cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A critical examination of trends in outcomes over the last decade

The past decade has seen substantial improvements in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) outcomes, especially mortality, in the United States. Incidence rates for treated ESRD have doubled for most age groups, probably because of improved survival among high-risk populations, such as patients with diabetes and hypertension. The ESRD patient population is becoming older and has a greater incidence of diabetes because of changes in the types of patients starting treatment. The number of patients added to the waiting list each year for transplants has increased dramatically, whereas the number of transplantations performed annually has remained relatively constant. Although transplantation is consequently less available than before, transplant survival, both of the patient and the graft, has improved dramatically. Length of stay for hospitalizations has decreased. Both dialysis mortality and all ESRD mortality have decreased. It is important to monitor such statistics to try and modify adverse trends in outcomes for patients with ESRD. The ability to monitor patient outcomes through national databases has improved greatly during the last decade. Large-scale population-based studies of practices and outcomes for patients with ESRD offer a potent addition to the previously available arsenal of research tools, which was previously dominated by studies from single or few institutions and more expensive randomized clinical trials.
A PRIMITIVE SPOROPHYTE IN MAIZE

The production of seeds is a fundamental characteristic of the spermatophytes. In many angiosperms that have been studied, one of the male gametes fuses with the primary endosperm nucleus to form the endosperm nucleus; the other male gamete fuses with the egg to form the oospore. The endosperm nucleus divides rapidly and the cell containing it develops into the endosperm, while the oospore develops more slowly into the proembryo and sporophyte. Sooner or later, but while it is still contained within the integuments, the embryo stops its growth and in many species enters a state of dormancy. In this condition, which is called the seed stage, the sporophyte is well adapted to pass through periods that are unfavorable for growth. In some plants the sporophyte becomes inactive while -there is still much of the endosperm unused, while in others development continues until the endosperm is entirely absorbed by the sporophyte and further growth seems to be prevented by the seed coat. The delay in the germination of mature seeds, Crocker (I9I6) finds, is due either to (i) a seed coat that is impervious to water and gases, or hard and too resistant to the developing embryo, or to (2) the inherent nature of the sporophyte itself. There are many seeds in which both categories of causes are operative. Is stoppage of growth of the embryo in the seed stage initiated by the same factors that cause delay in germination when mature seeds are placed under conditions favorable for growth? In the Leguminosae it is usually the hard and impervious seed coat which causes the delay in the germination of mature seeds. In these seeds the growth of the embryo continues until the endosperm is exhausted and the seed coat is completely filled, and while the loss of water is doubtless the principal factor, it may well be that the seed coat plays some part in the stoppage of growth of the sporophyte in the formation of seeds. In this case it should be possible to provide conditions that would cause the embryo to continue its development to a mature plant without undergoing a period of inactivity in the seed stage. In many plants it has been found by Goebel (I898) that at the time of ripening the seeds contain immature sporophytes ranging all the way from a group of undifferentiated cells to a mature embryo. The apparent dormancy in these seeds is in reality a period of slow development. If such seeds are kept under favorable growth conditions, the embryos develop directly into new plants. There are other plants in which the sporophyte 1 The investigation reported in this paper was made in connection with genetic studies of maize in the Department of Field Crops, Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station.
Brain cancer propagating cells: biology, genetics and targeted therapies

Cancer propagating cells (CPCs) within primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors (glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), medulloblastoma (MB) and ependymoma) might be integral to tumor development and perpetuation. These cells, also known as brain cancer propagating cells (BCPCs), have the ability to self-renew and proliferate. BCPCs can initiate new tumors in mice with high efficiency and these exhibit many features that are characteristic of patient's brain tumors. Accumulating evidence suggests that BCPCs might originate from the transformation of neural stem cells (NSCs) and their progenitors. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that NSC surface markers also define BCPCs. Ultimately, treatments that include specific targeting of BCPCs might potentially be more effective at treating the entire tumor mass, translating to improved patient survival and quality of life.
Infrastructure Policy Repetitive Studies, Uneven Response, Next Steps

Studies assessing the nation's infrastructure needs have been unanimous in their conclusion: America's system of public works is wearing out. The short-term outlook for major new national policy in...
Growth Factors in Wound Healing

Enhancement of wound healing was limited to good surgical technique, maintenance of a clean wound with appropriate dressings, and debridement. The ability to heal wounds has been advanced through the recognition that healing in a moist environment is improved over that of a desiccated wound. Pharmacologic approaches to wound healing did not exist until the last few decades, when it was recognized that growth factors are normally present in the wound environment and that in animal models and a few clinical studies, the addition of growth factors could enhance healing. In 1998, platelet-derived growth factor was approved for clinical use. This approach is still the subject of intense investigation and clinical trials. This article analyzes current knowledge on growth factors as therapeutic agents and speculates on their future potential, with an analysis of successes and failures to date.
Some biochemical activities of 10,10-difluoro-13-dehydroprostacyclin, a chemically stable analog of prostacyclin, in human blood platelets.

