cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pattern formation in recirculating flows of suspensions of orientable particles

The global, dynamical behaviour of suspensions of small, orientable, non-interacting particles is investigated. Owing to spatial inhomogeneity of the flow field, certain orientations of particles may be favoured in different regions of the flow. Favoured orientations may be deduced from an analysis of the history of flows experienced by a particle along its path. In flows that are time-periodic in the lagrangian frame of the suspended phase (e.g. steady, recirculating flows in the eulerian frame), the orientation dynamics may be characterized by periodic or quasi-periodic attractors. After the decay of initial transients, such attractors lead to the formation of patterns of orientation of the suspended particles that are temporally fixed but spatially varying in the eulerian frame of reference. In effect, these patterns constitute a new type of global ordering of the suspension that arises not from interaction effects among the particles, but rather from the smoothly varying influences of the flow. Examples of these flow-induced patterns are explored in two- and three-dimensional flows that may be produced in the laboratory. The arguments presented are purely kinematical; as such the conclusions regarding pattern formation pertain to steady, recirculating flows whether or not the particles have an effect on the flow field. As the phenomena described herein have not been previously reported as experimental observations, this work constitutes a theoretical prediction of a new physical phenomenon.
Elevated reward-related neural activation as a unique biological marker of bipolar disorder: Assessment and treatment implications

Growing evidence indicates that risk for bipolar disorder is characterized by elevated activation in a fronto-striatal reward neural circuit involving the ventral striatum and orbitofrontal cortex, among other regions. It is proposed that individuals with abnormally elevated reward-related neural activation are at risk for experiencing an excessive increase in approach-related motivation during life events involving rewards or goal striving and attainment. In the extreme, this increase in motivation is reflected in hypomanic/manic symptoms. By contrast, unipolar depression (without a history of hypomania/mania) is characterized by decreased reward responsivity and decreased reward-related neural activation. Collectively, this suggests that risk for bipolar disorder and unipolar depression are characterized by distinct and opposite profiles of reward processing and reward-related neural activation. The objective of the present paper is threefold. First, we review the literature on reward processing and reward-related neural activation in bipolar disorder, and in particular risk for hypomania/mania. Second, we propose that reward-related neural activation reflects a biological marker of differential risk for bipolar disorder versus unipolar depression that may help facilitate psychiatric assessment and differential diagnosis. We also discuss, however, the challenges to using neuroscience techniques and biological markers in a clinical setting for assessment and diagnostic purposes. Lastly, we address the pharmacological and psychosocial treatment implications of research on reward-related neural activation in bipolar disorder.
The place of corticosteroids in migraine attack management: A 65-year systematic review with pooled analysis and critical appraisal

Background and objectivesHeadaches recur in up to 87% of migraine patients visiting the emergency department (ED), making ED recidivism a management challenge. We aimed herein to determine the role of corticosteroids in the acute management of migraine in the ED and outpatient care.MethodsAdvanced search strategies employing PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases inclusive of a relevant gray literature search was employed for Clinical Studies and Systematic Reviews by combining the terms “migraine” and “corticosteroids” spanning all previous years since the production of synthetic corticosteroids ca. 1950 until August 30, 2014. Methods were in accordance with MOOSE guidelines.ResultsTwenty-five studies (n = 3989, median age 37.5 years, interquartile range or IQR 35–41 years; median male:female ratio 1:4.23, IQR 1:2.1–6.14; 52% ED-based, 56% randomized-controlled) and four systematic reviews were included. International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria were applied in 6...
PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IN ERYTHROID CELLS. II. POLYRIBOSOME FUNCTION IN INTACT RETICULOCYTES.

In the present study, the function of polyribosomes in intact reticulocytes has been investigated. The pattern of increase in the specific activity of ribosomes of cells incubated with [ 14 C]leucine indicates that the initiation and growth of polypeptide chains occurs predominantly on polyribosomes. The relative rates of incorporation of leucine and tryptophan on polyribosomes of various sizes were determined. The results suggest that reticulocyte polyribosomes corresponding to sedimentation coefficients of 110 s to 240 s are involved in globin synthesis. Inhibition of protein synthesis with puromycin is associated with a release of nascent peptide chains from ribosomes and a rapid breakdown of polyribosomes to 78 s ribosomes and smaller units. On the other hand, inhibition of protein synthesis by amino acid starvation, which is not associated with a release of nascent protein from ribosomes, does not alter the rate of polyribosome breakdown. These results support the concept that S-RNA with the attached peptide chain is important to the stability of polyribosomes in the intact cell. In reticulocytes there appear to be at least two processes involved in polyribosome breakdown. One of these mechanisms is associated with completion of peptide chains; the other accompanies cell maturation and does not require protein synthesis.
Phase Behaviors of Binary Hard-Sphere Mixtures Using Simple Analytical Equations of State

