cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Opioid Prescribing for Proximal Row Carpectomy versus Four-Corner Arthrodesis

Background Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) and four-corner arthrodesis (4-CA) represent motion-sparing procedures for addressing degenerative wrist pathologies. While both procedures demonstrate comparable functional outcomes, postoperative pain presents a surgical challenge that often necessitates the use of opioids. Objectives The aim of this study was to (1) compare opioid prescribing patterns surrounding PRC and 4-CA, (2) identify risk factors predisposing patients to increased perioperative and prolonged postoperative opioids, and (3) examine the association between opioids and perioperative health care utilization. Patients and Methods PearlDiver Patients Records Database was used to retrospectively identify patients undergoing primary PRC and 4-CA between 2010 and 2018. Patient demographics, comorbidities, prescription drug usage, and perioperative health care utilization were evaluated. Perioperative opioid prescriptions and post-operative opioid prescriptions were recorded. Logistic regression analysis evaluated the association of patient risk factors. Results There was no significant difference in perioperative (PRC [odds ratio {OR}: 0.84, p = 0.788]; 4-CA [OR: 0.75, p = 0.658]) or prolonged postoperative opioid prescriptions (PRC [OR: 0.95, p = 0.927]; 4-CA [OR: 0.99, p = 0.990]) between PRC and 4-CA. Chronic back pain and use of benzodiazepines or anticonvulsants were associated with increased risks of prolonged postoperative opioids. Prolonged postoperative opioids presented increased risks of emergency department visits (OR: 2.09, p = 0.019) and hospital readmissions (OR: 10.2, p = 0.003). Conclusion No significant differences exist in the prescription of opioids for PRC versus 4-CA. Both procedures have high amounts of prolonged postoperative opioid use, which is associated with increased risks of emergency department visits and hospital readmissions. Level of Evidence This is a level III, retrospective comparative study.
Variant allele fraction of genomic alterations in circulating tumor DNA (%ctDNA) correlates with SUVmax in PET scan.

The relationship between higher variant allele fraction (VAF) of genomic alterations in circulating tumor DNA (%ctDNA), an indicator of poor outcome, and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), the most commonly used semi-quantitative parameter in 18F-FDG PET/CT, has not been studied. Overall, 433 cancer patients had blood-based next generation sequencing. Maximum and sum of %ctDNA alterations (%ctDNAmax and %ctDNAsum, respectively) represent the maximum and sum of VAF, reported as a percentage. The subset of 46 eligible patients had treatment-naive metastatic disease and PET/CT imaging, with median 13 days prior to ctDNA testing. We found a linear correlation between the maximum VAF (%ctDNAmax) (as well as the sum of the VAFs (%ctDNAsum)) and SUVmax of the most 18F-FDG-avid lesion (r=0.43, P=0.003; r=0.43, P=0.002; respectively). Our data suggest that SUVmax may be a non-invasive and readily available surrogate indicator for %ctDNA, a prognostic factor for patient survival. Since higher %ctDNA has been previously correlated with worse outcome, the relationship between SUVmax, %ctDNA and survival warrants further study.
Neural Networks in C++: An Object-Oriented Framework for Building Connectionist Systems

From the Publisher: Interest in this area is at an all-time high. Fully explains how to apply neural networks to real-world problems, focusing on the practical side of building neural network applications. Besides providing a wealth of examples in C++, full coverage of three major application areas of neural network programming is included along with a complete C++ class library especially designed for neural network usage.
Coherent enhancement in Raman spectroscopy

We present direct measurements of almost ten orders of magnitude enhancement in coherent over spontaneous Raman. The measured ground state coherence is in good agreement with theory, and is verified by the molecular concentration dependence.
Tryptophan Metabolism in Humans with Various Types of Anemias

Metabolic studies were performed in a number of patients to determine the effect of anemia on tryptophan metabolism. Patients were given a tracer dose of DL-tryptophan-2-C14 or the tracer dose plus a loading dose (2 Gm.) of L-tryptophan. In those patients given the loading dose, the C14O2 production over a 24 hour period was lower than that usually obtained in normals receiving the same dose. The loading dose did not have any significant effect on the total urinary radioactivity level. In some cases the post tryptophan loading urinary level of kynurenine, quinolinic acid, N1-methylnicotinamide and N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide were elevated. Vitamin B6 administration returned the kynurenine and N1-methylnicotinamide levels to normal but not the quinolinic acid or pyridone. The results obtained here indicate that in anemias the activity of the hematin dependent enzyme, tryptophan pyrrolase, was depressed as well as the enzymes converting the amino acid into CO2. The data suggest that not only are the kynurenine catabolism enzymes vitamin B6 dependent but that vitamin B6 is very important to the conversion of the tryptophan metabolite 3-hydroxy-anthranilic acid into α-amino-β-carboxymuconic-e-semialdehyde and the conversion of the semialdehyde into acetate and CO2. In addition vitamin B6 may be involved in the further metabolism of quinolinic acid into the pyridone.
Molecular Analysis of Mixed Endometrioid and Serous Adenocarcinoma of the Endometrium

