cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Major Data Analysis Issues in Drug Abuse Prevention Research

This chapter has provided an overview of some of the data analysis issues confronting prevention researchers. Several decisions made prior to the study clarify the data analysis, including randomization of units to conditions, refinement of measures of relevant constructs, linking of program components to potential mediators, and strategies to reduce confounding of program effect estimates due to attrition. The mixed design with one between- and one within-subjects factor is complicated in actual prevention research when there are multiple levels of possible analyses and when there are missing data. New techniques based on hierarchical models adequately model differential growth among participants, the nesting of participants within schools, and inclusion of partially missing data. Such analyses now reflect state-of-the-art prevention evaluation. Conditional and unconditional models can be used to estimate program effects when there is incomplete randomization. The analysis of mediating variables which was described is likely to increase understanding of the mechanisms of program effects. Finally, future developments in statistical analyses of drug prevention studies were considered. In the discussion of the new statistical advances, it is important to keep in mind that the usefulness of statistical methods rests on the quality of the data collected, the research design, and on the truth of the substantive theory.
A statistical framework for quantification and visualisation of positional uncertainty in deep brain stimulation electrodes

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established therapy for treating patients with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Patient-specific computational modelling and visualisation have bee...
The PNR to relaxor transition in PSN with nearest neighbor Pb-O divacancies

AbstractIn previous work, molecular dynamics simulations based on a first-principles-derived effective Hamiltonian for Pb1-X(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O3-X (PSN), with nearest-neighbor Pb-O divacancy pairs, was used to calculate X[Pb-O] vs. T, phase diagrams for PSN with: ideal rock-salt type chemical order; nanoscale chemical short-range order; and random chemical disorder. Here, we show that the phase diagrams should include additional regions in which a glassy relaxor-phase (or state) is predicted. With respect to phase diagram topology, these results strongly support the analogy between relaxors and magnetic spin-glass-systems.
Chapter 22 – Spectroscopy

Publisher Summary Spectral techniques offer information about the regions of the protein with a spectrally active amino acid group or a cofactor available for study. There are numerous spectral techniques: X ray, ultra violet (UV), visible, infrared (IR), raman, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) emission spectroscopy, atomic absorption, and Mossbauer spectroscopy; they are all based on the same quantum mechanical phenomenon. These techniques developed independently; they use different instrumentation as well as different terminologies to describe the transitions being measured in the different regions of the electromagnetic energy spectrum. They all measure the change in the quantum levels of some part of a molecule. It is the transition from one energy state to another. If the energy level goes up, energy is being absorbed by the molecule; if the level goes down, energy is being emitted. The quantity of energy involved in the change of the quantum levels determines the wavelength of the transition. Each particular transition occurs at a unique wavelength. The energy of the transition is greater at shorter wavelengths, that is, the frequencies are higher.
Structural Consequences of Variation in SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7

New globally circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains are causing concern about evolution of virus transmissibility, fitness and immune evasion mechanisms. A variant emerging from the United Kingdom called SARS-CoV-2 VUI 202012/01, or B.1.1.7, is thought to exhibit increased transmissibility that results from replication 4-10 times faster than the original Wuhan virus (Wuhan-Hu-1). Although this property is suspected to result from a specific mutation in the spike glycoprotein, D614G, there are 9 mutations that distinguish the UK variant B.1.1.7 from Wuhan-Hu-1 yet to be evaluated for functional effects. We asked if mutated positions fixed in UK variant B.1.1.7 may be involved in the virus life cycle, or evasion of the immune response, by modeling the UK variant spike protein and conducting structural analysis of mutations on the spike glycoprotein trimer (protomer) complexed to ACE2. Importantly, 4 out of 9 differences between the UK variant B.1.1.7 and Wuhan-Hu-1 spike protein alter direct intermolecular interactions. N501Y increased affinity between the spike protein and ACE2. The mutations at A570D, D614G and S982A reduced contact between individual chains of the trimeric spike protomer, potentially enhancing cleavage into S1 and S2 subunits, dynamic structural rearrangement and host cell fusion mechanisms. These data suggest that combined characteristics of mutations unique to UK variant B.1.1.7 enable high affinity binding to ACE2 and enhanced replication properties. The D614G mutation, associated with enhanced virus transmissibility, opens a potentially druggable structural pocket at the interface between spike glycoprotein subunits S1 and S2.
Berkeley on meaning, truth, and assent

An interpretation of Berkeley’s theory of meaning must account for operative utility as well as Berkeley’s commitment to the truth of Christian scriptures. I argue that formalist and use-theoretic ...
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided coil injection therapy of esophagogastric and ectopic varices.

