cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell–Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Constructs on Immunophenotype of Macrophages

During the past several years, multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have rapidly moved from in vitro and animal studies into clinical trials as a therapeutic modality potentially applicable to a wide range of disorders. It has been proposed that ex vivo culture-expanded MSCs exert their tissue regeneration potential through their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, and paracrine effects more than their ability to differentiate into multiple tissue lineages. Since extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and tissue support is also one of many physiological roles of MSCs, there is increasing interest in their potential use for tissue engineering, particularly in combination with ECM-based scaffolds such as hyaluronic acid (HA). We investigated the effect of MSCs on immunophenotype of macrophages in the presence of an HA-hydrogel scaffold using a unique 3D coculture system. MSCs were encapsulated in the hydrogel and peripheral blood CD14+ monocyte-derived macrophages plated in direct contact with the MSC-gel construct. To determine the immunophenotype of macrophages, we looked at the expression of cell surface markers CD14, CD16, CD206, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR by flow cytometry. MSCs and macrophages cultured on the HA-hydrogel remained viable and were able to be recovered from the construct. There was a significant difference in the immunophenotype observed between monocyte-derived macrophages cultured on the HA scaffold compared to tissue culture polystyrene. Macrophages cultured on gels with MSCs expressed lower CD16 and HLA-DR with higher expression of CD206, indicating the least inflammatory profile overall, compatible with the immunophenotype of alternatively activated macrophages. Development of macrophages, with this immunophenotype, upon interaction with the MSC-hydrogel constructs may play a potentially significant role in tissue repair when using a cellular-biomaterial therapeutic approach.
Intravenous γ-globulin therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus and immune complex disease

Immune complexes (ICs) are felt to be of primary pathological importance in the mediation of many human glomerular diseases. This is based on the demonstration of Ig and C' in renal cortex tissue of affected individuals. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototype IC disease where ICs have been demonstrated in target tissues. Moreover, glomerulonephritis (GN) is a common feature of many autoimmune and infectious diseases associated with IC generation. Current therapeutic alternatives are restricted to immunosuppressive agents. Tomino et al. (Clin. Exp. Immunol. 58, 42, 1984) demonstrated that glomerular IC deposits could be solubilized with HGG. Palla et al. (Clin. Nephrol. 26, 314, 1986) treated four membranous nephritis patients with IVGG and had dramatic resolution of proteinuria in three of them. Gaedlicke et al. (Blut 48, 387, 1984) reported improvement in vasculitis in one of two patients treated with IVGG. We have experienced exacerbation of GN with IVGG therapy in two SLE patients. IVGG is useful in treating the common variable immunodeficiency that occurs in some SLE patients and in treating the immunodeficiency associated with florid nephrotic syndrome. IVGG given to one patient with Henoch-Schonlein purpura resulted in the onset of gross hematuria. In sum, IVGG may be useful in treating specific IC renal diseases by solubilization of circulating or in situ ICs but definitive proof is lacking. In other situations, IVGG may exacerbate the glomerulonephritis, possibly through enhanced IC formation. Furthermore, IVGG may induce modulation of immune responses by induction of auto-anti-idiotypic immunity.
Endoscopic therapy for acute recurrent pancreatitis

Endoscopy plays an important role in both the diagnosis and the initial management of recurrent acute pancreatitis, as well as the investigation of refractory disease, but it has known limitations and risks. Sound selective use of these therapies, complemented with other lines of investigation such as genetic testing, can dramatically improve frequency of attacks and associated quality of life. Whether endoscopic therapy can reduce progression to chronic pancreatitis, or reduce the risk of malignancy, is debatable, and remains to be proven.
Comparison of histogram reweighting techniques for a flexible water model

Abstract Histogram reweighting offers a powerful means for extending the information obtained from Monte Carlo simulations to different thermodynamic states. With only a few simulations the entire vapor–liquid coexistence region of a pure fluid can be investigated. We have developed a histogram reweighting method for the isothermal–isobaric (NPT) ensemble and compared it to a method in the grand-canonical ensemble. Results are presented for a Lennard–Jones fluid and a fully flexible SPC water model with and without long-range interactions. For the Lennard–Jones fluid both ensembles give equivalent coexistent densities. The agreement for the screened water potential (i.e., no long-range interactions) is also satisfactory. The full water model was analyzed via reweighting of NPT-ensemble histograms and was found to agree with data obtained for the SPC water model in the Gibbs ensemble. The NPT histogram reweighting method is demonstrated to be an effective tool for examining phase equilibria and may have great utility in situations for which grand-canonical simulations are difficult.
Relationship of Lingual and Intraoral Air Pressures during Syllable Production

The production of many consonant sounds requires a buildup of air pressure within die oral cavity. This buildup often results from resistance to air flow created in the vocal tract by tongue moveme...
Diagnostic considerations and prosthetic rehabilitation of a cocaine-induced midline destructive lesion: A clinical report

The intranasal inhalation of cocaine has numerous complications. In addition to its systemic effects, cocaine can cause extensive destruction of the osteocartilaginous midline structures of the palate, nose, and sinuses. Without an accurate social and clinical history, a cocaine-induced midline destructive lesion can cause diagnostic difficulties, because its clinical presentation closely mimics other diseases. This clinical report describes an oronasal defect caused by cocaine use, the diagnostic considerations of these lesions, and prosthetic management of the defect.
Ho:YV0(4) solid-state saturable-absorber Q switch for a 2-µm Tm, Cr:Y(3)Al(5)O(12) laser.

