cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Waveform Window #50: A Novel Presentation of Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS) Artifact on Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Electrocardiogram (ECG).

An 86-year-old woman with advanced Parkinson’s disease dementia presented to the emergency department after a witnessed fall. Neurological examination revealed impaired awareness, left gaze prefere...
Discovery of Small Molecule Entry Inhibitors Targeting the Fusion Peptide of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein

SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells relies on the spike (S) protein binding to the human ACE2 receptor. In this study, we investigated the structural dynamics of the viral S protein at the fusion peptide (FP) domain and small molecule binding for therapeutics development. Following comparative modeling analysis and docking studies of our previously identified fusion inhibitor chlorcyclizine, we performed a pharmacophore-based virtual screen and identified two novel chemotypes of entry inhibitors targeting the FP. The compounds were evaluated in the pseudoparticle viral entry assay and SARS-CoV-2 cytopathic effect assay and showed single-digital micromole inhibition against SARS-CoV-2 as well as SARS-CoV-1 and MERS. The characterization of the FP binding site of SARS-CoV-2 S protein provides a promising target for the structure-based development of small molecule entry inhibitors as drug candidates for the treatment of COVID-19.
End-to-End Deep Learning for Inventory Management with Fixed Ordering Cost and its Theoretical Analysis

We herein investigate the single item, multi-period inventory management problem with fixed ordering cost, holding cost, and lost sales cost. Here, both the demand and vendor lead time (VLT) are uncertain; Additionally, the contextual information that may be useful for predicting the distribution of the demand and VLT is available. We assume that the retailer has access to rich history observations and wishes to decide: (1) when to place an order and (2) how much to order. We solve this problem via an end-to-end (E2E) learning approach, where we develop a deep learning framework that directly outputs the optimal order timing and quantity with the given contextual information as the input. Our numerical experiments, which use the real-world data obtained from an online retailer, demonstrate the advantages of our approach over benchmark methods, such as the (r, Q) policy, predict-then-optimize (PTO) framework, and the E2E method with given order timing. Furthermore, we analyze the convergence of our E2E approach and provide upper bounds for the expected daily average cost of our E2E approach under certain conditions. To compare our approach with the optimal policy, we also provide lower bounds for the cost of the optimal policy under certain assumptions.
Modeling inherited retinal dystrophies using induced pluripotent stem cells

Abstract The eyes are tools that extract visual information from the surrounding environment. Acting like a digital camera, we use them daily to capture and convert light stimuli into images. This activity is highly regulated and is the direct responsibility of the numerous cell types of the retina. Strikingly, loss of any one of these retinal cells, whether a result of genetic complications or traumatic injury, culminates in blindness. Therefore, it is understandable why diseases affecting the eyes are extremely debilitating and studied worldwide. With the advent of stem cell biology, scientists are now able to design retinal disease-specific models that recapitulate patient clinical phenotypes. In this review, we summarize some of the recent advances in modeling of inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (pd-iPSCs). Methods have been developed to direct the differentiation of iPSC into bonafide retinal cells in both two-dimensional adherent cultures and three-dimensional organoid systems. This novel approach to studying IRDs such as retinitis pigmentosa, leber congenital amaurosis, choroideremia, Bests disease, and Stargardt maculopathy has yielded valuable insights into the molecular and cellular basis of these currently untreatable maladies.
Equivalent Circuits for Passive Membrane

Although the Nernst-Planck equations and the various constraints that might be placed upon them are interesting from the point of view of membrane physics, they become awkward and unrevealing when one is interested in signal flow over distributed neuronal structures. In such cases, equivalent electrical circuits are both convenient and revealing. However, it also is important to reconcile the circuit models with the more primitive models in order to delineate the assumptions and constraints inherent in the former. On the other hand, the circuit models themselves have a strong basis in empirical observation, and one is perfectly justified in allowing them to stand on their own merits.
Variational calculations on the binding energy of the alpha particle (II): Velocity-dependent potentials

The upper bound and the lower bound for the energy of the alpha particle are calculated with a central, velocitydependent, two-body potential that fits the low energy scattering data and yields the experimental p-p /sup 1/S/sub 0/ phase shifts up to about 300 Mev. The results of -29.2 Mev and -63.6 Mev for these two bounds check quite closely with the corresponding results obtained with a hard-core potential. This indicates that in a nucleus in which the average inter-nucleon distance is somewhat longer than the range of the two-body potential, the binding energy is insensitive to the detailed nature of the potential. (auth)
Probability of data loss between mars tumbleweed rovers

This research advances Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) theories in support of the exploration and mapping of Mars. A Mars Tumbleweed Rover is designed to use wind to propel a network of sensors across the Martian surface. While navigating the surface of Mars, the rovers' collect, aggregate, and communicate environmental and spatial sensor data. The Mars Tumbleweed program envisions releasing numerous autonomous rovers packed with sensors into a remote, desolate, and harsh dynamic environment, requiring a self-configurable, adaptable Wireless Sensor Network. This research examines the probability of sensor data loss between rovers as the range between them increases over time. The research shows the potential of selecting different network parameters to minimize the total power required to sense, process, and transmit data back to a base station. The impact of utilizing probabilistic analysis allows for optimal methods in the design of the WSN to better manage power consumption and maximize data collection over the course of the node lifetime. The research establishes a basic framework from which the general rules of power and network node distance can be established.
Romancing the Folk: Public Memory and American Roots Music