Endoscopic band ligation and glue injection are established techniques for variceal bleeding. As EUS may enhance variceal detection and improve therapeutic targeting, we aim to report our experience on EUS-guided coil embolization, with and without concomitant glue injection, of varices. A prospectively maintained EUS database was retrospectively reviewed to identify consecutive patients who underwent EUS-guided variceal angiotherapy. All patients had failed or were poor candidates for standard endoscopic, surgical, or interventional radiologic therapies. The main outcome measurements were rates of rebleeding and adverse events. Fourteen patients [mean age 58 (SD 12) years, 50 % male] underwent EUS-guided coil injection with (n = 4) or without (n = 10) concomitant glue injection to treat esophagogastric (n = 1), gastric (n = 5), duodenal (n = 3), or choledochal (n = 5) varices. Prior endoscopic and cross-sectional imaging detected only 57 and 64 % of the varices seen. A mean of 5.1 (SD 1.9) coils and a median of 3.25 (range 2–3.5) mL of cyanoacrylate were injected during the initial procedure. During median follow-up of 12 (range 1–104) months, three patients died from unrelated causes and eight patients did not have further bleeding episodes. In the remaining three patients who had choledochal varices, the frequency and intensity of rebleeding decreased significantly. Only one asymptomatic adverse event occurred with coil migration to the liver. EUS-guided angiotherapy of varices is safe and feasible in selected patients who failed conventional therapy, and should be considered in the clinical management of these patients.
A specific curriculum for a graduate process control course

A description of a new master's level graduate course in process modeling, monitoring, and preventive maintenance using multivariate statistical analysis tools is presented, along with six case studies done by the students in last year's course. Students are strongly recommended to have had a prior course in applied linear algebra with emphasis in singular value and eigen decomposition content. Computer simulation projects were required throughout the course, culminating in one class project which involves establishing an online monitoring capability to detect process anomalies, the presence of perturbations and process drift. The course ends in an oral presentation of the project results in class.
On instruction and data prefetch mechanisms

Cache misses are becoming relatively more expensive in modern processors. This is largely due do the fact that processor clock rates are increasing faster than the latency of main memory is improving. Prefetch has been used to hide memory latency. There are at least two kinds of prefetches - automatic prefetch and instruction-initiated prefetch. This paper described an implementation-independent instruction-initiated prefetch mechanism for I-cache and an automatic prefetch mechanism for D-cache to hide the memory latency associated with cache misses. Simulation results taken from execution traces of 5 commercial relational database management systems were used to illustrate the potential benefit of the proposed mechanisms.
Raza y nación en la poesía de Cristina Rodríguez Cabral

Este estudio trata de la poesia de la autora afrouruguaya Cristina Rodriguez Cabral. Explora los conceptos de raza y nacion dentro del complejo mosaico de la evolucion historica y literaria de la mujer del origen africano y sus descendientes en el Uruguay.
Vested interests in addiction research and policy. Alcohol brand sponsorship of events, organizations and causes in the United States, 2010-2013.

Background and Aims There has been insufficient research attention to the alcohol industry’s use of corporate sponsorship as a marketing tool. This paper provides a systematic investigation of the nature and extent of alcohol sponsorship—at the brand level—in the U.S.
Effects of self-administered methamphetamine on discrimination learning and reversal in nonhuman primates

Frequent exposure to methamphetamine has been reported to adversely influence cognitive behavior and, in particular, inhibitory control processes. The present studies were conducted in squirrel monkeys to assess the effects of daily intravenous methamphetamine self-administration on touch screen-based repeated acquisition and discrimination reversal tasks thought to reflect behavioral dimensions of, respectively, learning and response inhibition. First, stable methamphetamine-maintained behavior was established in each subject (0.35–1.6 mg/kg/session), and subsequently, a second daily session of discrimination learning was conducted (20 h later). Subjects first learned to discriminate between two simultaneously presented stimuli (acquisition) and, subsequently, to re-learn the discrimination with the contingencies switched (reversal). The role of the interval between self-administration and touch screen sessions was evaluated, as well as the effects of abrupt methamphetamine discontinuation. Results indicate that daily methamphetamine self-administration markedly disrupted the development of discrimination learning, initially requiring nearly twice the number of trials to master discriminations. The magnitude of adverse effects in individual subjects correlated to the level of daily methamphetamine intake. Importantly, however, behavioral disruption of discrimination learning was surmounted following remedial training. Once criterion levels of discrimination performance were achieved, subsequent development of reversal performance was largely unaffected except when the interval between self-administration and touch screen session was short and, thus, likely a result of methamphetamine’s direct effects. Discontinuation of methamphetamine produced no disruption in acquisition or reversal. These results indicate that self-administered methamphetamine can markedly disrupt learning processes and highlight key differences in its effects on different aspects of discrimination learning.
Anteroposterior Centering of the Humeral Head on the Glenoid In Vivo

