cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Myb–p300 Interaction Is a Novel Molecular Pharmacologic Target

See related article by Uttarkar et al., [p. 1276][1] There are large and growing numbers of molecularly targeted agents under study in oncology. Yet, the nature of the pathways targeted in the cancer clinic should be broadened ([1][2]). Success stories include the discoveries of antagonists that
PREDICTION OF TIME-VARYING MUSICAL MOOD DISTRIBUTIONS FROM AUDIO

The appeal of music lies in its ability to express emotions, and it is natural for us to organize music in terms of emotional associations. But the ambiguities of emotions make the determination of a single, unequivocal response label for the mood of a piece of music unrealistic. We address this lack of specificity by modeling human response labels to music in the arousal-valence (A-V) representation of affect as a stochastic distribution. Based upon our collected data, we present and evaluate methods using multiple sets of acoustic features to estimate these mood distributions parametrically using multivariate regression. Furthermore, since the emotional content of music often varies within a song, we explore the estimation of these A-V distributions in a time-varying context, demonstrating the ability of our system to track changes on a short-time basis.
Y la ana lloro: cesion de un sitio para casa, san miguel tocuilan, 1583

A latter sixteenth-century document from a small town on the eastern shore of Lake Texcoco tells in considerable detail the story of how a married couple, related to a member of the town council, obtained the grant of a house site. The document reports the process from the first feelers put out by the family, through the council's colorful deliberations on the occasion of a meal, to the proceedings at the site and the general embraces at the end. Everything is told in dialogue form, an extreme example of the declamatory tendency of colonial Nahuatl documentation in general. Several aspects of social and political ritual are revealed, including the role of the woman as principal petitioner for a family.
Genomics and Behavioral Evidence

This article summarizes the history and current status of testimony regarding behavioral genetics and genomics. Depending on the case specifics, testimony regarding a person's genetic makeup may constitute evidence of a particular psychiatric diagnosis, may simply support the diagnosis in a general way, or may help explain the person's behavior. In criminal trials, testimony regarding behavioral genomics—including gene and environment interactions—is most likely to be relevant as mitigation in sentencing hearings. Ordinarily, genotyping a defendant is only one part of a comprehensive psychiatric and psychological forensic evaluation. Keywords: genetics; genomics; behavior; violence; mitigation; forensic psychiatric evaluation
A mechanical pivot-shift device for continuously applying defined loads to cadaveric knees

Current techniques to study the biomechanics of the pivot-shift utilize either static or poorly defined loading conditions. Here, a novel mechanical pivot-shift device that continuously applies well-defined loads to cadaveric knees is characterized and validated against the manual pivot-shift. Six fresh-frozen human lower limb specimens were potted at the femur, mounted on a hinged testing base, and fitted with the mechanical device. Five mechanical and manual pivot-shift tests were performed on each knee by two examiners before and after transecting the ACL. Three-dimensional kinematics (anterior and internal-rotary displacements, and posterior and external-rotary velocities) and kinetics (forces and moments applied to the tibia by the device) were recorded using an optical navigation system and 6-axis load cell. Analysis of variance and Bland–Altman statistics were used to gauge repeatability within knees, reproducibility between knees, agreement between the mechanical and manual test methods, and agreement between examiners. The forces and moments applied by the device were continuous and repeatable/reproducible to within 4/10 % of maximum recorded values. Kinematic variables (excluding external-rotary velocity) were qualitatively and quantitatively similar to manual pivot-shift kinematics, and were more repeatable and reproducible. The presented device induces pivot-shift-like kinematics by applying highly repeatable three-dimensional loads to cadaver knees. It is based on a simple mechanical principle and designed using easily obtainable components. Consequently, the device enables orthopaedic biomechanists to easily and reliably quantify the effect of ACL injury and reconstruction on pivot-shift kinematics.
Plane wave injection technique to calculate RCS in a 2-D TLM network

A technique for introducing an infinite-appearing plane wave into a two-dimensional transmission line matrix (TLM) network is described. The method has been applied to the calculation of the bistatic RCS for a plane wave normally incident on a conducting square cylinder.
Motility and mechanosensitivity of macrocilia in the ctenophore Beroë.

Mechanical activation of the microtubule sliding mechanism in cilia and flagella1–3 by local passive bending has been postulated to be essential for the initiation and propagation of bending waves along the axoneme4,5. In addition, responsiveness of cilia to hydrodynamic forces imposed externally by their neighbours is thought to be responsible for metachronal coordination of ciliary activity6–10, as well as for synchronal beating of component cilia within compound ciliary organalles11,12. Direct tests of the mechanosensitivity of motile cilia are limited, but generally support these views7,10,11,13–18. It remains problematical, however, whether mechanical interaction between cilia operates continuously during both the effective and recovery phases of the asymmetrical beat cycle. Moreover, the directional sensitivity and temporal responsiveness of motile cilia to mechanical stimuli have been explored in only a few cases7,10.14. Finally, the continuous nature of the ciliary beat cycle has hindered investigation of the ‘switch point hypothesis’ in which doublet sliding is assumed to be activated sequentially on the two halves of the axoneme to produce bends in opposite directions19. Here we report that macrocilia20 on the ctenophore Beroe beat discontinuously with separate effective and recovery strokes, resulting in ‘split-cycle’ waves of metachronal coordination. This new pattern of ciliary beating is used to investigate the motile responses of cilia to controlled mechanical stimuli during each phase of the beat cycle.
Music and video downloading among undergraduate students: Information needs, access and seeking behaviors

