cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of the cardiovascular system in ammonia excretion in early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio).

The purpose of this study was to investigate if the cardiovascular system is important for ammonia excretion in the early life stages of zebrafish. Morpholino knockdowns of cardiac troponin T (TNNT...
The mitochondrial genome of the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum).

Abstract Amblyomma americanum is an abundant tick in the southeastern, midwestern, and northeastern United States. It is a vector of multiple diseases, but limited genomic resources are available for it. We sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of a single female A. americanum collected in Georgia using the Illumina platform. The consensus sequence was 14,709 bp long, and the mean coverage across the assembly was >12,000×. All expected tick genomic features were present, including two “Tick-Box” motifs, and in the expected order for the Metastriata. Heteroplasmy rates were low compared to the most closely related tick for which data are available, Amblyomma cajennense. The phylogeny derived from the concatenated protein coding and rRNA genes from the 33 available tick mitochondrial genomes was consistent with those previously proposed for the Acari. This is the first complete mitochondrial sequence for A. americanum, which provides a useful reference for future studies of A. americanum population genetics and tick phylogeny.
A Tool for Managing Software Development Knowledge

Software development is a knowledge intensive activity involving the integration of diverse knowledge sources that undergo constant change. Most approaches to knowledge management assume that information exists and is readily sought by software developers, usually through a search tool. In this paper, an approach is presented that actively delivers information through a rule-based system that matches system requirements to experience-based knowledge embedded in work breakdown structures. A reuse-based methodology based on an organizational learning process is used to capture and organize knowledge as it is created. The combination of tool and methodology work together to capture characteristics of individual projects and tailor processes to meet diverse and emerging software development needs. The tool and methodology are demonstrated using two examples of how this technique can be applied.
4′ DIPHENYLPHOSPHINO AND BROMO DERIVATIVES OF 10-PHENYL-1,4,7-TRITHIA-10-AZA-CYCLODODECANE 4-R- C6H4 N(CH2CH2S)2CH2CH2SCH2CH2

Abstract 4-Br-C6H4N(CH2CH2S)2CH2CH2SCH2SCH2CH2 and 4-Ph2P-C6H4N(CH2CH2S) 2CH2CH2SCH2CH2 have been synthesized and characterized. The former cyclododcane has been obtained from the reaction between 4-BrC6H4N(CH2CH2Cl)2 and S(CH2CH2SH)2 in N,N-dimethylformamide containing Cs2CO3. The latter has been obtained from the former by way of a low temperature lithium-bromine exchange reaction (butyllithium) that provided the carbanion which was subsequently reacted with chlorodiphenylphosphine. In regard to characterization, X-ray methods have been used to study the former (P21, a = 8.356(3) A, b = 12.325(5) A, c = 16.012 (7). β = 100.81, Z = 4), and two crystallographically independent molecules were found. In both molecules, the nitrogen atoms are nearly planar with short N-C(sp2) bond lengths, and, second, the sulfur atoms are in exodenate positions. For the phosphine, a 31P signal was observed at -7.1 ppm, and this peak position was considered to be indicative of a structure involving a planar nitrogen atom.
Encoding First Order Proofs in SAT

We present a method for proving rigid first order theorems by encoding them as propositional satisfiability problems. We encode the existence of a first order connection tableau and the satisfiability of unification constraints. Then the first order theorem is rigidly unsatisfiable if and only if the encoding is propositionally satisfiable. We have implemented this method in our theorem prover CHEWTPTP, and present experimental results. This method can be useful for general first order problems, by continually adding more instances of each clause.
Ambulatory Monitoring of Blood Pressure

Ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring has been available for over 30 yr but has been utilized primarily in research trials. Recently though, ambulatory blood pressure monitors have become increasingly popular in clinical medicine. Among the numerous benefits include the avoidance of potential BP measurement errors such as observer bias and terminal digit preference (1) and provision of more comprehensive information on BP behavior than is possible with office or home BP.
Microscale Fresnel zone plate array on flexible substrate

This paper describes microlens arrays implemented on a flexible substrate. For the first time, we have demonstrated binary Fresnel zone plates fabricated from silicon nanowires embedded in a PDMS matrix. Lens arrays on flexible substrates can potentially benefit from an increased field of view, which is important for applications such as microscopy and surveillance. Lens arrays have wide applications in 3D displays, LCD projectors, optical switches and tunable lasers. We report our design, fabrication and imaging demonstration for silicon based microlens arrays.
New form of dispersion tensor for axisymmetric porous media with implementation in particle tracking

[1] A general form of the dispersion tensor is derived for axisymmetric porous media involving four dispersivity coefficients corresponding to longitudinal and transverse dispersion in horizontal and vertical directions, defined as perpendicular and parallel to the axis of symmetry, respectively. The general form of the dispersion tensor provides for distinct vertical and horizontal longitudinal dispersivity values. Transverse dispersion is isotropic for flow parallel to the symmetry axis and anisotropic for flow perpendicular to the symmetry axis with distinct horizontal and vertical transverse dispersivities. The new form of the dispersion tensor is applied to several examples involving axisymmetric media utilizing particle tracking techniques and compared to the tensor proposed by Burnett and Frind [1987]. It is demonstrated that for the case of spatially variable flow the drift term ∇ · (ϕD)/ϕ must generally be included in the particle tracking algorithm to obtain accurate results.
Science and the Common Good: Thoughts on Philip Kitcher's Science, Truth, and Democracy*