BackgroundThe capsule and ligaments are generally viewed as the primary stabilizers of the glenohumeral joint, but many important activities are performed in midrange positions in which these structures are lax.HypothesisIn vivo, the humeral head can be centered in the glenoid, even when the shoulder is in positions in which the capsule is lax and even when the shoulder is passively positioned.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsWe documented the centering of the humeral head in the relaxed shoulders of six subjects using open-magnet magnetic resonance imaging scans.ResultsWhile these shoulders were passively placed in midrange positions (those not at the extremes of motion), the humeral head center was never more than 2.2 mm from the glenoid center (mean + 0.1 ± 1.2 mm).ConclusionsThe results suggest that mechanisms other than ligamentous restraint, such as the compressive effect of resting muscle tone into the conforming concavity of the glenoid, may be sufficient to maintain centering of the...
p53 Inhibits Hypoxia-inducible Factor-stimulated Transcription *

p53 is required for hypoxia-induced apoptosis in vivo, although the mechanism by which this occurs is not known. Conversely, induction of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) transactivator stimulates transcription of a number of genes crucial to survival of the hypoxic state. Here we demonstrate that p53 represses HIF-1-stimulated transcription. Although higher levels of p53 are required to inhibit HIF than are necessary to transcriptionally activate p53 target genes, these levels of p53 are similar to those that stimulate cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, an early event in apoptosis. Transfection of full-length p300 stimulates both p53-dependent and HIF-dependent transcription but does not relieve p53-mediated inhibition of HIF. In contrast, a p300 fragment, which binds to p53 but not to HIF-1, prevents p53-dependent repression of HIF activity. Transcriptionally inactive p53, mutated in its DNA binding domain, retains the ability to block HIF transactivating activity, whereas a transcriptionally inactive double point mutant defective for p300 binding does not inhibit HIF. Finally, depletion of doxorubicin-induced endogenous p53 by E6 protein attenuates doxorubicin-stimulated inhibition of HIF, suggesting that a p53 level sufficient for HIF inhibition can be achieved in vivo. These data support a model in which stoichiometric binding of p53 to a HIF/p300 transcriptional complex mediates inhibition of HIF activity.
The spindle checkpoint rescues the meiotic segregation of chromosomes whose crossovers are far from the centromere.

The spindle checkpoint rescues the meiotic segregation of chromosomes whose crossovers are far from the centromere
MASH1 maintains competence for BMP2-induced neuronal differentiation in post-migratory neural crest cells

Background: The interplay between growth factors and transcription factors in vertebrate neurogenesis is poorly understood. MASH1 is a basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factor that is essential for autonomic neurogenesis. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2, and its relative BMP4, have been shown to induce expression of MASH1 and to promote autonomic neuronal differentiation in neural crest stem cells. The relationship between expression of MASH1 and the neurogenic competence of neural crest cells has not been investigated, however. Results: We have examined the function of MASH1 in neurogenic competence using a population of immuno-isolated neural-crest-derived progenitor cells. Post-migratory neural crest cells isolated from fetal rat gut expressed Mash1, yet comprised a mixture of committed neuronal precursors and non-neuronal cells. The non-neuronal cells remained competent to differentiate to neurons, however, if challenged with BMP2. Such competence declines with time and is paralleled by a decline in Mash1 expression in the cells. Expression of endogenous Mash1 can be maintained by BMP2; in turn, constitutive expression of Mash1 from a retroviral vector maintains competence for neuronal differentiation in response to late addition of BMP2. Conclusions: These data suggest that MASH1 promotes competence for neurogenesis, in a manner similar to its homologs, the proneural genes achaete–scute in Drosophila. They also reveal an unexpected feedback interaction between BMP2 and MASH1 during neuronal differentiation. MASH1 may play multiple roles at successive stages of development within a neurogenic lineage, only one of which is revealed by a loss-of-function mutation.
Twenty-first century brain banking : practical prerequisites and lessons from the past: the experience of New York Brain Bank, Taub Institute, Columbia University

Generally accepted methods for processing postmortem brains are lacking, despite the efforts of pioneers in the field, and the growing awareness of the importance of brain banking for investigating the pathogenesis of illnesses unique to humans. Standardizing methods requires compromises, institutional or departmental mindset promoting collaboration, and the willingness to share ideas, information, and samples. A sound balance between competition and institutional interests is needed to best fulfill the tasks entrusted to health care institutions. Thus, a potentially widely accepted protocol design involves tradeoffs. We successfully integrated brain banking within the operation of the department of pathology. We reached a consensus whereby a brain can be utilized for diagnosis, research, and teaching. Thus, routing brains away from residency programs is avoided. The best diagnostic categorization possible is being secured and the yield of samples for research maximized. Thorough technical details pertaining to the actual processing of brains donated for research were recently published. Briefly, one-half of each brain is immersed in formalin for performing the neuropathologic evaluation, which is combined with the teaching task. The contralateral half is extensively dissected at the fresh state to obtain samples ready for immediate disbursement once categorized diagnostically. The samples are tracked electronically, which is crucial. This important tracking system is described separately in this issue. This report focuses on key lessons learned over the past 25 years of brain banking including successful solutions to originally unforeseen problems.
Hepatic cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenase systems of the trout, frog and snake--II. Monooxygenase activities.

