cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conjugated polyene fatty acids on fluorescent probes: spectroscopic characterization.

This paper is the first in a series which extends introductory studies of parinaric acid and its phospholipid derivatives as membrane probes (Sklar, L.A., Hudson, B., and Simoni, R.D. (1975), Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. after U.S.A. 72, 1649; (1976), J. Supramol. Struct. 4, 449). Parinaric acid has a conjugated tetraene chromophore and exhibits many spectroscopic properties common to linear polyenes. Its absorption spectrum is characterized by a strong near-ultraviolet transition with vibronic structure, which is strongly affected by solvent polarizability. The fluorescence emission occurs at considerably lower energy than the absorption and the wavelength of the emission is nearly independent of the solvent. The fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime are strongly affected by temperature and solvent. These spectral features are interpreted in terms of an excited electronic-state order such that a weak transition occurs at longer wavelengths than the strongly allowed transition which dominates the absorption. The sensitivity of the fluorescence quantum yield an lifetime to environment is shown to be due primarily to variations in the nonradiative rate, although changes in the radiative rate constant are also observed and interpreted. The absorption spectrum (epsilon max greater than 65 000) is in the 300-320-nm range, a region relatively free of absorption due to intrinsic biological chromophores. Shifts of several nanometers are characteristic of different environments. These shifts are compared to similar effects observed for a series of diphenylpolyenes for which new data are given and are correlated using a simple but adequate theory of solvent shifts. The intrinsic (or radiative) fluorescence lifetime is near 100 ns in a wide variety of environments. This is much longer than the intrinsic lifetime calculated from the absorption spectrum and strongly supports the proposed excited-state order.
Cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma.

Objectives: Schwannomas are benign, slow-growing tumors that arise from nerves. Those originating from the sympathetic cervical chain are rare. We describe our experience with the clinical presentation, surgical management, and outcomes of patients with this pathology. Study Design: Retrospective chart review of a case series in a tertiary referral center. Methods: Four cases of cervical sympathetic chain schwannomas were reviewed. Patients presented with either an asymptomatic neck mass discovered on routine physical examination (1 patient), an enlarging neck mass (2), or an acute onset of a Horner's syndrome (1). All patients underwent preoperative imaging (magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or both). Results: The location and soft-tissue characteristics of the mass, along with displacement of the carotid sheath vessels, were typical of a cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma. All patients underwent surgical excision of the mass. Postoperative Horner's syndrome was encountered in all patients. First bite syndrome was encountered in two patients. Conclusions: Cervical sympathetic chain schwannomas are rare tumors. Preoperative imaging characteristics facilitate the diagnosis. First bite syndrome can occur and may be debilitating postoperatively. Long-term prognosis is excellent.
Stimulation by corticotropin-releasing factor of the release of immunoreactive dynorphin A from mouse spinal cords in vitro

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) has been shown to release endogenous opioid peptides from several rat brain regions. Since we have demonstrated previously that the actions produced by intrathecally administered CRF in mice involve spinal kappa opioid receptors, experiments were conducted in this study to test the possibility that CRF may release dynorphin A, a putative endogenous kappa opioid agonist, from the mouse spinal cord. Using a superfusion system in vitro, mouse spinal cords were superfused with aerated (95% O2, 5% CO2) Krebs-Ringer buffer. Fractions of superfusion were collected and dynorphin A levels in each fraction were monitored by radioimmunoassay. The presence of CRF in the perfusion buffer stimulated significantly the release of immunoreactive dynorphin A. The releasing rate of immunoreactive dynorphin A returned to the basal level after withdrawing CRF from the superfusion buffer. The stimulatory effect of CRF on the release of immunoreactive dynorphin A was abolished by alpha-helical CRF-(9-41), a CRF receptor antagonist, indicating that the dynorphin-releasing effect of CRF was mediated by CRF receptors in the spinal cord. Also the dynorphin-releasing effect of CRF was a concentration-related phenomenon, with an estimated EC50 value of 5.3 nM. The results from this study support the hypothesis that intrathecally administered CRF may produce its effects by releasing endogenous dynorphin from the terminals of dynorphin-containing neurons in the spinal cord. This study also provides evidence to support the notion that there is a close communication between CRF- and opioid peptide-containing neuronal pathways in the central nervous system.
External Validity, Why Art Thou Externally Valid? Recent Studies of Attraction Provide Three Theoretical Answers