Abstract In Science, Truth, and Democracy, Philip Kitcher develops the notion of well‐ordered science: scientific inquiry whose research agenda and applications (but not methods) are subject to public control guided by democratic deliberation. Kitcher’s primary departure from his earlier views involves rejecting the idea that there is any single standard of scientific significance. The context‐dependence of scientific significance opens up many normative issues to philosophical investigation and to resolution through democratic processes. Although some readers will feel Kitcher has not moved far enough from earlier epistemological positions, the book does represent an important addition to literature on science, society, and values.
Non-resonant electromechanical energy harvesting using inter-ferroelectric phase transitions

Non-resonant electromechanical energy harvesting is demonstrated under low frequency excitation (<50 Hz) using [110]C-poled lead indium niobate-lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate relaxor ferroelectric single crystals with compositions near the morphotropic phase boundary. The efficiency of power generation at the stress-induced phase transition between domain-engineered rhombohedral and orthorhombic ferroelectric states is as much as four times greater than is obtained in the linear piezoelectric regime under identical measurement conditions but during loading below the coercive stress of the phase change. The phase transition mode of electromechanical transduction holds potential for non-resonant energy harvesting from low-frequency vibrations and does not require mechanical frequency up-conversion.
An Implemented Method for Incremental Systolic Design

We present a mathematically rigorous and, at the same time, convenient method for systolic design and derive alternative systolic designs for one expository matrix computation problem: matrix multiplication. Each design is synthesized from a simple program and a proposed layout of processors. The synthesis derives (1) a systolic parallel execution, (2) channel connections for the proposed processor layout, and (3) an arrangement of data streams such that the systolic execution can begin. Our choices of alternative designs are governed by formal theorems. The synthesis method is implementable and is particularly effective if implemented with graphics capability. Our implementation on the Symbolics 3600 displays the resulting designs and simulated executions graphically on the screen. The method has also been successfully applied to other matrix computation problems.
Effects of naltrexone on adolescent alcohol cue reactivity and sensitivity: an initial randomized trial.

Adolescent alcohol use is associated with myriad adverse consequences and contributes to the leading causes of mortality among youth. Despite the magnitude of this public health problem, evidenced-based treatment initiatives for alcohol use disorders in youth remain inadequate. Identifying promising pharmacological approaches may improve treatment options. Naltrexone is an opiate receptor antagonist that is efficacious for reducing drinking in adults by attenuating craving and the rewarding effects of alcohol. Implications of these findings for adolescents are unclear; however, given that randomized trials of naltrexone with youth are non-existent. We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over study, comparing naltrexone (50 mg/daily) and placebo in 22 adolescent problem drinkers aged 15-19 years (M = 18.36, standard deviation = 0.95; 12 women). The primary outcome measures were alcohol use, subjective responses to alcohol consumption, and alcohol-cue-elicited craving assessed in the natural environment using ecological momentary assessment methods, and craving and physiological reactivity assessed using standard alcohol cue reactivity procedures. Results showed that naltrexone reduced the likelihood of drinking and heavy drinking (P's ≤ 0.03), blunted craving in the laboratory and in the natural environment (P's ≤ 0.04), and altered subjective responses to alcohol consumption (P's ≤ 0.01). Naltrexone was generally well tolerated by participants. This study provides the first experimentally controlled evidence that naltrexone reduces drinking and craving, and alters subjective responses to alcohol in a sample of adolescent problem drinkers, and suggests larger clinical trials with long-term follow-ups are warranted.
Mechanistic investigations of the dehydration reaction of lacticin 481 synthetase using site-directed mutagenesis.

Lantibiotic synthetases catalyze the dehydration of Ser and Thr residues in their peptide substrates to dehydroalanine (Dha) and dehydrobutyrine (Dha), respectively, followed by the conjugate addition of Cys residues to the Dha and Dhb residues to generate the thioether crosslinks lanthionine and methyllanthionine, respectively. In this study ten conserved residues have been mutated in the dehydratase domain of the best characterized family member, lacticin 481 synthetase (LctM). Mutation of His244 and Tyr408 did not affect dehydration activity with the LctA substrate whereas mutation of Asn247, Glu261, and Glu446 considerably slowed down dehydration and resulted in incomplete conversion. Mutation of Lys159 slowed down both steps of the net dehydration: phosphorylation of Ser/Thr residues and the subsequent phosphate elimination step to form the dehydro amino acids. Mutation of Arg399 to Met or Leu resulted in a mutant that had phosphorylation activity but displayed greatly decreased phosphate elimination activity. The Arg399Lys mutant retained both activities, however. Similarly, the Thr405Ala mutant phosphorylated the LctA substrate but had compromised elimination activity. Finally, mutation of Asp242 or Asp259 to Asn lead to mutant enzymes that lacked detectable dehydration activity. Whereas the Asp242Asn mutant retained phosphate elimination activity, the Asp259Asn mutant was not able to eliminate phosphate from a phosphorylated substrate peptide. A model is presented that accounts for the observed phenotypes of these mutant enzymes.
Effects of VEGF on MDA-MB-435s cancer cell adhesion to microvessel walls in vivo