According to a 2005 survey on music and video file downloading undertaken as part of the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 35 million Americans (or 27% of Internet users) who are 18 and older have downloaded music or video files. Often regarded as the most active group, undergraduate students are known to get involved with all types of online file sharing activities. The Pew survey also reported that “In all, 48 % of current downloaders have used sources other than peer-to-peer networks or paid music and video services to get music or video files. Beyond MP3 Players, email and instant messaging, these alternatives sources include music and video websites, blogs and online review sites.” Given the scale of such activities, there is need for research that investigates what motivates students' downloading behaviors, how students find information and sources for downloading, and whether and how they communicate their knowledge with each other.
Cutaneous protothecosis. Report of a case from Iran.

We are reporting the first instance of cutaneous Protothecosis observed in Iran. A brief review is made of ten other cases of human prototheca infection of which only five showed primary cutaneous involvement.
Hantavirus regulation of type I interferon responses

Hantaviruses primarily infect human endothelial cells (ECs) and cause two highly lethal human diseases. Early addition of Type I interferon (IFN) to ECs blocks hantavirus replication and thus for hantaviruses to be pathogenic they need to prevent early interferon induction. PHV replication is blocked in human ECs, but not inhibited in IFN deficient VeroE6 cells and consistent with this, infecting ECs with PHV results in the early induction of IFNβ and an array of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs). In contrast, ANDV, HTNV, NY-1V and TULV hantaviruses, inhibit early ISG induction and successfully replicate within human ECs. Hantavirus inhibition of IFN responses has been attributed to several viral proteins including regulation by the Gn proteins cytoplasmic tail (Gn-T). The Gn-T interferes with the formation of STING-TBK1-TRAF3 complexes required for IRF3 activation and IFN induction, while the PHV Gn-T fails to alter this complex or regulate IFN induction. These findings indicate that interfering with early IFN induction is necessary for hantaviruses to replicate in human ECs, and suggest that additional determinants are required for hantaviruses to be pathogenic. The mechanism by which Gn-Ts disrupt IFN signaling is likely to reveal potential therapeutic interventions and suggest protein targets for attenuating hantaviruses.
Effects of dihydroergotoxine (hydergine) on peripheral blood alcohol levels.

Abstract To examine the effects of dihydroergotoxine (DHET) on peripheral blood ethanol levels of adult female mice, ethanol (2 g/kg) was administered orally, either alone or in combination with DHET (2, 4, or 8 mg/kg). Blood was drawn after the first day of drug administration (acute study) and again after 21 days (chronic study). Two additional groups of mice received a single dose of ethanol (2 g/kg) and DHET (2 mg/kg) 15 minutes apart, one group receiving ethanol first, the other DHET as the first dose. Blood samples (100μ1) were collected from the tail vein at 5, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes after treatment. Samples were analyzed by headspace gas chromatography. Results indicate that (a) combining ethanol with DHET significantly reduced blood ethanol levels compared to administration of ethanol alone, (b) chronic conditions produced higher blood ethanol levels, and (c) administration of ethanol 15 minutes before DHET produced a 27% lowering of peripheral blood alcohol levels compared to the reverse order of administration. These data suggest that DHET may be useful for alleviating some of the symptoms associated with alcohol intoxication.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract Technological advances in ultrasound have led to a greater ability to monitor the internal life of the fetus. This has led to fascinating discoveries of fetal physiology as well as to the natural progression of some cardiac defects while in utero. Watching this progression has stimulated the medical/research community to find ways to intervene in those cardiac defects with the highest morbidity and mortality. Although still in the early stages, the challenge continues to be explored in an attempt to stop progression to a more significant defect in utero. This article explores the diagnosis, evaluation for intervention, and the role of a multidisciplinary group in educating, preparing, and caring for these families before birth.
Scale-up model describing the impact of lubrication on tablet tensile strength.

Abstract Lubrication of 2:1 and 1:1 blends of microcrystalline cellulose and spray-dried lactose or dibasic calcium phosphate (DCP) with 0.33% or 1% magnesium stearate, as model free-flowing pharmaceutical formulations, was performed in rotary drum blenders. Blender process parameters examined in this study included type (Bin, V, and Turbula), volume (0.75-Quart to 200-L), fraction of headspace in the blender after the blend is loaded (30–70%), speed (6–202 rpm), and time (up to 225 min). Based on analysis of the experimental data, the following model for the impact of the lubrication process on tablet tensile strength at 0.85 solid fraction, TSSF=0.85, was obtained, TS SF = 0.85 = TS SF = 0.85,0 β exp − γ × V 1 / 3 × F headspace × r + 1 − β , where V is blender volume, Fheadspace is the headspace fraction, r is the number of revolutions (i.e. speed × time), TSSF=0.85,0 is the initial tensile strength of the blend, β is the sensitivity of the blend to lubrication, and γ is the lubrication rate constant of the formulation. This model can be used to maintain tensile strength during scale-up, by ensuring that (V1/3Fheadspacer)1 = (V1/3Fheadspacer)2. The model also suggests that formulations with DCP are less sensitive to lubrication and more slowly lubricated than formulations with spray-dried lactose (i.e. smaller β and γ values).
Physiological correlates of burrow gas conditions in the California ground squirrel.