Abstract 1. 1. Activities of hepatic monooxygenase systems ( aminopyrine N- demethylase , benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase and p- nitrophenetole O- deethylase ) of the brown trout (Salmo trutta), leopard frog (Rana pipiens) and garter snake (Thamnophis) were observed to be considerably lower than those of the rat. The specific activities of their P-450 cytochromes relative to rates of product formation were also much lower than those of the rat, except for benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylation by frog microsomes, in which case, the value was about the same as that for the rat. 2. 2. The monooxygenase systems of the trout, frog and snake were identified as cytochrome P-450 systems by the inhibitory effects of carbon monoxide, SKF 525-A, α-naphthoflabone and by the requirement for NADPH. 3. 3. NADH synergism of NADPH-supported monooxygenase activities of hepatic microsomes of the trout, frog and snake suggest the participation of cytochrome b5 in these reactions. For the trout, p- nitrophenetole metabolism was supported almost as well by NADH as by NADPH, which suggests that in this species, cytochrome b5 may play an important role in certain monooxygenase reactions. 4. 4. Qualitative differences in the P-450 cytochromes of the trout, frog, snake and rat were indicated by differences in the inhibitory effects of SKF 525-A and α-naphthoflabone on monooxygenase activities.
Quality of wind stress fields measured by the skill of a barotropic ocean model: Importance of stability of the Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer

[1] The stability of the Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer (MABL) plays an important role in the air-sea exchange of momentum. Hence MABL's stability has an impact on the performance of numerical ocean models, which are driven by wind stress (along with other forcings). Here we investigate the effect of three wind stress parameterizations on the ability of a barotropic model to fit sea-level measurements from the US-French satellite TOPEX/POSEIDON (TP). We show that the wind stress parameterization that takes into account the stability of MABL enhances the model's skill to fit the TP data. Because the ocean shows a barotropic response primarily in high latitudes, the model's gain in skill is also in the high latitudes, where the probability of the MABL being unstable is in the 50% to 70% range.
No age-dependent oxidation of H3 histone.

Abstract Histones were extracted from chromatin isolated from the brain, liver and testis of Dublin Disease Resistant Sprague-Dawley rats and prepared for electrophoresis under reducing and non-reducing conditions. Histones prepared under non-reducing conditions show no detectable age related changes in oxidized H3 histone. The quantity of reduced cysteine in H3 histone relative to total chromatin thiol was determined by labeling SDS dissociated chromatin with [3H]NEM. Equivalent decrements in [3H]NEM incorporation in H3 histone, relative to total [3H]NEM incorporation in chromatin, occur in reduced and non-reduced preparations with age. In addition, no significant age related changes were found in the thiol/thiol + disulfide ratio, when rat brain and liver chromatin were dissociated as described. Hence, any change in the content of disulfide bridges with age is proportional to the change in thiol content.
A data model for software representation (abstract)

As software systems evolve, they grow larger and more complex. Thus, they become difficult to maintain. This is true, because making a change to a software system requires an understanding of how the part being changed fits into the system and of the potential ripple effect the change may have on the system. Understanding the software system is a time consuming activity. This is due to the fact that a software system is an abstract complex object. It may consist of many parts which are interrelated in many different ways forming a complex structure. Moreover, if the source code is the only reliable document that is available about a software system, understanding the software system will be more time consuming. The code of a software system show very little of their internal state and does not reveal the structure of the software system for the maintainer.Two of the factors that help the understanding of the programs are: 1) the ability to see the information relevant to what we want to understand and 2) the use of a more natural form of representation of information.In order to provide effective support for the software maintenance process, we believe that both factors described above should be incorporated in a software programming environment. In this paper, we present an environment which incorporate these factors and provides mechanisms for seeing and manipulating software in a much more powerful way than the current systems.
Causal Attributions of Male and Female Performance by Young Children

Males and females in kindergarten and third grade predicted whether a boy or a girl would succeed on a masculine or a feminine task. Some predictions were confirmed; others were not. The children were asked to explain the winner's success by choosing among four determinants of achievement: ability, effort, task ease, and luck. For third graders, luck was more important in determining the success of an unpredicted winner than a predicted winner. For both ages, female success on a masculine task was attributed more to effort than to ability. These findings support attribution theory and indicate that differential perceptions of male and female performance exist in young children.
Acid Stimulation of Power Water Injectors and Saltwater Disposal Wells in a Carbonate Reservoir in Saudi Arabia: Laboratory Testing and Field Results