Abstract 10,10-Difluoro-13-dehydroprostacyclin (DF 2 -PGI 2 ) is a chemically stable analog of prostacyclin (PGI 2 ). DF 2 -PGI 2 was 6 times more potent than prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ), and 1/10 as potent as PGI 2 as an inhibitor of arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation. DF 2 -PGI 2 also inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen, ADP, epinephrine and two thromboxane agonists, 9,11-azoPGH 2 and SQ 24,810 (9,11-epoxy-9α-homo-5(Z), 13(E)-15β-hydroxyprostadienoic acid, racemic mixture). The antiaggregatory effects by DF 2 -PGI 2 and PGI 2 on AA-induced platelet aggregation were potentiated by etazolate (SQ 20,009), a potent inhibitor of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (PDE), and were blocked by SQ 22,536 (9-(tetrahydro-2-furyl) adenine), an inhibitor of adenylate cyclase (AC). DF 2 -PGI 2 was also more potent than PGE 1 , and less potent than PGI 2 as a stimulator of AC activity in platelet homogenates. DF 2 -PGI 2 - and PGI 2 -stimulated AC activity was inhibited by a series of AC inhibitors, SQ 22,536, SQ 4,647 (9-furfuryl adenine) and 2′,5′-dideoxyadenosine. Furthermore, SQ 22,536 inhibited DF 2 -PGI 2 - and PGI 2 -stimulated AC activity in a concentration-related manner, with 150 values of 150 and 300 μM, respectively. Finally, PGE 1 , DF 2 -PGI 2 and PGI 2 , at 0.35 μM induced 2-, 10- and 17-fold increases, respectively, in cyclic AMP levels of intact platelets in platelet rich plasma (PRP). The increase in cyclic AMP levels by PGI 2 and DF 2 -PGI 2 in PRP was also blocked by SQ 22,536. We conclude that DF 2 -PGI 2 , like PGI 2 and PGE 1 , inhibits platelet aggregation by elevating platelet cyclic AMP levels.
Divergence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato spirochetes could be driven by the host: diversity of Borrelia strains isolated from ticks feeding on a single bird

The controversy surrounding the potential impact of birds in spirochete transmission dynamics and their capacity to serve as a reservoir has existed for a long time. The majority of analyzed bird species are able to infect larval ticks with Borrelia. Dispersal of infected ticks due to bird migration is a key to the establishment of new foci of Lyme borreliosis. The dynamics of infection in birds supports the mixing of different species, the horizontal exchange of genetic information, and appearance of recombinant genotypes. Four Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato strains were cultured from Ixodes minor larvae and four strains were isolated from Ixodes minor nymphs collected from a single Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus). A multilocus sequence analysis that included 16S rRNA, a 5S-23S intergenic spacer region, a 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer, flagellin, p66, and ospC separated 8 strains into 3 distinct groups. Additional multilocus sequence typing of 8 housekeeping genes, clpA, clpX, nifS, pepX, pyrG, recG, rplB, and uvrA was used to resolve the taxonomic status of bird-associated strains. Results of analysis of 14 genes confirmed that the level of divergence among strains is significantly higher than what would be expected for strains within a single species. The presence of cross-species recombination was revealed: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto housekeeping gene nifS was incorporated into homologous locus of strain, previously assigned to B. americana. Genetically diverse Borrelia strains are often found within the same tick or same vertebrate host, presenting a wide opportunity for genetic exchange. We report the cross-species recombination that led to incorporation of a housekeeping gene from the B. burgdorferi sensu stricto strain into a homologous locus of another bird-associated strain. Our results support the hypothesis that recombination maintains a majority of sequence polymorphism within Borrelia populations because of the re-assortment of pre-existing sequence variants. Even if our findings of broad genetic diversity among 8 strains cultured from ticks that fed on a single bird could be the exception rather than the rule, they support the theory that the diversity and evolution of LB spirochetes is driven mainly by the host.
Dynamics of the Gas-Phase Reactions of Chloride Ion with Fluoromethane: High Excess Translational Activation Energy for an Endothermic SN2 Reaction

Guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometry techniques are used to examine the competing product channels in the reaction of Cl- with CH3F in the center-of-mass collision energy range 0.05−27 eV. Four anionic reaction products are detected: F-, CH2Cl-, FCl-, and CHCl-. The endothermic SN2 reaction Cl- + CH3F → CH3Cl + F- has an energy threshold of E0 = 181 ± 14 kJ/mol, exhibiting a 52 ± 16 kJ/mol effective barrier in excess of the reaction endothermicity. The potential energy of the SN2 transition state is well below the energy of the products. Dynamical impedances to the activation of the SN2 reaction are discussed, including angular momentum constraints, orientational effects, and the inefficiency of translational energy in promoting the reaction. The fluorine abstraction reaction to form CH3 + FCl- exhibits a 146 ± 33 kJ/mol effective barrier above the reaction endothermicity. Direct proton transfer to form HCl is highly inefficient, but HF elimination is observed above 268 ± 95 kJ/mol. Potential energy ...
Alterations in Purkinje cell GABAA receptor pharmacology following oxygen and glucose deprivation and cerebral ischemia reveal novel contribution of β1-subunit-containing receptors

Cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) are particularly sensitive to cerebral ischemia, and decreased GABA(A) receptor function following injury is thought to contribute to PC sensitivity to ischemia-induced excitotoxicity. Here we examined the functional properties of the GABA(A) receptors that are spared following ischemia in cultured Purkinje cells from rat and in vivo ischemia in mouse. Using subunit-specific positive modulators of GABA(A) receptors, we observed that oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) and cardiac arrest-induced cerebral ischemia cause a decrease in sensitivity to the β(2/3) -subunit-preferring compound, etomidate. However, sensitivity to propofol, a β-subunit-acting compound that modulates β(1-3) -subunits, was not affected by OGD. The α/γ-subunit-acting compounds, diazepam and zolpidem, were also unaffected by OGD. We performed single-cell reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction on isolated PCs from acutely dissociated cerebellar tissue and observed that PCs expressed the β(1) -subunit, contrary to previous reports examining GABA(A) receptor subunit expression in PCs. GABA(A) receptor β(1) -subunit protein was also detected in cultured PCs by western blot and by immunohistochemistry in the adult mouse cerebellum and levels remained unaffected by ischemia. High concentrations of loreclezole (30 μm) inhibited PC GABA-mediated currents, as previously demonstrated with β(1) -subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors expressed in heterologous systems. From our data we conclude that PCs express the β(1) -subunit and that there is a greater contribution of β(1) -subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors following OGD.
Activity of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in the preimplantation mouse and rabbit embryo

Im frisch ovulierten Ei der weissen Maus betragt die Aktivitat der 6-Phosphoglukonat-Dehydrogenase (6PGD) nur etwa 1/100 derjenigen der Glukose-6-Phosphat-Dehydrogenase. Beide Enzyme zeigen ahnliche Aktivitaten bei Kaninchen-Embryonen vor der Implantation.
Risk assessment dosimetry model for inhaled particulate matter: II. Laboratory surrogates (rat)

Inhalation toxicology investigations are often performed with laboratory animals to address the potential health effects of inhaled air pollutants on human beings. In Part II of this risk assessment study we have considered the deposition of inhaled particulate matter in the laboratory rat as the surrogate of choice. Calculations were performed in an analogous manner to those conducted in Part I for human subjects. To simulate a wide range of human respiratory intensities associated with different levels of physical activities that must be recognized in the determination of air pollution standards, the CO(2) concentrations within animal inhalation exposure chambers may be controlled. Accordingly, we have regulated rat breathing parameters to correspond to a range of human activities, from rest to work. The results of this interspecies modeling study have been presented in a variety of graphical formats to ease comparisons with findings from experiments and to facilitate integration of the results into risk assessment analyses. The findings of our work clearly demonstrate that interspecies simulations can be employed to design animal tests a priori so that the results can be effectively and efficiently extrapolated to human conditions in a meaningful manner.
The influence of Methylprednisolone on the energy metabolism of Ehrlich ascites tumour cells

Using Ehrlich ascites tumour cells, the short-term effects of the therapeutic glucocorticoid Methylprednisolone (MP) on the cellular energy metabolism were studied. ATP-consuming processes involved in the rapid MP effects were identified indirectly from the effects of MP on cellular oxygen consumption related to the inhibition of respiration by selective inhibitors of Ca(2+)-ATPase and protein synthesis. The effects of MP on plasma membrane permeability for Ca2+ ions and phospholipid turnover were studied directly by using confocal laser scanning microscopy and tracerkinetic measurements, respectively. MP inhibited cellular oxygen consumption, suppressed the inhibitory effect of lanthanum but not that of cycloheximide on oxygen consumption, blocked the [Ca2+]i rise in response to calcium ionophore A 23187, and decreased phospholipid turnover. MP acted instantly in a dose-dependent manner. The observed effects of MP are discussed in relation to the hypothesis that the drug has direct membrane effect affecting plasma membrane permeability and function.
Herpes zoster and chronic active hepatitis.

Two patients with chronic active hepatitis who developed herpes zoster involving multiple dermatomes are presented. This association has not been noted previously in the literature. It is suggested that chronic active hepatitis may be another of the disorders associated with deficient or altered immune response, and that this may account for the simultaneous occurrence of these two entities.
Eastern Screech-Owl Responses to Suburban Sprawl, Warmer Climate, and Additional Avian Food in Central Texas

Abstract Effects of suburban development (sprawl), concurrent climate and increasing avian food on a population of Eastern Screech-Owls (Megascops asio) were studied for three decades using nest boxes and natural tree-cavity nests in residential yards and adjoining natural forest in central Texas. The suburban climate was warmer by 5.7 °C associated with suburbia's heat-island effect by the last decade of study. Nesting started earlier by an average of 4.5 days annually and fledgling productivity increased by 31.4%. Avian prey increased and contributed to 93% successful annual nests in a more stable population. Bird feeders and bird baths were likely enhancing factors at residences, where owls obtained prey and used bird-bath water for drinking and bathing.
Fortified mothers' milk for very low birth weight infants: Results of growth and nutrient balance studies†