Abstract 1. 1. Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels were measured in burrows of the California ground squirrel, Spermophilus beecheyi . Mean burrow oxygen concentration in summer was 18·3 per cent, and in winter 17·6 per cent. Mean carbon dioxide levels were 2·4 and 2·9 per cent, respectively. 2. 2. No erythrocyte parameters were found to correlate with these gas concentrations, the Bohr shift fell within typical mammalian values, but the oxygen dissociation curve exhibited a leftward shift. Comparative hematological data from other sciurids are presented. 3. 3. Polycythemia could not be induced by exposing the animals to burrow gas concentrations for times approximating burrow occupancy. 4. 4. At a temperature below thermal neutrality, exposure to burrow gas resulted in a significant decrease in body temperature. Oxygen consumption did not vary significantly with gas concentrations at any temperature tested.
Development and characterization of cell lines of normal mouse bladder epithelial cells and 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced urothelial carcinoma cells grown in monolayer tissue culture

Normal urinary bladder epithelial cells and cells derived from 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced urothelial carcinomas from male Balb/c mice were grown in monolayer culture and were characterized. Cell lines of normal bladder epithelium were mononucleated, sheet-forming cells, with a modal chromosome number of 40. Bladder epithelial carcinoma cells induced by 2-acetylaminofluorene were polynucleate, relatively fast growing, grew in soft agar, demonstrated a higher cloning efficiency than normal cells and formed tumors when inoculated into syngeneic hosts. Differences in morphology were recorded by photomicrography using phase optics and scanning electron microscopy.
Relationships among Individual Task Self-Efficacy, Self-Regulated Learning Strategy Use and Academic Performance in a Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning Environment.

This study investigates relationships between self-efficacy, self-regulated learning strategy use and academic performance. Participants were 96 undergraduate students working on projects with three subtasks (idea generation task, methodical task and data collection) in a blended learning environment. Task self-efficacy was measured with self-reports administered during each subtask. Learning strategies were assessed by counting each instance of strategy use as it occurred in peer-to-peer conversations typed into a computer software system. Results showed that for each subtask, learners with higher task self-efficacy had higher task performance. Those who used more learning strategies on each subtask also had higher performance. In turn, high performance was associated with high self-efficacy on subsequent subtasks. Surprisingly, results showed that task self-efficacy and learning strategy use were not significantly related during any subtask. Overall, results imply that task self-efficacy, learning strat...
Fully automated system for stable isotopic analyses of dissolved nitrous oxide at natural abundance levels

Isotopic and isotopomeric analyses of dissolved nitrous oxide (N2O) can provide important information about the mechanisms of production and consumption of this climatically important trace gas. Increased spatial and temporal data coverage for N2O isotopic measurements are needed to improve our understanding of the production of N2O in a variety of aquatic environments, such as coastal and open ocean areas. A new method is presented for automated measurement of δ15Nbulk, δ18O, and site preference of dissolved nitrous oxide in natural waters using a GC-Pal autosampler and a Finnigan DeltaPlus isotope ratio mass spectrometer and is capable of analyzing 30 samples in 22 h without user attention after the start of the run. The system was first tested with samples produced by injecting our N2O reference gas and/or N2O test mixtures, ranging in isotopic composition and concentration, into N2-sparged seawater. The method was then applied to samples containing a large range of N2O concentrations, δ15Nbulk, δ18O, and site preference values from two high-resolution depth profiles from the Arabian Sea. The results showed precise determination of isotopic values of N2O from 160 mL aqueous samples over the concentration range normally found in the oceans (5–80 nmol L−1). Sample standard deviation for triplicate 160 mL samples at 6 nmol L−1 N2O is better than 0.3‰ for δ15Nbulk, 0.5‰for δ18O, and 1.0‰ for 15N site preference. The automated technique described here requires relatively minor modifications of existing N2O purge and trap systems and can be implemented broadly for a variety of applications.
Navigating to the Future: Understanding Common Tasks in a Multi-Campus Environment in the Dramatically Changing Acquisition World

In the context of a diverse, multi-campus university, this study discusses historical factors and recent changes in scholarly communication and the economic impact of these changes as we seek to forge stronger cooperation among our campuses. After consulting literature, the authors found that issues relating to acquisitions of multi-campus environment are not adequately addressed in the literature. The articles are written both from the administrative or electronic content–sharing purposes and from much larger-scale operations in comparison to our university setup.
Complex scalar singlet dark matter: Vacuum stability and phenomenology