To investigate whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increases cancer cell adhesion to intact microvessels, we measured adhesion rates of MDA-MB-435s human breast cancer cells in the postcapillary venule of rat mesentery by in vivo video microscopy. An individual postcapillary venule in the mesentery was cannulated via a glass micropipette filled with cancer cells and 1% BSA Ringer solution (control) or that with additional 1nM VEGF. The perfusion was done by a water manometer connected to the micropipette and the perfusion velocity was ~1 mm/s. Cell adhesion was measured as the number of adherent cells in a vessel segment for ~60 min. Our results showed that during both control and the VEGF treatment, the number of adherent cells increased almost linearly with time over ~60 min. The VEGF treatment increased the adhesion rates of MDA-MB-435s by 1.6-fold. We also measured cancer cell adhesion after pretreatment of cells with an antibody blocking VEGF and pretreatment of the microvessel with VEGF receptor (KDR/Flk-1) inhibitor, SU1498. Both anti-VEGF and SU1498 significantly reduced cell adhesion (P<0.05). Our results indicate that VEGF enhances cancer cell adhesion to the normal microvessel wall, and further suggest that VEGF and its receptor, KDR/Flk-1, contribute to mammary cancer cell adhesion to vascular endothelium in vivo.
Semiclassical laser-cooling theory for a trapped multistate ion

We present a semiclassical laser-cooling theory for an ion bound in a quadratic potential well, allowing for an arbitrary internal level scheme of the ion and an arbitrary polarization of the light field. The special case that the ion moves in a region much smaller than the wavelength of the exciting light (Lamb-Dicke limit), as well as an additional low-intensity limit, are worked out in detail. Explicit general expressions are given for the damping and diffusion tensors of the center-of-mass motion of the ion, and the light-induced renormalization of the mechanical oscillation frequencies is discussed. The formalism is implemented analytically using a computer program mathematica for an ion with a j=1/2\ensuremath{\rightarrow}j=3/2 transition moving in a one-dimensional optical molasses consisting of two counterpropagating laser beams with perpendicular linear polarizations (lin \ensuremath{\perp} lin). For a weakly bound ion at negligible saturation, the greatest lower limit of excitation energy turns out to be (33/20${)}^{1/2}$-1/2\ensuremath{\approxeq}0.78 vibrational quanta above the zero-point energy.
Contributing factor to Mycoplasma pneumoniae produced stimulation of rhinovirus-RNA synthesis

It has been demonstrated thatRhinovirus ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis was greater inMycoplasma pneumoniae inoculated KB (Human Carcinoma of Nasopharynx) cells than in PPLO-free tissue systems (Milligan III & Fletcher, 1969). In this study,Mycoplasma pneumoniae was grown on glass to eliminate the PPLO medium. However, if PPLO medium was added to theMycoplasma pneumoniae inoculum, stimulation of viral-RNA synthesis was greater than in the presence of PPLO alone. Rhinovirus-RNA synthesis, measured by uridine-3H uptake, in the presence ofMycoplasma pneumoniae andMycoplasma pneumoniae plus medium was enhanced 1.2-fold and 1.4-fold respectively, above virus synthesis in untreated KB cell systems. PPLO medium did not appear to significantly stimulate viral RNA synthesis. However, a 5-fold increase in the concentration of the medium or its components resulted in greater viral RNA replication. The medium components, yeast extract and PPLO broth (Difco), stimulated viral RNA synthesis 4-fold and 2-fold, respectively. Our findings also demonstrated that other components, agar, phenol red, and dextrose, inhibited viral replication, whereas horse serum appeared to have no effect.
Agreement Between Self-Report and Birth Certificate for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: New York State PRAMS

This study examined agreement (concordance or convergent validity) between self-report and birth certificate for gestational diabetes. Study population was 2,854 women who had live births 2–6 months earlier and responded to a questionnaire from the New York State Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) survey, 2004–2006. Agreement between self-report and birth certificate was assessed for the study population overall, and for subgroups defined by race, age, education, marital status, number of previous live births, time of first prenatal care, and birth weight of the newborn. A total of 258 women self-reported gestational diabetes, while birth certificates indicated that 138 women had gestational diabetes. For the study population overall, percent agreement was 93.8% and Kappa was 0.53. Due to the moderate bias index (68.2% overall, ranged from 33.3 to 100% in subgroups) and the high skewed prevalence index (91.8% overall, ranged from 70.7 to 97.5% in subgroups), we determined Prevalence-Adjusted and Bias-Adjusted Kappa (PABAK) was a better measure of agreement. PABAK was 0.88 overall, indicating very good agreement. PABAK was uniformly high in all subgroups. The highest PABAK was found among women aged 25 years and younger (0.93), and the lowest PABAK was among Asian women (0.79). Although the absence of a gold standard for gestational diabetes hinders assessment of criterion validity, high PABAK measures suggest that self-reporting by PRAMS respondents is feasible for identifying cases of gestational diabetes for surveillance and population-based epidemiologic research.
Total Synthesis of (+)-Condylocarpine, (+)-Isocondylocarpine, and (+)-Tubotaiwine