Mothers' milk, fortified daily with skim and cream components derived from mature donor human milk, was fed fresh during the first 2 postnatal months to 18 (group FMM) healthy, very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Following the same feeding protocol, 16 additional VLBW infants were fed commercial formula that had a similar range of energy and nitrogen. Infants were evaluated for growth, metabolizable energy, balances of nitrogen and fat, and biochemical markers of nutritional status. Growth measurements from birth to 1800 gm were similar in the two groups. Nutritional balance was performed at approximately 2.5 (first study period) and 6 (second study period) weeks. Metabolizable energy (average 109 kcal/kg/day) was similar in both groups and met theoretical needs of the growing VLBW infant. Apparent nitrogen retention was similar and equivalent to estimates of intrauterine nitrogen accretion (approximately 325 mg/kg/day). Fat absorption increased from the first (70% of intake) to the second study (80% of intake) and was similar in both groups. Serum values for albumin, total protein, prealbumin, hemoglobin, and creatinine were also similar, and declined with increases in postnatal age. Significant differences were observed between feeding groups for serum phosphorus and calcium. These results indicate that healthy VLBW infants maintain adequate growth and macronutrient balance for the first 2 months postnatally when fed mothers' milk fortified with additional skim and cream components.
Boundary element methods for three-dimensional thermoplasticity

Abstract A new boundary element formulation is presented for quasistatic thermoplasticity. The governing integral equations utilize kernel functions based upon the fundamental solutions of uncoupled thermoelasticity, thereby eliminating volume discretization except in regions where plasticity occurs. As a result, the boundary element approach becomes an attractive alternative to finite element methods, particularly for problems involving localized plastic effects. In addition, the present work introduces a temperature-dependent strain-hardening material model and includes the body heat sources due to inelastic dissipation. The entire three-dimensional formulation has been implemented in a general-purpose boundary element code. Details of this numerical implementation are provided, along with results of several illustrative examples.
The effect of relative prey size on the ingestion behavior of rodent-eating snakes

Six species of snakes from three families that represent diverse phyletic position and prey-capture techniques were fed mice of different sizes. The probability of the prey-capture technique’s being employed and of headfirst ingestion were determined by relative meal size, i.e., ingestion ratio. When dealing with relatively large prey, all constrictors and venomous species reliably located the head prior to ingestion.
Evolution of adaptive phenotypic variation patterns by direct selection for evolvability

A basic assumption of the Darwinian theory of evolution is that heritable variation arises randomly. In this context, randomness means that mutations arise irrespective of the current adaptive needs imposed by the environment. It is broadly accepted, however, that phenotypic variation is not uniformly distributed among phenotypic traits, some traits tend to covary, while others vary independently, and again others barely vary at all. Furthermore, it is well established that patterns of trait variation differ among species. Specifically, traits that serve different functions tend to be less correlated, as for instance forelimbs and hind limbs in bats and humans, compared with the limbs of quadrupedal mammals. Recently, a novel class of genetic elements has been identified in mouse gene-mapping studies that modify correlations among quantitative traits. These loci are called relationship loci, or relationship Quantitative Trait Loci (rQTL), and affect trait correlations by changing the expression of the existing genetic variation through gene interaction. Here, we present a population genetic model of how natural selection acts on rQTL. Contrary to the usual neo-Darwinian theory, in this model, new heritable phenotypic variation is produced along the selected dimension in response to directional selection. The results predict that selection on rQTL leads to higher correlations among traits that are simultaneously under directional selection. On the other hand, traits that are not simultaneously under directional selection are predicted to evolve lower correlations. These results and the previously demonstrated existence of rQTL variation, show a mechanism by which natural selection can directly enhance the evolvability of complex organisms along lines of adaptive change.
The use of three-dimensional nanostructures to instruct cells to produce extracellular matrix for regenerative medicine strategies.

Synthetic polymers or naturally-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins have been used to create tissue engineering scaffolds; however, the need for surface modification in order to achieve polymer biocompatibility and the lack of biomechanical strength of constructs built using proteins alone remain major limitations. To overcome these obstacles, we developed novel hybrid constructs composed of both strong biosynthetic materials and natural human ECM proteins. Taking advantage of the ability of cells to produce their own ECM, human foreskin fibroblasts were grown on silicon-based nanostructures exhibiting various surface topographies that significantly enhanced ECM protein production. After 4 weeks, cell-derived sheets were harvested and histology, immunochemistry, biochemistry and multiphoton imaging revealed the presence of collagens, tropoelastin, fibronectin and glycosaminoglycans. Following decellularization, purified sheet-derived ECM proteins were mixed with poly(e-caprolactone) to create fibrous scaffolds using electrospinning. These hybrid scaffolds exhibited excellent biomechanical properties with fiber and pore sizes that allowed attachment and migration of adipose tissue-derived stem cells. Our study represents an innovative approach to generate strong, non-cytotoxic scaffolds that could have broad applications in tissue regeneration strategies.
Construction of a cloning site near one end of Tn917 into which foreign DNA may be inserted without affecting transposition in Bacillus subtilis or expression of the transposon-borne erm gene.