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Benjamin Filene Year: 2000 Pages: xi + 325 Publisher: University of North Carolina Press Prices: $19.95 US
Principles of Positron Emission Tomography Imaging

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a noninvasive medical imaging technology that can generate high-resolution images of human and animal physiological functions. It is used for a variety of clinical applications in oncology, neurology, and cardiology, but the principal clinical application of PET is in oncology, where it is used to locate malignant tumors. It can be used not only to detect disease, but also to help in planning its treatment and monitoring the effectiveness of the treatment. The PET camera can detect therapeutic changes earlier than anatomic imaging modalities because the structure being studied must significantly change in size and shape before it is detectable by anatomic imaging devices.
SW06 Shallow Water Acoustics Experiment

Abstract : The long term goal of our shallow water acoustics work is to understand the nature of low frequency (10-1500 Hz) acoustic propagation and scattering in shallow water when strong oceanic variability in the form of fronts, eddies, boundary layers, and internal waves is present. To achieve this goal, we participated in a scientifically sound and Navy relevant basic research experiment in shallow water acoustics, concentrating on both low and medium frequencies.
COORDINATED FEEDBACK AND SWITCHING FOR WAVE SUPPRESSION

This work focuses on the problem of coordinating feedback and switching for the stabilization of the zero solution of the one-dimensional Kuramoto-Sivashinsky equation (KSE) with periodic boundary conditions and input constraints. Galerkin's method is initially used to derive a finite-dimensional system that captures the dominant dynamics of the KSE for a given value of the instability parameter. This ODE system is then used as the basis for the integrated synthesis, via Lyapunov techniques, of stabilizing nonlinear feedback controllers together with switching laws that orchestrate the switching between the admissible control actuator configurations, in a way that respects input constraints, accommodates inherently conflicting control objectives, and guarantees closed-loop stability. The theoretical results are successfully illustrated through computer simulations of the closed-loop system using a high-order discretization of the KSE.
A new broadband near-millimeter wave detector using mercury-cadmium-telluride

By varying the mobility and cadmium mole fraction in samples of mercury-cadmium-telluride we have achieved a 50-fold increase in sensitivity over previous results. At 1.5 K and 105 GHz, the responsivity is approximately 50 V/W, corresponding to a Johnson-noise-limited NEP of 1.4 × 10−12\({W \mathord{\left/{\vphantom {W {\sqrt {Hz} }}} \right.\kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\sqrt {Hz} }}\). In addition when used as a mixer, a 3 dB bandwidth of 25 MHz has been measured. The Kinch-Kogan theory of the temperature dependence of the responsivity appears to be in only qualitative agreement with the measured results.
Energy transfer and luminescence in Rb Mn x Mg 1 − x F 3

An investigation, directed toward an understanding of the concentration-dependent characteristics of Mn-Mn energy transfer, has been carried out in $\mathrm{Rb}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}{\mathrm{Mg}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ via a detailed luminescence study from 4 to 120 K. The emission of $\mathrm{Rb}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}{\mathrm{Mg}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ down to a 40 at.% ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ concentration consists of two distinct ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ bands which are featureless except in the case of the stoichiometric system. The bands are attributed to two localized traps positioned below the lowest excited level of ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$. The variation of the spectra and of the decay patterns with temperature indicate a "boil-off" mode of decay for the shallower trap and nonradiative decay to the ground state for the deeper trap. The details of the kinetics have allowed us to calculate the rate of energy transfer to the shallower luminescence trap for the various samples. It can be concluded that an efficient non-diffusion-limited transfer of excitation exists in $\mathrm{Rb}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}{\mathrm{Mg}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ down to at least a 40 at.% ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ concentration. Indirect trap-to-trap transfer, present in RbMn${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$, is not probable in the nonstoichiometric samples due to the increased presence of quenching sites.
Nanoscale Materials, Devices, and Systems for Chem.-Bio Sensors, Photonics, and Energy Generation and Storage

A comprehensive overview of ongoing research efforts and future scientific directions in nanotechnology to develop materials, devices, and systems for potential use in environmental pollution monitoring and mitigation; energy generation and storage; and chemical-biological-radiological-nuclear sensing is presented. Applications of nanomaterials in development of biodegradable, high performance yet light weight and eco-friendly materials are presented to minimize power consumption, green-house gas emissions, and land-fill volume. Societal implications and concerns associated with nanotechnology are addressed by studying fate and transport and development of guidelines for a risk-assessment model. A roadmap of the future of nanomaterials, in-terms of complexity, nexus of disciplines, and emerging green nanotechnologies is presented.
THE NASA DATA SYSTEMS STANDARDIZATION PROGRAM RADIO FREQUENCY AND MODULATION