Recently, we have proposed a unified analytical equation of state (EOS) for solid–liquid–vapor states of matter, and have examined the thermodynamic properties of argon, carbon dioxide, and methane, as well as binary mixtures of methane and carbon dioxide. Also it has been demonstrated that the EOS can be applied for the solid–fluid transition of hard spheres, by eliminating the attractive part of the EOS. The present work is an extension of the earlier calculations for identical hard spheres, and here we examine the phase behavior of binary hard-sphere mixtures. The hard-sphere EOS employed in this study is $$P = \frac{{RT}}{{V - b}}\left( {\frac{{V - d}}{{V - c}}} \right)^k ,$$ where k = 1 or 2, and k = 0 [or c = d = 0] as a special case. b, c, and d are proportional to a hard-sphere volume, and their mixing rule is a quadratic form in mole fraction x, with a mixing parameter l ij (l ij = l ji and l ii = 0). The b parameter is given by $$b = \sum\limits_{i,j = 1}^2 {\frac{{\left( {b_i + b_j } \right)}}{2}} \left( {1 - 1_{ij} } \right)x_i x_j .$$ Similar mixing rules are applied to c and d. It is shown that various fundamental phase-transition behaviors can be described: ideal or near ideal, azeotropic (maximum and minimum), eutectic, eutectoid, monotectic, peritectic types, and stable fluid–fluid de-mixings without becoming metastable due to the interference of solid–liquid phase transitions. Rather complicated phase diagrams with a combination of various types are also predicted. The present study is a starting point and is useful for understanding the global topology of solid–liquid–vapor phase transitions of binary mixtures.
Hobbes and His Audience: The Dynamics of Theorizing *

Political theory has for many years been subject to severe criticism for its failure to substantiate the claims it makes for itself. It has been attacked by both philosophers and scientists, and denied any standing in either discipline. Its claims for truth have been unmasked as mere assertions of ideology or individual biases. Its arguments have been exposed as either manipulation by "persuasive definition," or dismissed as guilty of the "naturalistic fallacy."' It appears that political ideas, no longer philosophically respectable nor scientifically tenable, have been relegated to the intellectual limbo of "personal preferences." While this line of attack is most often associated with T. D. Weldon's Vocabulary of Politics (which may be dated in many respects), it has, in fact, continued to be quite strongly held by many analytic philosophers and social scientists.2 Thus it would seem that the contemporary student of political theory is in need of a new defense or justification, if his discipline is to be saved from virtual dismissal or severe curtailment. While no attempt will be made here to refute the many attacks on political theory, it will be suggested that a different and more fruitful understanding of political theory is possible, and that many of the failures and errors attributed to political theory are, in fact, consequences of a rigid and mistaken conceptualization of the activity of theorizing about politics. Moreover since the great works in the tradition of political theory still remain challenging, forceful, and often persuasive, even to analytic philosophers, it is worth our while to try to understand the nature of that attraction, a task which the analytic school has not well performed. The first part of this paper will present an approach to understanding political theory; the second will discuss Hobbes as an example of such a challenging theorist.
Impact of charge trapping on the voltage acceleration of TDDB in metal gate/high-k n-channel MOSFETs

The root cause for the increase in the TDDB voltage acceleration with decreasing stress voltage in metal gate/high-k n-channel FETs is investigated. Using DC and AC stress methodologies, the effect could be linked to charge trapping in the high-k gate dielectric. Furthermore, a correction for charge trapping is proposed, which results in a single power law voltage dependence for all stress conditions.
Characterization of Euglenaformis gen. nov. and the chloroplast genome of Euglenaformis [Euglena] proxima (Euglenophyta)

Euglena proxima is a common, globally dispersed, and easily identified photosynthetic euglenoid. Previous phylogenetic analyses using nuclear-encoded small subunit (SSU) and large subunit (LSU) rRNA genes revealed that this taxon was paraphyletic with other Euglena species and was positioned as sister to all Euglenaceae. Despite this, authors were reluctant to remove this taxon from Euglena until additional data, or taxa pairing with E. proxima, were obtained because it created a monotypic genus. To clarify the taxonomy, the chloroplast genome of E. proxima was sequenced and compared with those of other photosynthetic euglenoids. Phylogenomic analyses were performed comparing 79 chloroplast-encoded genes from E. proxima with those found in seven photosynthetic euglenoids and three prasinophytes, the group from which the euglenoid chloroplast was probably derived. These analyses resulted in highly supported phylogenomic trees with topologies that were consistent with all previous phylogenetic analyses, i.e. they positioned E. proxima as sister to all of the Euglenaceae. In addition, a syntenic comparison was conducted between E. proxima and the chloroplast genomes of two Euglena taxa in order to determine their similarities. This analysis showed that the construction of the E. proxima chloroplast genome was very different from that of the two Euglena chloroplast genomes, which were extremely similar to each other. Based on these data, E. proxima was removed from Euglena, and a new genus, Euglenaformis, was erected to clarify the true relationship of this taxon to the rest of the photosynthetic euglenoids.
Correction of aortic coarctation in neonates: mortality and late results.

