cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A quantitative assessment of the dynamic modification of lipid–DNA probes on live cell membranes

Synthetic lipid-DNA probes have recently attracted much attention for cell membrane analysis, transmembrane signal transduction, and regulating intercellular networks. These lipid-DNA probes can spontaneously insert onto plasma membranes simply after incubation. The highly precise and controllable DNA interactions have further allowed the programmable manipulation of these membrane-anchored functional probes. However, we still have quite limited understanding of how these lipid-DNA probes interact with cell membranes and also what parameters determine this process. In this study, we have systematically studied the dynamic process of cell membrane modification with a group of lipid-DNA probes. Our results indicated that the hydrophobicity of the lipid-DNA probes is strongly correlated with their membrane insertion and departure rates. Most cell membrane insertion stems from the monomeric form of probes, rather than the aggregates. Lipid-DNA probes can be removed from cell membranes through either endocytosis or direct outflow into the solution. As a result, long-term probe modifications on cell membranes can be realized in the presence of excess probes in the solution and/or endocytosis inhibitors. For the first time, we have successfully improved the membrane persistence of lipid-DNA probes to more than 24 h. Our quantitative data have dramatically improved our understanding of how lipid-DNA probes dynamically interact with cell membranes. These results can be further used to allow a broad range of applications of lipid-DNA probes for cell membrane analysis and regulation.
Management of Spinal Deformity in the Setting of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

The treatment of spinal deformities secondary to osteoporotic fractures requires experience with adult spinal deformity reconstructions. The tenets of adult deformity surgery are followed, with the increasing complexity of poor bone quality and neurological compromise from pathological burst fractures. Appropriate pharmacologic treatment of the osteoporosis is necessary in all cases, regardless of whether the patient moves forward with surgery. With modern techniques, “all-posterior” approaches allow for decompression and correction of deformity, particularly with three-column osteotomies. Cement augmentation of instrumented and non-instrumented levels may improve fixation and reduce failures after these large reconstructions. Given the aging population, surgeons should familiarize themselves with the concepts and techniques necessary to treat these complex patients and deformities.
Intravenous Fish Oil Monotherapy as a Source of Calories and Fatty Acids Promotes Age-Appropriate Growth in Pediatric Patients with Intestinal Failure-Associated Liver Disease.

Objective To compare growth in children with intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) who received a fish oil intravenous lipid emulsion (FOLE) to those who received a soybean oil intravenous lipid emulsion (SOLE). Study design This multisite, retrospective study pair-matched FOLE (n = 82) to SOLE recipients (n = 41) using baseline serum direct bilirubin levels and postmenstrual age. Study subjects received open-label FOLE (1 g/kg/day) until IFALD resolved or parenteral nutrition was stopped. Historical control subjects received SOLE (up to 3 g/kg/day). Growth measures (changes in body weight, height/length, and head circumference), prealbumin, triglycerides, and glucose were compared between groups over time using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results Although changes in all of the growth measures were similar for both groups (P > .05), FOLE recipients demonstrated an overall improved growth trajectory. After 28 weeks, FOLE recipients had a mean body weight within a z score range of −1 to 1 indicating age-appropriate growth. FOLE recipients consistently had higher prealbumin, lower triglyceride, and more normal glucose concentrations over time compared with SOLE recipients. Conclusions Children with IFALD who received FOLE had similar growth and fewer metabolic abnormalities compared with those who received SOLE. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov : NCT00910104 and NCT00738101 .
Clinical and Economic Implications of Inconclusive Noninvasive Test Results in Stable Patients With Suspected Coronary Artery Disease: Insights From the PROMISE Trial.

Background: Inconclusive noninvasive tests complicate the care of patients with suspected coronary artery disease, but their prevalence and impact on management, outcomes, and costs are not well de...
Irrigation Practices for Peaches in Florida

This 6-page document provides basic information and guidelines on water requirements and irrigation strategies for peaches grown in Florida. Written by C. Zambrano-Vaca, L. Zotarelli, K. Migliaccio, R. Beeson Jr., K. Morgan, J. Chaparro, and M. Olmstead and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, April 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1316
Perception of small animal cardiopulmonary resuscitation of owners presenting to a small animal teaching clinic including a large first opinion service.