The modifications being considered by the NASA-ESA Working Group (NEWG) for space-data-systems standardization to maximize the commonality of the NASA and ESA RF and modulation systems linking spaceborne scientific experiments with ground stations are summarized. The first phase of the NEWG project shows that the NASA MK-IVA Deep Space Network and Shuttle Interrogator (SI) systems in place or planned for 1985 are generally compatible with the ESA Network, but that communications involving the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) are incompatible due to its use of spread-spectrum modulation, pseudonoise ranging, multiple-access channels, and Mbit/s data rates. Topics under study for the post-1985 period include low-bit-rate capability for the ESA Network, an optional 8-kHz command subcarrier for the SI, fixing the spacecraft-transponder frequency-multiplication ratios for possible X-band uplinks or X-band nondeep-space downlinks, review of incompatible TDRS features, and development of the 32-GHz band.
What Maintains Memories

You remember a favorite toy from childhood. Something must be stably altered in your brain to encode this memory. But what? Lisman and Fallon outline the possible candidates at present, including a biochemical feedback loop presented by Bhalla and Iyengar in this issue.
Doubly-fed induction generator enabled power generation in ocean wave energy conversion system

This paper proposes a power architecture to utilize doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) for power generation from oscillating wave energy converter (WEC). Unlike in wind energy conversion system, the stator circuit of the DFIG can not be tied directly with the grid in wave energy conversion system (WECS). In WECS, the speed of the DFIG oscillates from one direction to another. Due to the change of direction of the speed, the stator of the DFIG is proposed to be connected with the grid with switched phase sequence. Also, at low operating speed the DFIG slip speed increases which requires higher voltage rating of the rotor side converter. Therefore, to operate the DFIG with limited rotor side voltage the stator circuit is short circuited at low speed. With these modifications, the DFIG based power architecture is proposed to generate power from WECS. In this paper, the overall hardware and control architecture and system operation are presented. System operation is validated through simulation in MATLAB-Simulink platform. For simulation of the whole system, a WEC model is considered.
SU‐E‐I‐64: Weekly Exposure Contributions from Radioactive Patients in A Busy Comprehensive Imaging Center

Purpose: To investigate radiation exposure from radioactive patients to the surrounding workers in a busy comprehensive imaging center. Methods: Follow‐up of oncology patients often include nuclear medicine and diagnosticCT examinations. Many patients present themselves for CTimaging after they have been administered radioactivity. An Ion‐chamber survey meter (Victoreen 45 1p) was used to monitor the dynamic radiation environment in a CT facility. The survey meter was placed at a centrally located nurse station that was surrounded by 6 patient‐preparation rooms (at 2.5m away) and 5 CT scanners. The radiation environment was monitored for 5 days and correlated with the clinical schedule to estimate the radiation from radioactive patients. Typically 190 patients/day are scanned at this CT facility; ∼6% of which are radioactive (10 99mTcMDP and 1 18F‐FDG) patients). The typical doses for such procedures in our facility are 20mCi and 10mCi respectively. The air‐kerma rate was modeled based on Gamma Factor and ICRP‐53 biokinetic models for Tc‐99m‐labelled phosphates and 18F‐FDG. Results: In the absence of radioactive patients, the average radiation level was measured to be 0.05μSv/hr and independent of the CT duty‐cycle; thus validating the CT shielding design. The radiation level increased in the afternoon due to the presence of radioactive patients. The typical cummulative dose/day in the area was 1.3μSv, which is 3.25 times the background dose (0.4μSv). Our model predicts that 11 99mTcMDP patients or 418F‐FDG patients would contribute up to 5μSv/week (25% of the weekly limit) Conclusions: The presence of radioactive patients in the diagnosticCT facility may contribute non‐negligible radiation exposure to the employees in the surrounding the CT suite. If the exposure of a non‐ radiation worker can potentially exceed 25% of the annual effective dose limit, then the site operator should ensure that the annual exposure of the maximally exposed individual does not exceed 1 mSv.
Determination of silver in biological materials by high-frequency plasma-torch emission spectrometry.

Abstract Nanogram amounts or silver in small samples of biological materials can be determined by high-frequency plasma-torch emission spectrometry. Samples are digested with perchloric and nitric acids, silver is collected with a bismuth iodide carrier, and the precipitate is decomposed with concentrated nitric acid before dilution. Bismuth shows an enhancing effect on the silver emission at 328.06 nm, and the sensitivity is further improved by elimination of moisture in the aerosol with a second condenser at -3 to -5°C. The detection limit is 0.5 ng per 0.2 ml of sample solution. Condensed milk and whole blood were analyzed satisfactorily.
Raman scattering in nitrosonium (NO+)β- and β″-alumina

Abstract Crystals of nitrosonium (NO + ) β- and β″-alumina are prepared by substitution of NO + into the corresponding Ag + crystals. The Raman active modes are measured in several polarizations and symmetry-based vibrational assignments are given. The frequency and bandshape of the nitrosonium ion intramolecular mode in each crystal are discussed in terms of the crystal structure.
Pseudopotential calculations: some electronic properties of zinc dichloride

Abstract Ab-initio calculations are performed for the ZnCl 2 molecules, employing recently-developed pseudopotential methods. Two separate calculations are discussed, one treating the d-electrons explicitly, the other including the d's in the core. The description of the valence region seems satisfactory, with only negligible errors arising from the use of the pseudopotential. Comparison is made to the photoelectron spectrum, and to the ZnF 2 molecule.
β2-Adrenergic receptor polymorphisms at codon 16, cardiovascular phenotypes and essential hypertension in whites and African Americans.