The first enantioselective total syntheses of indole alkaloids of the condylocarpine type are reported. (+)-Condylocarpine, (+)-isocondylocarpine, and (+)-tubotaiwine were prepared in high enantiomeric purity (er > 99:1) from (1S,5R)-hexahydro-1,5-methano-1H-azocino[4,3-b]indole-12-one 7b by way of five or six isolated intermediates.
AB initio effective spin—orbit operators for use in atomic and molecular structure calculations. Results for carbon and silicon

Abstract Ab initio effective spin-orbit operators for carbon and silicon are derived from relativistic effective core potentials based on Dirac—Fock wavefunctions. Transferability of these operators to electronic states other than the one used in the original derivation is treated by calculating spin—orbit splittings of various neutral and ionic atomic states.
Membrane response to static magnetic fields : effect of exposure duration

The time-course for the reversible alteration in presynaptic membrane function associated with exposure to a 123 mT static magnetic field was examined in an attempt to help define the mechanism whereby these fields influence biomembranes. Miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs) were recorded in the isolated murine neuromuscular junction preparation, maintained at a temperature of 35.5 degrees C. A minimum field duration of 50 s was found to be necessary for MEPP inhibition, with the efficacy of the field in inducing further inhibition being a function of its duration, but only for periods up to 150 s. Longer durations were not associated with additional inhibition. The time required for MEPP frequency to return to baseline, following deactivation of the field, was found to be linear for field durations up to 150 s. At and above this limit, recovery time remained constant at 135 s. These findings are consistent with the slow reorientation of diamagnetic molecular domains within the membrane and suggest tight coupling to the mechanism responsible for neurotransmitter release. The limits on this effect are compatible with the mechanical constraints imposed by the membrane's cytoskeleton.
Carotid Body Chemoreception: Mechanisms and Dynamic Protection against Apnea

A critical role of peripheral chemoreceptors in terminating apnea and in initiating normal breathing has been emphasized. Since these are the only organs which signal hypoxia, failure of its adequate development can contribute to the disease of respiratory failure in neonatal life. The failure may reside in any of the steps from initiation of O2 chemoreception involving respiratory and non-respiratory pigments, ion balance including H+ and Ca2+, neurotransmitter mechanisms and transduction.
Field Dimensions and Polarization Gains in Electromagnetic Systems

The dimensions of electromagnetic fields on linear, planar, and volumetric observation manifolds are studied by rigorously deriving and counting all the significant modes to linearly represent the fields with great accuracy. The fields are received with either full scattering or azimuthal scattering only. Both the uni-polarized scalar wave case and the fully-polarized vector wave case are investigated. The ratio of the field dimensions between the two cases gives rise to what is usually called the polarization gain in the literature. By tackling the problem from a purely electromagnetics perspective, this work offers an alternative approach of assessing the MIMO degrees-of-freedom limit in addition to a heuristic approach utilized by a recent study. Involving almost no approximation during the analysis, the results here bring improvement in terms of rigor and accuracy over those from the heuristic approach. Additionally, by using some numerical examples, this paper also explains how the field dimensions and the polarization gains should be properly interpreted in the context of realistic MIMO applications.
Virilizing Adrenal Adenoma with Studies on the Steroid Content of the Adrenal Venous Effluent and a Review of the Literature

THIS IS a report of a new instance of a patient with a virilizing adrenal adenoma in whom the steroid content of both adrenal venous effluents was assayed. In addition the study delineates the clinical and biochemical findings in the reported instances of virilizing adenoma including the available data on the steroid content of adrenal venous effluent. Pure virilizing adrenal adenoma in the adult female is a rare disorder. We have been able to collect only 34 such instances in the literature, including 3 of our own (1–30) (Table 1). For purposes of comparison, the details of the clinical features and biochemical values obtained in 18 reported children with virilizing adrenal adenoma (12, 31–45) (Table 2) are also presented, as well as some data on the adrenal venous effluent on all 8 adult female patients with pure virilizing adrenocortical carcinoma documented in the literature (9, 12, 46–49) (Table 3).
Exposure Assessment of 3,3′-Dichlorobenzidine (DCB) at Two Chemical Plants

Abstract 3,3′-Dichlorobenzidine (DCB), an analogue of benzidine, has been an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-regulated carcinogen since 1974. This article presents a limited case study evaluating worker exposure to DCB at two pigment manufacturing plants. In each plant, exposure to DCB was estimated by personal breathing-zone (PBZ) and general area (GA) air samples, by skin patch and surface wipe samples, and by analysis of urine collected before and after the DCB-charging operation. Plant A performs the DCB-charging operation in a dedicated 12-ft × 10-ft enclosed room. Two workers perform the operation, each wearing full protective clothing and an air-supplied hood. After decontaminating the work area with a sodium hypochlorite bleach solution, the workers enter a “dirty” change room to undress, and then shower and change into clean work clothes in a “clean” change room. The levels of DCB found averaged 0.45 μg/m3, PBZ; 0.18 μg/m3, GA; and 0.04 μg/cm2, skin. Detectable levels of urin...
Boundedness of Solutions of a Nonlinear Nonautonomous Neutral Delay Equation

