cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis by central and peripheral bone mineral density in men with prostate cancer during androgen-deprivation therapy.

Abstract Objectives To determine the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis by central (spine and hip) and peripheral (radius) bone mineral density (BMD) in men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT). Low BMD and fractures are prevalent in this group of men. Most published studies on ADT-related bone loss have documented the loss of BMD in the spine and hip as measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry. In one study, the loss of BMD was most pronounced at the radius. Methods In a chart review of patients receiving ADT, the spine and hip BMD results were recorded in 89 patients. Of these 89 patients, the BMD of the radius was also recorded in 53. Results In the 89 patients with BMD measurements of the spine and hip, 24 (26.9%) had osteoporosis of the hip or spine as defined by a T score of −2.5 or less, and 45 patients (50.6%) had osteopenia (T score −1.0 to −2.5). In the subset of 53 patients who also had the BMD of the radius measured, the results of the BMD of the radius changed the category of diagnosis in 18 patients (34%). The prevalence of osteoporosis increased from 25% to 53% when the results of the radius were included. Conclusions Men with prostate cancer treated with ADT have a high prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis as determined by peripheral and central BMD measurements. The use of the peripheral BMD measurement appears to identify more patients with osteoporosis and suggests its use in the evaluation of osteoporosis in men receiving ADT.
Microwave thermal denaturation of protein matrices as controlled release devices

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated that albuminoid protein extracted from soy bean can be compacted into matrices under the influence of moisture and pressure. These matrices release a water-soluble drug, quinacrine dihydrochloride, in accordance with disintegrating and eroding surface models during dissolution. However, when the freshly compacted tablets are exposed to various levels of water vapor and progressively heated by microwave irradiation, non-eroding matrices are slowly formed that release the drug by a different, diffusion-controlled, mechanism. The transition from one mechanism to the other is a function of length of time of microwave irradiation (at a fixed energy level) and the equilibrium moisture content.
Contact mechanics of a flexible imprinter for photocured nanoimprint lithography

A flexible imprinter can be used to accommodate substrate or template roughness in nanoimprint lithography. The contact mechanics of a multi-layer imprinter incorporating bending and local deformation is described. With the right combination of dimensions, moduli, and viscosity, the imprinter can transfer a pattern evenly to a non-flat substrate. These concepts have been used to pattern magnetic media for high density information storage.
Free and membrane-bound ribosomes in regenerating rat liver

Abstract There has heretofore been little agreement concerning the validity of earlier conjectured shifts in the distribution of free and membrane-bound ribosomes during the precess of hepatic regeneration. In order to provide a quantitative test of these conjectures a simple double-isotope technique is here described which permits a detailed comparison of free and membrane-bound ribosomes isolated from “co-homogenates” of livers from partially hepatectomized and sham-operated animals. It is shown that 48 h after partial hepatectomy, a time at which liver cell proliferation is proceeding at a maximal rate, there is indeed a striking shift in ribosome distribution resulting in about a 40% rise in the proportion of free ribosomes. Over the same interval the absolute concentration of hepatic ribosomes increases markedly with the result that the total number of free ribosomes per unit mass of regenerating tissue rises to nearly double that in normal liver. The observed shift to favor a substantial increase in the concentration of free ribosomes is consistent with an enhanced need in regenerating liver for the synthesis of proteins destined for intracellular use. It is suggested that the method described here, which permits sensitive and precise comparison of the distribution of free and membrane-bound ribosomes in paired tissue samples, may find useful application in other systems as well.
NK1 Receptor Antagonist Blocks Angiotensin II Responses in Renin Transgenic Rat Medulla Oblongata