Beta2-adrenergic receptors (beta2-AR) contribute to cardiovascular regulation by influencing several functions and previous studies suggest that a decreased function of the beta2-AR may be involved in essential hypertension. Beta2-AR are polymorphic and certain polymorphisms of these receptors are of functional importance. We focus here on the Arg16-->Gly16 beta2-AR polymorphism, which shows enhanced agonist-promoted downregulation of the receptor and which, in two recent studies, yielded opposite results in terms of association with essential hypertension: an increased frequency of the Gly16 variant in African-Caribbean hypertensives and of the Arg16 variant in offspring of Norwegian white hypertensive parents. In the current study, we genotyped 243 subjects, including both African-American and white individuals, for codon 16 polymorphism and assessed blood pressure and cardiovascular function using impedance cardiography and pressor sensitivity to phenylephrine. We found similar patterns of cardiovascular function and expression of hypertension with the two genotypes of codon 16. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall allelic distribution of the two genotypes: among African-Americans, 51% of the hypertensives and 50% of the normotensives carried the Arg16 allele, whereas among the white subjects 40% of the hypertensives and 47% of the normotensives were carriers of the Arg16 allele. Although we observed a statistically significant increase in the Arg16/Gly16 heterozygotes in the African-American population, the Gly16 allele was not significantly increased in the African-Americans compared to whites. These findings indicate that the codon 16 polymorphisms are not associated with hypertension in a mixed American study population nor do they appear to substantially impact on a variety of hemodynamic variables.
The transpiration cooled first wall and blanket concept

Abstract To achieve high thermal performance at high power density the EVOLVE concept was investigated under the APEX program. The EVOLVE W-alloy first wall and blanket concept proposes to use transpiration cooling of the first wall and boiling or vaporizing lithium (Li) in the blanket zone. Critical issues of this concept are: the Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) pressure losses of the Li circuit, the evaporation through a capillary structure and the needed superheating of the Li at the first wall and blanket zones. Application of the transpiration concept to the blanket region results in the integrated transpiration cooling concept (ITCC) with either toroidal or poloidal first wall channels. For both orientations the routing of the liquid Li and the Li vapor has been modeled and the corresponding pressure losses have been calculated by varying the width of the supplying slot and the capillary diameter. The concept works when the sum of the active and passive pumping head is higher than the total system pressure losses and when the temperature at the inner side of the first wall does not override the superheating limit of the coolant. This cooling concept has been extended to the divertor design, and the removal of a surface heat flux of up to 10 MW/m2 appears to be possible, but this paper will focus on the transpiration cooled first wall and blanket concept assessment.
Evidence for Fc surface receptors on friend murine erythroleukemic cells

Abstract Cloned Friend erythroleukemic cells (FLC) were assayed for their ability to form rosettes with antibody-coated sheep erythrocytes (EA). Erythroid progenitor cells were shown to consistently form a high percentage of EA-IgG rosettes at 4°C. The specificity of the rosetting phenomenon was determined by enzyme treatment of FLC with trypsin and trypsin-EDTA. Cells assayed immediately following the enzyme treatment showed a decrease in the percentage of cells forming rosettes. If, however, the cells were allowed to grow in culture for 24 h following the enzyme treatment, and then assayed for their ability to form rosettes, the rosetting percentages were again found to be at the control levels. This suggests that during the recovery period the altered cell surface receptors were regenerated. Rosettes were not produced when normal adult mouse erythrocytes were assayed in a similar manner.
Evidence from in vitro studies that tolerance to self antigens is MHC-restricted

Mature T cells respond to foreign antigens in the context of self major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded products: T helper cells recognize antigen in the context of class II1,2 molecules, while cytotoxic T cells (CTL) recognize antigen plus class I molecules3–6. Recent evidence suggests that the MHC-restricted T cell is unable to recognize either the foreign antigen or the self-MHC product alone, but only a complex of the two7–9. Unresponsiveness to self antigens—self tolerance—implies the deletion or suppression of clones of T cells having reactivity to self antigens10,11. Here we demonstrate the presence in normal mice of T cells which recognize self antigens together with allogeneic MHC products. This finding suggests the MHC restriction of T-cell recognition during the entire process of T-cell ontogeny, that is, MHC restriction of self tolerance.
Direct maximization of average precision by hill-climbing, with a comparison to a maximum entropy approach