Seawater power injectors and saltwater disposal wells are used to maintain reservoir pressure in a carbonate reservoir in Saudi Arabia. Various forms of hydrochloric acid were used to stimulate damaged wells and restore the injectivity of these wells. The forms of the acid used were regular, emulsified, and in-situ gelled acids. Acid diversion was achieved by using a coiled tubing unit, nitrogen foam, in-situ gelation, emulsified acid or combinations of these methods. A comprehensive investigation was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of acid treatments performed in the field and improve the outcome of the acid jobs. Laboratory and field investigations were conducted simultaneously to address formation damage and associated problems. These investigations included coreflood tests to screen various acid formulae, and analysis of field samples to identify the damaging mechanism. More than 80 acid jobs were analyzed in this study. A new empirical coefficient was identified and used to evaluate these jobs, The coefficient was based on 1) the ratio between the pre and post acid injectivity indices, 2) the rate of decline of normalized well injectivity index, and 3) the incremental cumulative injection from the Hall plot following the acid job and before the first change in the slope. In addition, chemical analysis of acid returns (spent acid) was used to assess the damaging mechanisms and determine the type and of various acid additives. Improper use of emulsified acid and in-situ gelled acid was found to result in poor field results. The outcome of acid jobs was found to be a function of the volume ratio regular to in-situ gelled acid. Good field results were obtained when the volume of in-situ gelled acid was 15-30% of that of the regular acid (15 wt% HCl). Furthermore, the study confirmed that acid injection using coiled tubing enhanced the efficiency of the acid treatment. This paper highlights the importance of conducting laboratory and field evaluation of acidizing treatments. The following new findings were obtained: 1. A new job index was developed and used to assess acid treatments in the field. 2. Severe formation damage can result from the improper use of in-situ gelled acids. 3. Analysis of spent acid was effectively used to optimize the concentration and type of various acid additives.
Probing the Double Layer: Effect of Image Forces on AFM

Force probes such as AFM tips or laser trap latex beads have a dielectric constant much less than that of the water that they displace. Thus when a probe approaches a charged surface under water it will be repelled simply based upon the image forces, and these can be of nN magnitude.
Cardiovascular Considerations in the Management of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Cardiac disease is second only to pulmonary complications as the leading cause of death for patients with progressive neuromuscular disease. The extent of cardiomyopathy in patients with myopathic disease correlates poorly with the extent of skeletal or respiratory muscle weakness. Until recently, little was done to evaluate and treat this problem. However, resting gated radionuclide ventriculography (RNV or MUGA) is a reliable method for determining left ventricular function and wall motion and is more reliable than M-mode echocardiography for the measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in these patients. The reliable determination of ventricular function permits closer monitoring of cardiomyopathic progression and the results of treatment. We report preliminary success in using captopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, and hydralazine, a cardiac afterload reducing agent, in improving LVEFs and, therefore, cardiac function for some patients with myopathic cardiomyopath...
The Q-Color Problem on a Lattice

We study a transfer matrix for the q-color problem in d dimensions (basically that of the T→0 limit of the q-state Potts antiferromagnet in d dimensions.) Its largest eigenvalue W=wN counts the number of distinct maps such that no two neighbors have the same color. This is relevant to a number of physical problems (ice, glassy materials, Potts antiferromagnet, etc.) in which the residual entropy (at T=0) plays an important role in determining the existence or absence of an order/disorder phase transition at a finite T. Our estimate of w for an hypercubic lattice (linear, square, simple cubic, etc.) is w≥1+[(q−2)d/(q−1)d−1].
Knight shift and spin-lattice relaxation time measurements in the phosphides with the Ti3P structure type

Abstract Knight shifts for 31P have been measured for the compounds M3P (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, and Ta) which have the Ti3P structure type. These Knight shifts are small, temperature independent, and positive, ranging from 0.01% for Ti3P and V3P to 0.03% for Hf3P and Ta3P. Knight shifts for 51V and 93Nb in V3P and Nb3P have also been measured and are 0.59 and 0.34% for vanadium and 0.9% for niobium. The method of tone-burst modulation was used to obtain the 31P spin-lattice relaxation times. Short (∼0.1 sec) relaxation times were obtained and found to be inversely proportional to the absolute temperature. These results are suggestive of participation by phosphorus in the conduction process through the contribution of electronic configurations higher in energy than the ground state configuration, s2p3.
DIELECTRIC CONSTANTS OF COMPLEX PHARMACEUTICAL SOLVENT SYSTEMS. I. WATER-ETHANOL-GLYCERIN AND WATER-ETHANOL-PROPYLENE GLYCOL.