Some studies have better external validity than others, but why? Recent studies in the domain of interpersonal attraction have been tackling this question by documenting how people respond differently to hypothetical versus live interactions. In live interactions, people tend to report their experienced emotions, they evaluate others using a low-level concrete construal, and they attempt to implement the goal of having a pleasant interaction. In hypothetical scenarios, people forecast their emotions, they evaluate others using a high-level abstract construal, and they deliberate about others’ positive and negative features. By situating the hypothetical versus live interaction distinction within the framework of strong preexisting theories (i.e., affective forecasting, construal-level theory, mindset theory), this research reinforces the idea that there is nothing inherently invalid about laboratory studies that are cosmetically dissimilar from real life. Nevertheless, it remains highly problematic to generalize findings to a setting that elicits a countervailing set of psychological processes.
Shelter Seeking Plans of Tuscaloosa Residents for a Future Tornado Event

AbstractThe enhanced Fujita scale category 4 (EF4) Tuscaloosa, Alabama, tornado on 27 April 2011 produced 64 fatalities along its 130-km track. Hybrid survey/interviews were conducted with a sample of 211 Tuscaloosa-area residents to determine how the 27 April tornado might change future shelter-seeking plans. Despite a history of tornadoes in the area, only 47% of Tuscaloosa residents had shelter plans in place prior to 27 April, but 62% intend to change their shelter plans or have shelters plans for the future. Changes in shelter-seeking plans were divided into four groups and discussed according to commonalities. Logistic regression with demographic variables was then used to predict those likely to have shelter plans before 27 April and those likely to change their shelter plans in the future. Among these variables, residents over age 55 [odds ratio (OR) 8.9, 95%; confidence interval (CI): 2.167–36.352] and those having a bachelor's degree (OR 5.1, CI: 1.342–19.316) were more likely to have had shelte...
Isolating errors in models of complex systems

One of the steps in creating a mathematical model of a system is to test the model after it has been fully specified, to see whether it is performing adequately. Often, it is found that the model is not performing acceptably (e.g. the model is not giving accurate predictions of the performance of the actual system). The same lack of fidelity can also be observed in established models that had been performing well, indicating a change in the actual system. At this point, it is necessary to diagnose where the problem in the model lies; a process called error isolation. An error isolation technique for detecting the misspecified parameter (or set of parameters) is described. This technique is especially designed for use on state-space models of large-scale systems. The authors report on an example of an application of the methodology to localizing errors in the model of an inertial navigation system. >
Germs Are Germs, and Why Not Take a Risk? Patients’ Expectations for Prescribing Antibiotics in an Inner-City Emergency Department

Background. Extensive use of unnecessary antibiotics has driven the emergence of resistant bacterial strains, posing a threat to public health. Physicians are more likely to prescribe antibiotics when they believe that patients expect them. Current attempts to change these expectations highlight the distinction between viruses and bacteria (‘‘germs are germs’’). Fuzzy-trace theory further predicts that patients expect antibiotics because they make decisions based on categorical gist, producing strategies that encourage risk taking when the status quo is bad (i.e., ‘‘why not take a risk?’’). We investigate both hypotheses. Methods. We surveyed patients visiting the emergency department of a large urban hospital (72 [64%] were African American) using 17 Likert scale questions and 2 freeresponse questions regarding patient expectations for antibiotics. Results. After the clinical encounter, 113 patients completed the survey. Fifty-four (48%) patients agreed with items that assess the ‘‘germs are germs’’ hypothesis, whereas 86 (76%) agreed with items that assess the ‘‘why not take a risk?’’ hypothesis. ‘‘Why not take a risk?’’ captures significant unique variance in a factor analysis and is neither explained by ‘‘germs are germs’’ nor by patients’ lack of knowledge regarding side effects. Of the 81 patients who rejected the ‘‘germs are germs’’ hypothesis, 61 (75%) still indicated agreement with the ‘‘why not take a risk?’’ hypothesis. Several other misconceptions were also investigated. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that recent public health campaigns that have focused on educating patients about the differences between viruses and bacteria omit a key motivation for why patients expect antibiotics, supporting fuzzy-trace theory’s predictions about categorical gist. The implications for public health and emergency medicine are discussed. Key words: risk communication; risk perception; physician-patient communication; health literacy; fuzzytrace theory. (Med Decis Making 2015;35:60–67)
Probabilistic data integration and visualization for understanding transcriptional regulation

In this paper we propose a manifold embedding methodology to integrate heterogeneous sources of genomic data for the purpose of interpretation of transcriptional regulatory phenomena and subsequent visualization. Using the Gata3 gene as an example, we ask if it is possible to determine which genes (or their products) might be potentially involved in its tissue-specific regulation - based on evidence obtained from various available data sources. Our approach is based on co-embedding of genes onto a manifold wherein the proximity of neighbors is influenced by the probability of their interaction as reported from diverse data sources - i.e. the stronger the evidence for that gene-gene interaction, the closer they are.
RecA homology search is promoted by mechanical stress along the scanned duplex DNA

A RecA-single-stranded DNA (RecA-ssDNA) filament searches a genome for sequence homology by rapidly binding and unbinding double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) until homology is found. We demonstrate that pulling on the opposite termini (3' and 5') of one of the two DNA strands in a dsDNA molecule stabilizes the normally unstable binding of that dsDNA to non-homologous RecA-ssDNA filaments, whereas pulling on the two 3', the two 5', or all four termini does not. We propose that the 'outgoing' strand in the dsDNA is extended by strong DNA-protein contacts, whereas the 'complementary' strand is extended by the tension on the base pairs that connect the 'complementary' strand to the 'outgoing' strand. The stress resulting from different levels of tension on its constitutive strands causes rapid dsDNA unbinding unless sufficient homology is present.
Ask The Experts: Pain management and end-of-life care.