OBJECTIVE To gather information from veterinary clients to better understand and gauge the knowledge level and perception of small animal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an academic veterinary hospital. DESIGN Prospective cross-sectional survey. SETTING A veterinary teaching hospital including a large first opinion service. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS An anonymous survey was developed to gauge the knowledge of veterinary clients on a variety of CPR related topics at a university veterinary hospital. Surveys were randomly distributed to a convenience sample of clients in the waiting room through the client services staff between October 2017 and March 2018. Of the 451 surveys distributed, 296 were used for the statistical analysis. The majority of respondents (92%) knew the appropriate definition of CPR but only 11% knew how to perform CPR on a dog or cat. Most respondents (82%) wanted to discuss their pet's CPR status at a veterinary visit. The mean ± SD estimate of rate of discharge from hospital after cardiac arrest was 39.4 ± 25.6% and the majority of respondents (202 [68%]) got their estimate from an educated guess. The respondents who elected CPR that day provided an estimated cost of 257 ± 365 USD while the respondents who elected not to have CPR provided an estimated cost of 491 ± 875 USD; P = 0.019. The respondents that watched television medical dramas estimated a higher rate of survival to discharge at 42 ± 25%, while people who did not watch television medical dramas provided an estimated survival rate of 35 ± 26%; P = 0.034. CONCLUSIONS Inaccurate perceptions regarding CPR and survival rates exist among the general public; however, respondents are interested in becoming better informed.
Exact and efficient polyhedral envelope containment check

We introduce a new technique to check containment of a triangle within an envelope built around a given triangle mesh. While existing methods conservatively check containment within a Euclidean envelope, our approach makes use of a non-Euclidean envelope where containment can be checked both exactly and efficiently. Exactness is crucial to address major robustness issues in existing geometry processing algorithms, which we demonstrate by integrating our technique in two surface triangle remeshing algorithms and a volumetric tetrahedral meshing algorithm. We provide a quantitative comparison of our method and alternative algorithms, showing that our solution, in addition to being exact, is also more efficient. Indeed, while containment within large envelopes can be checked in a comparable time, we show that our algorithm outperforms alternative methods when the envelope becomes thin.
Optimal incentives to mitigate epidemics: a Stackelberg mean field game approach

Motivated by models of epidemic control in large populations, we consider a Stackelberg mean field game model between a principal and a mean field of agents evolving on a finite state space. The agents play a non-cooperative game in which they can control their transition rates between states to minimize an individual cost. The principal can influence the resulting Nash equilibrium through incentives so as to optimize its own objective. We analyze this game using a probabilistic approach. We then propose an application to an epidemic model of SIR type in which the agents control their interaction rate and the principal is a regulator acting with non pharmaceutical interventions. To compute the solutions, we propose an innovative numerical approach based on Monte Carlo simulations and machine learning tools for stochastic optimization. We conclude with numerical experiments by illustrating the impact of the agents' and the regulator's optimal decisions in two models: a basic SIR model with semi-explicit solutions and a more complex model with a larger state space.
Transcriptomic data of Clozapine-treated Ngn2-induced Human Excitatory Neurons

We generated human excitatory neurons using a protocol for rapid 21-day induction using neurogenin-2 overexpression (Zhang et al., 2013) in a publicly available control iPSC line. We validated the glutamatergic neuronal identity of the neurons by immunofluorescence and transcriptomics. We exposed 6 of the 12 replicate neuron cultures to therapeutic plasma levels of clozapine (300 ng/mL) for the last 3 days of culture, and the remaining 6 to replicates to the clozapine solvent alone (methanol) to be used as controls. We harvested the cultures and extracted total RNA, depleted ribosomal RNA and subjected them to RNA sequencing. Of the 6 control replicates 2 failed RNA quality control, and thus a total of 6 exposed and 4 control cultures were used for further analysis. Here, we provide that raw sequencing data as well as a list of all of the genes and their expression levels resulting from the RNA-sequencing. This dataset can be used as a reference data for future studies that access additional neuronal cell types, clozapine exposure conditions, and other antipsychotic medication. Related Research Article: Das, D., Peng, X., Lam, A.N., Bader, J.S., Avramopoulos, D., 2021. Transcriptome analysis of human induced excitatory neurons supports a strong effect of clozapine on cholesterol biosynthesis. Schizophr Res 228, 324-326. (Das et al., 2021).
The search for failed supernovae with the Large Binocular Telescope: a new candidate and the failed SN fraction with 11 yr of data

We present updated results of the Large Binocular Telescope Search for Failed Supernovae. This search monitors luminous stars in 27 nearby galaxies with a current baseline of 11~yr of data. We re-discover the failed supernova (SN) candidate N6946-BH1 as well as a new candidate, M101-OC1. M101-OC1 is a blue supergiant that rapidly disappears in optical wavelengths with no evidence for significant obscuration by warm dust. While we consider other options, a good explanation for the fading of M101-OC1 is a failed SN, but follow-up observations are needed to confirm this. Assuming only one clearly detected failed SN, we find a failed SN fraction $f = 0.16^{+0.23}_{-0.12}$ at 90 per~cent confidence. We also report on a collection of stars that show slow ($\sim$decade), large amplitude ($\Delta L/L > 3$) luminosity changes.
The Longitudinal Association of Alcohol Intake and Cigarette Smoking With Levels of Visceral and Subcutaneous Abdominal Adipose Tissue Depots in Postmenopausal Women

Objectives To examine the longitudinal relation between alcohol intake and cigarette smoking with levels of abdominal visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in postmenopausal women.
Is Three a Crowd