The holmium-doped calcium fluoride (Ho:CaF(2)) crystal was shown to be an effective solid-state saturable-absorber Q-switch for a flash-lamp-pumped Tm,Cr:Y(3)Al(5)O(12) laser at 2.017 µm. With a 1-cm-thick Ho(0.5%),Er(5%):CaP(2) saturable absorber and a 6.3% output coupler, a single Q-switched laser pulse of 51 mJ in energy and 60 ns in duration was obtained at a flash-lamp input energy of 85 J. With a 14.6% output coupler, a typical Q-switched laser pulse of 84 mJ and 82 ns was observed.
Ionization equilibria of dicarboxylic acids in dimethyl sulfoxide as studied by NMR

The ionization equilibria of dicarboxylic acids measured by K_1/K_2 are expected to be substantially influenced by stabilization of the monoanion through intramolecular hydrogen bonding. However, except in sterically favorable cases, such as with maleic, 3,4-furandicarboxylic, 2,3-bicyclo[1.2.2]heptadienedicarboxylic and diethylmalonic acids, the K_1/K_2 values for other dicarboxylic acids, where intramolecular hydrogen bonding of the monoanion might be expected, are relatively small at ∼100 in water. This research uses NMR to corroborate and extend the pioneering conductance measurements of K_1/K_2 of dicarboxylic acids by Kolthoff and coworkers with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as solvent. In extending these measurements, we have determined K_1/K_2 for 3,4-furandicarboxylic (1) and ,3-bicyclo[1.2.2]heptadienedicarboxylic (2) acids, because these were predicted by McCoy to be especially sterically favorable for intramolecular hydrogen bonding in the form of their monoanions and, indeed, we have found K_1/K_2 values for these acids in DMSO of 1 × 10^(15) and 4 × 10^(16) respectively. In contrast, the corresponding value for succinic acid is about 10^8.
Temperature dependence of the tunneling spectrum near a vortex core

We propose a simple model to account for the anomaly observed in the tunneling conductance at a vortex core in ${\mathrm{NbSe}}_{2}$ by Hess et al. The sharp peak occurring at low bias is attributed to self-energy corrections of the normal electrons in the core caused by their coupling to superconducting excitations outside the core. The temperature dependence of the tunneling spectrum is calculated, and the low-bias peak is found to increase significantly at reduced temperature. However, the width hardly changes, but the dips on each side of the low-bias peak become more pronounced. Finally, we show that an appropriate (spatially dependent) admixture of the tunneling spectrum at the vortex center with the spectrum two coherence lengths away explains the position dependence of the tunneling conductance.
The Significance of Paleotopography

Topographic change is one of the most informative measures of continental deformation, yet precise records of past elevation are scarce to non-existent in most orogenic belts. Recent advancement and new development of techniques to measure paleoelevation promise significant progress in understanding continental tectonic processes and how erosion acts on rising topography to shape the Earth’s surface. Outstanding issues in continental tectonics include understanding driving forces to deformation, how strain is vertically partitioned in the lithosphere, and how mass is redistributed or conserved in the lithosphere during deformation. Geodynamic and mechanical models that explore these topics make testable predictions of topographic evolution. This review explores key examples of how paleotopography relates to outstanding issues in continental tectonics that motivate development of robust, quantitative measures of paleoelevation.
A GENERAL MODEL FOR KIN SELECTION.

Inclusive fitness theory is central to our understanding of the evolution of social behavior. By showing the importance of genetic transmission through nondescendent relatives, it helps to explain the evolution of reproductively altruistic behaviors, such as those observed in the social insects. Inclusive fitness thinking is quantified by Hamilton's rule, but Hamilton's rule has often been criticized for being inexact or insufficiently general. Here I show how adopting a genic perspective yields a very general version that remains pleasingly simple and transparent.
High temperature electrical properties of CdSe: Evidence for a native donor☆

Abstract Hall coefficient and conductivity measurements have been made on cadmium selenide single crystals, in cadmium atmospheres, at temperatures up to 950°C. The crystals are n-type, and the electron concentration increases with the + 1 3 power of the cadmium pressure. This behavior indicates the presence of a native donor, probably either a cadmium interstitial or selenium vacancy, whish is doubly ionized at temperatures above 600°C. The enthalpy of formation of this donor and its concentration along the cadmium-rich solidus have been determined.
C60Clusters Self-Assembly in One-beam Optical Trap

Abstract : C(60) aggregated clusters up to 20 micrometer length were created on a glass surface within a solution inside of a gradient one-beam optical trap. It was possible to grow rod-shaped structures by motion of an optical trap parallel to the surface of the substrate. After the deposited structures became stable the solution was dried. By AFM measurements of the stable dried structures, it was shown, that aggregations have typical sizes of 5-15 micrometer X 1.5-2 micrometer, and thickness near 1.5 micrometer. The aggregations consist of thinner (30-100 nm diameter) rods, bundled together.
Steady-state cardiac output determination during combined right and left heart catheterization.