Anginotensin (Ang) II increases substance P (SP) efflux from perfused slices of medulla oblongata, and a peptide antagonist of SP, [Leu[11][1],ψCH2NH10-11]SP, blocks the acute hypotension and bradycardia caused by Ang II injected into the nucleus tractus solitarii (nTS) of Harlan Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. We investigated whether the same relationships exist in (mRen2)27 renin transgenic (TG) rats, which have chronic elevations of medullary tissue Ang II levels. Ang II increased SP efflux (48% above control; P <0.01) from slices of medulla prepared from 8-to 12-week old male TG rats. Injections of Ang II (250 fmol in 30 nL) into the nTS of chloralose-urethane anesthetized TG rats produced a significant increase in pressure of 7±2 mm Hg before a 13±3 mm Hg fall in pressure. Ang II induced similar depressor responses in Hannover SD rats but no increase in pressure. After nTS injection of the NK1-selective SP antagonist CP-96,345 (30 pmol in 60 nL), Ang II-induced hypotension was blocked in both groups, as was the pressor component in hypertensive rats. Hypotensive and bradycaric effects of glutamate (0.6 nmol in 30 nL) injected into the nTS were not altered by CP-96,345. In vitro receptor autoradiography showed that the SP antagonist (10 or 100 μM) did not compete from 125I-Ang II binding in the dorsal medulla, a result suggesting that it did not interact directly with Ang II receptors. Thus, the nTS cardiovascular effects of Ang II are mediated by SP in both normotensive rats and a model of hypertension with altered endogenous levels of Ang II. These findings link Ang II-induced effects on SP release from brain slices of the medulla oblongata to acute cardiovascular actions of the peptide through an NK1 receptor. [1]: #ref-11
Transcriptional signature with differential expression of BCL6 target genes accurately identifies BCL6-dependent diffuse large B cell lymphomas

Diffuse large B cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) often express BCL6, a transcriptional repressor required for the formation of normal germinal centers. In a subset of DLBCLs, BCL6 is deregulated by chromosomal translocations or aberrant somatic hypermutation; in other tumors, BCL6 expression may simply reflect germinal center lineage. DLBCLs dependent on BCL6-regulated pathways should exhibit differential regulation of BCL6 target genes. Genomic array ChIP-on-chip was used to identify the cohort of direct BCL6 target genes. This set of genes was enriched in modulators of transcription, chromatin structure, protein ubiquitylation, cell cycle, and DNA damage responses. In primary DLBCLs classified on the basis of gene expression profiles, these BCL6 target genes were clearly differentially regulated in "BCR" tumors, a subset of DLBCLs with increased BCL6 expression and more frequent BCL6 translocations. In a panel of DLBCL cell lines analyzed by expression arrays and classified according to their gene expression profiles, only BCR tumors were highly sensitive to the BCL6 peptide inhibitor, BPI. These studies identify a discrete subset of DLBCLs that are reliant on BCL6 signaling and uniquely sensitive to BCL6 inhibitors. More broadly, these data show how genome-wide identification of direct target genes can identify tumors dependent on oncogenic transcription factors and amenable to targeted therapeutics.
Obstacles to trade liberalization and economic cooperation among west African states

Does the formation of a customs union reduce and eventually eliminate tariffs among member countries to provide mechanisms or regional institutions for social, economic and political development? The literature examined suggests that, although many problems of trade liberalization continue to occur, greater benefits could be obtained by reducing tariffs on a non-discriminatory basis, or by removing protection from domestic enterprises altogether, and by importing domestic requirements of the products of displaced industries from outside at world market prices. The literature also provides a valid case for protecting certain activities in ECOWAS — particularly trade and industrial enterprises — either for the purpose of increasing income or the rate of economic growth, or in order to achieve certain non-economic objectives. The implications of economic integration in these terms can best be examined within a broader theoretical framework of developmental theory of trade liberalization.
Percutaneous ultrasound-guided trans-splenic catheterization of the portal vein in the dog.