Reproduction is a practice that has remained unchanged from the dawn of humanity until late in the end of the 20th Century. New reproductive technologies have now called into question what constitutes “reproduction”. In response to the usage of human germline modification technology abroad, the United States passed an effective ban on human germline modification technology. Due to a lack of scholarship or prior case law on the constitutional status of human germline modification, this Article will demonstrate that a modern definition of reproduction includes human germline modification. Therefore, limitations on this form of reproduction implicate the fundamental right of procreative freedom and call strict scrutiny into play. Furthermore, the Article will conclude that a total ban on human germline modification cannot survive a strict scrutiny analysis, and therefore is unconstitutional.
The RoboDIEP: Robotic-Assisted Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flaps for Breast Reconstruction

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap has been the enduring gold standard in autologous breast reconstruction for the better part of 20 years. Yet in spite of advances in imaging, perfusion technology, and technique, some degree of donor site morbidity remains. Abdominal morbidity is due to extension of the fascial incision and muscular dissection to access the full pedicle. Robotic surgery allows a minimally invasive surgical approach to the pedicle which significantly shortens the fascial incision. The robotic system allows careful vascular dissection with a level of precision and reliability that was not previously available using laparoscopy. Reducing the fascial incision and muscular dissection promises to enhance recovery and reduce short-term pain, long-term hernia, and bulge rate. These enhancements of the DIEP flap may represent a significant improvement over current open techniques where baseline levels of abdominal wall morbidity can still be expected.
Response to Comments of Lazzeri

Response to Filipe Lazzeri’s comments: “Purposive Behavior and Psychological Categories: Thoughts on Teleological Behaviorism.”
Application of projection methods to simulating mass transport in reverse osmosis systems

Abstract Reverse Osmosis has important applications to seawater desalination and advanced water treatment. Its efficiency depends, however, on unsteady fluid flow and solute transport that are challenging to simulate. The challenges arise due to interactions between solute boundary layers and unsteady vortical flow structures generated by complicated geometries. These flow structures also interact with semi-permeable membranes through which the permeate flow depends on the local pressure. We show that this additional pressure coupling causes the temporal accuracy of traditional projection methods to drop to first-order. We track the source of this accuracy drop to the treatment of viscous terms in the derivation of the Poisson equation used to update the velocity and pressure fields. This allows us to propose a modified projection method that recovers second-order temporal accuracy. Finally, we show that the modified projection method can be coupled to convective outlet conditions and immersed boundary conditions to simulate reverse osmosis in steady and unsteady flow regimes.
A method for remotely measuring physical function in large epidemiologic cohorts: Feasibility and validity of a video-guided sit-to-stand test.

Introduction Traditional measures of muscular strength require in-person visits, making administration in large epidemiologic cohorts difficult. This has left gaps in the literature regarding relationships between strength and long-term health outcomes. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and validity of a video-led, self-administered 30-second sit-to-stand (STS) test in a sub-cohort of the U.S.-based Cancer Prevention Study-3. Methods A video was created to guide participants through the STS test. Participants submitted self-reported scores (n = 1851), and optional video recordings of tests (n = 134). Two reviewers scored all video tests. Means and standard deviations (SD) were calculated for self-reported and video-observed scores. Mean differences (95% confidence intervals (CI)) and Spearman correlation coefficients between self-reported and observed scores were calculated, stratifying by demographic characteristics. Results Participants who uploaded a video reported 14.1 (SD = 3.5) stands, which was not significantly different from the number of stands achieved by the full cohort (13.9 (SD = 4.2), P-difference = 0.39). Self-reported and video-observed scores were highly correlated (ρ = 0.97, mean difference = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.1-0.5). There were no significant differences in correlations by sociodemographic factors (all P-differences ≥0.42). Conclusions This study suggests that the self-administered, video-guided STS test may be appropriate for participants of varying ages, body sizes, and activity levels, and is feasible for implementation within large, longitudinal studies. This video-guided test would also be useful for remote adaptation of the STS test during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Low Order Modeling Tools for Preliminary Pressure Gain Combustion Benefits Analyses

Pressure gain combustion (PGC) offers the promise of higher thermodynamic cycle efficiency and greater specific power in propulsion and power systems. This presentation describes a model, developed under a cooperative agreement between NASA and AFRL, for preliminarily assessing the performance enhancement and preliminary size requirements of PGC components either as stand-alone thrust producers or coupled with surrounding turbomachinery. The model is implemented in the Numerical Propulsion Simulation System (NPSS) environment allowing various configurations to be examined at numerous operating points. The validated model is simple, yet physics-based. It executes quickly in NPSS, yet produces realistic results.
Genetic mutations as risk predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation

In 1998, mapping studies identified the pulmonary veins in the left atrium as the most prevalent spontaneous initiation points of atrial fibrillation (AF) ([1][1]). These studies led to the development of radiofrequency catheter ablation to eliminate local electrical activity emanating from the
A context-aware ontology for personalized learning: Pervasive computing for educational technology

Pervasive computing has the potential to dramatically increase the efficacy of current pedagogical practices, but it is sorely underutilized. Personalized learning, which has been identified as an engineering grand challenge for the coming century, can benefit from the ability of pervasive computing to transparently collect and utilize information about a student's background, interests, and needs. The objective of the doctoral research described in this paper is to leverage pervasive computing to develop context-aware ontologies and recommendation algorithms for personalized learning, extending, enriching, and refining the pervasive computing that serves as the backbone of PERCEPOLIS — Pervasive Cyberinfrastructure for Personalized Learning and Instructional Support.
The possible role of volcanic aquifers in prebiologic genesis of organic compounds and RNA.