Dielectric constants of water‐ethanol‐glycerin and water‐ethanol‐propylene glycol systems have been experimentally determined. The measured values were found to differ from values calculated according to simplification of the Onsager‐Kirkwood equation, regardless of whether composition of the various solutions was expressed on the basis of weight percentage or volume percentage. Dielectric constant values presented in this paper are recommended for precise adjustment of solvent polarity in formulation work and data are presented to be of maximum use in this respect.
Evidence-Based Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Acne

INTRODUCTION: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin conditions in children and adolescents. The presentation, differential diagnosis, and association of acne with systemic pathology differs by age of presentation. Current acknowledged guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pediatric acne are lacking, and there are variations in management across the spectrum of primary and specialty care. The American Acne and Rosacea Society convened a panel of pediatric dermatologists, pediatricians, and dermatologists with expertise in acne to develop recommendations for the management of pediatric acne and evidence-based treatment algorithms. METHODS: Ten major topic areas in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric acne were identified. A thorough literature search was performed and articles identified, reviewed, and assessed for evidence grading. Each topic area was assigned to 2 expert reviewers who developed and presented summaries and recommendations for critique and editing. Furthermore, the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy, including ratings for the strength of recommendation for a body of evidence, was used throughout for the consensus recommendations for the evaluation and management of pediatric acne. Practical evidence-based treatment algorithms also were developed. RESULTS: Recommendations were put forth regarding the classification, diagnosis, evaluation, and management of pediatric acne, based on age and pubertal status. Treatment considerations include the use of over-the-counter products, topical benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, hormonal therapy, and isotretinoin. Simplified treatment algorithms and recommendations are presented in detail for adolescent, preadolescent, infantile, and neonatal acne. Other considerations, including psychosocial effects of acne, adherence to treatment regimens, and the role of diet and acne, also are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: These expert recommendations by the American Acne and Rosacea Society as reviewed and endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics constitute the first detailed, evidence-based clinical guidelines for the management of pediatric acne including issues of special concern when treating pediatric patients.
Effect of chronic ethanol consumption and acetaldehyde on partial reactions of oxidative phosphorylation and CO2 production from citric acid cycle intermediates.

Abstract In isolated hepatic mitochondria, the oxidation of NAD + -dependent substrates was decreased after chronic consumption of ethanol or by the addition of acetaldehyde in vitro . Reversed electron transport from succinate to NAD − , which requires transfer of electrons through the NADH dehydrogenase complex and energy transduction through coupling site 1, was depressed by ethanol feeding and by acetaldehyde in vitro , whereas NADH formation from glutamate, which is mediated directly by substrate oxidation and is not energy-dependent, was slightly increased. By contrast, reactions involving the terminal portion of the phosphorylation chain, e.g., ATP- 32 P exchange or dinitrophenolstimulated ATPase activity, were not affected. Adenine nucleotide translocase activity was not altered by chronic consumption of ethanol or the addition of acetaldehyde in vitro . These data suggest that the NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase complex of the respiratory chain, a segment which contains several iron-sulfur centers which participate in electron transport and energy transduction, may be impaired by chronic consumption of ethanol and is especially sensitive to inhibition by acetaldehyde in vitro . Neither energy coupling sites II or III, nor the terminal reactions of oxidative phosphorylation share this sensitivity. CO 2 production from various labeled intermediates of the citric acid cycle was depressed after chronic consumption of ethanol and after the addition of acetaldehyde. Acetate had no effect on these reactions, indicating that the inhibition by acetaldehyde is not mediated via acetate. Impairment of the activities of the respiratory chain and the citric acid cycle, or both, may explain the decreases in oxygen uptake and CO 2 production from citric acid cycle intermediates and fatty acids, as well as the increase in ketone body production, found in mitochondria from ethanolfed rats.
Sensitization of Tumor to 212Pb Radioimmunotherapy by Gemcitabine Involves Initial Abrogation of G2 Arrest and Blocked DNA Damage Repair by Interference With Rad51

Purpose To elucidate the mechanism of the therapeutic efficacy of targeted α-particle radiation therapy using 212 Pb-TCMC-trastuzumab together with gemcitabine for treatment of disseminated peritoneal cancers. Methods and Materials Mice bearing human colon cancer LS-174T intraperitoneal xenografts were pretreated with gemcitabine, followed by 212 Pb-TCMC-trastuzumab and compared with controls. Results Treatment with 212 Pb-TCMC-trastuzumab increased the apoptotic rate in the S-phase-arrested tumors induced by gemcitabine at earlier time points (6 to 24 hours). 212 Pb-TCMC-trastuzumab after gemcitabine pretreatment abrogated G2/M arrest at the same time points, which may be associated with the inhibition of Chk1 phosphorylation and, in turn, cell cycle perturbation, resulting in apoptosis. 212 Pb-TCMC-trastuzumab treatment after gemcitabine pretreatment caused depression of DNA synthesis, DNA double-strand breaks, accumulation of unrepaired DNA, and down-regulation of Rad51 protein, indicating that DNA damage repair was blocked. In addition, modification in the chromatin structure of p21 may be associated with transcriptionally repressed chromatin states, indicating that the open structure was delayed at earlier time points. Conclusion These findings suggest that the cell-killing efficacy of 212 Pb-TCMC-trastuzumab after gemcitabine pretreatment may be associated with abrogation of the G2/M checkpoint, inhibition of DNA damage repair, and chromatin remodeling.
Virtual cathode ion acceleration behind the anode foil of a pinched-beam ion diode