We analyze one-loop vacuum stability, perturbativity, and phenomenological constraints on a complex singlet extension of the standard model scalar sector containing a scalar dark matter candidate. We study vacuum stability considerations using a gauge-invariant approach and compare with the conventional gauge-dependent procedure. We show that, if new physics exists at the TeV scale, the vacuum stability analysis and experimental constraints from the dark matter sector, electroweak precision data, and LEP allow both a Higgs-like scalar in the mass range allowed by the latest results from CMS and ATLAS and a lighter singlet-like scalar with weak couplings to standard model particles. If instead no new physics appears until higher energy scales, there may be significant tension between the vacuum stability analysis and phenomenological constraints (in particular electroweak precision data) to the extent that the complex singlet extension with light Higgs and singlet masses would be ruled out. We comment on the possible implications of a scalar with ∼125 GeV mass and future ATLAS invisible decay searches.
Effect of visual background complexity and light level on the detection of visual signals of male Schizocosa ocreata wolf spiders by female conspecifics

For visual signaling to be effective, animal signals must be detected and discriminated by receivers, often against complex visual backgrounds with varying light levels. Accordingly, in many species, conspicuous visual displays and ornaments have evolved as a means to enhance background contrast and thereby increase the detection and discrimination of male courtship signals by females. Using video playbacks, we tested the hypothesis that visual courtship displays and leg decorations of male Schizocosa ocreata wolf spiders are more conspicuous against complex leaf-litter backgrounds. Video exemplars of courting males with manipulated leg tufts were superimposed on different backgrounds (complex leaf litter in sun or shade, featureless gray background) and presented to female spiders. Females were more likely to orient to males presented against lighter backgrounds (litter in sun, gray) than the darker ones (litter—shade). Males with larger tufts were also more likely to be detected, as latency to orient was shortest for enlarged and longest for removed tufts. Latency of females to approach was shorter against lighter backgrounds, and approach latency was longest for males without tufts. Female receptivity scores were significantly greater for males against lighter backgrounds, and males with larger tufts had higher scores. These results suggest that both complexity and light level of display backgrounds affect the detection of male visual courtship signals by females and that aspects of the male phenotype may increase chances of detection (and receptivity) against visually complex backgrounds.
Assessing Risk of Violent Behavior Among Veterans With Severe Mental Illness

Although empirical research has examined factors associated with increased violence risk among individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) and among veterans without SMI, less attention has been devoted to identifying violence risk factors among veterans with SMI. Using multivariable analysis of a large pooled sample of individuals with SMI, this study examines violence risk factors of N = 278 veterans with SMI. In multivariate modeling, violence by veterans with SMI was associated with head injury, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and homelessness. Results support the view clinicians assessing violence risk among veterans with SMI should consider a combination of characteristics empirically related to violence by non-veterans with SMI (e.g., homelessness) and veterans without SMI (e.g., PTSD).
Effect of glycerol-induced hypertonicity on plasma renin concentration in humans.

AbstractGlycerol in hypertonic solution (80 g in 160 ml) was ingested by 36 patients during evaluation for Meniere's disease. One hour after glycerol, serum osmolality rose an average of 5.7% (17 mOsm/liter), and plasma renin concentration fell an average of 41%. Possible mechanisms for suppression of renin release by hypertonic glycerol are discussed.
Trajectories of positive and negative behaviors from early- to middle-adolescence.

Although the positive youth development (PYD) model initially assumed inverse links between indicators of PYD and of risk/problem behaviors, empirical work in adolescence has suggested that more complex associations exist between trajectories of the two domains of functioning. To clarify the PYD model, this study assessed intraindividual change in positive and problematic indicators across Grades 5–10, and the links between these trajectories of development, among 2,516 participants from the 4-H Study of PYD (58.1% females; 64.9% European American, 7.0% African American, 12.3% Latino/a American, 2.6% Asian American or Pacific Islander, 1.8% Native American, 3.0% multiethnic-racial, and 8.4% with inconsistent race/ethnicity across waves). Results from person-centered analyses indicated that most youth clustered in the high trajectories of positive indicators and in the low trajectories of the negative ones. Consistent with past research, overlap between trajectories of positive and negative behaviors was found. These results suggest that theory and application need to accommodate to variation in the links between positive and problematic developmental trajectories.
Solidarity and empowerment in Chicago’s Puerto Rican print culture

This article chronicles the literary and historical importance of three print materials, to contextualize the importance of a Chicago-based Puerto Rican print culture that in many ways highlighted the social, racial, and class differences of this community, and led to the establishment of Latina/o Studies in the Midwest. The Rican: A Journal of Contemporary Puerto Rican Thought, El Puertorriqueno, as well as the newspapers of the Young Lords Organization (which went by various names during its tenure), provided venues for academic scholars to articulate their own research agendas, and also created spaces to examine and include the voices of the growing Puerto Rican diaspora, while tracing the intricate history of Puerto Ricans in the city.
HOMOLOGOUS AND HETEROLOGOUS PROTEIN-PROTEIN INTERACTIONS OF HUMAN DNA TOPOISOMERASE IIALPHA