We describe an algorithm for choosing term weights to maximize average precision. The algorithm performs successive exhaustive searches through single directions in weight space. It makes use of a novel technique for considering all possible values of average precision that arise in searching for a maximum in a given direction. We apply the algorithm and compare this algorithm to a maximum entropy approach.
Immunity to Ostertagia ostertagi

Control of ostertagiasis is a major economic problem in the temperate areas of the world. An immunological control scheme for cattle is an important aspect of integrated control and its achievement is dependent on our understanding of how immunity is acquired. Also, host mechanisms regulated by Ostertagia need to be understood in order to address immunological questions. Little is known about acquired immunity to Ostertagia infection in cattle. The degree of immunity is incomplete and its development slow. Evidence is accumulating for impairment of antibody and cellular immune responses by Ostertagia which is responsible for the survival of the parasite in the young host. Other experimental work suggests that local factors, such as eosinophil accumulation, mucosal mast cell kinetics and other cellular and humoral immune responses, may play a role in pathogenesis and immunity. At the present time these areas are also totally unexplored in the study of Ostertagia infection.
Odorants stimulate the ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and activate cAMP-response element-mediated transcription in olfactory sensory neurons.

Olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) respond acutely to volatile molecules and exhibit adaptive responses including desensitization to odorant exposure. Although mechanisms for short term adaptation have been described, there is little evidence that odorants cause long lasting, transcription-dependent changes in OSNs. Here we report that odorants stimulate cAMP-response element (CRE)-mediated transcription in OSNs through Ca2+activation of the ERK/MAPK/p90 rsk pathway. Odorant stimulation of ERK phosphorylation was ablated by inhibition of calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II suggesting that odorant activation of ERK is mediated through this kinase. Moreover, a brief exposure in vivo to an odorant in vapor phase stimulated CRE-mediated gene transcription in discrete populations of OSNs. These data suggest that like central nervous system neurons, OSNs may undergo long term adaptive changes mediated through CRE-mediated transcription.
The Stokes-shifted fluorescence risetime of dye molecules in solution

Abstract We have measured the rise of Stokes-shifted spontaneous fluorescence intensity during a 10 ps 530 nm actinic light pulse for rhodamine B, rhodamine 6G and erythrosin B dissolved in water, ethanol and methanol. The best numerical fit to our data corresponds to a time delay of less than 1 ps between excitation and fluorescence emission.
Community Respiratory Viruses: Organ Transplant Recipients

Respiratory infections are common after solid organ transplantation, but the significance of community respiratory viral infections in this patient population has not been determined. Review of the literature indicates that infection of organ transplant recipients by community respiratory viruses can result in significant morbidity with some associated mortality. These viruses include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), influenza virus, and adenovirus. As in normal hosts, infection of organ transplant recipients by these viruses can result in limited upper respiratory tract symptoms, such as rhinorrhea, cough, and fever. Immunocompromised patients can also have lower respiratory tract infection, resulting in bronchiolitis, pneumonitis, respiratory failure, and death. The highest incidence of infection with these viruses is reported in lung transplant recipients, with an incidence up to 21%. In addition to the effects of the usual immunosuppressant regimen, lung transplant recipients have altered lung immunity due to impaired ciliary clearance, poor cough reflex, and abnormal lymphatic drainage, predisposing these patients to lower respiratory tract infections. Of additional importance to organ transplant recipients is the correlation of organ rejection to recent viral infections with these agents. Influenza A and B, PIV, and adenovirus have been reported to be associated with acute rejection in renal transplant recipients. Diagnosis of these infections is often made by positive respiratory cultures, often with a delay between symptom onset and diagnosis. Clinical trials of antiviral agents in this patient population have not been carried out, and treatment has often been limited to severe, life-threatening cases.
Self-Concepts Associated with Mania and Depression:

14 manic-depressive patients, 16 staff and 52 college students described their normal self, their ideal self, and their least-liked self in terms of certain personality traits. The emotion profile for the depressed state correlated highly with the least-liked self, but the manic profile did not correlate with any other description. Data suggest that ideal-self studies are basically concerned with social stereotypes.
Fragment yield distribution and the influence of neutron composition and excitation energy in multifragmentation reactions

The isotopic properties of the primary and secondary fragment yield distribution in the multifragmentation of {sup 58}Fe+{sup 58}Ni and {sup 58}Fe+{sup 58}Fe reactions are studied with respect to the {sup 58}Ni+{sup 58}Ni reaction at 30, 40, and 47 MeV/nucleon. The reduced neutron and proton densities from the observed fragment yield distribution show primary fragment yield distribution to undergo strongly secondary deexcitations. The effect is small at the lowest excitation energy and smallest neutron-to-proton ratio and becomes large at higher excitation energies and higher neutron-to-proton ratio. The symmetry energy of the primary fragments deduced from the reduced neutron density is significantly lower than that for the normal nuclei at saturation density, indicating that the fragments are highly excited and formed at a reduced density. Furthermore, the symmetry energy is also observed to decrease slowly with increasing excitation energy. The observed effect is explained using the statistical multifragmentation model.
Review of the Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome: Focus on Gabapentin Enacarbil:

The FDA approved gabapentin enacarbil in 2011 as the first non-dopaminergic agent for the treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms. Although gabapentin enacarbil is a pro-drug of gabapentin, its pharmacokinetics differ. Absorption of gabapentin enacarbil is more predictable, and inter-patient variability in bioavailability is lower than that of gabapentin. Studies have demonstrated superiority of gabapentin enacarbil compared to placebo. Comparisons to currently available RLS treatments are lacking, but clinical trials demonstrate comparable improvement in RLS symptoms to the dopamine agonists ropinirole and pramipexole, which are usually considered first-line therapy for daily RLS symptoms. Gabapentin enacarbil was well tolerated in clinical trials. The role of the drug in RLS treatment remains undefined, although it will likely be used as an alternative for refractory RLS when other treatments have failed. Additionally, gabapentin enacarbil may be recommended for patients with daily RLS symptoms that are less intense or are associated with pain as an alternative to dopamine agonists.
A look at U.S. government publications on terrorism, 1985–1992

As the Communist influence in the world subsides, the threat of low‐intensity conflict increasingly becomes a major concern to those involved in maintaining world security and peace. The fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union have been accompanied by shifts in alignments, the emergence of old conflicts and new tensions, and an increase in Third World agitation. These events all serve to create these low‐intensity conflicts, which may take the form of guerrilla warfare, coups d'etat, ethnic violence, terrorism, resistance movements, or insurgency. Terrorism by itself is the objective of many forms of violence prevalent in today's world, including drug‐related incidents and incidents involving street gangs, hate groups, violent activists, and separatist organizations, as well as state‐sponsored actions in places such as Central and South America, the Middle East, and Libya. Conflict within areas may create situations that have far‐reaching consequences.
Predictors of Prostate Cancer After Initial Negative Systematic 12 Core Biopsy

ABSTRACTPurpose: We determined the cancer detection rate at initial systematic 12 core (S12C) biopsy and identified features associated with cancer at repeat S12C biopsy after an initial negative S12C biopsy in patients with prostate specific antigen (PSA) parameters associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: Between February 1999 and June 2002, 841 patients underwent initial S12C biopsy. Of these patients 99 underwent repeat S12C biopsy after initial negative S12C because of a percent free-to-total PSA of 15.0 or less and/or a yearly PSA velocity of 0.75 ng/ml or greater. The association between parameters revealed by initial biopsy and cancer at repeat biopsy was assessed.Results: Of the 99 patients 21 (21.2%) had cancer at repeat biopsy. Age (p = 0.01), PSA transitional zone density (p = 0.05), and high grade PIN at initial biopsy (p = 0.01) were associated with cancer at repeat biopsy.Conclusions: In this select group of patients with PSA parameters associated with a highe...
An Environmental Explanation for Race Differences in Basketball Performance

There is considerable evidence that black and white basketball players differ in their styles of play. Existing physiological, personality, and sociological explanations for these differences appear to be inadequate. An alternative environmental theory is proposed that links player styles and attitudes to environmental factors influencing inner city and on-city playground settings. Specifically, it is hypothesized that factors such as crowding foster the development of functional playing rules and norms, which in turn influence player development. This paper details possible causal relationships between different aspects of the playing environment and player skills, styles, and attitudes.
Eccrine Spiradenoma Mimicking Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma on Fine Needle Aspiration

Background Although the cytologic features of salivary gland tumors are well recognized, an adnexal skin tumor occurring in the same region, on occasion, may resemble and be confused with a salivary gland neoplasm. Case A case of eccrine spiradenoma presented as a painful mass in the region of the parotid that mimicked an adenoid cystic carcinoma on fine needle aspiration cytology. Conclusion Fine needle aspirates of eccrine spiradenoma, a benign cutaneous adnexal tumor, may have findings that mimic those of adenoid cystic carcinoma. Both may have cell balls and rosettelike structures surrounding stromal matrix cores. Recognition of three cell types in eccrine spiradenomas, including epithelial cells, myoepithelial cells and lymphocytes, as compared to a single cell type in adenoid cystic carcinoma, is paramount in avoiding this potential pitfall in cytologic diagnosis.
Length‐Weight Relationships and Sexual Maturity of Goosefish off the Northeast Coast of the United States

Abstract Because goosefish Lophius americanus arc usually landed “tails-only” in the U.S. commercial fishery, relationships are required to provide a means to convert tail lengths or weights to total fish lengths. To accomplish this, length-weight relationships for goosefish inhabiting the waters off the northeastern coast of the United States were calculated. The sexual maturation schedule was compared to the size frequency of individuals landed tails-only to determine the extent to which the current fishery is landing immature goosefish. Analyses of available maturity data indicate that both sexes begin to mature at about 30 cm total length; males generally attain 100% maturity by about 50 cm and females by about 60 cm. The length at which 50% of the males from both the northern and southern components of the population matured (L 50) averaged about 40 cm; L 50 for females averaged about 44 cm. Mean lengths at which 75°k were mature (L 75) were 45 cm for males and 52 cm for females. Overall L 50 (sexes ...
Horseshoe abscesses and fistulas: How are we doing?