Abstract To determine those factors that affect mortality and to analyze long-term results, the records of 44 infants who underwent repair of aortic coarctation at less than 90 days of age were examined. There were 14 operative and 8 late deaths (mean, 4.3 months postoperatively). Subsequent operation, generally to repair or palliate associated anomalies, was required 22 times in 20 patients and was a source of considerable mortality. There is evidence that earlier total repair of associated anomalies might improve survival. Sufficient data were available on 17 of the 22 survivors to assess long-term results. The outcome was considered excellent in 8 patients, fair in 4, and poor in 5. Revision of the coarctation repair due to growth failure of the anastomosis was required in 1 patient. Aggressive surgical management is recommended in these infants because, despite a high early mortality, a considerable proportion of excellent results can be anticipated in what is otherwise a hopeless situation.
Keratocysts of the jaw. Clinicopathologic study of 79 patients

A study of 79 patients with keratocysts of the jaws revealed that 72% of the cysts were in the mandible, predominantly in the ramus. The most common symptom was a painful swelling in the jaw. Enucleation was used in 69.2% of the cases. The recurrence rate was 39%. Total removal of the lining of the keratocyst is essential to prevent recurrence.
Cell adhesion molecules in chemically-induced renal injury

Cell adhesion molecules are integral cell-membrane proteins that maintain cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion and in some cases act as regulators of intracellular signaling cascades. In the kidney, cell adhesion molecules, such as the cadherins, the catenins, the zonula occludens protein-1 (ZO-1), occludin and the claudins are essential for maintaining the epithelial polarity and barrier integrity that are necessary for the normal absorption/excretion of fluid and solutes. A growing volume of evidence indicates that these cell adhesion molecules are important early targets for a variety of nephrotoxic substances including metals, drugs, and venom components. In addition, it is now widely appreciated that molecules, such as intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), integrins, and selectins play important roles in the recruitment of leukocytes and inflammatory responses that are associated with nephrotoxic injury. This review summarizes the results of recent in vitro and in vivo studies indicating that these cell adhesion molecules may be primary molecular targets in many types of chemically-induced renal injury. Some of the specific agents that are discussed include cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), bismuth (Bi), cisplatin, aminoglycoside antibiotics, S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-l-cysteine (DCVC), and various venom toxins. This review also includes a discussion of the various mechanisms, by which these substances can affect cell adhesion molecules in the kidney.
Cutaneous melanoma risk and phenotypic changes in large congenital nevi: A follow-up study of 46 patients☆☆☆

Abstract Background: Large congenital melanocytic nevi may undergo malignant transformation. Few prospective studies have evaluated the incidence of melanoma in large congenital nevi or have described how their phenotypic characteristics change over time. Objective: We attempted to ascertain the incidence of cutaneous melanoma in a cohort of patients with large congenital nevi and to evaluate the frequency and nature of several morphologic changes over time. Methods: Forty-six patients with large congenital nevi were prospectively followed up in our Pigmented Lesion Group. Large congenital nevi were defined as those occurring at birth and comprising 5% body surface area or greater in infants, children, and preadolescents and more than 20 cm in adolescents and adults. Information was obtained on location, satellitosis, changes in color and nodularity, and incidence of melanoma. The most atypical histologic findings from those who underwent biopsy were also noted. Standardized morbidity ratios (SMR) and 5-year cumulative risk were calculated and presented with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Twenty-four male and 22 female patients (age range, 7 days to 36.7 years; mean, 8.4 years) with large congenital nevi were followed up prospectively for a total of 335 person-years (range, 0.17 to 17.5 person-years; mean, 7.3 person-years). Two patients (4.3%) experienced 3 cutaneous melanomas that originated in their primary congenital nevi. We found one case of neurocutaneous melanosis. No satellite, extremity, or extracutaneous melanomas were detected. The majority of nevi in our cohort were located on the posterior trunk, were accompanied by multiple satellite congenital nevi, and became lighter over time. In the 27 patients who underwent biopsies, the most atypical histologic findings included melanoma, atypical melanocytic dysplasia, neurocristic dysplasia, atypical neural crest hamartomas, atypical spindle cell tumors, and congenital nevi with dysplasia. The SMR comparing observed-to-expected melanoma incidence was 148 (95% CI 18, 535; P = .0002) indicating a substantially increased risk of melanoma in patients with large congenital nevi. The cumulative 5-year risk of cutaneous melanoma was 5.7% (95% CI 0%, 13.5%). Conclusion: Our findings are consistent with the previously observed increased risk for the occurrence of cutaneous melanoma in patients with large congenital nevi. Although the number of patients with melanoma in this study is small, our observations and those of previous studies suggest that location and age correlates with melanoma risk. The majority of large congenital nevi are located on the trunk and may undergo several clinical changes as these patients age. Additional prospective studies are needed to gain more insight into the natural history and optimal management of large congenital nevi. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;39:923-32.)
Reversal of fibrosis by TGF-β3 in a 3D in vitro model