Abstract DNA topoisomerase II (topo II; EC 5.99.1.3) is a nuclear enzyme whose DNA decatenating activity on newly replicated DNA is essential to successful cell division. Topo II catalytic activity proceeds by a concerted DNA breakage–reunion reaction coordinated between two interacting, homologous subunits. Human and yeast topo II have recently been shown to enter into heterologous protein–protein interactions and some of these interactions appear necessary for successful chromosomal segregation. In the present study, the sequences mediating homologous and heterologous protein–protein interactions have been investigated biochemically using various truncated peptides from the major α form of human topo II. From nonreducing gel electrophoresis and solid-phase protein–protein binding (Far Western) assays, topo II homodimerization appeared to be minimally governed by the region between amino acids 951 and 1042. However, maximal homodimerization and multimerization required sequences C-terminal to position 1042. Topo II peptides were also able to interact with 10–12 nuclear proteins from HeLa cells, termed topo II-interactive proteins or TIPs. Interestingly, small topo II peptides between residues 808 and 951 that did not homodimerize with topo II (857–1447) were nonetheless capable of binding to HeLa TIPs. These interactions were confirmed by use of topo II affinity chromatography for isolation of specific TIPs from HeLa nuclear extracts. Taken together, these data confirm that human topo II is also capable of heterologous interactions with nuclear proteins and that the region governing these interactions is distinct from, but has some overlap with, sequences directing topo II homodimerization.
Lightwave System Development: Looking Back and Ahead

Jacobs discusses the technological beginnings of fiber communications systems and couples them to key regulatory events that catapulted lightwave systems to their current status.
NEW SPECIES AND COMBINATIONS IN NEOTROPICAL LECYTHIDACEAE

Lecythis barnebyi Mori andCorythophora amapaensis Pires ex Mori & Prance are described and the following new combinations are coined:Lecythis brancoensis (R. Knuth) Mori,L. schwackei (R. Knuth) Mori,L. alutacea (A. C. Smith) Mori,L. lurida (Miers)Mori, L. holcogyne (Sandwith)Mori, L. corrugata Poiteau subsp.rosea (Spruce ex Berg) Mori, andCorythophora labriculata (Eyma) Mori & Prance.
Variations in plasma volume affect total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations during the menstrual cycle.

Serum lipids are known to vary during the menstrual cycle. To determine if changes in plasma volume contribute to this effect, we determined serum lipids, lipoproteins, and estimated changes in plasma volume in 18 premenopausal women at the start of and at 5-day intervals after menstruation. Eleven men served as a comparison group. Changes in plasma volume were estimated from changes in hemoglobin and hematocrit. Total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (mean ± SD) increased 15 ± 14 mg/dL (9% ± 10%) and 11 ± 13 (11% ± 14%) within 10 days after the start of menstruation (P < .05) and then decreased toward baseline during the rest of the cycle. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased 3 mg/dL, or 5%, (P < .05) on days 10 and 15 after menstruation. Plasma volume decreased 4% ± 9% (P < .06) 10 days after the start of menstruation, and this maximum decrease in plasma volume coincided with peak increases in total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol. Except for an 8-mg/dL increase in LDL cholesterol at day 5, lipid changes were no longer significant after adjusting for changes in plasma volume. We conclude that alterations in plasma volume account for approximately half of the increase in total and LDL cholesterol during the menstrual cycle.
Autologous skeletal myoblasts transplanted to ischemia-damaged myocardium in humans. Histological analysis of cell survival and differentiation.

OBJECTIVES We report histological analysis of hearts from patients with end-stage heart disease who were transplanted with autologous skeletal myoblasts concurrent with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. BACKGROUND Autologous skeletal myoblast transplantation is under investigation as a means to repair infarcted myocardium. To date, there is only indirect evidence to suggest survival of skeletal muscle in humans. METHODS Five patients (all male; median age 60 years) with ischemic cardiomyopathy, refractory heart failure, and listed for heart transplantation underwent muscle biopsy from the quadriceps muscle. The muscle specimen was shipped to a cell isolation facility where myoblasts were isolated and grown. Patients received a transplant of 300 million cells concomitant with LVAD implantation. Four patients underwent LVAD explant after 68, 91, 141, and 191 days of LVAD support (three transplant, one LVAD death), respectively. One patient remains alive on LVAD support awaiting heart transplantation. RESULTS Skeletal muscle cell survival and differentiation into mature myofibers were directly demonstrated in scarred myocardium from three of the four explanted hearts using an antibody against skeletal muscle-specific myosin heavy chain. An increase in small vessel formation was observed in one of three patients at the site of surviving myotubes, but not in adjacent tissue devoid of engrafted cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings represent demonstration of autologous myoblast cell survival in human heart. The implanted skeletal myoblasts formed viable grafts in heavily scarred human myocardial tissue. These results establish the feasibility of myoblast transplants for myocardial repair in humans.
Construct Validity of the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery for Children with Learning Disorders:

The underlying constructs of the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery for Older Children (HRNB-C; Reitan, 1969) were examined for a large sample of learning-disabled children. Scores on the H...
Infrared cross-section measurements for crystals doped with Er/sup 3+/, Tm/sup 3+/, and Ho/sup 3+/

The absorption and emission cross sections of the transition between the ground spin-orbit multiplet and the lowest excited multiplet were measured for Er/sup 3+/, Tm/sup 3+/, and Ho/sup 3+/ ions in a variety of crystalline hosts. The materials that were investigated include LiYF/sub 4/, BaY/sub 2/F/sub 8/, Y/sub 3/Al/sub 5/O/sub 12/, LaF/sub 3/, KCaF/sub 3/, YAlO/sub 3/, and La/sub 2/Be/sub 2/O/sub 5/. The absolute magnitudes of the emission cross sections were determined from the absorption spectra, with the aid of the principle of reciprocity. The calculated radiative emission lifetimes derived from these measured cross sections agree well with the measured emission decay times for most materials. The potential use of these rare-earth-doped materials in pulsed laser applications requires that the ground state exhibit adequate splitting to minimize the detrimental effects of the ground state thermal population, and also that the emission cross section be sufficiently large to permit efficient extraction energy. The systems based on Ho/sup 3+/ in the eightfold coordinated sites of LiYF/sub 4/, BaY/sub 2/F/sub 8/, and Y/sub 3/Al/sub 5/O/sub 12/ appear to be the most promising. >
Ab initio molecular orbital study of the weak C̃2A′←X̃2A′ transition of the vinyl radical

Abstract The oscillator strength was calculated for the vinyl radical at MRCISD and CASSCF levels between the ground state and several doublet excited states. Results indicated that the C 2 A ′ ← X 2 A ′ transition, of π*←π character that was usually thought to be strong, was very weak. The C 2 A ′ state is the result of coupling between the π*←π triplet excitation and the nonbonding electron, and the transition is essentially ‘spin-forbidden’. Another high-energy doublet state was found with strong transition from the ground state arising from coupling between the π*←π singlet excitation and the nonbonding electron. This appears to be a common feature for π*←π excitation in σ radicals.
Response to Symptom-Limited Exercise in Patients With the Hepatopulmonary Syndrome

Objective: To study the response to symptom-limited exercise in patients with the hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). Design: The response to maximal cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) was studied in 5 patients with HPS and compared with 10 case control (normoxemic, NC) cirrhotics (matched for age, gender, etiology and severity of liver disease, tobacco use, and β-blocker therapy) and 9 hypoxemic control cirrhotics (HC) without clinical evidence of HPS. Setting: Cardiopulmonary exercise physiology laboratory in a tertiary care referral center. Patients: Cirrhotics referred for CPX as part of their preliver transplantation evaluation. Measurements: Standard pulmonary function tests and echocardiography were performed to assess resting pulmonary and cardiac function. Peak oxygen consumption ( V ˙ o 2 ), minute ventilation, arterial blood gases, and dead space (VD/VT) were determined during symptom-limited maximal CPX. Results: Resting spirometry and lung volumes were similar between HPS and NC subjects, while HC subjects had restrictive physiology. Differences existed in diffusing capacity corrected for hemoglobin and alveolar volume percent predicted (HPS, 45±2 vs NC, 68±3, p 2 (HPS, 70±5 mm Hg; HC, 79±3 mm Hg, vs NC, 102±3 mm Hg, p 2 gradient (HPS, 42±8 mm Hg vs HC, 27±2 mm Hg, p<0.05; vs NC, 6±2 mm Hg, p<0.05). During CPX, HPS patients achieved a lower peak V ˙ o 2 percent predicted (HPS, 55±6 vs NC, 73±3, p<0.05; vs HC, 71±5, p<0.05) and V ˙ o 2 at the ventilatory threshold as percent predicted peak V ˙ o 2 (HPS, 36±2 vs NC, 55±4, p 2 (HPS, 50±5 mm Hg vs NC, 97±4 mm Hg, p 2 gradient (HPS, 73±5 mm Hg vs NC, 13±3 mm Hg, p<0.05; vs HC, 31±5 mm Hg, p<0.05) and higher VD/VT (HPS, 0.36±.03 vs NC, 0.18±.02, p<0.05; vs HC, 0.28±.02, p<0.05) at peak exercise. For HPS patients, V ˙ o 2 was negatively correlated with VD/VT (r 2 =0.9) and positively correlated with PaO 2 (r 2 =0.41) at peak exercise. Conclusions: Patients with HPS demonstrate a severe reduction in aerobic capacity, beyond that found in cirrhotics without syndrome. The significant hypoxemia and elevated VD/VT at peak exercise suggest that an abnormal pulmonary circulation contributes to further exercise limitation in patients with HPS. (CHEST 1998; 114:736–741) Abbreviations: A-a O 2 =alveolar-arterial oxygen; CPX=cardiopulmonary exercise testing; DcocorrVA=diffusing capacity corrected for hemoglobin and alveolar volume; HC=hypoxemic control subjects; HPS=hepatopulmonary syndrome; HR=heart rate; MW=maximal voluntary ventilation; NC=normoxemic control subjects; TLC=total lung capacity; VD/VT=dead space; V ˙ E =minute ventilation; V ˙ o 2 =oxygen consumption; V ˙ / Q ˙ =ventilation/perfusion ratio
Intramyocellular lipid kinetics and insulin resistance