Abstract Sufficient conditions are obtained for the boundedness of solutions of the non-linear nonautonomous neutral equation x (t) = r(t) x(t)(a(t) − x(t − 1) − c(t) x (t − 1)) , which arise in a “food-limited” population model. This partially answers a recent open question proposed by K. Gopalsamy and B. G. Zhang.
Detecting activity-evoked pH changes in human brain

Localized pH changes have been suggested to occur in the brain during normal function. However, the existence of such pH changes has also been questioned. Lack of methods for noninvasively measuring pH with high spatial and temporal resolution has limited insight into this issue. Here we report that a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) strategy, T1 relaxation in the rotating frame (T1ρ), is sufficiently sensitive to detect widespread pH changes in the mouse and human brain evoked by systemically manipulating carbon dioxide or bicarbonate. Moreover, T1ρ detected a localized acidosis in the human visual cortex induced by a flashing checkerboard. Lactate measurements and pH-sensitive 31P spectroscopy at the same site also identified a localized acidosis. Consistent with the established role for pH in blood flow recruitment, T1ρ correlated with blood oxygenation level-dependent contrast commonly used in functional MRI. However, T1ρ was not directly sensitive to blood oxygen content. These observations indicate that localized pH fluctuations occur in the human brain during normal function. Furthermore, they suggest a unique functional imaging strategy based on pH that is independent of traditional functional MRI contrast mechanisms.
MATLAB functions to analyze directional (azimuthal) data-II: Correlation

Data that represent azimuthal directions cannot be analyzed in the same manner as ordinary linear variables that measure, for example, size or quality. This is especially true for correlations between variables. Although many statistical techniques have been developed for dealing with directional data, software is scarce for the unique calculations. This paper describes a MATLAB script, located on the IAMG server, that calculates measures of association (correlations) between two circular variables, or between a circular and a linear variable. The calculations include tests of significance of the associations. These tests use large-sample approximations or resampling methods.
Heart Failure Management: The Present and the Future

Abstract Clinical heart failure has been defined for a long time as a clinical syndrome with symptoms and signs including shortness of breath, cyanosis, ascites, and edema. However, in recent years, with the thought of promoting early diagnosis and heart-failure prevention, the concept of heart failure has often been defined simply as a subject with severe LV dysfunction and a dilated left ventricle, or by some, defined by evidence of increased circulating levels of molecular markers of cardiac dysfunction, such as ANP and BNP. Heart failure has been considered an irreversible clinical end point. Current medical management for heart failure only relieves symptoms, slows deterioration, and prolongs life modestly. However, in the recent years, rejuvenation of the failing myocardium began to seem possible as the accumulating preclinical studies demonstrated that rejuvenating the myocardium at the molecular and cellular level can be achieved by gene therapy or stem cell transplantation. Here, we review select...
Nafion based smart membrane as an actuator array

To answer the need for a dense array of actuators, we tried to integrate several actuators in a single Nafion membrane by simply patterning the soft metal electrodes deposited on the membrane. We designed several independent octagonal electrodes on the same membrane. The experiments showed that we could actuate each cell independently. The use of gold electrodes and tetraethyl ammonium ion instead of platinum copper electrodes and copper ion improves the repeatability but at the cost of the large deformation. We studied the influence of the membrane thickness on actuation. Nafion 115 (125-micron thick) showed a similar behavior than the classic Nafion 117 (180-micron thick). We also investigated Nafion 112 (50-micron thick) as an actuator. We did 6 gold plating cycles to deposit the same amount of gold as on the other membranes. This membrane showed a unique actuation behavior, due its high flexibility. We prepared a 3x3 array of disk shaped actuators using Nafion 112. We used hydrophobic masks to create the patterning. Upon actuation the cell quickly reached a quite large deformation and relaxed to an equilibrium position. To get actuation between two stable positions we are currently trying to create symmetric equilibrium positions for the cell.
Bifurcation phenomena in singular free boundary value problems of ordinary differential equations

Abstract In [8] we computed the numerical solution of a parameterized ordinary differential equation (ODE) boundary value problem (BVP) with a singularity posed on a free boundary. We found that as a parameter varies, the solution of the ODE BVP can be either isolated or a region. In this paper, by a simple example, we demonstrate that such phenomena are typical of singular free boundary value problems and how a bifurcation from a solution curve to a solution region can occur.
Understanding and Caring for the Distressed Patient With Multiple Medically Unexplained Symptoms