Background The molecular biology and cellular origins of mixed type endometrial carcinomas (MT-ECs) are poorly understood, and a Type II component of 10 percent or less may confer poorer prognoses. Methodology/Principal Findings We studied 10 cases of MT-EC (containing endometrioid and serous differentiation), 5 pure low-grade endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EAC) and 5 pure uterine serous carcinoma (USC). Endometrioid and serous components of the MT-ECs were macrodissected and the expression of 60 candidate genes compared between MT-EC, pure USC and pure EAC. We found that four genes were differentially expressed when MT-ECs were compared to pure low-grade EAC: CDKN2A (P = 0.006), H19 (P = 0.010), HOMER2 (P = 0.009) and TNNT1 (P = 0.006). Also while we found that even though MT-ECs closely resembled the molecular profiles of pure USCs, they also exhibit lower expression of PAX8 compared to all pure cases combined (P = 0.035). Conclusion Our data suggest that MT-EC exhibits the closest molecular and epidemiological similarities to pure USC and supports clinical observations that suggest patients with MT-EC should receive the same treatment as patients with pure serous carcinoma. Novel specific markers of MT-EC could be of diagnostic utility and could represent novel therapeutic targets in the future.
EIO: error handling is occasionally correct

The reliability of file systems depends in part on how well they propagate errors. We develop a static analysis technique, EDP, that analyzes how file systems and storage device drivers propagate error codes. Running our EDP analysis on all file systems and 3 major storage device drivers in Linux 2.6, we find that errors are often incorrectly propagated; 1153 calls (13%) drop an error code without handling it. We perform a set of analyses to rank the robustness of each subsystem based on the completeness of its error propagation; we find that many popular file systems are less robust than other available choices. We confirm that write errors are neglected more often than read errors. We also find that many violations are not cornercase mistakes, but perhaps intentional choices. Finally, we show that inter-module calls play a part in incorrect error propagation, but that chained propagations do not. In conclusion, error propagation appears complex and hard to perform correctly in modern systems.
PU.1-dependent T cell function limits inflammation in EAE (BA14P.214)

T helper cell subsets mediate autoimmune disease through the secretion of specific cytokines that recruit other immune cells and alter the inflammatory microenvironment. IL-9-secreting Th9 cells can contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases, including Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE), although the mechanisms are unclear. Elimination of IL-9 or IL-9R in models of EAE has led to somewhat conflicting results. To attempt a different approach to this question we examined the development of EAE in mice with a T cell-specific deletion of the Sfpi1 gene, which encodes PU.1, a transcription factor important for the production of IL-9. Interestingly, Sfpi1lck-/- mice had significantly worse disease scores compared to WT mice beginning 19 days after initial MOG35-55 immunization. The disease scores for the Sfpi1lck-/- mice persisted through day 30 in contrast to disease resolution in WT mice. Although few IL-9 secreting T cells were found among CD4+ T-cells isolated from the brains of Sfpi1lck-/- mice 25 days after initial immunization, there were significantly higher frequencies of IFN-γ, IL-17a, and IFN-γ+IL-17a+ when assayed by intracellular staining. There was also higher MOG-specific total IgG and IgG1 levels in the Sfpi1lck-/- mice. These results suggest that PU.1 dependent immunity limits autoimmune inflammation, particularly during the resolution phase of disease.
Cell cycle-independent lysis of Escherichia coli by cefsulodin, an inhibitor of penicillin-binding proteins 1a and 1b.

Cefsulodin lyses actively growing Escherichia coli by binding specifically to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) 1a and 1b. Recent findings (F. Garcia del Portillo, M. A. de Pedro, D. Joseleau-Petit, and R. D9Ari, J. Bacteriol. 171:4217-4221, 1989) have linked cefsulodin-induced lysis to septation during the first division cycle after a nutritional shift-up or chromosome replication realignment. We synchronized cells by membrane filtration to determine whether cefsulodin-induced lysis depended on septation in normally growing cells. Populations of newly divided cells were allowed to grow for variable lengths of time. Cefsulodin was added to these synchronous cultures, which represented points in two to three rounds of the cell cycle. Since the cell numbers were small, a new lysis assay was developed that was based on the release of DNA measured by fluorometry. Lysis occurred at a constant time after addition of the antibiotic, regardless of the time in the cell cycle at which the addition was made. Thus, cefsulodin-induced lysis is not linked to septation or to any other cell cycle-related event.
“Gossip boys”: insider trading and regulatory ambiguity