Perry G Fine, MD, completed medical school in 1981 at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond (VA, USA). He served an internship in 1982 at the Community Hospital of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa, California, and completed his residency in 1984 at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center in Salt Lake City (UT, USA). In addition, Dr Fine completed a fellowship in 1985 at the Smythe Pain Clinic of the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. Dr Fine is a Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology of the School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where he serves on the faculty in the Pain Research Center, and is an attending physician in the Pain Management Center. Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors and is Immediate Past President of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, and represents the Academy on the Steering Committee of the Pain Care Coalition, Washington, DC, USA. He also serves on the Clinical Models Committee of the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC). Dr Fine is ...
Mobile Agents and Related Features for Real Time First Responder Training Systems

This article discusses how mobile agents and scripting technology can play an important role in first-responder training simulations. From a training perspective, the power of mobile agents can greatly improve the training experience if they are easy to use and integrate and have the necessary power. Certain features should be available to mobile agents in applications such as this. As opposed to traditional mobile agent applications, supplementing a real-time training system with a mobile agent system requires many features so that agents integrate appropriately with the running application. Mobile agents with the ability to interface with the running binary application and with the features discussed in this paper can be very effective and valuable. This paper looks at the features that are necessary. We implement these features into a mobile agent system, Mobile-FIRST, and then examine its use in a first responder training video game currently in production. Using a system with these principles, integration of mobile agents becomes simple and intuitive, and can greatly improve the application in many different ways.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
A three dimensional eddy current formulation using two potentials: The magnetic vector potential and total magnetic scalar potential

A formulation of the three dimensional eddy current problem is presented. The magnetic vector potential is used in regions with source currents and conducting material and the total magnetic scalar potential is employed elsewhere. The continuity of the normal component of flux density and tangential component of field intensity are used to couple the two potentials on the interface between regions. The formulation leads to a symmetric system amenable to traditional solution techniques. The formulation is also valid for static problems with modification that are easily implemented.
Pathology during acute infections: contributions of intracellular pathogens and the CTL response

Previous work has shown how, in the case of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses to persistent viral infections, pathology may arise as a consequence of cell destruction directly by the virus or indirectly due to the CTL response, leading to maximum pathology at intermediate efficacy of the immune response. We expand these studies to consider pathology arising during acute infections with intracellular pathogens controlled by the CTL response. We show that, in contrast to persistent infections, pathology during acute infections is minimized with increasing efficacy of the immune response. The implications of these results for vaccination are discussed.
Renal Lymphoma: Unusual Lymphoproliferative Manifestation of Sjögren’s Syndrome

To the Editor: Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized early in its course by lymphocytic infiltration in the salivary and lacrimal glands, resulting in the major manifestations of keratoconjunctivitis sicca and xerostomia. Presumably through a multistep lymphoproliferative process, SS has been associated with the development of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) in 5%–10% of patients1. Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas constitute the majority of NHL subtypes seen in SS, followed by nodal marginal zone lymphomas and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL)2. We describe what could be the first case of primary DLBCL of the kidney, a rare extranodal lymphoma, as a lymphoproliferative complication of SS. A 64-year-old woman presented at age 39 with polyarthralgias and morning stiffness attributed to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). She was treated with hydroxychloroquine and nonsteroidal agents. She subsequently developed dry eyes, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing without drinking fluids, and vaginal and nasal dryness, which she treated with topical moisturizing agents. At age 58, she was noted to have mild pancytopenia with leukocytes 3600/mm3, hemoglobin 11.3 g/dl, and platelets 95,000/mm3. Bone marrow examination revealed erythroid hyperplasia, megakaryocytic hyperplasia, and atypical lymphocytosis. Urinalysis showed 20–30 white blood cells/high-powered field (HPF), without red cells, bacteria, nitrite, or proteinuria. Serological testing revealed antinuclear antibody (ANA) 1:640 speckled pattern; absence of antibodies to dsDNA and Sm/RNP; anti-SSA antibody 413 U (strongly positive); anti-SSB 129 U (weakly positive); rheumatoid factor (RF) 32 IU (normal … Address correspondence to Dr. E.D. Rosenstein, Institute for Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases, Overlook Medical Center, 33 Overlook Road, Summit, New Jersey 07901, USA., E-mail: elliot.rosenstein{at}atlantichealth.org
Effects of seed beetles on the performance of desert legumes depend on host species, plant stage, and beetle density