Interpretation of the meaning of a mean diastolic atrioventricular gradient or a mean systolic ventricular-great vessel gradient requires simultaneous determination of the level of the gradient, the heart rate, and the cardiac output. The feasibility of steady-state Fick principle cardiac output determination during combined right and left heart catheterization is investigated.
2 Interaction of adolescent anthropometric characteristics and family history on breast cancer risk in a cohort study of 426 families

Abstract PURPOSE: To determine whether the association of adolescent anthropometric characteristics with breast cancer incidence is modified by a family history of the disease. METHODS: We used a historical cohort of 426 families of breast cancer probands diagnosed between 1944 and 1952 at the University of Minnesota. The incidence of cancer and the measurement of risk factors in sisters, daughters, granddaughters, nieces and marry-ins were determined through telephone interviews and mailed questionnaires conducted from 1991-1996. Cox proportional hazards regression, accounting for age, birth cohort, adult body mass index, and clustering within families, was used to estimate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals of breast cancer. RESULTS: Among 4,632 women available for analysis, 175 developed breast cancer. In the 426 families, sisters and daughters of the probands with above average weight at age 12, compared to those with below average weight at age 12, were at increased risk of breast cancer (RR = 2.75; 1.07–7.05), while the risk for above average weight at age 12 among grand-daughters and nieces was weaker (RR = 1.47; 0.54–4.02). In contrast, among marry-ins, women with above average weight at age 12 were at lower risk of breast cancer (RR = 0.47; 0.17–1.27), and the test for interaction between degree of relationship to proband and relative weight at age 12 on breast cancer risk was highly statistically significant (p = 0.002). The interaction was apparent for both premenopausal (p = 0.08) and postmenopausal (p = 0.02) breast cancer risk. There was no important interaction between degree of relationship to proband and height (p = 0.55), weight at age 18 (p = 0.22) or body mass index at age 18 (p = 0.63) on breast cancer risk. CONCLUSION: Family history appears to modify the effect of obesity in early adolescence on subsequent breast cancer risk, and may identify differing etiologic pathways.
Laser post-ionization improves surface analysis

Laser post-ionization (PI), a technique that overcomes the greatest handicap of secondary-ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), namely, its susceptibility to matrix effects is discussed. The SIMS matrix effect is the often unknown relationship between the chemical composition of a solid and the secondary ion yield of an analyte in the sample, which is unpredictable and can vary as much as seven orders of magnitude. PI, which involves passing a laser beam parallel to, and just above, a surface undergoing stimulated desorption, solves the problem by decoupling the ionization and desorption steps. This allows the detection of secondary neutral species, which typically constitute more than 95% of the material removed from the surface during ion beam sputtering. This largely eliminates matrix effects because the chemical matrix generally has much less influence on the emission of charged particles. To compete with SIMS on sensitivity, PI methods efficiently ionize sputtered neutrals and detect those positionized particles. The nonresonant method of PI, which comes in two variations, nonresonant multiphoton and nonresonant single-photon ionization and is called SALI (surface analysis by laser ionization), is described, and its application to semiconductors is examined. >
Snf1 Dependence of Peroxisomal Gene Expression Is Mediated by Adr1

Eukaryotes utilize fatty acids by beta-oxidation, which occurs in the mitochondria and peroxisomes in higher organisms and in the peroxisomes in yeast. The AMP-activated protein kinase regulates this process in mammalian cells, and its homolog Snf1, together with the transcription factors Adr1, Oaf1, and Pip2, regulates peroxisome proliferation and beta-oxidation in yeast. A constitutive allele of Adr1 (Adr1(c)) lacking the glucose- and Snf1-regulated phosphorylation substrate Ser-230 was found to be Snf1-independent for regulation of peroxisomal genes. In addition, it could compensate for and even suppress the requirement for Oaf1 or Pip2 for gene induction. Peroxisomal genes were found to be regulated by oleate in the presence of glucose, as long as Adr1(c) was expressed, suggesting that the Oaf1/Pip2 heterodimer is Snf1-independent. Consistent with this observation, Oaf1 binding to promoters in the presence of oleate was not reduced in a snf1Delta strain. Exploring the mechanism by which Adr1(c) permits Snf1-independent peroxisomal gene induction, we found that strength of promoter binding did not correlate with transcription, suggesting that stable binding is not a prerequisite for enhanced transcription. Instead, enhanced transcriptional activation and suppression of Oaf1, Pip2, and Snf1 by Adr1(c) may be related to the ability of Adr1(c) to suppress the requirement for and enhance the recruitment of transcriptional coactivators in a promoter- and growth medium-dependent manner.
Towards mass deformed N = 4 SO(n) and Sp(k) theories from brane configurations