Background: Although physicians commonly encounter patients with complicated medical problems, some have a mix of unexplained medical symptoms and distress that can seem overwhelming to patient and physician alike. Methods: We describe a model for thinking about and helping these complex patients. The model was developed from our personal clinical experience as primary care psychiatric consultants, as well as from a review of the literature using such key words as “difficult,” “frustrating,” and “somatization.” Results: The model involves understanding predisposing factors that render the patient vulnerable to the development of a disabling condition, precipitating factors that initiate an episode of illness, and perpetuating factors that maintain maladaptive illness behaviors with time. Conclusions: Awareness of these factors allows the clinician not only to tolerate and gradually unravel the complicated interactions that create and sustain distress in patients with multiple medically unexplained symptoms, but also devise practical and effective management strategies for these complex patients.
PS2-3: Virtual Diabetes Education Improves Resident Physician Knowledge and Performance: A Cluster Randomized Trial

Background/Aims The aim of the study was to evaluate an online virtual educational experience on resident physician knowledge and ability to manage patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).
IS VIOLENCE NATURAL

. The balance of obedience/aggressiveness is necessarily skewed to the left in infancy; maturation shifts it to the right. Hierarchies greatly reduce overt violence. Positional shifts in a hierarchy take place through violence or the threat of violence. Self-serving individuals tend to upset hierarchical balance. Peace is served by the acceptance of a sovereign power (like the nation), which gives justice precedence over fairness. “Justice as fairness” is a pernicious doctrine. Religion has in the past favored secular sovereignty for the sake of peace; hence the protection of religions by sovereign powers.
Techniques of ground-water recharge estimates in arid/semi-arid areas, with examples from Abu Dhabi

A water-balance approach to estimate ground-water recharge is developed for ungaged basins of Oman and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The technique uses a distributed transmission-loss model for ephemeral stream-flow in arid/semi-arid areas that is calibrated using relations between channel morphology and discharge characteristics, and between drainage-basin areas and flood magnitudes. Inputs for the transmission-loss model, including precipitation, may be determined using geomorphically established outflows from selected basins. Recharge is estimated by routing discharge of an index storm downchannel, accounting for channel losses and adjusting for interchannel recharge during low-frequency precipitation events.
Plasma polymerization investigated by the substrate temperature dependence

Plasma polymerization of tetra fluoroethylene (TFE), perfluoro-2-butyl-tetrahydrofuran (PFBTHF), ethylene, and styrene were investigated in various combinations of monomer flow rates and discharge wattages for the substrate temperature range of −50 to 80°C. The polymer deposition rates can be generally expressed by k0 = Ae−bt, where k0 is the specific deposition rate given by k0 = (deposition rate)/(mass flow rate of monomer), A is the preexponential factor representing the extrapolated value of k0 at zero absolute temperature, and b is the temperature-dependence coefficient. It was found that the value of b is not dependent on the condensibility of monomer but depends largely on the group of monomer; that is, perfluorocarbons versus hydrocarbons. The values of A are dependent on domains of plasma polymerization. In the energy deficient region A is given by A = α(W/FM)n, where α is the proportionality constant, W is discharge wattage, FM is the mass flow rate, and n is close to unity. In the monomer deficient region A becomes a constant. The kinetic equation is discussed in view of the bicyclic rapid step-growth polymerization mechanisms.
Vectorial apical delivery and slow endocytosis of a glycolipid-anchored fusion protein in transfected MDCK cells.

Abstract To characterize the mechanisms that determine the apical polarity of proteins anchored by glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI), we studied the targeting of a GPI-anchored form of a herpes simplex glycoprotein, gD-1, in transfected MDCK cells. Using a biotin-based targeting assay, we found that GPI-anchored gD-1 was sorted intracellularly and delivered directly to the apical surface. Endocytosis of GPI-anchored gD-1 occurred slowly and preferentially from the apical domain, while transcytosis of the basolateral fraction did not occur at a significant rate (incompatible with being a precursor to the apical pool). Prevention of tight junction formation by incubation in medium with micromolar Ca2+ resulted in expression of GPI-anchored gD-1 on the free surface, but not on the attached surface of the cell. Our results indicate that the apical polarity of a GPI-anchored protein is generated by vectorial delivery to the apical membrane, where its distribution is maintained by slow endocytosis and by a retention system not necessarily involving the tight junction.
Monte Carlo and Poisson-Boltzmann calculations of the fraction of counterions bound to DNA.