Summary form only given. In a cylindrical pinched-beam ion diode1 the electron beam focuses to a tight spot on the axis at the center of the anode and passes through the thin anode foil into a beam dump region behind the anode foil. The beam dump usually consists of a cylindrical anode-can with roughly the same radius R as the diode and a depth L. Because of energy deposition from the intense electron beam, the interior surfaces of the anode-can are expected to be space-charge-limited emitters. Therefore the electron space charge in the anode-can will draw ions off these surfaces. There is evidence from nuclear activation which suggests that ions exist in the anode-can with energies that exceed those associated with the diode voltage.2
The Price of Fairness

In this paper we study resource allocation problems that involve multiple self-interested parties or players and a central decision maker. We introduce and study the price of fairness, which is the relative system efficiency loss under a “fair” allocation assuming that a fully efficient allocation is one that maximizes the sum of player utilities. We focus on two well-accepted, axiomatically justified notions of fairness, viz., proportional fairness and max-min fairness. For these notions we provide a tight characterization of the price of fairness for a broad family of problems.
Experimental Investigations of Laser Micromachining of Metal Using Micro Thin Film Thermocouples

Laser-material interactions involved in laser micromachining are extremely complicated. In order to improve the fundamental understanding of the laser micromachining process, it is essential to investigate the complex phenomena and mechanisms of the physical processes within and close to the region of the interaction. Topographical characterizations of laser micromachining with various laser energy fluences were undertaken to correlate the resulting geometry changes with surface temperature measurements. Single pulses of laser beam with a nominal diameter of 47 μm were used. Possible changes of surface chemical composition induced by the laser micromachining process, in particular oxide formation, were also investigated around the laser spot. Moreover, C-type micro thin film thermocouples (TFTCs) with a junction size of 2 μm × 2 μm were fabricated to increase the maximum operation temperature and spatial resolution of temperature measurements. Surface temperature distribution around the laser spot was obtained in the range from 45 μm to 85 μm away from the center of laser spot. The result showed that there was a steep gradient of temperature in the radial direction and a superheated area around laser spot. It was also observed that the temperature profile matched the oxidation profile due to thermal effects.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Report on the Workshop on Sustainability and Industry: Energy, Material Consumption, and Human Behavior

Value To provide an understanding of three major sustainability issues—Energy, Material Consumption, and Human Behavior—that are expected to have the highest impact on industry, and to provide a diverse set of responsible and informed views and subsequent discussions that will help the participants understand the severity of the issues. Participants 39 scientists and engineers from industry, academic institutions, government offices and laboratories and nongovernment organizations participated in the Workshop.
Effects of neonatal methamphetamine treatment on adult stress-induced corticosterone release in rats

Abstract In rats, neonatal (+)-methamphetamine (MA) exposure and maternal separation stress increase corticosterone during treatment and result in learning and memory impairments later in life. Early-life stress also changes later responses to acute stress. We tested the hypothesis that neonatal MA exposure would alter adult corticosterone after acute stress or MA challenge. Rats were treated with MA (10 mg/kg × 4/day), saline, or handling on postnatal (P) days 11–15 or 11–20 (days that lead to learning and memory impairments at this dose). As adults, corticosterone was measured before and after 15 min forced swim (FS) or 15 min forced confinement (FC), counterbalanced, and after an acute MA challenge (10 mg/kg) given last. FS increased corticosterone more than FC; order and stress type interacted but did not interact with treatment; treatment interacted with FS but not with FC. In the P11-15 regimen, MA-treated rats showed more rapid increases in corticosterone after FS than controls. In the P11-20 regimen, MA-treated rats showed a trend toward more rapid decrease in corticosterone after FS. No differences were found after MA challenge. The data do not support the hypothesis that neonatal MA causes changes in adult stress responsiveness to FS, FC, or an acute MA challenge.
A comparison of safety belt use between commercial and noncommercial light-vehicle occupants.