Abstract We study the introduction of orientifold 6-planes in the type IIA brane configurations known as elliptic models. The N = 4 SO ( n ) and Sp ( k ) theories softly broken to N = 2 through a mass for the adjoint hypermultiplet can be realized in this framework in the presence of two orientifold planes with opposite RR charge. A large class of β = 0 models is solved for vanishing sum of hypermultiplet masses by embedding the type IIA configuration into M-theory. We also find a geometric interpretation of Montonen-Olive duality based on the properties of the curves. We make a proposal for the introduction of non-vanishing sum of hypermultiplet masses in a sub-class of models. In the presence of two negatively charged orientifold planes and four D6-branes other interesting β = 0 theories are constructed, e.g. Sp ( k ) with four flavours and a massive antisymmetric hypermultiplet. We comment on the difficulties in obtaining the curves within our framework due to the arbitrary positions of the D6-branes.
Molecular mechanisms promoting the pathogenesis of Schwann cell neoplasms

Neurofibromas, schwannomas and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) all arise from the Schwann cell lineage. Despite their common origin, these tumor types have distinct pathologies and clinical behaviors; a growing body of evidence indicates that they also arise via distinct pathogenic mechanisms. Identification of the genes that are mutated in genetic diseases characterized by the development of either neurofibromas and MPNSTs [neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)] or schwannomas [neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), schwannomatosis and Carney complex type 1] has greatly advanced our understanding of these mechanisms. The development of genetically engineered mice with ablation of NF1, NF2, SMARCB1/INI1 or PRKAR1A has confirmed the key role these genes play in peripheral nerve sheath tumorigenesis. Establishing the functions of the NF1, NF2, SMARCB1/INI1 and PRKAR1A gene products has led to the identification of key cytoplasmic signaling pathways promoting Schwann cell neoplasia and identified new therapeutic targets. Analyses of human neoplasms and genetically engineered mouse models have established that interactions with other tumor suppressors such as TP53 and CDKN2A promote neurofibroma-MPNST progression and indicate that intratumoral interactions between neoplastic and non-neoplastic cell types play an essential role in peripheral nerve sheath tumorigenesis. Recent advances have also provided new insights into the identity of the neural crest-derived populations that give rise to different types of peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Based on these findings, we now have an initial outline of the molecular mechanisms driving the pathogenesis of neurofibromas, MPNSTs and schwannomas. However, this improved understanding in turn raises a host of intriguing new questions.
Truncation of a cross-linked GCN4-p1 coiled coil leads to ultrafast folding.

Structural perturbation has been extensively used in protein folding studies because it yields valuable conformational information regarding the folding process. Here we have used N-terminal truncation on a cross-linked variant of the GCN4-p1 leucine zipper, aiming to develop a better understanding of the folding mechanism of the coiled-coil motif. Our results indicate that removing the first heptad repeat in this cross-linked GCN4-p1 coiled coil significantly decreases the folding free energy barrier and results in a maximum folding rate of (2.0 ± 0.3 μs)-1, which is ∼50 times faster than that of the full-length protein. Therefore, these results suggest that a set of native or nativelike tertiary interactions, distributed throughout the entire sequence, collectively stabilize the folding transition state of the GCN4-p1 coiled coil. While stable subdomains or triggering sequences have been shown to be critical to the stability of GCN4 coiled coils, our results suggest that the folding of such a subdomain ...
CSF levels of diazepam binding-inhibitor correlate with rem latency and slow wave sleep in schizophrenia

CPs (p < 0. IO). Although the SPs spent less time in REM sleep (p<O.O5), further REM sleep parameters, including REM latency and REM density, were not altered. In conclusion, our findings in drug-naive patients with a first episode of a schizophrenic disorder are in favour of an arousal linked disturbance at the beginning of the night sleep resulting in a delayed sleep onset and a disturbed build-up of SWS. On the other hand, we did not observe changes in REM latency or REM density in these patients.
Higher Incidence of Acute Rejection in Renal Transplant Recipients With Low Everolimus Exposure

Abstract Everolimus (EVL) has shown a potential to reduce nephrotoxicity associated with cyclosporine (CsA) while providing similar protection against rejection. We analyzed the incidence of acute rejection episodes (ARE) among 20 cadaveric renal transplant recipients treated with the combination of EVL + CsA. Immunosuppression consisted of basiliximab induction given pretransplant and on day 4 posttransplant; EVL at a starting dose of 1.5 mg/day followed by concentration control to trough levels of 3 to 8 ng/mL by day 7; CsA at a starting dose of 4 mg/kg per day and then concentration controlled with C2 monitoring (C2 500–700 ng/mL); and steroids in a tapering regimen to reach 5 mg by day 30. The overall incidence of ARE was 25%. On postoperative day 7, patients with ARE showed significantly lower mean EVL trough concentrations compared with those not experiencing ARE (NO ARE: 2.2 ± 2.1 ng/mL vs 4.8 ± 2.4 ng/mL) ( P = .05). The CsA C2 values were close to the lower end of the target range on day 3 (583 ± 334 ng/mL). All rejecting grafts were functioning at 3 months posttransplantations, but mean serum creatinine was higher in the ARE group (ARE 2.2 ± 0.7 mg/dL vs 1.1 ± 0.2 NO ARE; P = .04). In conclusion, whenever EVL is used in combination with CsA to protect kidney transplant patients against the risk of acute rejection, a threshold of 3 ng/mL must be reached in the first week posttransplantation. We suggest careful monitoring of EVL exposure and increased EVL starting doses.
The role of acetylcholine and cholinesterase in sympathetic ganglia