Purpose – The purpose of this viewpoint, case study analysis paper is to assist in understanding how history repeats itself in the case of insider trading, even with regulatory intervention. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative methodology approach, using interviews of some of the watchdogs of Wall Street (SEC, US Attorney's Office) during the insider trading scandals of the 1980s. Key themes including ambiguity of money, regulation, and the networks of financial institution professionals are discussed. Findings – Findings suggest that regulation is difficult if nearly impossible, in the face of limited resources and regulatory ambiguity. Practical implications – This paper suggests a network approach to regulators, corporate decision makers, and academics in order to understand the structure of insider trading conspiracies. Originality/value – Continues the tradition of qualitative research in a niche of white-collar crime that is more often approached with strict statistic analysis. Value is that t...
Xylitol and d-Arabitol Toxicities Due to Derepressed Fructose, Galactitol, and Sorbitol Phosphotransferases of Escherichia coli

d-Arabitol was observed to be toxic to many laboratory strains of Escherichia coli K-12, and xylitol was found to be toxic to an existing E. coli C mutant strain. Fructose-specific components of the phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system are required for xylitol toxicity. Selection for xylitol resistance results in Fru− strains blocked in fructose phosphotransferase. Introduction of the ptsF or ptsI mutation into a xylitol-sensitive strain eliminates sensitivity. [14C]fructose uptake experiments imply that the mutation to xylitol sensitivity, which is co-transducible with ara and leu, results in derepression of normally inducible fructose phosphotransferase. Wild-type strains also become xylitol sensitive if induced by (and then removed from) fructose. Xylitol toxicity is prevented by fructose in both wild-type and mutant strains. Circumstances causing xylitol, a new food additive, to become toxic to an otherwise insensitive wild-type organism have not been reported previously. The d-arabitol-sensitive laboratory strains are galactitol (dulcitol) utilizers, although most other strains are not. Selection for d-arabitol resistance results in Gat− strains blocked in a constitutive galactitol-specific component of the phosphotransferase system. A mutation causing d-arabitol sensitivity occurred many years ago in AB284, the parent of AB311, AB312, AB313, and many other strains. d-Arabitol sensitivity also occurs in sorbitol-constitutive strains and is shown, like the previous two instances of pentitol toxicities, to result from a constitutive phosphotransferase, which is blocked in mutants selected for resistance.
Enhancement of locomotor activity and conditioned reward to cocaine by brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

The mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system has been implicated in drug reward, locomotor sensitization, and responding for reward-related stimuli [termed conditioned reinforcers (CR)]. Here, we investigated the effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which enhances the survival and function of dopaminergic neurons, on stimulant-induced locomotor sensitization and responding for CR. In experiment 1, BDNF was infused into the nucleus accumbens (NAc) or ventral tegmental area over 2 weeks via chronically implanted minipumps (1-2.5 microgram/d), and the psychomotor stimulant effects of cocaine (5-15 mg/kg, i.p.) were studied. We found that BDNF enhanced the initial stimulant effects of cocaine and seemed to facilitate the development of sensitization to repeated cocaine doses. In experiment 2, we studied the effects of intra-NAc BDNF infusions on responding for CR. BDNF-treated rats showed twice as many CR responses compared with controls when saline was first administered. BDNF enhanced responding on the CR lever more than four times that seen in control animals after a cocaine injection (10 mg/kg, i.p.). The enhanced response to cocaine in BDNF-treated animals persisted for more than a month after the BDNF infusions had stopped, indicating long-lasting changes in the mesolimbic DA system caused by BDNF administration. In experiment 3, we examined locomotor sensitization to cocaine in heterozygous BDNF knock-out mice and found that the development of sensitization was delayed compared with wild-type littermates. These results demonstrate the profound effects of BDNF on the enhancement of both cocaine-induced locomotion and facilitation of CR and suggest a possible role for BDNF in long-term adaptations of the brain to cocaine.
The nursing care plan: computerized, propessionalized, utilized

Computerization of the Nursing Care Plan (NCP) has achieved an end to the means in resolving the many obstacles that have made nurse care planning theor etical and non-functional. This paper describes a computerized Nursing Care Plan (C-NCP) program developed at Community-General Hospital of Syracuse, New York, that allows the professional nurse creativity, autonomy and account ability in the development, revision and retro spective analysis of the NCP.
Strong magnetic fields in nova systems

The discovery of variable circular polarization in V1500 Cygni (the remnant of Nova Cygni 1975) is the strongest evidence for the presence of highly magnetic white dwarfs in nova systems. If interpreted in terms of diluted cyclotron emission from a hot accretion shock, the recent observations of Schmidt and Stockman (1990 preprint, Ap. J. 1991) of the color dependence of the circular polarization can provide a empirical lower-limit to the primary's magnetic field strength of B > 25 x 106 gauss. Such a field strength is comparable to those observed in other magnetic variables, thus providing support for the general picture of the current and pre-nova system and the explanation for the observed search-light and period changes following the eruption. Schmidt and Stockman have also measured lengthening of the polarimetric period indicating that the system will be resynchronized within a few centuries and well before the next nova eruption. This is an independent confirmation of a significant magnetic moment for the white dwarf primary.
Increased level of cAMP‐dependent protein kinase in aging human lung fibroblasts