Abstract Seeds of many arid habitat plants have a water-impermeable coat and can germinate only after being scarified. Bruchine seed beetles are important parasites of legume seeds in these environments, but their effect on germination can be unpredictable. Beetles deplete seed resources and can kill the embryo but also scarify seeds. We investigated the effects of a generalist parasite, Stator limbatus , on the germination and growth of two common legumes in the Sonoran desert, catclaw acacia ( Acacia greggii ) and blue paloverde ( Parkinsonia florida ). Feeding damage from a single larva greatly increased germination of paloverde but not acacia. This benefit was reduced if seeds were attacked by multiple larvae. Beetle-damaged seeds of both hosts germinated more quickly than did control seeds. Infestation by beetles reduced seedling size, though effects were greater for paloverde than for acacia. Our results demonstrate that the effect of S. limbatus can be highly host-specific. In addition, beetle infestation may enhance or reduce seedling recruitment, depending on the availability of other scarifying agents and the number of larvae per seed. Such contingencies make it difficult to predict the net effect of seed beetles on efforts to control invasive legume hosts or establish native hosts during aridland restoration.
The use of IP-anycast for building efficient multicast trees

In this paper, we show that substantial improvement in multicast performance and reliability can be achieved by regarding a multicast group as a network region and using anycast to access it along the shortest path. We introduce the anycast-based tree (ABT), a novel architecture for building efficient shared multicast trees. ABT is a non-core tree; thus, it does not suffer from the traditional problems exhibited by core-based trees, such as traffic concentration or poor core placement. Moreover, ABT exhibits greater robustness and lower bandwidth consumption than other shared muiticast trees. Our simulation shows that ABT reduces traffic concentration by 60% and decreases average bandwidth consumption by 25%. In addition, the paper extends the core based tree multicast routing protocol with an ABT mode. The result is a new intra-domain protocol, called ACBT, that conserves the desirable features of the original protocol while reducing bandwidth consumption and alleviating traffic concentration.
Inhibitor of interleukin-2 synthesis and response in rheumatoid synovial fluid

We studied the effects of a factor present in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fluid (SF) on interleukin-2 (IL-2)-dependent cell proliferation and on the production of IL-2 by mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. RA SF suppressed the responsiveness of a mouse T cell line (HT-2) to IL-2, indicating that it contained an inhibitor of the IL-2 response. When RA SF was fractionated by Sephadex G-200 gel filtration, the inhibitory activity was detected mainly in fractions with a molecular weight of approximately 150,000, but was also found in a 15—19-kd fraction. Removal of IgG from the 150-kd fraction, by means of an anti-IgG affinity column, did not reduce the activity of the fraction, nor was activity found in the eluted IgG. The inhibitory fractions reduced mouse thymocyte pro-liferative responses to IL-1 in the presence of phytohemagglutinin, and reduced the production of IL-2 by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, but did not inhibit IL-1-induced human foreskin fibroblast proliferation; this suggests that the factor was not an IL-1 inhibitor. The inhibitory activity of the RA SF factor was blocked by an antibody against an inhibitor of IL-2 that was purified from a culture of the human monocytic leukemia cell line, THP-1. This finding also supports the conclusion that RA SF contains an IL-2 inhibitory factor. The observed inhibition of both IL-2 synthesis and IL-2 response suggests that the target of the inhibition was the T lymphocyte.
Serial hook-ups: a comparative usability study of secure device pairing methods

Secure Device Pairing is the bootstrapping of secure communication between two previously unassociated devices over a wireless channel. The human-imperceptible nature of wireless communication, lack of any prior security context, and absence of a common trust infrastructure open the door for Man-in-the-Middle (aka Evil Twin) attacks. A number of methods have been proposed to mitigate these attacks, each requiring user assistance in authenticating information exchanged over the wireless channel via some human-perceptible auxiliary channels, e.g., visual, acoustic or tactile.In this paper, we present results of the first comprehensive and comparative study of eleven notable secure device pairing methods. Usability measures include: task performance times, ratings on System Usability Scale (SUS), task completion rates, and perceived security. Study subjects were controlled for age, gender and prior experience with device pairing. We present overall results and identify problematic methods for certain classes of users as well as methods best-suited for various device configurations.
MORTUARY RITUAL AND FAMILY POLITICS AT FORMATIVE AND EARLY CLASSIC K'AXOB, BELIZE