The effects of applied acetylcholine (ACh) and physostigmine upon waveformsAandB in virus-infected sympathetic ganglia of the rat were studiedin vitro with standard electrophysiological techniques. ACh produced a simultaneous and synchronous increase in frequency and decrease in amplitude of both waveforms without changing the original form; the waveforms still appeared as single, simultaneous and synchronous waves or oscillations with a more rapid decay time and consistent overshoot of waveformB. The effects of physostigmine were markedly different from those of ACh. Physostigmine application resulted in an increase of decay time of both waveforms and the absence of overshoot in waveformB. In addition, single waveforms or oscillations were replaced by bursts of activity of long duration. It was concluded that ACh acted at sites represented by Capacitor I and operationA; that physostigmine acted at sites represented by Capacitors I and II and operationsAandB. It was suggested that intrinsic ACh was a constituent of structures represented by Capacitor I and played a role in operationA. Cholinesterase was a constituent of structures represented by Capacitors I and II and played a role in both operationsAandB.
Racial Differences in Sexual and Fertility Attitudes in an Urban Setting

Using data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (neighborhood N = 77; individual N = 951) we consider the extent to which African American youth maintain sexual and fertility-related norms that support early sexual activity and childbearing and examine the robustness of racial differences in sexual attitudes to controls for neighborhood family and individual characteristics. At a minimum neighborhood economic disadvantage accounts for 26% of the baseline increased likelihood of holding attitudes that encourage early sexual activity among African American youth when compared with Whites. Neighborhood- family- and individual-level factors account for 67% of the race difference in sexual attitudes. Implications for contextual and race-based theories of sexual and fertility norms are discussed. (authors)
Immunologische Untersuchungen mit Plasmaersatzmitteln

Einige immunologische Untersuchungen, die mit Plasmaersatzmitteln durchgefuhrt wurden, werden beschrieben. Obgleich die Prufung der Antigenitat dieser Substanzen zunachst nur eine Routineprozedur ist, haben sich bei allen untersuchten Stoffen dabei interessante Grundlagenerkenntnisse ergeben. Die Bedeutung der Antigenitatsprufung am Menschen selbst wurde hervorgehoben.
Executive cognitive functioning mediates the relation between language competence and antisocial behavior in conduct-disordered adolescent females

The purpose of this study was to determine (1) whether adolescent females with a conduct disorder (CD) demonstrate inferior language skills and lower executive cognitive functioning (ECF) compared with controls and (2) whether the relations between language abilities and different forms of antisocial behavior (ASB) are mediated by ECF. Language skills were measured using the Test of Language Competence–Expanded, ECF was measured using multiple neuropsychological tests, and ASB was assessed using various self-report and psychiatric interview indices reflecting mild delinquency to severe violence. Subjects were 223 adolescent females with a CD and 97 normal controls ranging between 14 and 18 years of age (N = 320). The CD group demonstrated significantly poorer language skills and lower ECF compared with the controls. Moreover, even when controlling for chronological age and socioeconomic status, ECF still fully mediated the relations between language competence and each measure of ASB. The results are discussed in relation to a neurobehavioral model of ASB. Aggr. Behav. 26:359–375, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A synergism of plagues: ``Planned shrinkage,'' contagious housing destruction, and AIDS in the bronx

Techniques adapted from population and community ecology, quantitative geography, and epidemiology are applied to ecosystem and environmental index data on the Bronx in an attempt to understand the origins and potential impacts of rampant spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its sequelae of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in that borough: Recent work by Drucker and Vermund (1987) , (“Estimating Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Urban Areas with High Rates of Intravenous Drug Abuse: A Model of the Bronx in 1987,” Poster presented at the Third International Conference on AIDS, June 2 1987) estimates HIV seroprevalence levels of from 8 to 21% among men of age 25–44 in the South Bronx, at this writing, comparable to the cities of Central Africa. It is found that the “South Bronx” process of fulminating, contagious urban decay which devastated the region in the 1970s, and its associated forced population migrations, spread intravenous drug abuse, the principal HIV vector in the Bronx, from a geographically contained center in the South-Central Bronx to a virtually borough-wide phenomenon. This has significantly complicated attempts to contain HIV infection, both by shredding the social networks which are the natural vehicles for education, and by vastly enlarging the area requiring intensive targeting. Since the “planned shrinkage” municipal service cuts which triggered the “South Bronx” burnout persist, and since levels of housing overcrowding now approach those of the early 1970s in the Bronx, it is expected that a new outbreak of contagious urban decay will occur, likely again dispersing population and seriously compromising any in-place HIV control strategies. If overt AIDS itself becomes a contributor to urban deterioration in overcrowded neighborhoods susceptible to “South Bronx” process, we could then see a nonlinear ecosystem coupling between AIDS, contagious urban decay, and population shift. Elementary mathematical models are provided. Thus, in striking contrast to the middle-class male homosexual community, successful control of HIV infection in the Bronx, and by inference in other devastated ghetto communities, seems predicated on quick reestablishment of demographic stability: The tools to make the tools for control must first be reconstructed. Necessary elements of any program toward this end are briefly outlined. AIDS in the Bronx and similar areas, like tuberculosis, seems increasingly a marker disease of extreme poverty, and again like tuberculosis, may well form an important reservoir for further spread or resurgence of the disease.
The prevalence and distribution of intrabony defects in dry mandibles