In a volcanic aquifer, a wide range of physicaland chemical conditions are not merely possible, butto be expected: relatively oxidizing and reducingenvironments both are present; hot and moderatetemperatures can be expected; distillation and refluxconditions are probable to allow concentration ofreactants, stimulation of reaction and fractionationof isotopes; apatite, hydroxides, clays and sulfideminerals are present to act as chromatographic mediafor separating compounds, to serve as catalyticsurfaces and to provide potential energy sources;supersaturated precipitation of optically activecrystals is reasonable, allowing for chromatographicseparation of racemic mixtures by the resulting fixedchiral phase; and saturated and unsaturated conditionsboth are present for promotion of constructivereactions and inhibiting destructive hydrolysisreactions. Because the multitude of physical-chemicalenvironments makes the setting robust with respect tocircumventing commonly identified problems inorigin-of-life theories, even if objections to detailsproposed herein are identified, the setting isfavorable for devising alternatives.This paper describes a theory for the genesis oforganic compounds, including RNA, in the mixing zoneof juvenile and meteoric waters above a leakysemi-confined aquifer. Starting with basic reactantsfor best-guess conditions on Archean Earth, parallelsequences of specific reactions are proposed thatculminate with RNA oligonucleotides, key molecules incontemporary life. All proposed reactions, or closeanalogues, are experimentally confirmed and all areset in plausible Archean conditions. Calculationsindicate that the proposed reactions would yield Cisotopic compositions that are consistent withobserved biologic C.
Towards a cheaper, simpler quantized Hall resistance standard

We have produced and characterised devices suitable for accurate quantum Hall resistor (QHR) measurements at fields below 8 T, and temperatures of 1.2-1.5 K. We have made accurate comparisons of QHR devices with wirewound resistors using commercially available room-temperature dc current-comparator bridges. These two results imply that it is possible to assemble an accurate, but relatively cheap and simple to operate, QHR standard.
Game-Based Community Cognitive Health Intervention for Minority and Lower Socioeconomic Status Older Adults: A Feasibility Pilot Study.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of implementing a noncomputerized, game-based, community cognitive health intervention with minority and/or lower socioeconomic status (SES) older adults in order to improve cognitive performance and quality of life. Materials and Methods: Through partnerships with community organizations, we implemented an innovative pilot 10-week cognitive training intervention. Noncomputerized games were used to combine social interaction and cognitive training that challenged attentional and memory function for 1 hour each week over the span of 10 weeks. One game used in the intervention program was created by adapting a working memory training task into a fun and competitive card game; the other two games were commercially available. Results: The intervention and pre/post assessments were able to be delivered in a community setting. Overall retention was satisfactory, but it dropped in later weeks of the intervention. Older adult p...
Recapitulation Theory and the New Education: Race, Culture, Imperialism, and Pedagogy, 1894–1916

AbstractIn this historical study the author argues that the most influential pre–World War I educational theorists subscribed to different forms of the recapitulation theory that conceptualized non‐White cultures as childlike, prior steps toward the more advanced, industrialized West. The author demonstrates how the pedagogies of William Torrey Harris, Frank Lester Ward, Charles McMurray, John Dewey, Charles Hubbard Judd, and G. Stanley Hall all reflected some form of the recapitulation approach. Therefore, racism was built right into the underlying structure of almost all of the proposed reforms of the new education and appeared in some of the most widely used educational materials of the period (1894–1916).
Modulation of stress proteins and apoptotic regulators in the anoxia tolerant turtle brain

Freshwater turtles survive prolonged anoxia and reoxygenation without overt brain damage by well-described physiological processes, but little work has been done to investigate the molecular changes associated with anoxic survival. We examined stress proteins and apoptotic regulators in the turtle during early (1 h) and long-term anoxia (4, 24 h) and reoxygenation. Western blot analyses showed changes within the first hour of anoxia; multiple stress proteins (Hsp72, Grp94, Hsp60, Hsp27, and HO-1) increased while apoptotic regulators (Bcl-2 and Bax) decreased. Levels of the ER stress protein Grp78 were unchanged. Stress proteins remained elevated in long-term anoxia while the Bcl-2/Bax ratio was unaltered. No changes in cleaved caspase 3 levels were observed during anoxia while apoptosis inducing factor increased significantly. Furthermore, we found no evidence for the anoxic translocation of Bax from the cytosol to mitochondria, nor movement of apoptosis inducing factor between the mitochondria and nucleus. Reoxygenation did not lead to further increases in stress proteins or apoptotic regulators except for HO-1. The apparent protection against cell damage was corroborated with immunohistochemistry, which indicated no overt damage in the turtle brain subjected to anoxia and reoxygenation. The results suggest that molecular adaptations enhance pro-survival mechanisms and suppress apoptotic pathways to confer anoxia tolerance in freshwater turtles.
Evaluation of B7-H3 expression as a biomarker of biochemical recurrence after salvage radiation therapy for recurrent prostate cancer.