Corneal scarring following moderate to severe injury is inevitable. Despite significant advancements in the field, current treatments following these types of injuries are limited, and often, the visual recovery is poor. One of the problems and limitations is that corneal wound healing is a complex process, involving corneal cells, extracellular matrix components and growth factors. Therefore, further understanding is required, along with new treatments and techniques to reduce or prevent corneal scarring following injury. Two isoforms of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), TGF-β1 and -β3 (T1 and T3, respectively), are associated with corneal wound healing. T1 has been shown to drive the corneal keratocytes to differentiate into myofibroblasts; whereas, T3 has been found to inhibit fibrotic markers. In the current study, we examined whether the fibrotic characteristics expressed by human corneal fibroblasts (HCF) in our 3-dimensional (3D) construct following T1 stimulation could be reversed by introducing T3 to the in vitro system. To do this, HCF were isolated and cultured in 10% serum, and when they reached confluence, the cells were stimulated with a stable Vitamin C (VitC) derivative for 4 weeks, which allowed them to secrete a self-assembled matrix. Three conditions were tested: (1) CONTROL: 10% serum (S) only, (2) T1: 10%S + T1, or (3) Rescue: 10%S + T1 for two weeks and then switched to 10%S + T3 for another two weeks. At the end of 4 weeks, the constructs were processed for analysis by indirect-immunofluorescence (IF) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Different collagens that are normally present in healthy corneas in vivo, such as Type I and V, as well as Type III, which is a fibrotic indicator, were examined. In addition, we examined smooth muscle actin (SMA), a marker of myofibroblasts, and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), a multifunctional matrix protein known to activate the latent complex of TGF-β and appear upon wounding in vivo. Our data showed high expression of collagens type I and V under all conditions throughout the 3D constructs; however, type III and SMA expression were higher in the constructs that were stimulated with T1 and reduced to almost nothing in the Rescue samples. A similar pattern was seen with TSP-1, where TSP-1 expression following "rescue" was decreased considerably. Overall, this data is in agreement with our previous observations that T3 has a significant non-fibrotic effect on HCFs, and presents a novel model for the "rescue" of both cellular and matrix fibrotic components with a single growth factor.
Image-based contrast-to-clutter modeling of detection

Abstract : Using image-based metrics, contrast-to-clutter modeling is applied to the Search-2 visible image set and perception experiment data. To calculate the contrast metric, a new image is generated from the original image by replacing the target with an "expected background" using the local background surrounding the target and the natural horizontal correlation present in most surface-to-surface scenes. The contrast metric is obtained from the difference of this new image and the original image. Via a simple mathematical formula, the ratio of the contrast measure to a clutter metric is used to predict performance.
Direct association of adenosine deaminase with a T cell activation antigen, CD26

CD26, the T cell activation molecule dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV), associates with a 43-kilodalton protein. Amino acid sequence analysis and immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that this 43-kilodalton protein was adenosine deaminase (ADA). ADA was coexpressed with CD26 on the Jurkat T cell lines, and an in vitro binding assay showed that the binding was through the extracellular domain of CD26. ADA deficiency causes severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) in humans. Thus, ADA and CD26 (DPPIV) interact on the T cell surface, and this interaction may provide a clue to the pathophysiology of SCID caused by ADA deficiency.
Human Rights and Economics: The Conceptual Basis for their Complementarity

Human rights theorists and economists have tended to talk past, rather than to, each other, especially in the field of development. On one level this is to be expected. Human rights theory adopts a normative, deontological approach, while economists see their discipline as a positive science and are comfortable with its consequentialism. But a closer look at the relationship suggests more complementarities. Human rights theory can help provide a normative framework that avoids some of the pitfalls of welfare theory, and can help economists deal with issues of exploitation and power relations. These complementarities have increased in importance as the development discourse incorporates legal and political issues previously considered beyond the scope of economists and development practitioners.
Experimental study of potential structure in a spherical IEC fusion device