Regulation of the expression of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in cellular aging was studied using the IMR-90 diploid human lung fibroblasts. The level of cAMP-dependent protein kinase present in cell extracts was monitored by 1) photoactivated incorporation of 8-N3-[32P]cAMP into the 47,000- and 54,000-dalton regulatory subunits of the type I and type II cAMP-dependent protein kinases, respectively; 2) cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of histone II AS catalyzed by the catalytic subunit of the kinase; and 3) fractionation and analysis of the type I and type II cAMP-dependent protein kinase by DEAE-Sephacel column chromatography. Our results showed an approximately two- to threefold increase in the level of the type I cAMP-dependent protein kinase and a somewhat smaller increase in the type II kinase in extracts of the "old" IMR-90 cells (population doubling greater than 48) as compared to that of the "young" cells (PDL 22-27). The timing of the increase in cAMP-dependent protein kinase coincided with a significant decrease in the proliferative potential of the cells. This result together with previously demonstrated effects of cAMP in the control of cell growth and differentiation and the increased expression of cAMP-dependent protein kinase during terminal differentiation of the murine preadipocytes (3T3-L1) and myoblast (L-5, L-6, and C2C13) suggests that regulation of the levels of cAMP and cAMP-dependent protein kinase plays a significant role in the control of cell growth and differentiation.
Carbon and nitrogen relations in surface and subsurface marine sediments

Abstract The carbon and nitrogen content of marine Sedimente is associated with processes such as rates of sedimentation, and environmental aspects of deposition and diagenesis. Information on the distribution of these elements is also pertinent to the evaluation and reconstruction of past environments. It is thus necessary that we have a more thorough understanding of the relationship between carbon and nitrogen in sedimentary materials. The logarithmic relationship of carbon and nitrogen for sixty-five samples of near-shore marine Sedimente, both surface and subsurface, has been examined. The resulte are, compared, using data from various sources. Carbon and nitrogen show an approximately logarithmic linear functional relation. For both surface and subsurface samples the statistical C N ratio may increase or decrease with increasing organic content. The slopes of the least-squares lines, representing this relationship, range from 0.09 to the vertical. Sedimente obtained from a Maine fjord indicate that the carbon-nitrogen association for surface and subsurface samples are quite different. The organic supply and environment of organic decomposition appear to be the primary factors controlling the ratio of carbon to nitrogen loss. The particular type of relationship between carbon and nitrogen in marine Sediments varies considerably. Consequently data from different areas must be treated separately.
Validity of spiral analysis in early Parkinson's disease

Spiral analysis is an objective, easy to administer noninvasive test that has been proposed to measure motor dysfunction in Parkinson disease (PD). We compared overall Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale Part III scores to selected indices derived from spiral analysis in seventy-four patients with early PD (mean duration of disease 2.4 +/- 1.7 years, mean age 61.5 +/- 9.7 years). Of the spiral indices, degree of severity, first order zero crossing, second order smoothness, and mean speed were best correlated with total motor Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score (all P < 0.01), and these indices showed a gradient across worsening tertiles of UPDRS (P < 0.05). Spiral indices also correlated with UPDRS ratings for the worst side and worst arm scores as well. The domains of bradykinesia, rigidity, and action tremor were correlated with first order crossing, second order smoothness, and mean speed, where as rest tremor was most highly correlated with degree of severity. This suggests that the spiral analysis may supplement motor assessment in PD, although further analysis of spiral metrics, a larger sample and longitudinal data should be evaluated.
Analytic two-center exchange integrals

Abstract A highly accurate exact analytical expression for two-center electron-repulsion integrals of the exchange type using normalized Slater orbitals has been developed. Numerical results are presented.
The borderline personality disorder practice guidelines: the good, the bad, and the realistic.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) (2001) are timely with respect to need but early with respect to the state of the evidence. A statement about the treatment of BPD is absolutely necessary, even if incomplete, because BPD is a major psychiatric disorder with profound morbidity and mortality that consumes treatment resources out of proportion with its epidemiology. The compendium delivers a report that accurately reflects the status quo. The relevant existing literature has been gathered, classified, interpreted, and integrated in a fair and understandable fashion. The strengths of the report are its organization and completeness. The weakness is in the state of the evidence itself. The guidelines paradoxically provide evidence of the limited nature of existing empirical knowledge about the treatment of BPD. The entire report is built on only 198 references compared with 581 and 325 for the guidelines for schizophrenia (Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients, with Schizophrenia, 1997) and depression (Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Major Depressive disorder, 2000), respectively. Furthermore, only 12 citations (6% of the references) account for psychosocial intervention studies conducted with Class A methodologic rigor. Of these, only five concern psychotherapy and these five citations arise from only two laboratories. The number is exceedingly small, yet this collection constitutes the Class A study data base for the Guideline’s recommendation of psychotherapy as the central treatment modality. Pharmacotherapy does somewhat better with 21 citations (11% of the references) of Class A studies. Nevertheless the number is hardly robust when compared with 70 studies of comparable scientific vigor for schizophrenia (Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients, with Schizophrenia, 1997). The sheer limited volume of research renders any statements about treatment efficacy and safety equivocal and incomplete. The limited data on “psychotherapy” is particularly troublesome. Psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapy is represented but not psychoanalytic or psychodynamic psychotherapy. The former is a treatment embedded in a partial hospital program. The latter, although probably one of the most frequently applied treatments to patients with BPD in America, has no Class A empirical representation in the Guidelines. In fact, psychotherapy appears Journal of Personality Disorders, 16(2), 119-121, 2002 © 2002 The Guilford Press
Bronchogenic Cysts Above and Below the Diaphragm: Report of Eight Cases