Purpose The ability to predict which men will experience biochemical recurrence (BCR) after salvage radiation therapy (SRT) for recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) remains less than optimal. Related to this, novel targets for adjuvant therapies are also lacking. Here, we evaluate the association of B7-H3 expression in primary PCa tumors and BCR after SRT. Methods and Materials We identified 148 patients who received SRT between July 1987 and July 2003. Expression of B7-H3 in primary PCa tumors was detected using a monoclonal antibody. The staining levels were quantified via visual assessment and categorized as weak, moderate, or marked. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association between B7-H3 staining and BCR. Results With a median follow-up of 6.2 years (minimum, 0.6; maximum, 14.7), 78 patients (53%) experienced BCR. In single-variable analysis, there was evidence of an increased risk of BCR for patients with moderate (RR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.24–4.09, p = 0.008) and marked (RR, 4.40, 95% CI, 2.29–8.43, p p = 0.068 [moderate vs. weak]; RR, 2.87, p = 0.003 [marked vs. weak]). Conclusion This is the first report that higher tumor B7-H3 staining in primary PCa tumors is associated with increased risk of BCR after SRT. Future studies involving larger numbers of patients are required to validate these results and also to explore possible means of targeting B7-H3 in an adjuvant setting.
Influence of strong conductive gas-phase cooling on radiant ignition of a reactive solid

Abstract In a previous paper, radiant ignition of a surface-cooled reactive solid for small values of the ratio of the gas to solid thermal responsivity was analyzed. Here, these results are extended to moderate and large values of this ratio by treating the nondimensional activation temperature as a large parameter in an asymptotic analysis. Interior ignitions occur because in-depth absorption is taken into account. Graphs of ignition time are obtained for various responsivity ratios, thereby generalizing results reported by Linan and Williams. It is shown that the responsitivity ratio has a large influence on ignition time for surface absorption, but that, as the absorptivity decreases, the influence of the responsivity ratio rapidly diminishes.
Intracellular delivery of an anionic antisense oligonucleotide via receptor-mediated endocytosis

We describe the synthesis and characterization of a 5′ conjugate between a 2′-O-Me phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotide and a bivalent RGD (arginine–glycine–aspartic acid) peptide that is a high-affinity ligand for the αvβ3 integrin. We used αvβ3-positive melanoma cells transfected with a reporter comprised of the firefly luciferase gene interrupted by an abnormally spliced intron. Intranuclear delivery of a specific antisense oligonucleotide (termed 623) corrects splicing and allows luciferase expression in these cells. The RGD–623 conjugate or a cationic lipid-623 complex produced significant increases in luciferase expression, while ‘free’ 623 did not. However, the kinetics of luciferase expression was distinct; the RGD–623 conjugate produced a gradual increase followed by a gradual decline, while the cationic lipid-623 complex caused a rapid increase followed by a monotonic decline. The subcellular distribution of the oligonucleotide delivered using cationic lipids included both cytoplasmic vesicles and the nucleus, while the RGD–623 conjugate was primarily found in cytoplasmic vesicles that partially co-localized with a marker for caveolae. Both the cellular uptake and the biological effect of the RGD–623 conjugate were blocked by excess RGD peptide. These observations suggest that the bivalent RGD peptide–oligonucleotide conjugate enters cells via a process of receptor-mediated endocytosis mediated by the αvβ3 integrin.
Models of Very-High-Energy Gamma-Ray Emission from the Jets of Microquasars: Orbital Modulation

The recent detection of very-high-energy (GeV — TeV) γ-ray emission from the Galactic black-hole candidate and microquasar LS 5039 has sparked renewed interest in jet models for the high-energy emission in those objects. In this work, we have focused on models in which the high-energy emission results from synchrotron and Compton emission by relativistic electrons in the jet (leptonic jet models). Particular attention has been paid to a possible orbital modulation of the high-energy emission due to azimuthal asymmetries caused by the presence of the companion star. Both orbitalphase dependent γγ absorption and Compton scattering of optical/UV photons from the companion star may lead to an orbital modulation of the gamma-ray emission. We make specific predictions which should be testable with refined data from HESS and the upcoming GLAST mission.
Modeling the Dynamics of Quadrupedal Running