The purpose of this study was to conduct an observational survey of safety belt use to determine the use rate of commercial versus noncommercial light-vehicle occupants. Observations were conducted on front-outboard vehicle occupants in eligible commercial and noncommercial vehicles in Michigan (i.e., passenger cars, vans/minivans, sport-utility vehicles, and pickup trucks). Commercial vehicles that did not fit into one of the four vehicle type categories, such as tractor-trailers, buses, or heavy trucks, were not included in the survey. The study found that the restraint use rate for commercial light-vehicle occupants was 55.8% statewide. The statewide safety belt use rate for commercial light-vehicles was significantly lower than the rate of 71.2% for noncommercial light-vehicles. The safety belt use rate for commercial vehicles was also significantly different as a function of region, vehicle type, seating position, age group, and road type. The results provide important preliminary data about safety belt use in commercial versus noncommercial light-vehicles and indicate that further effort is needed to promote safety belt use in the commercial light-vehicle occupant population. The study also suggests that additional research is required in order to develop effective programs that address low safety belt use in the commercial light-vehicle occupant population.
Intragastric pressure and receptive relaxation in the rat

Abstract Intragastric pressure has been measured in the rat under conditions of free feeding and gastric counterinfusion during free feeding. Gastric relaxation resulting in a plateauing of pressure was demonstrated in both cases. While counterinfused animals had additional volume entering the stomach via a direct route that bypassed pregastric oropharyngeal sensors, the relative pressure did not increase over the not-counterinfused animals. This data suggests that there is not a precise metering and gradation of vagal messages arising from deglutition. The stomach musculature is able to relax to a greater degree than that indicated by deglutition signals alone. The nature of such additional relaxation is not known.
Entrustment and Mapping of Observable Practice Activities for Resident Assessment

Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) and the Next Accreditation System reporting milestones reduce general competencies into smaller evaluable parts. However, some EPAs and reporting milestones may be too broad to use as direct assessment tools. We describe our internal medicine residency curriculum and assessment system, which uses entrustment and mapping of observable practice activities (OPAs) for resident assessment. We created discrete OPAs for each resident rotation and learning experience. In combination, these serve as curricular foundation and tools for assessment. OPA performance is measured via a 5-point entrustment scale, and mapped to milestones and EPAs. Entrustment ratings of OPAs provide an opportunity for immediate structured feedback of specific clinical skills, and mapping OPAs to milestones and EPAs can be used for longitudinal assessment, promotion decisions, and reporting. Direct assessment and demonstration of progressive entrustment of trainee skill over time are important goals for all training programs. Systems that use OPAs mapped to milestones and EPAs provide the opportunity for achieving both, but require validation.
Understanding the role of fast electrons in the heating of dense matter: experimental techniques and recent results

Abstract An intense laser impinging upon dense matter converts a large fraction of its energy into fast electrons. (Here we take “fast” to mean electrons that are much more energetic than the normal Boltzmann-like distribution measured in the tens to hundreds of eV.) Upon transiting the interior of the dense matter, these electrons are responsible for isochoric heating of the material. Just how these electrons traverse the material, and various interfaces within the material, is a subject of substantial amounts of computation and theory, and recently, experiments. Here we outline the nature of the heating mechanisms, and the current level of understanding of the complex physical processes. In particular we discuss new experimental techniques to record essential features of this transport problem.
Ambassador Clare Boothe Luce and the evolution of psychological warfare in Italy

Ambassador Clare Boothe Luce (Italy, 1953–56) exemplified American arrogance and intrusiveness in allies' domestic affairs. Connected to the inner circle of ‘psychological warriors’ in the Eisenhower administration, she was also a catalyst for action from Washington. This archival-based article shows how Luce's frontal attack on communist power, while often counterproductive, was also balanced by her discerning use of diplomacy, which deeply influenced the interplay between Italy's domestic and foreign policies. Luce also critically reassessed the effects of US mass culture in Italy. In political as well as intellectual circles, she did not exclusively favour Italy's unconditional supporters of the United States. Reflecting Washington's renewed flexibility, she also dealt with political and cultural leaders who nurtured autonomy and mild criticism of the United States. This flexibility, often going beyond Luce's will or expectations, helped counteract the most virulently anti-American representatives of I...
Role of the Neural Niche in Brain Metastatic Cancer

Metastasis is the relentless pursuit of cancer to escape its primary site and colonize distant organs. This malignant evolutionary process is biologically heterogeneous, yet one unifying element is the critical role of the microenvironment for arriving metastatic cells. Historically, brain metastases were rarely investigated because patients with advanced cancer were considered terminal. Fortunately, advances in molecular therapies have led to patients living longer with metastatic cancer. However, one site remains recalcitrant to our treatment efforts, the brain. The central nervous system is the most complex biologic system, which poses unique obstacles but also harbors opportunities for discovery. Much of what we know about the brain microenvironment comes from neuroscience. We suggest that the interrelated cellular responses in traumatic brain injury may guide us toward new perspectives in understanding brain metastases. In this view, brain metastases may be conceptualized as progressive oncologic injury to the nervous system. This review discusses our evolving understanding of bidirectional interactions between the brain milieu and metastatic cancer.
Infants' recognition memory for faces.

Abstract Infants' recognition memory, defined by novelty preferences, was found to be reliably greater when one properly oriented representation of a face was to be distinguished from another than when the same faces rotated 180° were to be differentiated. Discriminations among upright faces occurred at 5 to 6 months, were more easily accomplished by females, and were facilitated by increasing the similarity of the representations to real faces.