The purpose of this investigation was to develop a safe and reliable technique for percutaneous catheterization of the portal vein via a major splenic vein using ultrasound guidance. Three separate catheter systems were evaluated on five anesthetized dogs. At least five attempts at catheterization of the splenic vein and subsequently the portal vein were attempted on each animal. Following the procedure the dogs were necropsied to assess for intrasplenic and intraabdominal hemorrhage, A technique using an introducer system and a large catheter was not successful on seven attempts. A technique using an over the needle catheter was successful in gaining access to the splenic vein on two out of five attempts; however the catheter could not be advanced into the portal vein. A technique utilizing 19 or 17 gauge needles with 22 or 19 catheter through-the-needle-catheters was successful in catheterization of the splenic vein and advancement to the portal vein on twelve of fifteen attempts. The smaller gauge needle and catheter system provided for easier access to the splenic vein and subsequent catheter manipulation facilitating access to the portal circulation.
Nonlinear dynamics of coupled transverse modes in quantum cascade lasers

We analyze the dynamics of broad-area mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). We show the possibility of the coherent coupling of several transverse modes which results in several interesting effects including frequency and phase locking between transverse modes, bistability, and beam steering. We present an analytical model for the modal dynamics and its numerical analysis. Effects of amplitude and phase fluctuations on the modal stability are explored. We compare our theoretical results with our experimental measurements of buried heterostructure QCLs.
Cognitive Therapy Skills Predict Cognitive Reactivity to Sad Mood Following Cognitive Therapy for Depression

Both patients’ competence in the coping skills taught in cognitive therapy (CT) and patients’ endorsement of dysfunctional cognitions following a sad mood induction [i.e., their cognitive reactivity (CR)] have been found to predict risk of relapse following a successful course of CT for depression. We examined the relationship between these constructs, specifically whether CT skills would be related to less CR following a mood induction among patients who responded to a course of CT. In a sample of 28 depressed patients, post-treatment CT skills were significantly related to less CR in response to a sad mood induction procedure (β = −.29). This relation was not accounted for by individual differences in mood reactivity. We discuss these findings as a key step in developing a more complete understanding of the role of CT coping skills and CR as markers of patients’ vulnerability to relapse.
A quantitative study of relevance in the formation of adaptation levels.

Quantitative measures of relevance as shown by changes in adaptation levels (AL) resulting from the influence of prior stimulation on subsequent judgments of a standard set of circles show that pooling is a matter of degree, and hence that relevance is not an all-or-none matter. What will be relevant cannot be decided on purely a priori grounds, e.g., on the basis of perceptual similarity. While similarity plays an important role, other factors that make relevant dimensions of stimuli more focal tend to influence subsequent judgments to a greater extent than mere dimensional similarity. Thus, angles enclosed in small circles exerted greater effects on judgments of large circles than did the same small circles without the enclosed angles, although the latter were more similar than the former to the large circles. Similarly, a response language in terms of acute-obtuse in judging the angles had greater effect than a small-large response language, even though the latter was identical with that used in judgin...
Zoological classification system of a primitive people.

The Fore people of the New Guinea Highlands classify all animals in one of nine higher categories ("tabe ake"), and these are further subdivided into lower categories ("amana ake"). There are 182 lower categories for vertebrates alone. The nearly one-to-one correspondence between Fore amana ake and species as recognized by European taxonomists reflects the objective reality of the gaps separating sympatric species. In 90 percent of the cases, when a species of animal unknown to the Fore is presented for naming, it is called by the name of the Fore species considered its closest relative by zoologists. The origin of Fore classification is probably utilitarian.
From carbon flux to regime shift

The basic assumption in biological oceanography – and in GLOBEC – is that physical forcing at a wide range of space and time scales determines most of the dynamics of marine populations. This has been very productive and provides the global context for GLOBEC and other programmes. How far can it take us in the future; and, alternatively, what role is played by community interactions?
Patient tolerance and ocular surface staining characteristics of lissamine green versus rose bengal.