Mortuary interments from Formative and Early Classic deposits of the Maya site of K'axob, northern Belize, show significant variation in four aspects: burial position, number of interments within a burial facility, incidence of secondary interments, and types of associated burial accoutrements. Burial data for more than 100 individuals of both sexes and all age grades indicate that these changes over time are significant. The implications of these patterns for heightening our understanding of mortuary ritual are explored in depth. Evidence suggests that tightly wrapped seated and flexed burials represent the Late Formative onset of more protracted rituals involving prolonged displays of ancestors. Terminal Formative mortuary deposits featuring collections of curated ancestor remains indicate the “gathering of ancestors,” generally at a locale at which a monumental structure was later built. Sex and age distributions within multiple interments (both primary and secondary) reflect the familial character of burial locales, particularly at the centrally located Operation I. Burial accoutrements demonstrate the connectivity of K'axob to general cosmological armatures of Maya society. Increasingly individualized artifacts indicate the socially diacritical role of burial offerings.
Cooperation and Competition

This chapter described Deutsch’s theory of cooperation-competition and indicates how this provides the basis for the development of his theory of conflict resolution. It them discusses the implication of this theory for understanding and managing conflict.
A finite element method for nonlinear forced vibrations of rectangular plates

The finite element method has been extended to determine the response of large amplitude forced vibrations of thin plates. A harmonic force matrix of a rectangular element under uniform harmonic excitation is developed for nonlinear forced vibration analysis. Inplane deformation and inertia are both considered in the formulation. Results obtained are compared with simple elliptic response, perturbation and other approximation solutions.
Waveguide Mode Formation as a Potential Cause of Switch Failure in High-Power Wide-Bandgap Photoconductive Switches

The integration of photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSSs) into pulsed power systems may have improvements over conventional switching, but failure modes occurring near the illuminated edge of PCSS devices between switching operations present a serious limiting factor. While these failure modes have previously been difficult to characterize, this paper proposes a theory for a potential contributing source of failure supported by observations derived from the results of an FDTD simulation on an optically excited semiconductor switch. A computational analysis combining both solid-state and electromagnetic physical models reveals what appears to be an unintentional waveguide-like behavior in the optically excited plasma-filled PCSS device in strong agreement with the documented observations in the experiment. The net effect of nonuniform charge carrier generation as a result of waveguide-like mode formation is theoretically assessed, and the additional areas of investigation into this pivotal problem area in the PCSS design are suggested.
Children and the influence of the media

Violence, increased sexual activity, and antisocial behaviors involving children and adolescents are being blamed on the media. American children and adolescents spend 21 to 23 hours per week viewing television. Children will see 200,000 violent acts on television by age 18 and view over 14,000 sexual situations and innuendoes per year. The primary care physician can play a crucial role in reducing the potential negative influence of the media on children. Language: en
The Science-Practice Gap

After struggling to support ecological restoration with my own research programs, I became increasingly interested in the dynamics of other restoration projects and the extent to which science and scientists were or were not providing them with practically valuable information. To investigate these questions, I explored the ecological and institutional frameworks of other restoration programs across the Hawaiian Islands. I also interviewed people involved in these programs and in other areas and disciplines related to the science and practice of restoration ecology, such as academia, conservation biology, environmental education, and resource management. Here I explore the nature of this science-practice gap; in the next chapter I offer some solutions for bridging the gap.
Svedka Vodka (a)

NO CHANGES CAN BE MADE TO CASE WITHOUT COMPANY APPROVALIn this, the second of a two-part case series, the SVEDKA founder assesses which initial decisions were most critical in the launch of his now-successful product. He also explores the new choices he faces, including changes to the distribution channels and additions to the product line. Suitable for both MBA- and undergraduate-level courses such as integrated marketing communications, the case presents opportunities to discuss pricing, target, distribution, branding, and promotion. See also "SVEDKA Vodka (A)," UVA-M-0774.
Depletable Resources: Fixed Capital or Inventories?

The notion that environmental resources should be viewed as capital is certainly gaining acceptance. Such resources, even if they are not appropriable, do contribute to the productive process, or otherwise yield utilities for which users are willing to pay a price, either directly or indirectly.1 Practically all natural resources are depletable, but some of them are also renewable, i.e. capable of being regenerated by nature, or more often by nature with human assistance. Sometimes even renewable resources can rationally be “mined”to extinction by their owners in deliberate acts of capital consumption.
A Review of Instrumental Data for Drug Analysis—Volumes 1 and 2

Each of these volumes contains ultraviolet (UV). infrared (IR), proton nuclear magnetic nance (NMR). mass spectrometry (MS). gas chromatography (GC), and high pressure id chromatography (HPLC) data on approximately 300 drugs. In addition a brief monograph ach drug gives the title name (usually the generic name) molecular formula, molecular hts, (one acceptable by IUPAC convention and another using the most abundant rally occurring isotope of each element), the Chemical Abstracts name, other common, ial, or trade names, a therapeutic use, and the structure of the compound. HPLC data cate the column, coded solvent composition, and retention time in minutes. GC data ude a Kovats index for defined column, flow rate, and carrier gas, together with the mn temperature. Other data are displayed as charts on two 8- by 1 l-in. facing pages. two volumes include about 600 drugs.
Why extensive participation in treatment and twelve-step programs is associated with the cessation of addictive behaviors: an application of the addicted-self model of recovery.