More than fifteen years ago it was discovered that intramyocellular triglyceride (imcTG) content in skeletal muscle is abnormally high in conditions of lipid oversupply (e.g. high fat feeding) and, later, obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and other metabolic conditions. This imcTG excess is robustly associated with muscle insulin resistance (MIR). However, to date the pathways responsible for the imcTG excess and the mechanisms underlying the imcTG-MIR correlation remain unclear. A current hypothesis is based on a backward mechanism that impaired fatty acid oxidation by skeletal muscle causes imcTG to accumulate. As such, imcTG excess is considered a marker but not a player in MIR. However, recent results from kinetic studies indicated that imcTG pool in high fat-induced obesity (HFO) model is kinetically dynamic. On one hand, imcTG synthesis is accelerated and contributes to imcTG accumulation. On the other, the turnover of imcTG is also accelerated. A hyperdynamic imcTG pool can impose dual adverse effects on glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle. It increases the release and thus the availability of fatty acids in myocytes that may promote fatty acid oxidation and suppress glucose utilization. Meanwhile, it releases abundant fatty acid products (e.g. diacylglycerol, ceramides) that impair insulin actions via signal transduction, thereby causing MIR. Thus, intramyocellular fatty acids and their products released from imcTG appear to function as a link to MIR. Accordingly, a forward mechanism is proposed that explains the imcTG-MIR correlation.
Controlled Waveform Chemical Stimulus of Cellular Subdomains for System Identification

The dynamic behavior of cells is a subject of extensive investigation. Current attempts to model and describe cell behavior show similarity to traditional engineering models of dynamic systems, often making use of the same vocabulary and principles (e.g. amplification, feedback, regulation, instability). A significant difference between biological dynamic systems and engineered ones is that the latter often feature a designed compensator whose dynamic behavior modulates the dynamic response of the system through closed-loop feedback control. In biological systems, by contrast, the feedback is often implicit, and the investigator has no direct control over modulations which are internal to the system. Although disruptive techniques like synthetic siRNA [1] or genetic modification can certainly change cellular behavior, in some cases it is desirable to probe the dynamics of cellular processes without changing their essential operation, or without substantial delay between applying a perturbation and observing its effects.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
A program to generate configuration-state lists

Abstract The MCHF GENCL program generates coupled configuration states according to a number of rules. The latter includes single and double replacements from a reference set as well as specific replacements. All possible configuration states of an active set of orbitals may also be generated. The latter rule is particularly useful for few-electron systems.
The expression of I-A correlates with the uptake of interferon-γ by macrophages†

The current studies were designed to examine some of the requirements for I-A expression when macrophages (M phi) were treated with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). In order to define the minimum time required for IFN-gamma to induce surface expression of I-A antigen on bone marrow-derived M phi, cells were incubated with IFN-gamma for varying lengths of time, washed and thereafter incubated for 72 h before assaying I-A surface expression. Using saturating amounts of IFN-gamma (300 IRU/ml), we found that between 0 and 30 min of IFN-gamma treatment there is a direct correlation between the length of treatment and the level of I-A surface expression. When the steady state level of RNA for the I-A beta gene was assayed, a low level of I-A beta RNA was seen in cells treated for 10 min with saturating amounts of IFN-gamma (300 IRU/ml) while a 30-min or 60-min exposure of cells to the same concentration of IFN-gamma resulted in a steady increase in the level of I-A beta RNA. Similar results were found when we measured the levels of RNA for the tumor necrosis factor and C3 complement genes, both of which are induced by IFN-gamma in M phi. M phi treated with low amounts of IFN-gamma (3 IRU/ml) for 30 min do not express cell surface I-A. Cells incubated continuously for 72 h with 3 IRU/ml of IFN-gamma expressed a level of I-A on the surface equivalent to the level of I-A expressed on cells treated for only 30 min with 300 IRU/ml of IFN-gamma. Based on the observed correlation between either the IFN-gamma concentration or the length of time the cells were exposed to IFN-gamma, or the level of I-A expression on M phi, we conclude that the expression of I-A correlates with the uptake of IFN-gamma.
Autocastration and Autopenectomy as Surgical Self-Treatment in Incarcerated Persons with Gender Identity Disorder

The author reports on a case series of four inmates who engaged in attempted or completed surgical self-treatment of their gender dysphoria via autocastration, autopenectomy, or a combination in the absence of concomitant psychosis, intoxication, or other comorbidities that could reasonably account for this rare behavior. These behaviors occurred in the context of persistent denials of access to transgender health care in prison settings. The literature on genital self-harm is also reviewed. Incarcerated persons with severe GID may resort to life-threatening surgical self-treatments when persistently denied access to psychiatric evaluation and cross-sex hormonal treatment. In all cases of surgical self-treatment (SST; i.e., autocastration with the primary intent to reduce circulating testosterone levels) the intensity of gender dysphoria decreased compared to reported baseline levels, although symptoms of GID were still present. Of the four inmates, two were able to obtain access to cross-sex hormones after successful litigation at the time of this writing; another was not. One case remains active. This case series expands the limited literature on surgical self-treatment in the form of autocastration and autopenectomy with a focus on the potential influence of incarceration with denial of access to transgender health care.
Clinical sequelae of radiographic iceball involvement of collecting system during computed tomography-guided percutaneous renal tumor cryoablation.