In this paper, a 2-DOF model for quadrupedal running-in-place is presented, consisting of a rigid body on springy legs. "Energy- pumping " feedback is included to excite the natural dynamics of the system. The model exhibits at least two periodic solutions, which correspond to the bound and pronk gaits of four-legged animals. Approximate return maps are constructed around both trajectories, and these are used to derive explicit expressions for the amplitude and stability of the gaits. The pronk is shown to produce significantly more height than the bound for the same amount of effort. However, the bound has more desirable stability characteristics: simulations and analysis demonstrate that the bound is unstable if a dimension less body inertia is greater than 1, which is an unlikely situation for either a robot or an animal. The pronk's stability, however, exhibits coupling between height and inertia: a given inertia is more likely to cause instability for large heights than for small heights. These resul...
Energy deposition in a thin copper target downstream and off-axis of a proton-radiography target

Abstract A series of proton energy-deposition experiments was conducted to measure the energy deposited in a copper target located downstream and off-axis of a high-energy proton-radiography target. The proton/target interactions involved low-intensity bunches of protons at 24 GeV/c onto a spherical target consisting of concentric shells of tungsten and copper. The energy-deposition target was placed at five locations downstream of the proton-radiography target, off-axis of the primary beam transport, and was either unshielded or shielded by 5 or 10 cm of lead. Maximum temperature rises measured in the energy-deposition target due to single bunches of 5×10 10 protons on the proton-radiography target were approximately 20 mK per bunch. The data indicated that the scattered radiation was concentrated close to the primary transport axis of the beam line. The energy deposited in the energy-deposition target was reduced by moving the target radially away from the primary transport axis. Placing lead shielding in front of the target further reduced the energy deposition. The measured temperature rises of the energy-deposition target were empirically correlated with the distance from the source, the number of protons incident on the proton-radiography target, the thickness of the lead shielding, and the angle of the energy-deposition target off-axis of the beam line from the proton-radiography target. The correlation of the experimental data that was developed provides a starting point for the evaluation of the shielding requirements for devices downstream of proton-radiography targets such as superconducting magnets.
Poverty, Chronic Stress, Ethnicity and Psychological Distress Among Elderly Hispanics

Abstract This study examined the relationship between chronic stress and psychological distress among poor and nonpoor elderly Hispanics belonging to three major ethnic groups: Cubans, Mexicans, and Puerto Ricans. The study used data from a nationwide probability sample of 1,239 Hispanics age 65 and older. The results show that poverty status and ethnicity influence the relationships between chronic stress and psychological distress. For example, financial stress had a significant relationship with psychological distress for the nonpoor Cubans, but not for the other two ethnic groups. Social stress was associated with psychological distress in all the three ethnic groups, but the association was strongest among poor Puerto Ricans. Family/personal stress was associated with more psychological distress among poor and nonpoor Cuban, poor Mexicans and nonpoor Puerto Ricans. Poverty and ethnicity also influenced the relationships between gender, marital status and health status and psychological distress. Impl...
Effect of UTP sugar and base modifications on vaccinia virus early gene transcription

Prior efforts demonstrated that RNA oligonucleotides containing the transcription termination signal UUUUUNU stimulate premature termination of vaccinia virus early gene transcription, in vitro. This observation suggests that viral transcription termination may be an attractive target for the development of anti-poxvirus agents. Since short RNA molecules are readily susceptible to nuclease digestion, their use would require stabilizing modifications. In order to evaluate the effect of both ribose and uracil modifications of the U5NU signal on early gene transcription termination, UTP derivatives harboring modifications to the uracil base, the 2′ position of the ribose sugar and the phosphodiester bond were examined in an in vitro vaccinia virus early gene transcription termination system. Incorporation of 4-S-U, 5-methyl-U, 2-S-U, pseudo U and 2′-F-dU into the nascent transcript inhibited transcription termination. 6-aza-U, 2′-amino-U, 2′-azido-U and 2′-O methyl-U inhibited transcription elongation resulting in the accumulation of short transcripts. The majority of the short transcripts remained in the ternary complex and could be chased into full-length transcripts. Initially, derivatives of all uridines in the termination signal were tested. Partial modification of the termination signal reduced termination activity, as well. Introduction of 2′-O methyl ribose to the first three uridines of the U9 termination signal reduced the ability of U9 containing oligonucleotides to stimulate in vitro transcription termination, in trans. Further modifications eliminated this activity. Thus, viral early gene transcription termination demonstrates a rigorous requirement for a U5NU signal that is unable to tolerate modification to the base or sugar. Additionally, VTF was shown to enhance transcription elongation through the T9 sequence in the template. These results suggest that VTF may play a subtle role in early gene transcription elongation in addition to its known function in mRNA cap formation, early gene transcription termination and intermediate gene transcription initiation.
Metabolism of the anthracycline antibiotic daunorubicin to daunorubicinol and deoxydaunorubicinol aglycone in hepatocytes isolated from the rat and the rabbit

In the rat and rabbit hepatocyte in suspension, daunorubicin was metabolized primarily to deoxydaunorubicinol aglycone and daunorubicinol. Little deoxydaunorubicin aglycone was observed in either species. High levels of daunorubicinol in the rabbit hepatocyte reflected the greater affinity of rabbit hepatic aldo-keto reductase for the substrate, daunorubicin. Conjugates of the anthracyclines were not observed with hepatocytes from either species. The relative formation of deoxydaunorubicinol aglycone and deoxydaunorubicin aglycone suggests that daunorubicinol is a preferred substrate for reductive deglycosidation. Consequently, the presence of daunorubicinol in the circulation of patients undergoing chemotherapy with daunorubicin may be a factor in the therapeutic efficacy of this antineoplastic agent.
Abstract A87: Do combinations of similar prognostic factor have similar effect on breast cancer survival in blacks and whites?