Abstract Applying the Addicted-Self Model of recovery to explain why extensive participation in recovery activities predicts abstinence, it was hypothesized that high levels of participation in treatment and Twelvestep programs promote abstinence because these activities reinforce the notion that controlled use is not possible for dependent alcohol and drug users. Findings from a prospective treatment outcomes study (n = 356) indicate general support for this hypothesis. Yet the cognitive transformation described by the Addicted-Self Model involving acknowledgement of loss of control over alcohol and other drugs is only a partial explanation of why extensive participation in recovery activities promotes recovery. Reiterating the conclusion that “more is better,” frequent counseling participation, treatment completion, and weekly or more frequent participation in Twelve-Step programs promote abstinence independently from their influence on controlled use self-efficacy. Theoretical and clinical implications...
Recent economic research on service utilization and costs: Schizophrenia and substance abuse

Interest in the costs and utilization of behavioral health services continues to increase, driven in part by the rapid rise in psychotropic medication expenditures, the move towards mental health ‘parity’ in the U.S., and by the availability of new data in this area. This paper reviews the recent economic literature on behavioral health service utilization and costs, focusing on schizophrenia and substance abuse research.
The N-Terminus and the Chain-Length Determination Domain Play a Role in the Length of the Isoprenoid Product of the Bifunctional Toxoplasma gondii Farnesyl Diphosphate Synthase

Toxoplasma gondii possesses a bifunctional farnesyl diphosphate (FPP)/geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) synthase (TgFPPS) that synthesizes C(15) and C(20) isoprenoid diphosphates from isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). This enzyme has a unique arrangement of the fourth and fifth amino acid upstream from the first aspartic rich motif (FARM) where the fourth amino acid is aromatic and the fifth is a cysteine. We mutated these amino acids, converting the enzyme to an absolute FPPS by changing the cysteine to a tyrosine. The enzyme could be converted to an absolute GGPPS by changing both the fourth and fifth amino acids to alanines. We also constructed four mutated TgFPPSs whose regions around the first aspartate rich motif were replaced with the corresponding regions of FPP synthases from Arabidopsis thaliana or Saccharomyces cerevisiae or with the corresponding regions of GGPP synthases from Homo sapiens or S. cerevisiae. We determined that the presence of a cysteine at the fifth position is essential for the TgFPPS bifunctionality. We also found that the length of the N-terminal domain plays a role in determining the specificity and the length of the isoprenoid product. Phylogenetic analysis supports the grouping of this enzyme with other type I FPPSs, but the biochemical data indicate that TgFPPS has unique characteristics that differentiate it from mammalian FPPSs and GGPPSs and is therefore an important drug target.
Exploring the Physical Form Landscape of Clozapine, Amoxapine and Loxapine

This chapter highlights the value of combined experimental and computational approaches in describing the effect of small changes in molecular structures on solid-state structure and overall extent of solid-state diversity. Experimental solid form screening for an atypical antipsychotic agent clozapine yielded four novel physical forms including monohydrate, two crystalline solvates and an amorphous phase. The crystal energy landscape confirmed that there are no alternative packing arrangements which are thermodynamically competitive with an only experimentally obtained anhydrous form. Crystal structure prediction studies provided an explanation for different solid-state diversity of olanzapine (60 solid forms) as compared to clozapine (4 solid forms) as well as presence/absence of centrosymmetric dimer in the crystal structures of olanzapine and clozapine polymorphs respectively. Another set of molecules differing in one methyl group i.e. an anti-depressant agent amoxapine and a tranquiliser agent loxapine exhibited monomorphism and polymorphism respectively. Crystal structure prediction studies and packing efficiency calculations revealed that the methyl group in loxapine is playing a significant role in increasing the range of accessible solid forms.
Abstract 664: Cerebrovascular Events in Patients Undergoing Endovascular Aortic Repair (EVAR) versus Open Aortic Repair (OAR) for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): A Pooled Meta-Analysis of 10,409 Patients