The spherical inertial-electrostatic confinement (SIEC) concept is designed to focus and accelerate ions and electrons radially inward towards the center of a negatively biased, highly transparent spherical grid. The converging ions create a high-density plasma core where a high fusion rate occurs. In addition, under proper conditions, the ion and electron flows create a space-charge induced "double potential" well (a negative potential well nested inside a positive potential well). This structure traps high-energy ions within the virtual anode created by the double potential, providing a high fusion density in the trap volume. The present experiment was designed to verify double potential well formation and trapping by a measurement of the radial birth profile of energetic (3-MeV) protons produced by D-D fusion reactions in a deuterium discharge. This experiment was designed to operate at high perveance (0.4 to 1.4 mA/kV/sup 3/2/), where formation of a double well is predicted theoretically. Additional steps to aid well formation included: use of the unique Star mode of operation to obtain ion beam focusing down to -1.6 H the ballistic limit and the incorporation of a second electrically "floating" grid (in addition to the focusing/accelerating cathode grid) to reduce the ion radial energy spread to 0.34 mA/kV/sup 3/2/. As the perveance increased, the depth of the double well also increased. At the maximum perveance studied, 1.38 mA/kV/sup 3/2/ (corresponding to 80 mA and 15 kV), the negative potential well depth, corresponding to the measured proton-rate density, was estimated to be 22%-27% of the applied cathode voltage. This represents the first conclusive demonstration of double well formation in an SIEC, since prior measurements by other researchers typically yielded marginal or negative results.
Risks of urogenital anomalies in male relatives of females with mullerian anomalies

OBJECTIVE: Mullerian and male urogenital anomalies share common genetic, hormonal and environmental etiologic factors. The purpose of this study is to quantify the risk of urogenital anomalies in male relatives of women with Mullerian anomalies. DESIGN: Kinship analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were identified by ICD codes from the largest hospitals in the state of Utah (1994 to 2009). We included all patients who were coded for doubling of the uterus or Mullerian anomalies. Controls for the probands were matched based on birth year and sex (1:5). All records were subsequently matched to the Utah population data base (UPDB) to obtain pedigrees with inclusion of data regarding male urogenital anomalies and to perform kinship analysis. The prevalence of the following urogenital anomalies (undescended testis, hypospadias, epispadias, anomalies of the penis, or other male genital anomalies) in all male relatives of the probands was compared to controls. The Kinship analysis software kingless was used to compute the relative risks for urogenital anomalies among male relatives of probands with female Mullerian anomalies. RESULTS: The probands comprised 2939 women with Mullerian anomalies. Males with urogenital anomalies identified through ICD codes were 10176 patients. First degree (children, parent) male relatives of women with Mullerian anomalies had a RR of urogenital anomalies of 1.43 (1.09 1.89). This risk was largely limited to children of the probands (RR1⁄41.47, 1.1 1.97). No parents of the probands or controls were affected. Relative risks for the other kinship classes were not significantly elevated. The prevalence of anomalies in male children of women with Mullerian anomalies were as follows: undescended testis (53%),hypospadias (36%), epispadias (0%), anomalies of the penis (29%) and other male genital anomalies (1.5%). CONCLUSION: Urogenital anomalies appear to be increased in male children of women with Mullerian anomalies. Undescended testis and hypospadias are the most common anomalies. Supported by: Departmental.
Relative Muscle Mass Is Inversely Associated with Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes. Findings from The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Context: Insulin resistance, the basis of type 2 diabetes, is rapidly increasing in prevalence; very low muscle mass is a risk factor for insulin resistance. Objective: The aim was to determine whether increases in muscle mass at average and above average levels are associated with improved glucose regulation. Design: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III data. Participants: Data from 13,644 subjects in a national study were evaluated. Outcome Measurements: We measured homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), blood glycosylated hemoglobin level, prevalence of transitional/pre- or overt diabetes (PDM), and prevalence of overt diabetes mellitus. Results: All four outcomes decreased from the lowest quartile to the highest quartile of skeletal muscle index (SMI), the ratio of total skeletal muscle mass (estimated by bioelectrical impedance) to total body weight. After adjusting for age, ethnicity, sex, and generalized and central o...
ATVB In Focus Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

With this issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology , we begin a new series of brief reviews on the topic of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Although aneurysm disease has often been relegated to somewhat of a secondary place in cardiovascular and atherosclerosis research, aortic aneurysms and dissections are quite common in the general population, and the risks of death from aneurysm rupture remain a significant clinical problem. Over the past decade, basic and translational research on this topic has led to an extraordinary increase in new insights, and aneurysm disease has received increasing attention as an important area of investigative focus. With the advent of recent initiatives to extend the breadth of cardiovascular research to noncardiac areas of vascular disease, better understanding of aortic aneurysms and their treatment have become of special …
Tidal creek and salt marsh sediments in South Carolina coastal estuaries: II. Distribution of organic contaminants.