Background:Various surgical treatments exist for horseshoe abscesses and fistulae, including posterior midline sphincterotomy, catheter drainage, cutting and draining setons, and advancement flaps. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of patients treated for these complex anorectal problems.Methods: A retrospective review was undertaken of patients with a diagnosis of horseshoe abscess, horseshoe fistula, postanal space abscess, or postanal space fistula from 1990 to 2001. Long-term follow-up was accomplished by telephone questionnaire.Results: Thirty-one patients were identified, of whom 17 (54.8%) had a diagnosis of Crohn disease. The diagnosis at presentation included unilateral (ischiorectal) abscess (32.3%), bilateral horseshoe abscess (51.6%), bilateral horseshoe fistula (9.7%), and postanal space abscess (6.4%). Endoanal ultrasonography was used during the preoperative evaluation in 11 patients (35.5%). After referral to our institution, patients underwent a median of four op...
Evaluation of methylene lactone monomers in dental resins.

Abstract α-Methylene-γ-butyrolactone (MBL), which can be described as the cyclic analog of methyl methacrylate, exhibits greater reactivity in free radical polymerizations than conventional methacrylate monomers. Unfilled resin formulations composed of Bis-GMA/MBL or Bis-GMA/TEGDMA/MBL were light-cured. The effect of the more reactive methylene lactone monomer on mechanical properties and the degree of conversion of the polymers was examined. The infrared absorption bands for the carbon-carbon double bonds of MBL and the methacrylate monomers are well resolved and allow the conversion of each component to be calculated individually. The incorporation of a small amount of MBL (5 w/o) to Bis-GMA significantly increased the conversion; however, additional MBL (10 to 30 w/o) did not further increase the Bis-GMA conversion level. This appears to indicate an incompatibility between MBL and the bulky Bis-GMA monomer. Addition of 10 w/o MBL to Bis-GMA/TEGDMA (7:3) resulted in a cured resin with 71% methacrylate and 75% overall conversion efficiencies compared with the 57% conversion of the control formulation. The diametral tensile and the transverse strengths were approximately 10% greater for the MBL resin compared with the Bis-GMA/TEGDMA control; however, these differences were not statistically significant. The synthesis and polymerization of several substituted methylene lactones was also studied.
163 COST ANALYSIS OF CARDIAC ARREST SURVIVORS

A prospective study was begun to evaluate the outcome from cardiac arrest (CA) in a pediatric tertiary care center. One aspect of this study was to examine the economic aspects of CA in relation to patient outcome, proposing that from this recommendations could be made regarding better allocation of resources. CA data which included chart review for documentation of poor prognosis (DPP) prior to the arrest was recorded. Outcome was described as surviving arrest (SA) or survival to discharge (STD). Hospital costs were developed from actual patient charges from time of arrest to death/discharge. There are 43 patients entered; of which 13 STD. Of 43, 11 had DPP, and 1 STD. Of 31 with no DPP; 12 STD. In contrast, the average cost per patient stay at this center is 5,575. In the first 3 catagories, greater resources were expended in the no DPP group. Many of these had surgical procedures performed which may account for this difference. Of 31 with no DPP 22 expired. Could these have been DPP's, but not written? Reaction now to cost/benefit inferences of treatments may direct wiser decision making and resource allocation in the future.
Anti-Qin Rebels: No Peasant Leaders Here

Was the Qin dynasty overthrown by peasant uprisings? The standard answer to that question conjures up a picture of Chen Sheng, an agricultural laborer who, without weapons, led the first of a swarm of uprisings that were to engulf the Qin regime and lead finally to the founding of the Han dynasty. Chen Sheng was of peasant origins and the followers of many leaders who took to the battlefields were undoubtedly peasants. We cannot prove the latter point, for we know next to nothing about the composition of the armies that opposed the Qin and then each other. But it seems reasonable to assume that the armies of a fundamentally agrarian society would have been made up of peasants. We do not know what motivated most of these peasants to enter rebel armies (assuming they were not simply dragooned into service); hence we cannot comment evidentially on peasant motivation. This article focuses on the leaders of the period about whom we do have some information. If the standard answer to the opening question were valid, there would be no need to reopen the case. A critical review of the
Cooperative inhibitory effect of ZD1839 (Iressa) in combination with 17-AAG on glioma cell growth.