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The differences in clinical outcomes are often associated with racial/ethnic background. Although the prognostic factors are associated with cancer outcome, it may not be obvious whether a factor truly makes the same contribution to outcome in racial/ethnic groups. There is currently no study for integrating and comparing combinations of tumor size, lymph node status, histological grade, ER status and age in Black and White women. Objective: To conduct comparative survival analyses for breast cancer according to similar combinations of prognostic factors in black and white women. Methods: Breast cancer data were obtained from SEER Cancer Registry (1990–2000). An algorithm was created with the statistical programming language “R”. Disease specific survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Patients who were lost to follow-up or died from causes other than breast cancer were censored by the algorithm. Survival rates were compared by the log-rank test, and the level of significance set at p Results: Without including histologic grade and ER status, the effect of T and N alone on survival was evident, the survival rates decrease as increase in T and N among both black and white women. After 10 years, the proportion surviving among white women with grade 1 was 95%, whereas for grade 2 this decreased to 87%, and for grade 3 was 79%. For black women, the proportion surviving with grade 1 was 92%, for grade 2 was 74%, and for grade3 was 66%. When comparing increased grade with ER+ status, there was a decrease in survival among both black and white; however, the decrease in survival were more pronounced when considering increased grade with ER- status, with lowest survival overall evidenced in G3, ER- status. The survival rates of white women were always more favorable than blacks for any combinations of the five prognostic factors. The case fatality rate was always less favorable for black women than for whites when similar combinations of prognostic factors were compared. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):A87.
What’s new in brachytherapy?

ne of the remarkable trends of the ast decade is the growing domnance of transrectal ultrasound TRUS)–guided brachytherapy for ow-risk and intermediate-risk prosate cancer. Using intraoperative ulrasound imaging, low-activity Pd r I interstitial seeds are positioned ithin or near the prostate. Ten-year urvival data [1,2] demonstrate that rachytherapy as the sole treatment or low-risk patients or in combinaion with external beam radiation for igher risk disease shows biochemical elapse-free survival rates comparable ith or superior to that of radical rostatectomy and definitive external eam therapy. The attraction of a -day procedure, along with a favorble profile of normal tissue compliations, has resulted in the exponenial growth of this modality. The umber of procedures has grown rom fewer than 5000 in 1995 to beween 40,000 and 60,000 in 2002 3], approximately 30% to 40% of all ligible patients diagnosed annually n the United States, challenging radcal prostatectomy as the standard of reatment. As discussed below, this rend has resulted in significant imrovements in low-energy source doimetry and image-guided brachyherapy. d he Waxing and Waning of ntravascular rachytherapy (IVB)
The adhesive interaction between polymorphonuclear leukocytes and endothelial cells in vitro

Abstract The results of this investigation indicate an adhesive specificity between PMN and cultured endothelial cells. This was monitored by the monolayer collection assay and by direct cell counts using the scanning electron microscope. Both techniques showed that significantly more PMN attached to endothelial cells than to a variety of other cell types. The interaction can be modulated by divalent cations and neuraminidase, implying a role for surface charge. In the presence of chemotactic agents, the number of PMN adhering to endothelial cells increases. This system presents a good model for studying the process of PMN margination which occurs in vivo during the acute inflammatory response.
Oxygen Dissociation Curves in Fish Blood1

Summary. The oxygen dissociation curve of the common silver hake (Merluccius bilineatus) is described at pH 5.9—7.7 and pO2 0.2—140 atmospheres. At pH 7 the curve has a conspicuous plateau before it reaches full saturation at about 100 atmospheres. It is pointed out that high pressure curves from fish in general cannot readily be described or interpreted in terms of current theories evolved for mammalian blood.
Candida guilliermondi infection of the knee complicating rheumatoid arthritis: a case report.