Abstract A 1.3-kb restriction fragment carrying a cat gene derived from Staphylococcus aureus was inserted by ligation in both possible orientations into a HpaI restriction site located less than 300 bp from one end of Tn917. The resulting transposon derivatives were unimpaired in their ability to make and resolve transpositions into the chromosome of Bacillus subtilis and they displayed no detectable defect in expression of the inducible erm gene carried by the transposon. This demonstrates that the HpaI site itself, and perhaps the entire 250- to 300-bp region between the HpaI site and the nearest transposon terminal inverted repeat consists of nonessential DNA, and is therefore available to be modified or used as a cloning site with the expectation that the resulting transposon derivatives should be capable of normal transposition activity. To facilitate such manipulations, the HpaI site was “replaced” by a 24-bp DNA segment which contains a BamHI site flanked on either side by SmaI sites; these BamHI and SmaI sites are unique to the transposon. Several of the plasmid constructions undertaken in the course of this work illustrate ways in which homologous recombination may be used in conjunction with ligation in B. subtilis (and other bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, which have similar mechanisms for DNA uptake during competence) to facilitate significantly the recovery of certain kinds of recombinant molecules.
Real-time Analysis of Glucose Metabolism by Microscopy

Glucose metabolism has traditionally been assayed via biochemical means. Fluorescence monitoring of NAD(P)H levels has provided a non-invasive method to assay glucose metabolism in cells and tissues. However, these measurements have traditionally been of low resolution (no subcellular information) because of limitations imposed by optical and cellular photodamage problems. The recent advent of two-photon excitation microscopy as a dependable tool for biological research has opened the possibility of real-time, high-resolution analysis of glucose metabolism in living cells. Such measurements have the potential to provide subcellular information from intact tissue that cannot be obtained by other techniques.
Colposcopy and the management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

Abstract The accuracy of the colposcopically directed punch biopsy and its value in the management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (C.I.N.) was evaluated among 272 consecutive patients with abnormal Pap smears who were followed in a cervical dysplasia clinic (Bellevue Hospital, New York University Medical Center). The authors conclude that many unnecessary surgical operations were eliminated with this technique. One hundred and eighty-five patients (68%) underwent a colposcopically directed punch biopsy, usually followed by endocervical curettage. Only 22 patients (8%) had subsequent surgical conizations and 11 patients (4%) underwent hysterectomies. All cases diagnosed as mild or moderate dysplasia were treated by cryocauterization. For the cases with severe dysplasia or C.I.N. the treatment was individualized. Surgical conization or hysterectomy was performed in those cases with additional indications such as uterine prolapse, desire for sterilization, or advanced age. To minimize the risk of a later invasive carcinoma, a continuous follow-up with colposcopy and cytology is necessary.
From Bourgeois to Boojie: Black Middle-Class Performances

Young, Vershawn Ashanti, with Bridget Harris Tsemo, eds. From Bourgeois to Boojie: Black Middle-Class Performances. Detroit, MI: Wayne State UP, 2011. $24.95 (paperback) In From Bourgeois to Boojie...
Generalized anxiety disorder, somatic pain and health care costs

Abstract Objective To evaluate the extent to which pain severity contributes to the health care costs of low-income primary care patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Methods Primary care patients ( N =1029) were assessed with the PRIME-MD PHQ and a measure of pain interference with daily activities, classified as high (extremely or quite a bit) or low (moderately, a little bit or not at all). Medical charges were also assessed for the 6 months before and after the research interview. Patients with and without GAD were first compared and then mean predicted medical care charges were compared among patient groups with and without GAD and high pain interference. Results Compared to patients without GAD ( n =919), patients with GAD ( n =110) had significantly higher median medical care charges ($2375 vs. $1448, z =−2.8, P =.006) and significantly higher pain interference ratings ( z =7.4, P n =59) followed by no GAD/high pain interference ($9601, n =196), no GAD/low pain interference ($6757, n =709) and GAD/low pain interference ($3204, n =50). Conclusions In this setting, patients with GAD and high pain interference are common and have especially high health care costs.
Training HIV Physicians to Prescribe Buprenorphine for Opioid Dependence.

Abstract Few HIV physicians are trained to provide buprenorphine treatment. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the impact of an eight-hour course on the treatment of opioid dependence on HIV physicians' preparedness to prescribe buprenorphine. One hundred thirteen of 257 trained physicians (44%) provided HIV care. Post-course, the majority of both HIV physicians and non-HIV physicians (66% vs. 67%, P =.8) planned to pursue a registration to prescribe buprenorphine. The most common reason for not planning to do so was lack of experience (9% vs. 15%, P =.19). Fifty-two of the 113 (46%) HIV physicians had concerns about prescribing buprenorphine. Thirty of the 52 (58%) indicated that interactions between buprenorphine and HAART was their primary concern. Following training, most physicians feel prepared and plan to obtain a registration to prescribe buprenorphine. HIV physicians' concerns regarding interactions between buprenorphine and HAART need to be addressed in future training efforts.
Effect of aspirin on prostaglandin synthesis by human platelets

When platelet rich plasma is exposed to N-ethylmaleimide, a ten fold increase in measurable prostaglandin E synthesis occurs. This effect is almost completely abolished within 2 hours of ingestion of 600 mg of aspirin by human volunteers. Recovery of this platelet function is slow for the first two days, returning sharply to normal over the next six days and plateauing approximately 8 days following initial removal from aspirin. It is suggested from these studies that platelet prostaglandin E production following NEM may be a useful test of platelet function.
Comparison of progressive-ratio performance maintained by cocaine, methylphenidate and secobarbital.