One hundred mandibles of South African Negroes were examined for the presence of intrabony defects, and the distance between the cemento-enamel junction and alveolar bone crest was measured along the buccal and lingual surface of roots associated with interdental craters. Two-hundred thirty-one intrabony defects were detected (4.1% of the possible occurrences). There were 51 craters, 19 of which were associated with the distal surfaces of the second molars. Most craters (84.3%) had higher lingual than buccal walls. Seventy-one defects (35.8%) were one-walled pockets, 98 defects (49.6%) were two-walled pockets and 30 (15%) were three-walled pockets. Twenty-eight one-walled pockets (39.4%) formed hemisepta against interproximal root surfaces. Mesial surfaces of canines were the most commonly involved with hemisepta. There was an increase in the frequency of intrabony pockets from the anterior to the posterior zones of the mandibles. Interproximal root surfaces were by far more commonly associated with defects than buccal or lingual surfaces.
Current and prospective treatments for multidrug-resistant gram-positive infections.

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. are two of the most common organisms causing nosocomial infections today; and are consistently associated with high mortality rates (approximately 20 and 44%, respectively). Resistance among these pathogens to first line agents such as methicillin and vancomycin continues to rise while isolates with reduced susceptibility to newer agents including linezolid and daptomycin continue to emerge, representing a serious concern for clinicians. Areas covered: Mechanisms of action and resistance as well as in vitro and clinical experience in the treatment of resistant staphylococci and enterococci with currently available agents are discussed. Additionally, novel combination regimens showing enhanced efficacy and available data pertaining to prospective therapies including solithromycin, tedizolid, dalbavancin and oritavancin will be covered. Expert opinion: With an increase in organisms displaying reduced susceptibility to vancomycin and the associated tr...
Use of Substructural Transmission Zeros for Structural Health Monitoring

A method of localized structural health monitoring is presented that utilizes an invariance property of transmission zeros of substructural frequency response functions. These functions are obtained by partitioning the global dynamic flexibility into a substructural form. It is shown that the transmission zeros of the frequency response functions of a damaged substructure are invariant whereas those of healthy substructures are affected. The present method exploits this invariance property for the detection of damage in a structure. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the utility of the proposed method.
Convergent Projection of Three Separate Thalamic Nuclei on to a Single Cortical Area

Three distinct sensory-motor nuclei in the thalamus project to parietal cortex in the Virginia opossum; the ventral posterior nucleus receives inputs from somatic sensory structures and projects to layers IV and III, the ventral anterolateral nucleus receives inputs from motor structures and projects to layers IV and III and inner I, and the central intralaminar nucleus receives inputs from sensory, motor, and other structures and projects to layers VI through outer I. The physiologically defined amalgamation of somatic sensory and motor cortex is correlated, therefore, with the extent of cortex that receives convergent somatic sensory and motor input from the thalamus.
A rapid quantitative assay for lymphotoxin

A rapid quantitative assay for lymphotoxin was developed with the use of a mouse cultured lymphoid cell line, L1210 as the target cell. The assay produces results which are substantially in agreement with assays employing fibroblasts as targets. After incubation with lymphotoxin containing samples, target cells were labelled with [3H]thymidine and harvested with a Multiple Automated Sample Harvester (MASH). The MASH allows multiple replicates to be obtained from which the calculation of an I50 (50% inhibition) point and lymphotoxin specific activities can be performed with high statistical reliability by means of probit transformation and analysis.
Does the presence of priming hinder subsequent recognition or recall performance

Declarative and non-declarative memories are thought be supported by two distinct memory systems that are often posited not to interact. However, Wagner, Maril, and Schacter (2000a) reported that at the time priming was assessed, greater behavioural and neural priming was associated with lower levels of subsequent recognition memory, demonstrating an interaction between declarative and non-declarative memory. We examined this finding using a similar paradigm, in which participants made the same or different semantic word judgements following a short or long lag and subsequent memory test. We found a similar overall pattern of results, with greater behavioural priming associated with a decrease in recognition and recall performance. However, neither various within-participant nor various between-participant analyses revealed significant correlations between priming and subsequent memory performance. These data suggest that both lag and task have effects on priming and declarative memory performance, but that they are largely independent and occur in parallel.
Thermal Stability of Cyclopentane as an Organic Rankine Cycle Working Fluid