Twenty-eight tidal creeks along the South Carolina coast were sampled during the summer of 1995 to determine the levels of sediment contamination including organic chemicals (i.e., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs], polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], and DDT and its metabolites) associated with different types and varying levels of watershed development (i.e., industrial/urban, suburban, forested, and salt marsh). Organic analysis utilized high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection and capillary gas chromatography–ion trap mass spectrometry (GC-ITMS) for PAHs, and gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD) for pesticides and PCBs. Results indicated that creeks with industrial/urban watersheds had significantly higher concentrations of PAHs, PCBs, and DDT compared with creeks with suburban and forested (reference) watersheds. The suburban watershed class of creeks had concentrations of half the PAH analytes and the total PCBs which exceeded the concentrations found in the forested watershed class of creeks. The spatial distribution of organic contaminants was evaluated in four of these tidal creek–salt marsh systems representing urban/industrial, suburban, and forested watersheds, from the creek channel to the adjacent uplands. The distribution of organic contaminants within each representative creek was not concordant with the total organic carbon or the clay content of the sediment. The representative industrial/urban creek-marsh system, Diesel Creek, had the highest concentration of PAHs in the creek channel and the highest concentration of PCBs and DDT on the marsh surface, primarily in the upper portion of the system. The representative suburban creek-marsh system, Shem Creek, had elevated levels of both PAHs and PCBs throughout the entire system. This system also had one site with a total PAH concentration of 324,000 ppb and a total DDT concentration that was 20–100 times higher than the other sites. One of the representative forested creek-marsh systems, Rathall Creek, had low levels of the three organic contaminants except for one sampling site that had PAH concentrations a factor of 10 higher than the other sites. The other representative forested creek-marsh system, Long Creek, had low levels of PAHs and PCBs, but elevated levels of DDT were observed, particularly in the upper portion on the marsh surface. The results of this study suggest that (1) anthropogenic alteration of the land cover in the watersheds of tidal creek–salt marsh systems may increase the organic contaminant loadings in the sediment, and (2) tidal creek–salt marsh sediments, particularly in the creek channel, are repositories and potentially conduits of organic contaminants from the upland environment to the deeper estuarine areas.
Stochastic response surfaces based on non-intrusive polynomial chaos for uncertainty quantification

This paper gives an overview of computationally efficient stochastic response surface techniques based on non-intrusive polynomial chaos (NIPC) for uncertainty quantification in numerical models. The results of uncertainty analysis can be used in robust and reliability-based design and optimisation studies as well as the assessment of the accuracy of the simulation results. In particular, the uncertainty quantification with NIPC methods which require no modification to the existing deterministic models are demonstrated on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations in this paper. The NIPC methods have been increasingly used for uncertainty propagation in high-fidelity CFD simulations due to their non-intrusive nature and strong potential for addressing the computational efficiency and accuracy requirements associated with large-scale complex stochastic simulations. The theory and description of various NIPC methods used for non-deterministic CFD simulations are presented, which can be applied to any other computational models used in analysis and optimisation problems. Several stochastic fluid dynamics examples are given to demonstrate the application and effectiveness of NIPC methods for uncertainty quantification in fluid dynamics. These examples include stochastic computational analysis of a laminar boundary layer flow over a flat plate, supersonic expansion wave problem, and inviscid transonic flow over a three-dimensional wing with rigid and aeroelastic assumptions.
Insulin-like growth factor-I induces cyclin-D1 expression in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells in vitro.

The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) stimulate cell division by modulating events occurring during the prereplicative (G1) phase of the cell cycle, but identification of the critical events has proved difficult. Recent observations suggest that progression through the cell cycle is dependent on the activation of a group of serine-threonine-specific protein kinases whose activities are regulated by accessory proteins, termed cyclins. The identification of cyclin species expressed during G1 has led to the hypothesis that modulation of cyclin expression may be the critical event regulated by growth factors. The present studies were undertaken to determine whether the IGFs regulate the expression of specific G1 cyclins in MG63, a human cell line that is unusually responsive to IGF, and to characterize this effect. We found that in these cells IGF-I stimulates the cyclin-dependent kinases, and that stimulation is associated with an increase in cyclin-D1 mRNA and protein expression. The increase in cyclin-D1 ...
Prospective Comparison of Temperature Guided Microwave and Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation in the Swine Heart

Microwave energy has been proposed as an alternative to radiofrequency energy for use during catheter ablation procedures. The purpose of this study was to prospectively compare, in an animal model, the lesion size associated with temperature guided catheter ablation using either microwave or radiofrequency energy. Eleven swine underwent catheter ablation with either radiofrequency (N = 4) or microwave energy (N = 7). In each animal catheter ablation was performed at 7-15 sites. At each site energy was delivered for 60 seconds using closed loop feedback temperature control to achieve a target temperature of 70 degrees C. Cardiac catheterization was performed before and after ablation. Animals were sacrificed approximately one month following the ablation procedure. Analysis of lesion size demonstrated that overall lesions created using radiofrequency energy were larger than those created using microwave energy. In the ventricle, lesions created using microwave energy were longer, but had a similar width and depth as those created using radiofrequency energy. An important relation was observed between the depth of lesions created using microwave energy and catheter stability, as evidenced by the temperature profile. Overall, lesions created using microwave energy are smaller than those created using radiofrequency energy. Catheter stability has an important impact on lesion size.
The equilibrium structures of giant fullerenes: faceted or spherical shape? An ab initio Hartree-Fock study of icosahedral C240 and C540