Cocaine, methylphenidate and secobarbital were compared on a drug maintained progressive-ratio procedure in baboon subjects. Trials, scheduled throughout the day, occurred at a minimum interval of 3 hrs after completion of the preceding trial. A ratio response requirement on the “initiate” lever was required during each trial which terminated in a single intravenous infusion of drug. A drug was introduced on the progressive-ratio procedure with a low ratio requirement in order to obtain a baseline performance of a high stable frequency of trial completion. The ratio requirement was systematically increased every 7 days until the “breaking point” when the rate of completing trials fell below a criterion level. Within-subject comparison revealed that cocaine produced higher breaking points than methylphenidate at the same absolute dose, 0.4 mg/kg. At the range of doses studied, manipulation of doses of methylphenidate (0.1–0.8 mg/kg) and cocaine (0.4–1.6 mg/kg) had little effect on breaking point. In contrast, increasing doses of secobarbital (6.0 and 12.0 mg/kg) produce higher breaking points within the same subjects.
Modeling the brightness of the Moon over 350 - 2500 nm for spacecraft calibration

A program to characterize the brightness of the Moon for use with spacecraft calibration is continuing its operation. Observations are made over the wavelength range 350—2500 nm in 32 passbands, almost half of which approximate existing spacecraft bands. Observations of bright stars provide instrument calibration, measure atmospheric extinction, and provide an absolute calibration pathway. The processed data from this project currently contain over 40 000 Lunar images. Photometric models of the total Lunar irradiance are generated from image irradiance sums. Independent radiance models for '- 250000 pixel locations in the calibrated image projection are also calculated, allowing accurate treatment of spacecraft viewing geometries. Within the phase angle range 5_900,the uncertainty in the relative irradiance models is less than 1.5%. At a constant phase angle, the irradiance uncertainty due to libration is significantly lower. These uncertainties are small enough to establish the Moon as a good calibrator for tracking relative instrument stability. The uncertainty in the absolute radiance scale is currently 6—10%, but relative and absolute model uncertainties are expected to decrease with further analysis and as more observations are added to the dataset during the next few years.
Substrate dependent growth of microcrystalline silicon

Silicon (Si) heterojunction solar cells with efficiencies approaching 24.7% are poised to replace Si diffused junction solar cells. To further improve their efficiency, microcrystalline Si (μc-Si) could replace the amorphous Si (a-Si) emitter layer, thus improving the effective doping and increasing transparency. This improvement in efficiency would come at little additional cost and could be accomplished by altering the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) conditions. A μc-Si film was deposited on glass, a-Si, c-Si, silicon dioxide, and sapphire. When integrated over the AM 1.5G spectrum, the a-Si:H film absorbs 3 mA/cm2 the 50% crystalline μc-Si:H film absorbs 1.7 mA/cm2.
Unsteady, thermally conductive coronal flow

A numerical algorithm using implicit time-differencing is applied to the solar wind equations allowing, for the first time, solutions including thermal conduction to be found for time-dependent flow traversing the subsonic to supersonic velocity transition region. Sample solutions are shown that demonstate the distinctive differences introduced by including thermal conduction, in comparison to the commonly available solutions assuming polytropic flow. Also, it is found that steady solutions are produced at least as quickly using a time-dependent relaxation to the steady state as when solving the steady-state equations.
Oxocarboxylic acids, pyridine nucleotide‐linked oxidoreductases and serum factors in regulation of cell proliferation

When serum is made rate-limiting for clonal multiplication of human diploid fibroblasts, the presence of a 2-oxocarboxylic acid in the medium becomes essential. The requirement is independent of the 20 amino acids and glucose. Glyoxylic, pyruvic, 2-oxoglutaric, and oxalacetic acids are most effective. The types of 2-oxocarboxylic acids that support multiplication are oxidized substrates for several, pyridine nucleotide-linked intracellular oxidoreductases. The requirement is not satisfied by carboxylic acids, oxidized substrates for oxidoreductases that are not lniked to pyridine nucleotides, or by nonspecific electron acceptors. The quantitative requirement for 2-oxocarboxylic acids in cell multiplication is markedly affected by the concentration of serum proteins in the medium. Therefore, 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism may be related to the mechanism by which serum growth factors regulate cell multiplication.
Artifacts that speak for themselves : Sounds underfoot in Mesoamerica