Laboratory experiments were performed to determine the maximum operating temperature for cyclopentane as an organic Rankine cycle working fluid. The thermochemical decomposition of cyclopentane was measured in a recirculation loop at 240, 300, and 350 °C at 43 bar in a glass-lined heated tube. It was determined that, in the absence of air at the two lower temperatures, decomposition was minor after more than 12 days of continuous operation. At 240 °C, the total cyclopentane decomposition products were approximately 65 ppm, and at 300 °C, the total decomposition products were on the order of 270 ppm at the end of the experiment. At 350 °C, the decomposition products were significantly higher and reached 1500 ppm. When the feed was saturated with air under prevailing atmospheric conditions, the decomposition rate increased dramatically. Residues found in the reactor after the decomposition experiments were examined by a number of different techniques. The mass of the residues increased with experimental tem...
A Cluster Randomized Trial to Evaluate Physician/Pharmacist Collaboration to Improve Blood Pressure Control

This was a prospective, cluster randomized controlled trial in patients with uncontrolled hypertension aged 21 to 85 years (mean, 61 years). Pharmacists made recommendations to physicians for patients in the intervention clinics (n=101) but not patients in the control clinics (n=78). The mean adjusted difference in systolic blood pressure (BP) between the control and intervention groups was 8.7 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.4-12.9), while the difference in diastolic BP was 5.4 mm Hg (CI, 2.8-8.0) at 9 months. The 24-hour BP levels showed similar effects, with a mean systolic BP level that was 8.8 mm Hg lower (CI, 5.0-12.6) and a mean diastolic BP level that was 4.6 mm Hg (CI, 2.4-6.8) lower in the intervention group. BP was controlled in 89.1% of patients in the intervention group and 52.9% in the control group (adjusted odds ratio, 8.9; CI, 3.8-20.7; P<.001). Physician/pharmacist collaboration achieved significantly better mean BP values and overall BP control rates, primarily by intensification of medication therapy and improving patient adherence.
Attenuation of zero sound in oriented liquid3He-A

Systematic measurements of the change α – αc of the absorption coefficient for zero sound in3He-A from its value atTc are presented for both 24.08 and 33.53 bar and several frequencies. The3He-A is oriented by means of a magnetic field, so only the case where field and sound directions are parallel give results which can be reliably compared with theory. We find that for 5-MHz zero sound at temperatures well below the collective modes peak there is a substantial anisotropy of the attenuation. We also find at high enough frequency a linear relationship between the sonic frequency and the location on a(1−T/Tc)1/2 scale of the collective modes peak forl·q=0. Comparison of theory and experiment for these data is excellent and suggests that the method may be an accurate one for measuring the temperature dependence of the energy gap in3He-A.
Cartography and the Internet: Introduction and Research Agenda

The Internet is helping to redefine how maps are used. Maps are now delivered to the user in a fraction of the time required to distribute maps on paper allowing them to be viewed in a more timely fashion. Weather maps, for example, are posted on an hourly basis. Most importantly, maps on the Internet are more interactive. They are accessed through a hyperlinking structure that makes it possible to engage the map user on a higher-level than is possible with a map on paper. Finally, the Internet is ma.king the distribution of cartographic animations possible. The Internet presents cartographers with a faster method of map distribution, different forms of mapping, and new areas of research.
A new table and approximation formula for the relative optial air mass

The mostly used table of the relative optical air massm as function of solar altitude γ (or zenith angle ϑ=90°—γ) was computed byBemporad [1, 2, 3] using values of the vertical air density profile up to 10 km height as they were known about the turn of the century, and taking the refractive index of the air at ground leveln0=1.000293; this index refers to light of wavelength 0.54 μ (peak of the visible spectrum) and to air of temperature 0°C and pressure 1013.25 mb.
Urbanization causes increased cloud base height and decreased fog in coastal Southern California

Subtropical marine stratus clouds regulate coastal and global climate, but future trends in these clouds are uncertain. In coastal Southern California (CSCA), interannual variations in summer stratus cloud occurrence are spatially coherent across 24 airfields and dictated by positive relationships with stability above the marine boundary layer (MBL) and MBL height. Trends, however, have been spatially variable since records began in the mid-1900s due to differences in nighttime warming. Among CSCA airfields, differences in nighttime warming, but not daytime warming, are strongly and positively related to fraction of nearby urban cover, consistent with an urban heat island effect. Nighttime warming raises the near-surface dew point depression, which lifts the altitude of condensation and cloud base height, thereby reducing fog frequency. Continued urban warming, rising cloud base heights, and associated effects on energy and water balance would profoundly impact ecological and human systems in highly populated and ecologically diverse CSCA.
Conduct Disorder Subtype and Comorbidity

Background. Conduct disorder is considered difficult to treat, but comorbid psychiatric disorders may be a basis for treating some youths with conduct disorder. We sought to identify patterns of comorbid psychiatric diagnoses and psychopathology associated with conduct disorder by reported age-of-onset.Methods. Referred children and adolescents, aged 4–17 years old, were clinically evaluated. Ages of onset of CD symptoms (N = 53) were ascertained and divided according to DSM-IV criteria as childhood onset (< 10 years old) or adolescent onset (≥ 10 years old).Results. Childhood-onset conduct disorder was associated with higher rates of ADHD and anxiety disorders, male gender, and perceived and total hostility scores than adolescent-onset conduct disorder. Adolescent-onset was associated with higher rates of PTSD, alcohol and substance use disorders, complex comorbidity (i.e., 6+ diagnoses lifetime), and female gender.Conclusions. Understanding age-of-onset-related patterns of comorbidity may facilitate psy...
Institutional Responses to Climate Change: the Case of the Alaska Transportation System