Abstract Ab initio self-consistent field (SCF) Hartree-Fock (HF) geometry optimizations employing minimal basis indicate the existence of a single, faceted polyhedral equilibrium structure in the potential energy surface of C 240 and C 540 . These results are in contrast with recent divide-and-conquer density functional predictions for C 240 which found a lowest energy isomer of spherical nature. The present theoretical predictions are compared with available experimental information on these giant fullerenes. The C 540 calculation in this work involves 2700 basis functions and is the largest Hartree-Fock calculation reported to date.
Violence as a source of pleasure or displeasure is associated with specific functional connectivity with the nucleus accumbens

The appraisal of violent stimuli is dependent on the social context and the perceiver’s individual characteristics. To identify the specific neural circuits involved in the perception of violent videos, forty-nine male participants were scanned with functional MRI while watching video-clips depicting Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Capoeira as a baseline. Prior to scanning, a self-report measure of pleasure or displeasure when watching MMA was collected. Watching MMA was associated with activation of the anterior insula, brainstem, ventral tegmental area, striatum, medial and lateral prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, somatosensory cortex, and supramarginal gyrus. While this pattern of brain activation was not related to participants’ reported experience of pleasure or displeasure, pleasurable ratings of MMA predicted increased functional connectivity seeded in the nucleus accumbens (a structure known to be responsive to anticipating both positive and negative outcomes) with the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex and anterior insular cortex (regions involved in positive feelings and visceral somatic representations). Displeasure ratings of MMA were related to increased functional connectivity with regions of the prefrontal cortex and superior parietal lobule, structures implicated in cognitive control and executive attention. These data suggest that functional connectivity is an effective approach to investigate the relationship between subjective feelings of pleasure and pain of neural structures known to respond to both the anticipation of positive and negative outcomes.
Magnetic Resonance Angioplasty for Prepharyngoplasty Assessment in Velocardiofacial Syndrome

Abstract Objective: The assessment of the posterior pharyngeal vasculature in velo cardiofacial syndrome has been traditionally based on endoscopic visualization of pulsations or conventional angiography. This case report describes the utility of presurgical imaging with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) prior to performing pharyngoplasty. Conclusion: The use of the MRA data presurgically is an effective way to prevent bleeding complications during pharyngoplasty.
Repulsive Guidance Molecule (RGM) Family Proteins Exhibit Differential Binding Kinetics for Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs)

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily that exert their effects via type I and type II serine threonine kinase receptors and the SMAD intracellular signaling pathway to regulate diverse biologic processes. Recently, we discovered that the repulsive guidance molecule (RGM) family, including RGMA, RGMB, and RGMC/hemojuvelin (HJV), function as co-receptors that enhance cellular responses to BMP ligands. Here, we use surface plasmon resonance to quantitate the binding kinetics of RGM proteins for BMP ligands. We show that among the RGMs, HJV exhibits the highest affinity for BMP6, BMP5, and BMP7 with KD 8.1, 17, and 20 nM respectively, versus 28, 33, and 166 nM for RGMB, and 55, 83, and 63 nM for RGMA. Conversely, RGMB exhibits preferential binding to BMP4 and BMP2 with KD 2.6 and 5.5 nM respectively, versus 4.5 and 9.4 nM for HJV, and 14 and 22 nM for RGMA, while RGMA exhibits the lowest binding affinity for most BMPs tested. Among the BMP ligands, RGMs exhibit the highest relative affinity for BMP4 and the lowest relative affinity for BMP7, while none of the RGMs bind to BMP9. Thus, RGMs exhibit preferential binding for distinct subsets of BMP ligands. The preferential binding of HJV for BMP6 is consistent with the functional role of HJV and BMP6 in regulating systemic iron homeostasis. Our data may help explain the mechanism by which BMPs exert cell-context specific effects via a limited number of type I and type II receptors.
Spirituality and Stripping: Exotic Dancers Narrate the Body Ekstasis

How does it feel to dance naked for money? Drawing on seven audio-taped interviews, this article examines how exotic dancers use the language of “spirituality” as a narrative resource. We suggest that exotic dancers who describe their time onstage as spiritual, at least temporarily, experience “flow” while dancing. Further, we argue that dancers' descriptions of flow and peak experiences represent what Mead (1934:280) referred to as a “fusion of the ‘I’ and the ‘me.’” Given that informants themselves claimed a spiritual identity, we seek here to tease out what they mean by this, as well as how and why this occurred in a strip bar. We speculate that such narration results from a unique combination of elements present in strip bar environments, specifically the lights, music, movement, nudity, and performance.
Tetrabenazine for treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease and other potential indications