Background: EVAR is still a relatively new modality for AAA repair and there are not many studies on the complications and risks associated with this procedure. In particular, there is a paucity of data in regards to the risks of Cerebrovascular Events (CVE). The purpose of the paper is to discuss the risks of CVE in patients who have undergone EVAR versus patients that have undergone OAR. We aimed to do a systematic review and meta-analysis of the CVE rates in patients undergoing EVAR versus OAR. Methods: Studies were included if they reported CVE outcomes comparing EVAR versus OAR in patients who underwent AAA repair. Of the 51 unique citations identi[[Unable to Display Character: ﬁ]]ed after the initial literature search and supplementary hand-searches, 10 studies comparing EVAR and OAR who underwent AAA repair met our inclusion criteria. Results were independently extracted by 2 reviewers. A random effects model was applied. The primary end was the incidence of stroke. Results: A total of 10 st...
Electrolyte transport in a central core model of the renal medulla

Transport of Na+, K+, Cl-, urea, and water is described in a central core model of the renal medulla. Equations for mass balance, Poiseuille flow, and the Nernst-Planck equation describe the continuous behavior of the system along the medullary axis and along the distal nephron; the Kedem and Katchalsky phenomenology describes passive transmural transport; active transmural transport obeys Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Numerical solution of the differential equations shows that to a close approximation any combination of active Na+ and active Cl- transport can generate the same concentration profiles but will generate very different potential profiles, and consequently, very different K+ absorption in thick ascending limb of Henle's loop. If a net transport stoichiometry of 2 Cl- ions to 1 Na+ ion is selected for the pumps, an active Cl- transport rate of approximately 10,000 peq.s-1.cm-2 gives K+ and Na+ concentrations in early distal nephron and a medullary osmolality profile in reasonable agreement with experimental data.
Differential rate of cholesterol efflux from the apical and basolateral membranes of MDCK cells

Epithelial cells contain two distinct membrane surfaces, the apical and basolateral plasma membranes, which have different lipid and protein compositions. In order to assess the effect of the compositional differences of the apical and basolateral membranes on their ability to undergo cholesterol efflux, MDCK cells were radiolabeled with [3H]cholesterol and grown as a polarized monolayer on filter inserts, that separate the upper apical compartment from the lower basolateral compartment. The rate of cholesterol efflux from the basolateral membrane into media containing HDL in the basolateral compartment was 6.3%/h +/-0.7, whereas HDL-mediated efflux from the apical membrane was approximately 3-fold slower (1.9%/h +/-0.3). In contrast, Fu5AH cells, which do not form distinct polarized membrane domains, had a similar rate of HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux into the apical and basolateral compartments. Similar to HDL, other cholesterol acceptors, namely LDL, bovine serum albumin, and a lipid emulsion, also showed a decreased rate of cholesterol efflux from the apical membrane surface versus the basolateral membrane. Compared to the basolateral membrane, the apical membrane was also found to be more resistant to cholesterol oxidase treatment, to bind less HDL, and to take up less cholesterol from the medium. In conclusion, cholesterol efflux occurred less readily from the apical membrane than from the basolateral membrane for all types of acceptors tested. These results suggest that differences in the composition of the apical and basolateral membrane lead to a relative decrease in cholesterol desorption from the apical membrane and hence a reduced rate of cholesterol efflux.
Cultural Evolution and the Colonial Imperative

Evolving populations can be described as influenced by two opposing forces: a conservative force preserving adaptations which suit the population to present circumstances and a radical one creating diversity in order to prepare for novel challenges. An excellent technique evolution uses to handle this tension is the creation of “stealth diversity,” which does not affect the population until and unless it is adaptively useful. Colonies are a uniquely powerful way to do this, since they simultaneously eliminate the conservative influence of gene flow while posing new challenges that redirect selection. Turner’s classic analysis of the interplay between the East coast and frontier cultures of the American west echoes these themes within the context of cultural evolution. As any colonial culture evolves, the mother culture attempts to exert a conservative influence, creating tension and reinforcing divergence. Nevertheless, if the colony survives, it can generate adaptive diversity that is as valuable to the mother culture as it was inaccessible to her on her own. Thus, American style democracy blossomed on the frontier, but eventually cross-pollinated with the mother culture and beyond, greatly enriching world culture. Since the conditions on an extraterrestrial colony will be fundamentally different from those shaping terrestrial ones, we can’t predict their evolutionary trajectory in detail. However, the development of extraterrestrial colonies will certainly create additional adaptive diversity that could be critical to our long-term success as a species. Colonies should therefore be pursued, not as a means to particular cultural ends, but as experiments in cultural adaptation. Moreover, we must be open-minded about the fruits of these experiments, since our pretensions to universality are often little more than an instinctive conservatism that does not reflect the realities of colonial circumstances. Indeed, most arguments against the establishment of extraterrestrial colonies partake of either extremely short-term thinking or an unfounded degree of confidence in the capacity of terrestrial culture to adapt unaided. Therefore, any truly rational, long-term, strategic plan for humanity must include an aggressive program of extraterrestrial colonization.
Photoacoustic Imaging in Oncology: Translational Preclinical and Early Clinical Experience