Previously overlooked in archaeological research, natural sounds emitted from the underground affect humans and culture. In this paper, it is suggested that noises generated by subterranean ground movement, water, wind, and wildlife are a reason why residents in Mesoamerica perceive caves, waterholes, limestone sinks, and mountains as sacred. Too, a mental grasp of the sounds, conceptualized as anthropomorphized voices and music, may have been employed as an ideological basis for authority in Maya society. Support is shown using examples of ethnohistory, ethnography, and archaeology. Called for is the systematic collection and study of underground sounds, as artifacts, to define the noises as possible use determinants in ritual venues and settlement sites. Their potential importance as early warning devices for destructive agents in the natural environment suggests that an understanding of the noises and their regard by residents in the region could contribute to theory-building in anthropology, particularly in issues of human-environment relations, and sociocultural development.
Biochemical correlates of functional characteristics of visual cortical neurons

Neurochemical data on changes in proteins and glutamate dehydrogenase activity in neurons of layer V of the visual cortex and in acetylcholinesterase, monoamine oxidase, Na, K-ATPase, and cytochrome oxidase activity in subcellular components of the rabbit visual cortex after early visual deprivation are compared with the results of microelectrode studies of the properties of cells recorded at the level of maximal thickness of the visual cortex. On the basis of the neurochemical indices two groups of neurons responding differently to visual deprivation were distinguished. It is suggested that neurons less sensitive to a deficit of visual excitation compensate the changes in their chemical properties at the expense of activation arriving from other sensory systems; this view is in good agreement with quantitative electrophysiological data on relations between monosensory and polysensory neurons in the visual cortex.
Dermatitis from UV acrylate in adhesive.

An employee developed unusual linear bullae and dermatitis of the forearms while formulating UV curable resins for a sanitary napkin adhesive. Patch tests to work contactants showed sensitivity to tetraethylene glycol diacrylate only. The remainder of the reactions were irritant, Resin contamination of a “rest-bar” against which the employee leaned with his forearms contributed to the artifactual appearance of his lesions.
SURGICAL HYPOPARATHYROIDISM PRECIPITATED BY ONSET OF THE MENOPAUSE: A CASE REPORT

If Hypoparathyroidism develops after thyroidectomy, it commonly becomes manifest during the first few weeks. It is most unusual for the disorder to occur almost thirty years following such an operation, as seems to be true in the case presented here.
Anatomy of a Gang Suppression Unit: The Social Construction of an Organizational Response to Gang Problems

This article explores the institutional response of a midsized Midwestern police department to a perceived growing problem with youth gang activity. More specifically, this article analyzes both individual- and organizational-level variables that provide justification for creating and sustaining the existence of a Gang Suppression Unit (GSU). The evolution of the GSU is traced through both formal and informal constructions of a perceived youth gang problem by the Cedar Springs Police Department. Data collection consisted of 250 hours of participant observation with both uniformed patrol officers and members of the GSU, as well as official memos, records, and newspaper articles, to illustrate a historical overview of how the GSU emerged. In addition, this case study also provides evidence of common conditions often found in moral panic situations.
On the suitability of dissemination-centric access control systems for group-centric sharing

The Group-centric Secure Information Sharing (g-SIS) family of models has been proposed for modeling environments in which group dynamics dictate information-sharing policies and practices. This is in contrast to traditional, dissemination-centric sharing models, which focus on attaching policies to resources that limit their flow from producer to consumer. The creators of g-SIS speculate that it may not be strictly more expressive than dissemination-centric models, but that it nevertheless has pragmatic efficiency advantages in group-centric scenarios [12]. In this paper, we formally and systematically test these characteristics of an access control system's suitability for a scenario - expressiveness and cost - to evaluate the capabilities of dissemination-centric systems within group-centric workloads. We show that several common dissemination-centric systems lack the expressiveness to meet all security guarantees while implementing the wide range of behavior that is characteristic of the g-SIS models, except via impractical, convoluted encodings. Further, even more efficient implementations (admissible under relaxed security requirements) suffer from high storage and computational overheads. These observations support the practical and theoretical significance of the g-SIS models, and provide insight into techniques for evaluating and comparing access control systems in terms of both expressiveness and cost.
Temperature-dependent vacancy formation during the growth of Cu on Cu(001)

X-ray diffraction measurements show that a large number of vacancies are incorporated in thin Cu films grown on Cu(001) at low temperatures. At any given deposition temperature between 110 and 160 K, the vacancy concentration ${c}_{v},$ obtained from reflectivity data, does not change with the coverage \ensuremath{\Theta}, for $2.5\mathrm{ML}l~\ensuremath{\Theta}l~20\mathrm{ML}.$ However, ${c}_{v}$ is temperature dependent: for 15-ML-thick films, grown at different temperatures, it monotonically decreases with increasing T from ${c}_{v}\ensuremath{\approx}2%$ at 110 K to zero at $T=160\mathrm{K}.$ A different ``${c}_{v}$ vs T'' dependence is observed for films grown at 110 K and then annealed at progressively higher temperatures. Here ${c}_{v}\ensuremath{\approx}2%$ persists over a broad temperature interval (between 110 and 200 K) and ${c}_{v}$ exhibits a slower decrease upon heating, reaching zero at 300 K.
STUDIES ON HOST-VIRUS INTERACTIONS IN THE CHICK EMBRYO-INFLUENZA VIRUS SYSTEM I. ADSORPTION AND RECOVERY OF SEED VIRUS