Introduction: Tetrabenazine (TBZ) is a centrally acting, dopamine (DA) depleting drug that has been used for treatment of hyperkinetic movement disorders. It was not commercially available in the USA until 2008, when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TBZ for the management of chorea associated with Huntington's disease (HD) under an orphan drug designation. Areas covered: This article provides a brief overview of HD, and highlights key studies on pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and safety of TBZ for treatment of HD chorea. Expert opinion: TBZ, the first FDA-approved therapy for HD, provides symptomatic relief of chorea but there is no evidence that it alters the natural course of HD through a disease-modifying effect. While sedation, insomnia, mood changes, parkinsonism and restlessness may occur, these adverse effects can be managed effectively with appropriate titration and monitoring. A black box warning against depression and suicidality warrants careful patient sel...
Comparison of clinical and research assessments of diagnosis, suicide attempt history and suicidal ideation in Major Depression

A number of studies have compared clinical diagnostic and suicide assessments to standardized schedules to determine the level of agreement. At best there is only moderate diagnostic agreement, but most often it is fair. There are only a few reports comparing clinical assessments for suicidal behavior with standardized schedules. We present the data from 201 inpatient admissions for major depression that had both clinical diagnostic and suicide evaluations by PGYII resident physicians under supervision from an attending psychiatrist and research evaluations using standardized schedules for diagnosis and suicide by at least masters' level clinicians. There was moderate agreement for diagnosis and suicide attempt history but only fair agreement for the presence of suicidal ideation using Cohen's kappa statistic. In regards to suicide attempt history a cross-tabulation demonstrated that 18.7% of those patients identified by a research schedule as having a past suicide attempt were not identified as such by the clinicians. A cross-tabulation demonstrated that 29.7% of those patients identified by structured interview as having suicidal ideation were not identified as such by the clinician. There was a statistically significant difference in the level of agreement for suicide attempt history between clinical and research assessments for attempts within a year of admission and those beyond a year. These findings suggest the importance of adding a structured diagnostic and suicide assessment to routine clinical care to improve the reliability and validity of clinical evaluations and to inform treatment planning to benefit our patients.
On the Concept of Value‐Commitments

This paper analyzes the nature of value-commitments, conceived as a generalized symbolic medium of interchange in the processes of social interaction, in this respect paralleling money, power, and influence. Commitments constitute moral obligations of units of a system of social interaction to maintain the integrity of a value-pattern and to strive toward its implementation in action through combination with non-value factors. Stability of commitments is a basic condition of the compatibility of wide moral freedom with the exigencies of social functioning. Like the other three media, commitments are not bound by a zero-sum condition, but can be expanded, especially through charismatic movements.
Intragastric Infusion of Ethanol by Alcoholics After Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer

Alcohol abuse or dependence may complicate medical and surgical treatment. Two cases involving patients with head and neck cancer are presented to illustrate 1) continued drinking despite adverse medical consequences and 2) the need for careful assessment and appropriate internention with alcohol-dependent patients.
Fields of Cultural Contradictions: Lessons from the Tobacco Patch

Why do tobacco farmers continue to produce tobacco in light of the bleak future of this crop? Given the changing political economy of tobacco, we might expect producers to respond by diversifying their enterprises. This study of Kentucky burley tobacco farmers finds that farmers express contradictory values toward the economic role of production and the social value of tobacco consumption. The economic value of tobacco is articulated by drawing upon experiential lessons with the crop. These, in turn, are used to inform production processes (reproduction of tobacco farming), all the while castigating the consumption of their commodity. Farmers persist in producing tobacco because of the structural and historical conditions of the region that have engendered a culture of tobacco production. The contradiction in production and consumption values suggests that the “cultural turn” in agro-food studies needs to move away from a linear approach of cultural values as determinants of social action and become sensitive to the differential ways commodity actors produce, use, and reproduce a culture of commodity production and a culture of commodity consumption. This unproblematic and linear association between values and economic activity misinforms social science research about seemingly “individual” motivations that are shaped by historical and structural conditions.
Use of intrathecal baclofen for treatment of severe spasticity in selected patients with motor neuron disease.

Objective. To assess the safety and efficacy of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy for severe spasticity in patients with upper–motor neuron predominant motor neuron disease (U-MND). Methods. A tot...
The Effect of Ketalar on the Adrenal Gland of Young White Leghorn Cockerels

Abstract Intramuscular injection of the non-barbiturate anesthetic Ketamine Hydrochloride produces rapid atrophic effects in the adrenal gland of young White Leghorn cockerels. Signs of recovery from the atrophic effects are recorded five days following injection of the drug.
Environmental correlates of physical activity in multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional study

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that is associated with physical inactivity. Understanding the factors that correlate with physical activity is important for developing effective physical activity promotion programs for this population. Thus, we conducted a cross-sectional study that examined the association between features of the built environment with self-reported and objectively measured physical activity behaviour in adults with MS.