 th grade they had older friends [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.5, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.1 to 2.1] or reported risky alcohol use behaviours (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2 to 1.9). Men were more likely to choose risky context partners at ages 17–18 years old if in 8 th grade their friends were drinking alcohol (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.0 to 1.7). Parental monitoring did not influence partner selection. Conclusions Peers and alcohol use influence adolescents’ selection of risky context partners. For alcohol, self-use appears more important among women, and friends’ use appears more important among men. Interventions to reduce sexual risk-taking and risky partner selection among adolescents should target friends and alcohol use.
Changes in Pigmentation in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Response to Color of Environment

In laboratory experiments, coloration of larvae of two species of anopheline mosquitoes was modified significantly by color of the rearing background. Larvae of Anopheles albimanus Wiedemann, Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say, Culex quinquefasciatus Say, Culex salinarius Coquillett, Aedes aegypti (L.), and Aedes taeniorhynchus Wiedemann were reared in darkness and on either black, white, or green backgrounds, illuminated by either fluorescent lighting or sunlight. Normal strains of Anopheles and Culex larvae reared in black containers developed darker larval pigmentation than larvae reared on the other backgrounds or in darkness. Response of anophelines was more intense than that of culicines. Larval body-color mutants of A. albimanus responded similarly to wild-type on black background, but eye-color mutants of A. albimanus and A. quadrimaculatus did not respond to color of the rearing container. No changes in pigmentation were noted in either Aedes species under any of the test conditions. When normal fourth-instar A. albimanus were introduced into a bicolored (half white, half black) container, a significant majority of larvae selectively moved onto the color, either black or white, of their original rearing container.
Candidate Biomarkers for HPV-Negative Head and Neck Cancer Identified via Gene Expression Barcode Analysis.

Objectives(1) Reanalyze publicly available genomic data for HPV-negative oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma to look for candidate biomarkers. (2) Evaluate the association of the identified biomarkers with survival.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingTertiary care.Subjects and MethodsGene expression barcode analysis was applied to an existing publicly available data set of 54 HPV-negative oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma tumor samples to identify candidate genes associated with poor prognosis. Genes identified were evaluated for their association with survival on the basis of univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsThree genes were found to be associated with poor prognosis. The most significant association was seen with spectrin expression. Subjects whose tumors expressed spectrin were 4.60 times more likely (hazard ratio; 95% confidence interval: 1.88-11.25) to die at any given time when compared with those without spectrin (P = .001). On univariable analysis, s...
Cause analysis for rapid increasing of hepatitis C epidemic in Fujian(2005-2011)

Objective To analyze the causes of rapid increasing of hepatitis C epidemic in Fujian for the disease control and prevention.Methods The epidemic data of hepatitis C were analyzed by descriptive epidemiology.Results The incidence of hepatitis C showed increasing trend year by year,from 1.20/105in 2005to 7.01/105in 2011.The mortality rate did not show notable trend.The case percentage by laboratory diagnosis showed increasing trend from 59.5%in 2005to 93.9%in 2011.The incidences of all municipals showed increasing trends year by year,the range and the rate were maximum in Putian city.The incidence(15.88/105)was the highest in Fujian and the age-specific incidences were at the highest level.The case percentage by laboratory diagnosis,the ratio between urban and rural area,the gender ratio and the percentage of farmer cases were maximum in Fujian.Conclusion The data of hepatitis C in Fujian were significantly influenced by the result of screenings in Xiuyu county of Putian.The actual epidemic data of hepatitis C was badly underestimated and the disease control should be strengthened in the future.
Oncogenic Implications of Chromosomal Instability

What can be learned about cancerogenesis from certain rare genetic diseases marked both by instability of chromosomes and an increased cancer risk? What parallels can be drawn between these disorders and other situations also carrying an elevated cancer risk? What is the evidence for the view that a tumor cell population derives from a single cell bearing a stable mutation? These and many other questions are discussed.
Fermi gases go with the superfluid flow

If asked to describe the characteristic properties of a gas, most physicists would refer immediately to its di-luteness: gases such as air or the helium inside balloons are about 1000 times less dense than liquids or solids. But gases are also characterized by the random motion of their constituent atoms and molecules. This, in fact, is a direct consequence of their diluteness, since the thermal kinetic energy of the particles is much larger than their interaction energy. Such random motion can be quantified using classical statistical mechanics, which provides an extremely powerful description of the gases that we encounter under everyday conditions.
Modernity, Nationalism and Religious Fundamentalism

The two terms most commonly used to describe the various forms of religious activism evident around the world today are ‘religious fundamentalism’ and ‘religious nationalism’. Some might prefer to use just one of these as an all-inclusive ‘umbrella-word’.1 I am of the opinion that both are needed, each in its appropriate context; for each of these has connotations which the other does not; and, if the resurgence of religion, globally, is to be captured in its entirety, as far as possible, then both sets of the connotations need to be retained. I wish to start by talking about ‘fundamentalism’ first, postponing the consideration of ‘nationalism’ and ‘modernity’ for a little while.
GhostPost: Seamless restoration of censored social media posts

The control of voices within a country is as important to a censor as blocking information from outside. This control must extend to social media. Screening every post prior to publication is not practical; instead, censors find and delete objectionable content after it has been posted. This paper presents GhostPost, a distributed system that conveniently and safely restores deleted posts on any social media platform, with an implementation for Sina Weibo. Our simulations show that even if the censor deletes most posts within two hours (roughly the capability of Sina Weibo’s censor), it cannot prevent a well established GhostPost deployment from preserving a majority of the posts our users would want to see.
Critical advances for amplicon sequencing in metagenomic research

P microbial communities through sequencing rRNA amplicons is a cornerstone of metagenomics, and a potential important component of monitoring biological contamination in a fermentation environment. We describe cost-saving and accuracy-improving innovations for amplicon sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq, most of which are applicable to other platforms. First, we use PCR clamps to eliminate contaminating sequences from a host organism without biasing the microbial community. Second, we incorporate frame shifts into our primers to increase diversity and base-calling accuracy at each sequencing cycle, and to eliminate the current wasteful practice of sequencing up to 50% PhiX genomic DNA. Finally, we break the amplicon PCR into two rounds. Round-1 uses only two cycles to tag template molecules. Round-2 amplifies the tagged templates and adds universal sample indexes. The template tags allow error-correction and reduction of PCR bias through consensus building. Furthermore, because the round-2 index primers are not gene-specific, the same set of indexes can be used to study different amplicons. As an additional capability, a small set of sample barcodes on the round-1 template tagging primers can be paired with round-2 indexes to multiplicatively increase the indexing depth. Together these techniques improve both the efficiency and accuracy of rRNA amplicon sequencing. Piotr Mieczkowski, J Food Process Technol 2013, 4:10 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2157-7110.S1.015