Institutions managing the Alaska road,rail, airport, and marine highwaytransportation system and the pipelinecorridor are evaluated for reactions toevidence of climate change. Long-termclimate warming is not a formal criterionin the decisional process of the stateDepartment of Transportation and PublicFacilities for road and airport projects,which have a short (15–25 year) life span,but is taken into account for bridgeconstruction (50–75 year life). Short- tomid-term climate effects are considered inareas with discontinuous permafrost andaffect routing, roadbed construction, andmaintenance decisions. National standardsare amended with Alaska-specific practicesfor unique cold-weather conditions.The Federal/State Joint Pipeline Office(JPO), responsible for monitoring ofpipeline safety under the federal lease andstate grant, in 2001 developed additionalstipulations to mitigate permafrost thawingand slope instability, including a `watchlist' of 200 wobbling VSMs on theTrans-Alaska Pipeline. This action appearsmore responsive to climate change effectsthan that of any other arctic institutionstudied. It can be attributed to thespecific authority of the JPO to monitorgeotechnical conditions at present and inthe future.In general, agencies tended to adoptincremental responses to evidence ofclimate change.
Tetrapod biostratigraphy and biochronology of the Triassic-Jurassic transition on the southern Colorado Plateau, USA

Abstract Nonmarine fluvial, eolian and lacustrine strata of the Chinle and Glen Canyon groups on the southern Colorado Plateau preserve tetrapod body fossils and footprints that are one of the world's most extensive tetrapod fossil records across the Triassic–Jurassic boundary. We organize these tetrapod fossils into five, time-successive biostratigraphic assemblages (in ascending order, Owl Rock, Rock Point, Dinosaur Canyon, Whitmore Point and Kayenta) that we assign to the (ascending order) Revueltian, Apachean, Wassonian and Dawan land-vertebrate faunachrons (LVF). In doing so, we redefine the Wassonian and the Dawan LVFs. The Apachean–Wassonian boundary approximates the Triassic–Jurassic boundary. This tetrapod biostratigraphy and biochronology of the Triassic–Jurassic transition on the southern Colorado Plateau confirms that crurotarsan extinction closely corresponds to the end of the Triassic, and that a dramatic increase in dinosaur diversity, abundance and body size preceded the end of the Triassic.
Paradoxical effects of a stress signal on pro- and anti-apoptotic machinery in HTLV-1 Tax expressing cells.

Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) are associated with Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection. The viral transactivator, Tax is able to mediate the cell cycle progression by targeting key regulators of the cell cycle such as p21/waf1, p16/ink4a, p53, cyclins D1–3/cdk complexes, and the mitotic spindle checkpoint MAD apparatus, thereby deregulating cellular DNA damage and checkpoint control.
Application of Petri nets to reliability prediction of occupant safety systems with partial detection and repair

This paper presents an application of stochastic Petri nets (SPN) to calculate the availability of safety critical on-demand systems. Traditional methods of estimating system reliability include standards—based or field return-based reliability prediction methods. These methods do not take into account the effect of fault-detection capability and penalize the addition of detection circuitry due to the higher parts count. Therefore, calculating system availability, which can be linked to the system’s probability of failure on demand (Pfd), can be a better alternative to reliability prediction. The process of estimating the Pfd of a safety system can be further complicated by the presence of system imperfections such as partial-fault detection by users and untimely or uncompleted repairs. Additionally, most system failures cannot be represented by Poisson process Markov chain methods, which are commonly utilized for the purposes of estimating Pfd, as these methods are not well-suited for the analysis of non-Poisson failures. This paper suggests a methodology and presents a case study of SPN modeling adequately handling most of the above problems. The model will be illustrated with a case study of an automotive electronics airbag controller as an example of a safety critical on-demand system.
The current role of staging laparoscopy for adenocarcinoma of the pancreas: a review

In the absence of metastatic disease patients with localized or locally advanced pancreatic cancer can benefit from surgical resection or chemoradiation. Despite the advances of imaging technology, however, noninvasive staging modalities are still inaccurate in identifying small volume metastatic disease leading potentially to inappropriate treatment and avoidable morbidity in a subgroup of patients. Staging laparoscopy may identify those patients with unsuspected metastatic disease on preoperative imaging and prevent unnecessary laparotomy or chemoradiation. A controversy exists, however, as to whether the procedure should be used routinely or selectively in pancreatic cancer patients with no evidence of metastasis on noninvasive staging. This review aims to assess the current role of staging laparoscopy by examining its diagnostic accuracy and ability to prevent unnecessary treatment as well as its morbidity, oncologic effect and cost-effectiveness. The available literature will be evaluated critically, its limitations identified and exisiting controversies addressed.