Bronchogenic cysts are developmental foregut anomalies usually located within the mediastinum. Although typically asymptomatic, infection or compression of adjacent structures may become prominent. Surgical excision is recommended to establish diagnosis, alleviate symptoms if present, and prevent future complications. We report our recent experience with bronchogenic cysts including 7 located within the mediastinum and a rare instance of a cyst below the diaphragm.
The use of closure devices

The use of arterial closure devices offers significant benefits over manual compression in achieving groin hemostasis following catheter-based procedures. Several currently available devices provide rapid puncture site closure with complication rates similar to that of manual compression. Closure devices allow for early times to ambulation and hospital discharge, and have a high degree of patient satisfaction. Their use may be of particular benefit inpatients that are anticoagulated. We believe that their use should be strongly considered in all patients following femoral artery catheterization.
Prediction of a thermal shock damage map for glass plates

A thermal shock damage map to qualitatively predict the effect of thermal quench on a glass plate is proposed based on thermoelastic and thermoviscoelastic stress theory. The map indicates that quenching a glass plate may induce either thermal shock damage and/or residual stresses. The theoretical analysis also generally agrees with experimental results reported for the thermal quench of polycrystalline alumina specimens with a significant glassy phase.
Simultaneous neutron and x-ray imaging of inertial confinement fusion experiments along a single line of sight at Omega

Neutron and x-ray imaging provide critical information about the geometry and hydrodynamics of inertial confinement fusion implosions. However, existing diagnostics at Omega and the National Ignition Facility (NIF) cannot produce images in both neutrons and x-rays along the same line of sight. This leads to difficulty comparing these images, which capture different parts of the plasma geometry, for the asymmetric implosions seen in present experiments. Further, even when opposing port neutron and x-ray images are available, they use different detectors and cannot provide positive information about the relative positions of the neutron and x-ray sources. A technique has been demonstrated on implosions at Omega that can capture x-ray images along the same line of sight as the neutron images. The technique is described, and data from a set of experiments are presented, along with a discussion of techniques for coregistration of the various images. It is concluded that the technique is viable and could provide valuable information if implemented on NIF in the near future.
Estimating Respiratory Mechanical Parameters in Parallel Compartment Models

Four iterative parameter estimation algorithms were used to obtain estimates in three parallel compartment models of the respiratory system. The stability of the parameter estimates and the agreement between the forced random noise impedance data and the model's response were evaluated for each algorithm-model combination. The combination of a two-stage simplex algorithm with a five element model provided the most stable parameter estimates and the second best fit to the data.
ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT OF GUINEAPIGS INFECTED WITH AGENT OF LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE

Erythromycin and rifampicin (rifampin) were able to prevent death of guineapigs given intraperitoneal injections of the agent causing legionnaires' disease. Penicillin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and gentamicin showed no significant effect. On the basis of clinical experience and experimental observations, erythromycin is recommended for patients suspected to have legionnaires' disease. Combined therapy with erythromycin and rifampicin may be justified in patients with confirmed legionnaires' disease who are not responding to erythromycin alone or as part of a controlled antibiotic trial among suspected cases during an outbreak of legionnaires' disease.
Reflection and algorithm proofs of some more Lie group dual pair identities

Abstract Recently developed reflection techniques of Gessel and Zeilberger and Schensted algorithm techniques of Benkart and Stroomer are used to give new proofs of some dual pair (or Cauchy-type) symmetric function identifies first found by A. O. Morris long ago and recently found anew by Hasegawa in the context of dual pairs of representations of Lie algebras.
Retrieval of the scattering and microphysical properties of aerosols from ground-based optical measurements including polarization. I. Method