ZD1839 (“Iressa”) is an orally active, selective epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor. We evaluated the antitumor activity of ZD1839 in combination with HSP90 antagonist, 17-AAG in malignant human glioma cell lines. ZD1839 independently produced a dose-dependent inhibition of cellular proliferation in glioma cells grown in culture with time- and dose-dependent accumulation of cells in G1 phase of the cell cycle on flow cytometric analysis, although the concentrations required for optimal efficacy were at or above the limits of clinically achievable levels. Because the heat shock protein (HSP) is involved in the conformational maturation of a number of signaling proteins critical to the proliferation of malignant glioma cells, we hypothesized that the HSP90 inhibitor 17-AAG would potentiate ZD 1839-mediated glioma cytotoxicity by decreasing the activation status of EGF receptor, as well as downregulating the levels of other relevant signaling effectors. We, therefore, examined the effects of ZD1839 and 17-AAG, alone and in combination, on signal transduction and apoptosis in a series of malignant glioma cell lines. Simultaneous exposure to these inhibitors significantly induced cell death and quantitative analysis revealed that interaction between ZD1839 and 17-AAG-induced cytotoxicity was synergistic, leading to a pronounced increase in active caspase-3 and PARP cleavage. No significant growth inhibition or caspase activation was seen in control cells. The enhanced cytotoxicity of this combination was associated with diminished Akt activation and a significant downregulation of EGFR receptor, Raf-1 and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK). Cells exposed to 17-AAG and ZD1839 displayed a significant reduction in cell cycle regulatory proteins, such as CDK4 and CDK6. Taken together, these findings suggest that ZD1839, an EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, plays a critical role in regulating the apoptotic response to 17-AAG and that multi-site targeting of growth signaling and cell survival pathways could provide a potent strategy to treat patients with malignant gliomas. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
How soon they forget: changes to beliefs after learning about tobacco

University students’ beliefs about tobacco and nicotine were assessed before an educational intervention aimed at correcting tobacco-related misinformation. Beliefs were again measured immediately after the intervention, and then again after a 2-, 4-, 6-, or 8-week retention interval. Initially, participants showed significantly more accurate beliefs about tobacco than pre-intervention, but this improvement decreased after the retention interval. Results suggest that methods currently used in an attempt to alleviate tobacco misinformation in the public may be effective for short-term, but not long-term retention. The current study accents the need to design tobacco programs that optimize retention of belief change so that people may use that knowledge confidently in future health-related decisions.
The High-copper Dental Amalgam Alloys

For many years, the amalgamation of silver with mercury to produce a condensable mixture which could be used to restore carious defects in teeth followed a tortuous path of negative results. However, at the turn of the century, amalgam alloys having acceptable characteristics for successful clinical use emerged. From that point on, silver amalgam was widely accepted as the material of choice for low-cost, easily placed, and durable restorations. About 60 years later, a major discovery occurred that resulted in a most significant improvement in the clinical performance of this material. The key to this improvement was an increase in the Cu content of the amalgam alloy which previously had been considered to be inappropriate. This paper describes the history of this discovery, which produced what has come to be known as high-copper dental amalgam alloys.
Low molecular weight heparins: background and pharmacology.

Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are a class of drugs designed to improve on the therapeutic effects and complications of unfractionated heparin (UH). The two drug types share many structural properties and have multiple mechanisms of action in common. The relative potencies with which the mechanisms are expressed differ between LMWH and UH and among specific LMWHs. The pharmacokinetics of LMWHs and UH are often compared according to the results of plasma activity against purified factor Xa, although the correlation between ;;anti-Xa'' assays and the actual mechanisms of action of the drugs is questionable. Animal models of thrombosis give some information regarding the antithrombotic efficacy of different LMWHs compared with UH and with other LMWHs, but the results are varied and may not be applicable to human thrombosis. Similarly, clinical measurements of clot suppression have yielded conflicting results when the two types of anticoagulants have been directly compared. Numerous clinical outcome studies support the conclusion that subcutaneous regimens of LMWH (and of UH) are at least as effective and safe as intravenous UH for the treatment of clinically stable patients with venous thromboembolism. However, the superiority of one subcutaneous regimen over the others can be established only by the performance of well-planned comparative clinical trials.
Analysis of MDM2 and MDM4 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, mRNA Splicing and Protein Expression in Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a childhood cancer of the developing retina that begins in utero and is diagnosed in the first years of life. Biallelic RB1 gene inactivation is the initiating genetic lesion in retinoblastoma. The p53 gene is intact in human retinoblastoma but the pathway is believed to be suppressed by increased expression of MDM4 (MDMX) and MDM2. Here we quantify the expression of MDM4 and MDM2 mRNA and protein in human fetal retinae, primary retinoblastomas, retinoblastoma cell lines and several independent orthotopic retinoblastoma xenografts. We found that MDM4 is the major p53 antagonist expressed in retinoblastoma and in the developing human retina. We also discovered that MDM4 protein steady state levels are much higher in retinoblastoma than in human fetal retinae. This increase would not have been predicted based on the mRNA levels. We explored several possible post-transcriptional mechanisms that may contribute to the elevated levels of MDM4 protein. A proportion of MDM4 transcripts are alternatively spliced to produce protein products that are reported to be more stable and oncogenic. We also discovered that a microRNA predicted to target MDM4 (miR191) was downregulated in retinoblastoma relative to human fetal retinae and a subset of samples had somatic mutations that eliminated the miR-191 binding site in the MDM4 mRNA. Taken together, these data suggest that post-transcriptional mechanisms may contribute to stabilization of the MDM4 protein in retinoblastoma.