Abstract Objectives Percutaneous renal tumor cryoablation is being evaluated as a treatment option for small renal tumors. However, when tumors are located centrally, involvement of the collecting system by the radiographic iceball can occur. We reviewed our series of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous renal tumor cryoablation to identify those cases in which there appeared to be involvement of the collecting system by the radiographic iceball and to determine any clinical sequelae of such involvement. Methods Retrospective review of the medical records identified 6 patients who had undergone CT-guided percutaneous renal tumor cryoablation with evidence of collecting system involvement. Measurements of the tumor size, size of the radiographic iceball, and the size of the immediate postprocedure “cryozone” (region of apparent treatment on contrast-enhanced CT) were obtained from the preprocedure, intraprocedure, and immediate postprocedure CT scans. Follow-up imaging was obtained beginning at 3 to 6 months. Results Six patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria and had at least 3 months of documented follow-up. Despite the apparent involvement of the collecting system during the cryoablation procedure, no patient developed clinical signs or symptoms or radiographic evidence of a urine leak or fistula formation. Furthermore, no evidence of ureteral narrowing or stricture formation has been found to date, with a mean follow-up of 167.7 days (range 90 to 288). Conclusions We observed no clinically appreciable urine leaks despite what appeared to be obvious involvement of the collecting system by the radiographic iceball. However, care should be exercised to avoid this insult when possible until additional research has confirmed its safety.
Using Rare-Earth Oxide Tracers for Studying Soil Erosion Dynamics

Spatially averaged soil erosion data provide little information on soil erosion dynamics. Dynamically varied, spatially distributed erosion data are needed to better understand erosion processes and thoroughly evaluate process-based erosion prediction models. The objectives of this study are to examine the feasibility of direct mixing rare-earth element (REE) oxides with soil materials to trace soil erosion at a plot scale and to explore further the potential of using this technique to study soil erosion dynamics. Five REE oxide powders were mixed with a Camden silt soil (fine, silty, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludalt) at five slope positions. Six rainstorms were applied to a 4 by 4 m soil bed at a 10% slope. Runoff was collected during the rains and surface soil was sampled after each rain. All samples were extracted for REE with a quick acid-leaching method and extracts were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Mean error of REE-derived sediment discharge relative to measured total across six rainstorms was 14.5%. Our results demonstrate that the REE-tracing technique is feasible and sound, being capable of producing both spatially and temporally distributed erosion data. Results indicate that the most severe erosion occurred in the upper middle section of a uniform slope, and total sediment delivery from each segment was positively related to amounts of sediment deposition on the entire slope from that segment. This technique has the potential to bring new perspectives to soil erosion research.
Serial Sectioning Method in the Construction of 3-D Microstructures for Particle-Reinforced MMCs

A serial-sectioning technique is described for obtaining detailed three-dimensional microstructural images from two-dimensional sections of Si-reinforced Al-Si-Mg alloys. Optical micrographs of a series of microstructural sections were generated by the gradual removal of material layers. These micrographs were then enhanced and digitized in a quantitative image analysis system. Three-dimensional microstructure models were then computationally constructed by assembling the digitally acquired two-dimensional micrographs. Serial sectioning was found to be an inexpensive and effective means of accurately depicting heterogeneous microstructures at high resolution. A few relevant observations on material properties also were made during sectioning. Particle cracking was found to occur in larger particles that are located in clustered areas and have their longest dimension aligned with the tensile axis.
Filling the Gap in CKD: The Health Care Workforce and Faculty Development

Given limited resources, adding another chronic illness to the panoply of chronic disease care is problematic. Nevertheless, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing in recognition and prevalence across the world, and a management strategy for this growing population is necessary. A diverse group of health care professionals interacts with patients with CKD and their family members, including nurses, nurse practitioners, dieticians, social workers, pharmacists, physicians, physical therapists, physician assistants, and public health workers. All these individuals have the opportunity to reinforce CKD management. This potentially would bring a broader health care workforce to bear on CKD, reducing the impact of the nephrology workforce shortage. To realize such a strategy, it is necessary to bolster CKD awareness and knowledge in the diverse health care workforce. A faculty development program that extends CKD awareness to existing health care workers also has the possibility of migrating into the learner curriculum in health professional schools. This approach would expand CKD education, creating a skilled diverse health care workforce.