A method has been developed for retrieving the scattering and microphysical properties of atmospheric aerosol from measurements of solar transmission, aureole, and angular distribution of the scattered and polarized sky light in the solar principal plane. Numerical simulations of measurements have been used to investigate the feasibility of the method and to test the algorithm’s performance. It is shown that the absorption and scattering properties of an aerosol, i.e., the single-scattering albedo, the phase function, and the polarization for single scattering of incident unpolarized light, can be obtained by use of radiative transfer calculations to correct the values of scattered radiance and polarized radiance for multiple scattering, Rayleigh scattering, and the influence of ground. The method requires only measurement of the aerosol’s optical thickness and an estimate of the ground’s reflectance and does not need any specific assumption about properties of the aerosol. The accuracy of the retrieved phase function and polarization of the aerosols is examined at near-infrared wavelengths (e.g., 0.870 µm). The aerosol’s microphysical properties (size distribution and complex refractive index) are derived in a second step. The real part of the refractive index is a strong function of the polarization, whereas the imaginary part is strongly dependent on the sky’s radiance and the retrieved single-scattering albedo. It is demonstrated that inclusion of polarization data yields the real part of the refractive index.
Music to my ears: the (many) socioeconomic benefits of music training programmes

A simple cost–benefit analysis is used to estimate substantive social benefits associated with a universal music training programme in Venezuela (B/C ratio of 1.68). Those social benefits accrue from both reduced school dropouts and declining community victimization. Biases affecting these results (omission of other social benefits and selection bias) work in opposite directions, which reduce the potential error associated with the results. This evidence of important social benefits adds to the already existing evidence of individual gains reported by the developmental psychology literature.
Membrane domain organization of myelinated axons requires βII spectrin

The precise and remarkable subdivision of myelinated axons into molecularly and functionally distinct membrane domains depends on axoglial junctions that function as barriers. However, the molecular basis of these barriers remains poorly understood. Here, we report that genetic ablation and loss of axonal βII spectrin eradicated the paranodal barrier that normally separates juxtaparanodal K+ channel protein complexes located beneath the myelin sheath from Na+ channels located at nodes of Ranvier. Surprisingly, the K+ channels and their associated proteins redistributed into paranodes where they colocalized with intact Caspr-labeled axoglial junctions. Furthermore, electron microscopic analysis of the junctions showed intact paranodal septate-like junctions. Thus, the paranodal spectrin-based submembranous cytoskeleton comprises the paranodal barriers required for myelinated axon domain organization.
Minimal covers of finite sets

We enumerate the minimal covers of a finite set S, classifying such covers by their cardinality, and also by the number of elements in S which they cover uniquely.
Peptidoglycan Isolated From Nontypeable Haemophilus Influenzae Induces Experimental Otitis Media In The Chinchilla

Bacterial cell wall components induce a number of biologic effects and promote inflammatory changes in a variety of hosts. Peptidoglycan isolated from Streptococcus pneumoniae can induce inflammation in the middle ear; however, an analogous role for peptidoglycan derived from gram-negative otitis media pathogens has not been described. Peptidoglycan isolated from nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), a major cause of otitis media, was evaluated in a chinchilla model. The direct injection of the middle ear with 3-300 micrograms of peptidoglycan resulted in tympanic membrane inflammation, abnormal pressure in the middle ear, leukocytosis, and histopathologic changes in the middle ear mucosa that included marked edema, osteoneogenesis, focal hemorrhage, and a mononuclear infiltration into the subepithelial space. These data indicate that NTHi peptidoglycan induced inflammation and histopathologic changes in the tympanic membrane and middle ear mucosal epithelium and may contribute to the pathogenesis of otitis media.
Theory and potentials of multi-layered plasmonic covers for multi-frequency cloaking

We have recently suggested that suitably designed plasmonic layers may cloak a given object simultaneously at multiple frequencies (Alu and Engheta 2008 Phys. Rev. Lett. 100 113901). Here, we extend our theory and fully analyze this possibility, highlighting the potentials of this plasmonic cloaking technique and its fundamental limitations dictated by the passivity and causality of the materials involved. The cloaking mechanism relies on the scattering cancellation properties of plasmonic materials. By exploiting their inherent frequency dispersion, it is possible to reduce the 'visibility' of a given object by several orders of magnitude simultaneously at multiple frequencies, such that any of the particular layers composing the cloak is responsible for noticeable reduction of scattering at each frequency of operation.
‘Disengage’ sensorimotor deficit following apparent recovery from unilateral dopamine depletion

Sensorimotor behavior in Long-Evans rats was evaluated acutely and chronically after unilateral dopamine depletion caused by infusions of 6-hydroxydopamine into the nigrostriatal system. In each rat, control infusions were delivered to the opposite hemisphere and a noradrenaline uptake blocker was used as a pretreatment to help protect noradrenaline cells. During the first few postoperative weeks, head movement reactions to repetitive tactile-perioral stimulation contralateral to the dopamine-depleted hemisphere were delayed but not eliminated. With recovery, facilitated by special training, the rats were able to respond quickly. However, two lasting abnormalities were observed. First, the types of head-orienting movements directed toward contralateral stimulation were different from that directed toward ipsilateral stimulation. Second, when the animals were engaged in eating behavior there was a complete failure to orient to contralateral stimulation, whereas they instantly disengaged from eating to orient to ipsilateral stimulation. When not eating, orienting was rapid and reliable to stimulation of either side of the body. These data may have implications for the role of the striatum and connected structures in the organization and integration of sensorimotor and ingestive behavior.
Spectroscopic and equilibrium studies of ligand and organic substrate binding to indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase.