The counterion density and the condensation region around DNA have been examined as functions of both ion size and added-salt concentration using Metropolis Monte Carlo (MC) and Poisson–Boltzmann (PB) methods. Two different definitions of the “bound” and “free” components of the electrolyte ion atmosphere were used to compare these approaches. First, calculation of the ion density in different spatial regions around the polyelectrolyte molecule indicates, in agreement with previous work, that the PB equation does not predict an invariance of the surface concentration of counterions as electrolyte is added to the system. Further, the PB equation underestimates the counterion concentration at the DNA surface, compared to the MC results, the difference being greatest in the grooves, where ionic concentrations are highest. If counterions within a fixed radius of the helical axis are considered to be bound, then the fraction of polyelectrolyte charge neutralized by counterions would be predicted to increase as the bulk electrolyte concentration increases. A second categorization—one in which monovalent cations in regions where the average electrostatic potential is ledd than −kT are considered to be bound—provides an informative basis for comparison of MC and PB with each other and with counterion-condensation theory. By this criterion, PB calculations on the B from of DNA indicate that the amount of bound counterion charge per phosphate group is about .67 and is independent of salt concentration. A particularly provocative observatiob is that when this binding criterion is used, MC calculations quantitatively reproduce the bound fraction predicated by counterion-condensation theory for all-atom models of B-DNA and A-DNA as well as for charged cylindera of varying lineat charge densities. For example, for B-DNA and A-DNA, the fractions of phosphate groups neutralized by 2 A hard sphere counterions are 0.768 and .817, respectively. For theoretical studies, the rediys enclosing the region in which the electrostatic potential is calculated studies, the radius enclosing the region in which the electrostatic potential is calculated to be less than −kT is advocated s a more suitable binding or condensation radius that enclosing the fraction of counterions given by (1 – ξ−1). A comparsion of radii calculated using both of these definitions is presented. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Regional distribution of lead in human milk from Egypt

Abstract Bioaccumulation of lead during chronic exposure and its mobilization and secretion with mother's milk constitute a serious health hazard to the newly bom children. Lead levels in human breast milk of 120 Egyptian women representing 20 different governorates throughout Egypt were determined using a graphite furnace Atomic Absorption spectrometer. According to the daily permissible intake (DPI) value established by the WHO of 5.0 μg/kg/d in mother's milk, the mean values of lead were around the permissible level in most of the Egyptian governorates. However, lead levels in mother's milk from Alexandria, Assiut and Cairo were significantly higher than the permissible value. Higher lead levels in mother's milk from these governorates may be attributed to heavy automobile traffic using leaded gasoline in addition to the use of lead water pipelines in these areas.
Dietary n-6 PUFA deprivation for 15 weeks reduces arachidonic acid concentrations while increasing n-3 PUFA concentrations in organs of post-weaning male rats

Abstract Few studies have examined effects of feeding animals a diet deficient in n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) but with an adequate amount of n-3 PUFAs. To do this, we fed post-weaning male rats a control n-6 and n-3 PUFA adequate diet and an n-6 deficient diet for 15 weeks, and measured stable lipid and fatty acid concentrations in different organs. The deficient diet contained nutritionally essential linoleic acid (LA,18:2n-6) as 2.3% of total fatty acids (10% of the recommended minimum LA requirement for rodents) but no arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6), and an adequate amount (4.8% of total fatty acids) of α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3). The deficient compared with adequate diet did not significantly affect body weight, but decreased testis weight by 10%. AA concentration was decreased significantly in serum (− 86%), brain (− 27%), liver (− 68%), heart (− 39%), testis (− 25%), and epididymal adipose tissue (− 77%). Eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) concentrations were increased in all but adipose tissue, and the total monounsaturated fatty acid concentration was increased in all organs. The concentration of 20:3n-9, a marker of LA deficiency, was increased by the deficient diet, and serum concentrations of triacylglycerol, total cholesterol and total phospholipid were reduced. In summary, 15 weeks of dietary n-6 PUFA deficiency with n-3 PUFA adequacy significantly reduced n-6 PUFA concentrations in different organs of male rats, while increasing n-3 PUFA and monounsaturated fatty acid concentrations. This rat model could be used to study metabolic, functional and behavioral effects of dietary n-6 PUFA deficiency.
Modulation of SAP dependent T:B cell interactions as a strategy to improve vaccination

Generating long-term humoral immunity is a crucial component of successful vaccines and requires interactions between T cells and B cells in germinal centers (GC). In GCs, a specialized subset of CD4+ helper T cells, called T follicular helper cells (Tfh), provide help to B cells; this help directs the magnitude and quality of the antibody response. Tfh cell help influences B cell survival, proliferation, somatic hypermutation, class switch recombination, and differentiation. Sustained contact between Tfh cells and B cells is necessary for the provision of help to B cells. SAP (Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM)-associated protein, encoded by Sh2d1a) regulates the duration of T:B cell interactions and is required for long-term humoral immunity in animal models and in humans. SAP binds to SLAM family receptors and mediates signaling that affects cell adhesion, cytokine secretion, and TCR signaling strength. Therefore, the modulation of SAP and SLAM family receptor expression represents a major axis by which the quality and duration of an antibody response is controlled after vaccination.
Is gestational hypertension beneficial in twin pregnancies

Abstract Objectives Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are commonly associated with impaired foetal growth. However, some studies observed that gestational hypertension in twin pregnancy could be beneficial for foetal growth. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of gestational hypertension on neonatal birth weight among twin pregnancies. Study design This is a retrospective study about the comparison of 196 hypertensive twin pregnancies to 912 normotensive ones, who gave birth in the teaching hospital "A. Gemelli" in Rome from 1980 to 2006. Main outcome measures Birth weight, inter-twin weight discordance and rate of small for gestational age neonates in the first and second twin. Results Birth weight, inter-twin weight discordance and rate of small for gestational age neonates were similar between the two groups. In the normotensive group, the discordance >25% was associated with lower gestational age at the delivery ( p Conclusion Gestational hypertension in twin pregnancies, if compared to normotensive ones, is not detrimental for foetal growth.
Nuclear expression of the antiapoptotic protein survivin in malignant melanoma