An elderly woman with longstanding rheumatoid arthritis and myasthenia gravis, treated with both systemic and intraarticular corticosteroids, presented with Candida guilliermondi infection superimposed on chronic rheumatoid synovitis of her right knee. This was successfully controlled by surgical debridement (synovectomy) and stabilization of the joint with crossed-pins, leading to a painless fibrous ankylosis. The unusual organism, apparent chronicity of the infection and ultimate success of the surgical treatment are features of this unusual case.
Self-organization as an iterative kernel smoothing process

Kohonen's self-organizing map, when described in a batch processing mode, can be interpreted as a statistical kernel smoothing problem. The batch SOM algorithm consists of two steps. First, the training data are partitioned according to the Voronoi regions of the map unit locations. Second, the units are updated by taking weighted centroids of the data falling into the Voronoi regions, with the weighing function given by the neighborhood. Then, the neighborhood width is decreased and steps 1, 2 are repeated. The second step can be interpreted as a statistical kernel smoothing problem where the neighborhood function corresponds to the kernel and neighborhood width corresponds to kernel span. To determine the new unit locations, kernel smoothing is applied to the centroids of the Voronoi regions in the topological space. This interpretation leads to some new insights concerning the role of the neighborhood and dimensionality reduction. It also strengthens the algorithm's connection with the Principal Curve algorithm. A generalized self-organizing algorithm is proposed, where the kernel smoothing step is replaced with an arbitrary nonparametric regression method.
Comparison between single- and multi-sensor oesophageal temperature probes during atrial fibrillation ablation: thermodynamic characteristics

Aims Oesophageal temperature monitoring with single-sensor probe (SSP) has a variable ability to predict oesophageal ulceration as a consequence of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Multi-sensor self-expandable probes (MSPs) may offer improved thermal monitoring. The objective of this study was to compare the thermodynamic characteristics of both probes during PVI. Methods and results This prospective study enrolled 20 patients undergoing index PVI. Ten patients (group A) underwent dual monitoring with SSP and MSP and 10 control patients (group B) were monitored with SSP alone. Time to initial rise (>0.2°C), time to 1.0°C rise, peak temperature, and decay were recorded with each posterior wall lesion (20 W, 198 applications). The operator was blinded to the MSP temperature data and ablation was only interrupted when SSP temperature increased by ≥2°C. All patients underwent endoscopy within 24 h. Initial temperature increase was detected earlier with MSP (13.4 ± 7.5 vs. 30.5 ± 15.4 s; P < 0.001); led to shorter time to 1.0°C rise (18.5 ± 10.1 vs. 32.1 ± 12.0 s; P < 0.001); and higher change in peak temperature (1.6 ± 2.0 vs. 0.60 ± 0.53°C; P < 0.001). Decay time was similar between the probes (146.1 ± 35.3 vs. 150.4 ± 48.4 s; P = 0.89). The incidence of oesophageal ulceration was similar between the Groups A and B (5 and 4, respectively). Multi-sensor self-expandable probe provided greater sensitivity (100 vs. 60%) and similar specificity (60%) for detection of oesophageal ulceration. Five swine underwent oesophageal mapping before and after MSP placement without alteration in size or position. Conclusion Multi-sensor probes provide a superior thermodynamic profile. Its clinical value in reducing oesophageal injury requires further evaluation. [10.1093/europace/euv101][1] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1093/europace/euv101
Peer and parent-child interaction before and after enrollment in nursery school☆

Forty-five three-year-olds and their parents participated in the research. Twenty-four of the children were observed two months and one week before, as well as two months after, enrollment in a nursery school. The others were observed at comparable intervals, but remained at home in the fulltime care of their parents. On all occasions, the children who were about to enter or had entered nursery school engaged in more positive interaction with and sought more proximity to their parents than the home care children did. These tendencies were unaffected by enrollment in nursery school. There were no differences between nursery school and home care children on measures of peer interaction either before or after nursery school began. The need to consider differences between nursery school and home care children that antedate enrollment is emphasized.
A source-depth separation filter: Using the Euler method on the derivatives of total intensity magnetic anomaly data

Derivatives of potential-field anomalies (or the anomaly gradients) enhance the field associated with shallow features and de-emphasize the field from deeper sources. The derivative approach of separating anomalies of shallow, intermediate, and deep sourves is, however, qualitative.
Investigations of the ongoing stressful situations among those with chronic illness

This paper examines methods of adaptation among those faced with stress from chronic health problems. Studies of disabled older adults and those with muscular-skeletal disorders are described with special emphasis on the role of everyday life events, and the threats to well-being imposed by chronic stressors. Attention is paid not only to psychological distress as outcome of a failure to adapt, but also to indices of psychological well-being which provide evidence of the benefits for those who cope successfully with chronic illness. The paper examines evidence for the proposition that everyday stressors can influence physiological processes linked to disease course. The implications of these findings for social interventions are discussed from community and health psychology perspectives.
The Step 2 clinical-skills examination.

In June 2004, a clinical-skills examination will be added to Step 2 of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination.
Notes from an Intruder: Explorations in Political Macroanalysis

This paper traces the development of my theoretical and methodological approach to political sociology by referring to important intellectual influences and recounting the considerations that led me to choose particular research subjects. The term “intruder” emphasizes my discomfort with the separation of sociology and political science into distinct professions, as I ended up choosing political science as my academic profession but have always felt intellectually more at home in sociology.