Upon injection of active influenza A or B virus into the allantoic cavity of the developing chick embryo, an average of only 70 per cent of the agent was adsorbed onto the tissue, as measured by the difference between the quantity of virus injected and that found free in the allantoic fluid of the injected eggs during the constant period. The degree of adsorption was similar, regardless of whether 109 or 102 ID50 of active virus was injected. Attempts to demonstrate the adsorbed virus in suspensions of the infected tissue met with partial success only in that not more than 1 to 5 per cent of the amount calculated to be adsorbed was actually found. All efforts to increase the yield of virus have failed. These results led to the suggestion that the seed virus, which participates in the propagation, becomes altered in such a way that it no longer may be demonstrated by infectivity titrations, whereas the active virus found represents superficially adsorbed virus, which does not multiply.
PUBLIC RESPONSES TO THE PRESIDENTIAL USE OF MILITARY FORCE: A Panel Analysis

How do citizens respond to dramatic uses of military force? While we know a great deal about the conditions that driveaggregate changes in presidential popularity in response to a president's use of military force, we know surprisingly little about howindividuals respond to such events. What types of individuals operating under what types of conditions are more likely to support such actions? And to what extent does approval of the use of force affect subsequent changes, not only in presidential popularity, but also in more general foreign policy attitudes? We use panel survey data collected before and after the U.S. bombing of Libya in 1986 to investigate the individual-level dynamics of opinion change in response to this dramatic event. Because our study neatly brackets the Libyan air strikes, we are able to examine in some detail the antecedents and consequences of individuals' reactions to a president's use of military force. We find that watching President Reagan's dramatic televised speech had an unmistakable impact in moving respondents to support the bombing. We also find that support for the Libyan air strikes appeared to precipitate greater approval for a range of more “hard-line” military responses toward terrorism, thus creating opportunities for similar-or even broader—presidential initiatives in the future. Finally, because the bombing was the only significant event occurring between the waves of the panel, our quasi-experimental design ties approval of the bombing clearly to an upsurge in presidential approval. Implications for various perspectives on presidential leadership of public opinion in foreign affairs are discussed.
ESCRT Machinery Potentiates HIV-1 Utilization of the PI(4,5)P2-PLC-IP3R-Ca2+ Signaling Cascade

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) release efficiency is directed by late (L) domain motifs in the viral structural precursor polyprotein Gag, which serve as links to the ESCRT ( e ndosomal s orting c omplex r equired for t ransport) machinery. Linkage is normally through binding of Tsg101, an ESCRT-1 component, to the P 7 TAP motif in the p6 region of Gag. In its absence, budding is directed by binding of Alix, an ESCRT adaptor protein, to the LY 36 PX n L motif in Gag. We recently showed that budding requires activation of the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (IP3R), a protein that “gates” Ca 2+ release from intracellular stores, triggers Ca 2+ cell influx and thereby functions as a major regulator of Ca 2+ signaling. In the present study, we determined whether the L domain links Gag to Ca 2+ signaling machinery. Depletion of IP3R and inactivation of phospholipase C (PLC) inhibited budding whether or not Tsg101 was bound to Gag. PLC hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate generates inositol (1,4,5)-triphosphate, the ligand that activates IP3R. However, with Tsg101 bound, Gag release was independent of Gq-mediated activation of PLC, and budding was readily enhanced by pharmacological stimulation of PLC. Moreover, IP3R was redistributed to the cell periphery and cytosolic Ca 2+ was elevated, events indicative of induction of Ca 2+ signaling. The results suggest that L domain function, ESCRT machinery and Ca 2+ signaling are linked events in Gag release.
Associations of Obesity with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Noncancer Prostate Surgery in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

The authors examined the association between obesity and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This 1988-1994 US cross-sectional study included 2,797 men aged > or = 60 years whose current weight, weight at age 25 years, highest weight ever, height, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed. LUTS cases had at least three of these symptoms: nocturia, incomplete emptying, weak stream, and hesitancy. Controls were men without symptoms or noncancer prostate surgery. Odds ratios adjusted for age and race and weighted for selection probability were estimated by logistic regression. The odds of LUTS were lower for men who were obese at age 25 years compared with men whose BMI was normal (odds ratio = 0.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.27, 0.91). An increase in BMI between age 25 years and the highest BMI ever was positively associated with LUTS (odds ratio = 1.90, 95% confidence interval: 0.89, 4.05). Men with a larger waist circumference (> or = 102 cm) were more likely to have LUTS compared with men with a smaller waist circumference (odds ratio = 1.48, 95% confidence interval: 0.87, 2.54). Results suggest that being overweight in young adulthood may be associated with a lower prevalence of LUTS later in life, whereas weight gain and central adiposity in adulthood are possibly associated with a higher prevalence of LUTS.