BACKGROUND Expression of the antiapoptotic protein survivin has been demonstrated in some melanocytic lesions and is believed to be required for melanoma cell viability. However, its diagnostic value in differentiating melanomas from nevi has not yet been examined. METHODS Tissue microarray blocks were constructed with paraffin-fixed tissue of 19 nevi, 18 dysplastic nevi, 24 malignant melanomas, and 31 metastatic melanomas. Sections were then reacted with three antisurvivin antibodies (two monoclonal and one polyclonal) assessing labeling intensity (absent or weak, and moderate to strong) as well as the percentage of cells labeled (< 25%, ≥ 25%). RESULTS Of the antibodies evaluated, the polyclonal one was found to be the most sensitive. Nuclear immunoreactivity for survivin (i.e., ≥ 25% of cells exhibiting and/or at least moderately intense staining) was seen in a subset of melanomas but not in nevi or dysplastic nevi (P < 0.05) CONCLUSIONS Survivin is variably expressed in the cytoplasm in the entire spectrum of melanocytic lesions, with nuclear expression detectable only in melanomas. These data may underscore the importance of nuclear survivin in progression to melanoma and may prove useful in the differential diagnosis of melanoma versus nevus. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Improved serum-free culture conditions for spleen-derived murine fibrocytes

Both wound repair and fibrosing diseases involve circulating monocytes entering a tissue and differentiating into fibroblast-like cells called fibrocytes. Fibrocyte biology has been extensively studied in both humans and mice. However, current in vitro techniques to culture murine fibrocytes can take up to two weeks and can require multiple mice to obtain enough circulating monocytes for a single experiment. An alternative source of fibrocytes is the splenic reservoir of monocytes, where one can obtain significantly more cells compared to the peripheral blood. We found that in serum-free medium, fibrocytes differentiate from murine spleen cells within 5 days. To maximize fibrocyte yield, we found the optimal purification technique was to digest the spleen with a collagenase/DNase cocktail, pass the cells through a cell strainer, and lyse the red blood cells. We found that IL-13 and M-CSF significantly enhanced fibrocyte differentiation and that the optimal cell density to promote differentiation was 1.75×10⁶ cells/ml. Serum amyloid P (SAP) and cross-linked IgG are two factors known to inhibit the differentiation of human monocytes into fibrocytes. We found that SAP and cross-linked IgG also inhibited the differentiation of murine spleen cells into fibrocytes. These results suggest that culturing murine spleen cells in serum-free medium is a rapid and efficient system to study factors that can affect fibrocyte differentiation.
Influence of a River Plume on the Distribution of Brachyuran Crab and Mytilid Bivalve Larvae in Saco Bay, Maine

Larvae of most coastal marine invertebrates develop through a series of pelagic stages in the inner shelf regions where they are subject to strong velocity fields, including buoyancy-driven flows from river plumes. Taxon-specific larval behavior can interact with flow fields to determine dispersal trajectories. In this study, we examined the hydrodynamic features of the Saco River plume (in the southwestern Gulf of Maine) from July to August and explored how larval behavior may alter the distribution of mytilid (i.e., Mytilus and Modiolus) bivalve larvae and three genera of brachyuran (Carcinus, Hemigrapsus, and Cancer) crab larvae in and around that plume. Hydrographic surveys (via conductivity-temperature-depth casts) and larval sampling (via plankton tows) were conducted to assess temporal and spatial variation in the horizontal and vertical distribution of larvae. The horizontal extent of the Saco River plume varied little during our study and was governed by both inertial and rotational effects. Late stage mytilid larvae were relatively homogeneously distributed in and out of the plume, while the distribution of brachyuran larvae varied among different locations, species, and larval stages. We conclude that mytilid larvae entered the plume through physical entrainment and/or upward swimming processes and could tolerate salinities associated with the plume (<25). By contrast, brachyuran larvae avoided the plume via downward swimming to avoid osmotic stress, or had perished prior to sampling.
Effect of electrode dimensionality and morphology on the performance of Cu2Sb thin film electrodes for lithium-ion batteries

Although graphitic carbons have been commercially used in lithium-ion batteries for many years, their low crystallographic density limits their use in applications where space is at a premium. Among the alternative anode materials being considered for these applications are Zintl phases and intermetallic insertion anodes. Historically, main-group-metal-based anode materials have had problems with respect to volume expansion experienced on lithiation and its effect on cycle life. In this paper, we report the role of morphology and electrode dimensionality in extending the cycle life of the intermetallic insertion anode Cu₂Sb. We have found that controlling the surface area of the active material and building internal volume into the electrode structure significantly decreases the capacity fade on cycling. The decrease in fade rate may be due to the active material gradient identified within the structure produced by the electrodeposition process. This enhancement in cycling can be attributed to keeping the displaced copper closer to the active particles and to reducing the diffusion distances within the electrode.