The binding of a number of ligands to the heme protein indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase has been examined with UV-visible absorption and with natural and magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy. Relatively large ligands (e.g., norharman) which do not readily form complexes with myoglobin and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) can bind to the dioxygenase. Except for only a few cases (e.g., 4-phenylimidazole) for the ferric dioxygenase, a direct competition for the enzyme rarely occurs between the substrate L-tryptophan (Trp) and the ligands examined. L-Trp and small heme ligands (CN-,N3-,F-) markedly enhance the affinity of each other for the ferric enzyme in a reciprocal manner, exhibiting positive cooperativity. For the ferrous enzyme, L-Trp exerts negative cooperativity with some ligands such as imidazoles, alkyl isocyanides, and CO binding to the enzyme. This likely reflects the proximity of the Trp binding site to the heme iron. Other indolamine substrates also exert similar but smaller cooperative effects on the binding of azide or ethyl isocyanide. The pH dependence of the ligand affinity of the dioxygenase is similar to that of myoglobin rather than that of HRP. These results suggest that indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase has the active-site heme pocket whose environmental structure is similar to, but whose size is considerably larger than, that of myoglobin, a typical O2-binding heme protein. Although the L-Trp affinity of the ferric cyanide and ferrous CO enzyme varies only slightly between pH 5.5 and 9.5, the unligated ferric and ferrous enzymes have considerably higher affinity for L-Trp at alkaline pH than at acidic pH. L-Trp binding to the ferrous dioxygenase is affected by an ionizable residue with a pKa value of 7.3.
A collocation CVBEM using program Mathematica

The well-known complex variable boundary element method (CVBEM) is extended for using collocation points not located at the usual boundary nodal point locations. In this work, several advancements to the implementation of the CVBEM are presented. The first advancement is enabling the CVBEM nodes to vary in location, impacting the modeling accuracy depending on chosen node locations. A second advancement is determining values of the CVBEM basis function complex coefficients by collocation at evaluation points defined on the problem boundary but separate and distinct from nodal point locations (if some or all nodes are located on the problem boundary). A third advancement is the implementation of these CVBEM modeling features on computer program Mathematica, in order to reduce programming requirements and to take advantage of Mathematica’s library of mathematical capabilities and graphics features.
A specific vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor enhances the antiproliferative effect of trastuzumab in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 overexpressing breast cancer cell lines

Abstract Background Trastuzumab has been found to have potent antiproliferative effects in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2)–overexpressing human breast tumors. Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), a protein often overexpressed in breast carcinoma, has been shown to induce apoptosis. Methods Breast carcinoma cell lines were cultured with increasing doses of trastuzumab and/or a VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Growth inhibition and apoptosis were assessed after 5 days and 48 hours of treatment, respectively. Combination index values were calculated to determine the effectiveness of this drug combination. Results A dose-dependent growth inhibition was shown in all cell lines tested with the VEGFR TKI, whereas trastuzumab was effective only in the HER-2–positive cells. A synergistic interaction was shown in the HER-2–overexpressing cell lines, accompanied by an increase in apoptosis. Conclusions The combination of trastuzumab and a VEGFR TKI may be of therapeutic value in select breast cancer patients.
Catching a Virus in the Act of RNA Release: a Novel Poliovirus Uncoating Intermediate Characterized by Cryo-Electron Microscopy

Poliovirus infection requires that the particle undergo a series of conformational transitions that lead to cell entry and genome release. In an effort to understand the conformational changes associated with the release of the RNA genome, we have used cryo-electron microscopy to characterize the structure of the 80S “empty” particles of poliovirus that are thought to represent the final product of the cell entry pathway. Using two-dimensional classification methods, we show that preparations of 80S particles contain at least two structures, which might represent snapshots from a continuous series of conformers. Using three-dimensional reconstruction methods, we have solved the structure of two distinct forms at subnanometric resolution, and we have built and refined pseudoatomic models into the reconstructions. The reconstructions and the derived models demonstrate that the two structural forms are both slightly expanded, resulting in partial disruption of interprotomer interfaces near their particle 2-fold axes, which may represent the site where RNA is released. The models demonstrate that each of the two 80S structures has undergone a unique set of movements of the capsid proteins, associated with rearrangement of flexible loops and amino-terminal extensions that participate in contacts between protomers, between pentamers, and with the viral RNA.
Treated injuries in Northern Vermont