With the availability of commercial preclinical imaging systems along with the ability to build relatively inexpensive custom systems, an increase in photoacoustic imaging investigation rate is expected in the coming years for various clinical applications including and beyond cancer detection and characterization.
Polar Characteristics of the Group and Phase Velocities as Well as the Frequency Dependence of Lamb Waves in Graphite/Epoxy Composites

The anisotropy of graphite/epoxy composite plates was studied using measurements of phase and group velocities of Lamb waves. Three types of composite structures were used: unidirectional, two-directional with orthogonal fibers, and quasi-isotropic. Two experimental methods were developed. For single mode, the phase and group velocities and the angle of deviation between them were measured using angle variable contact ultrasonic transducers which were situated on the surface of the plates. For multimodes, a new broadband single transducer immersion technique was used to examine the dispersion behavior for the phase velocity as propagation direction was varied relative to the fibers. The experimental data for an So mode was compared with calculations of the angular dependence of the phase and group velocities of bulk waves in the graphite/epoxy composite material. The advantage of the Lamb wave technique over bulk waves is the ability to measure the in-plane anisotropic properties of thin composite plates such as those used in actual aircraft applications.
Statistical Prediction and UQ for Turbulent Dynamical Systems

As discussed in Chapter 1, a grand challenge with great practical impact is to devise new methods for large dimensional turbulent dynamical systems with statistically accurate prediction and UQ which overcome the curse of ensemble size.
Žižek, Antagonism and the Syrian Crisis

As an outspoken public intellectual Slavoj Žižek’s comments on today’s refugee crisis, particularly in relation to Syria, have been widely criticized. The following essay looks at the philosophy and politics of Žižek in relation to theorists such as Ranciere, Laclau and Mouffe in order to explore where Žižek’s dismissal of migrant struggle highlights the failure of his Lacan inspired Kantian transcendentalism and State based class politics to explore the political and subversive potentials of alternative sites of struggle. While Žižek’s exploration of antagonism as a site of politics remains useful, his vision of State politics and class struggle as the bearers of anti- or alter-capitalist struggle, based on a Universalist politics and transcendental subject, fails to consider the multifarious political aspects of global mobility.
Improving Donor Conversion Rates at a Level One Trauma Center: Impact of Best Practice Guidelines.

BACKGROUND Organ availability is a consistently limiting factor in transplant surgery. A primary driver of this limitation is donor conversion rate, which is defined as the percentage of eligible donors for whom procurement is actually performed. An alternative way to increase organ availability is through improved utilization of organs from donors after cardiac death (DCD). Recently, a concerted, multidisciplinary effort has been made within our system to improve conversion rates and DCD utilization, thus increasing organ availability. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database from TransLife, our local organ procurement organization (OPO), as well as the Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC) trauma registry, from 2009-2012 (up to 2013 for DCD). During which time, this organization implemented best practice guidelines to improve conversions and DCD utilization. We analyzed yearly conversion rates, DCD donations and population demographics before and after implementation of these policies. RESULTS During the study period, donor conversion rates significantly improved from 58% in 2009 to 82% percent in 2012 hospital-wide (P<0.05); and from 50% in 2009 to 81% in 2012 among trauma patients alone (P<0.05). In addition, total organs transplanted increased from 13 to 31 organs (P<0.05) after implementation of best practice guidelines. No significant differences in trauma population demographics were noted during the study period. CONCLUSIONS Based on our experience, the establishment of best practice policies for referral of potential donors, coupled with programs to educate hospital staff on the existence and importance of these policies, leads to significant improvement in donor conversion rates and increased utilization of DCD donors.
International Decisionmaking to Avoid the Emergency State: Patterns and Dynamics 1988–2003

Abstract The basic cybernetic paradigm of manual and automatic control is reviewed. Strengths and limitations of the application of this paradigm to problems of complex sociotechnical macrosystems, especially to the war/peace problem, are discussed. Systems evolution and structural change as constraining forces are emphasized in particular. The concept of a US-USSR Cooperative Security System is summarized and the system/environment states of NORMAL, ALERT, and EMERGENCY defined. The downswing of the present Kondratieff waveform is discussed in considerable detail, and the relatiionship between phases of the Kondratieff cycle and war are stressed. The next 15 years are considered to be especially critical in terms of international decisionmaking to avoid world war. The nature of societal system instability and its relation to decision-making and control is discussed in terms of systems theory. The process of international decisionmaking itself viewed as a system is discussed. Several suggestions are made for further research. The danger of the present worldwide commitment to a massive military/defense effort being a means of further destabilization is emphasized throughout the paper.