Abstract Objectives: To study characteristics of injury events and injuries requiring treatment in a Vermont population. Method: A one year 30% prospective sample was studied of persons from 22 communities who received first physician care for injury at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont. Results: Modal injuries were—superficial involving skin only among children below age 10, overexertion injuries among 10–59 year olds, and fractures among older persons. Among interviewed males ages 20–59, 31% of injuries were work related. Among females 26% were work related. Examining hospitalized cases only would have overemphasized falls, chemical injuries, leg fractures, transportation and nursing home injuries, and undercounted overexertion injuries, especially to the back, arm fractures, and injuries during recreation, work and home activities. Most common products/materials in use when injured were recreational equipment (24%) and motor vehicles (9%). Those most often causing injury were ground (20%) and home structures/construction materials (17%). No product was involved in 39% of injury event initiation and 15% of injury causation. Conclusion: In order to adequately reflect the distribution of treated injuries in the community by anatomical area, age, and event type studies must examine both emergency department and hospitalized cases and use a data collection system capable of recording several parameters to describe injury events and products/materials involved.
Negative Regulation of Monocyte Adhesion to Arterial Elastic Laminae by Signal Regulatory Protein α and Src Homology 2 Domain-containing Protein-Tyrosine Phosphatase-1

Elastic laminae are extracellular matrix constituents that not only contribute to the stability and elasticity of arteries but also play a role in regulating arterial morphogenesis and pathogenesis. We demonstrate here that an important function of arterial elastic laminae is to prevent monocyte adhesion, which is mediated by the inhibitory receptor signal regulatory protein (SIRP) alpha and Src homology 2 domain-containing protein-tyrosine phosphatase (SHP)-1. In a matrix-based arterial reconstruction model in vivo, elastic laminae were resistant to leukocyte adhesion and transmigration compared with the collagen-dominant arterial adventitia. The density of leukocytes within the elastic lamina-dominant media was about 58-70-fold lower than that within the adventitia from 1 to 30 days. An in vitro assay confirmed the inhibitory effect of elastic laminae on monocyte adhesion. The exposure of monocytes to elastic laminae induced activation of SIRP alpha, which in turn activated SHP-1. Elastic lamina degradation peptides extracted from arterial specimens could also activate SIRP alpha and SHP-1. The knockdown of SIRP alpha and SHP-1 by specific small interfering RNA diminished the inhibitory effect of elastic laminae, resulting in a significant increase in monocyte adhesion. These observations suggest that SIRP alpha and SHP-1 potentially mediate the inhibitory effect of elastic laminae on monocyte adhesion.
Mimosine, a toxin produced by the tree-legume Leucaena provides a nodulation competition advantage to mimosine-degrading Rhizobium strains.

Abstract The trees and shrubs of different Leucaena spp. contain a non-protein amino acid, mimosine which is toxic to animals and microorganisms. We found small amounts of mimosine in the nodules and the root exudate of Leucaena leucocephala . Some Leucaena -nodulating strains of Rhizobium degrade mimosine (Mid + ) and use it as a source of nutrients. To determine if the ability to catabolize mimosine by Rhizobium has a role in symbiosis, we constructed mutants that cannot degrade mimosine (Mid − ) from a Mid + competitive strain and tested them for growth in the presence of mimosine. When mimosine was added to a complete medium, it stimulated the growth of the Mid + wild-type strain but inhibited the growth of a mutant in which the gene encoding a mimosine-degrading enzyme was disrupted. L. leucocephala and Phaseolus vulgaris plants inoculated with these mutants formed effective nodules showing that mimosine catabolism by the microsymbiont has no direct effect on symbiosis. When mixtures of the wild-type strain and the Mid − mutants were used to inoculate L. leucocephala and P. vulgaris seedlings, most nodules in L. leucocephala were occupied by the wild-type strain, whereas, the nodule occupancies in P. vulgaris were proportional to the inoculant mixtures. These results show that the Mid − mutants are defective in nodulation competition on Leucaena but not on beans. This indicates that mimosine present in Leucaena provides a nodulation competition advantage to the mimosine degrading Rhizobium strains.
Nonlinear Performance Seeking Control using Fuzzy Model Reference Learning Control and the Method of Steepest Descent

1. Abstract Performance Seeking Control (PSC) attempts to find and control a process at an operating condition that will generate maximum performance. In this paper a nonlinear multivariable PSC methodology will be developed, utilizing the Fuzzy Model Reference Learning Control (FMRLC) and the method of Steepest Descent or Gradient (SDG). This PSC methodology employs the SDG method to find the operating condition that will generate maximum performance. This operating condition is in turn passed to the FMRLC controller as a set point for the control of the process. The conventional SDG algorithm is modified in this paper in order for convergence to occur monotonically. For the FMRLC control, the conventional fuzzy model reference learning control methodology is utilized, with guidelines generated here for effective tuning of the FMRLC controller.