Abstract Purpose: To determine patient tolerance and ocular surface staining characteristics of 1% lissamine green versus 1% rose bengal solutions in patients with dry eye and in those with normal ocular surfaces by comparison of subjective sensation and objective staining scores. Methods: Twelve patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca and eight subjects with no ocular surface disease recorded their symptoms on a graded scale (0-5) and the duration of symptoms after instillation of one drop of 1% lissamine green and 1% rose bengal on two different occasions in different order. Lissamine green and rose bengal staining patterns were recorded on a graded scale (0-4) by one of the authors. Results: For patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca mean sensation score with lissamine green (2.42) was significantly lower ( P = 0.00006) than with rose bengal (4.58). The duration of symptoms was significantly longer ( P = 0.0007) after rose bengal instillation as well. For subjects with no ocular surface disease, mean sensation score with Lissamine green (1.375) was significantly lower ( P = 0.01) than with rose bengal (2.5). In this group, duration of symptoms also was significantly longer ( P = 0.001) after rose bengal instillation. In both groups, there was no difference in objective staining scores. Conclusion: Lissamine green is better tolerated than rose bengal by patients and is equally as effective as rose bengal in evaluating the ocular surface in keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Women and War: Militarism, Bodies, and the Practice of Gender

Women around the world, in various geographic spaces, social and cultural contexts, as partners, wives, sisters, daughters, mothers, mourners, and victims experience war. Women's experience of war and their participation in it, either as actors or resistors, victims or perpetrators (Moser and Clark 2001), cheerleaders or critics, are always influenced by the construction of gender operating in and around their lives. While constructions of masculinity and femininity are always circulating in and around militarism and war, women's bodies are sometimes primary considerations for military and state leaders; this creates a visibility/invisibility/hyper-visibility problem for women in wartime. In this essay, women's participation in war as soldiers, refugees, prisoners, jailers, activists, and suicide bombers and the accompanying shift in the practice of femininity and masculinity is explored.
A model for the growth of mudwaves in the presence of time-varying currents

Abstract Mudwaves are produced in a model when a periodic current produces lee waves that alter the deposition-erosion rates of sediment at the bottom of an ocean. A technique, analogous to using a Lagrangian representation, for calculating the velocity perturbations associated with these lee waves is determined and then applied to a situation typical of one observed in the Argentine basin. The fact that the imposed current is variable results in the perturbation velocities also being time-dependent with two major time scales. One of these time scales is the period of the variable current, which is taken to be on the order of weeks; this is consistent with the dominant periods indicated in the data. The other time scale is on the order of a day or two and is associated with the time required for the time-dependent part of the imposed current (total current minus its time-averaged part) to cross a ridge; waves on this time scale are excited when the imposed current passes through a value that changes the character of the lee waves from vertically-propagating to bottom-trapped (or vice versa). The long-term erosion-deposition and mudwave growth rates are insensitive to the details of these shorter time scale variations.
Structural Basis of the Na+/H+ Exchanger Regulatory Factor PDZ1 Interaction with the Carboxyl-terminal Region of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator

Abstract The PDZ1 domain of the Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF) binds with nanomolar affinity to the carboxyl-terminal sequence QDTRL of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and plays a central role in the cellular localization and physiological regulation of this chloride channel. The crystal structure of human NHERF PDZ1 bound to the carboxyl-terminal peptide QDTRL has been determined at 1.7-A resolution. The structure reveals the specificity and affinity determinants of the PDZ1-CFTR interaction and provides insights into carboxyl-terminal leucine recognition by class I PDZ domains. The peptide ligand inserts into the PDZ1 binding pocket forming an additional antiparallel β-strand to the PDZ1 β-sheet, and an extensive network of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions stabilize the complex. Remarkably, the guanido group of arginine at position −1 of the CFTR peptide forms two salt bridges and two hydrogen bonds with PDZ1 residues Glu43 and Asn22, respectively, providing the structural basis for the contribution of the penultimate amino acid of the peptide ligand to the affinity of the interaction.
Plasma amino acid profiles, urea and ammonia--nitrogen in one- and eight-year-old ewes fed two levels of protein.

Abstract The effect of age and dietary protein level on plasma amino acid, urea and ammonia concentrations were studied using one- and eigth-year-old ewes. A diet containing 10% crude protein was fed at individual maintenance levels to six ewes of each age in trial 1, followed by feeding a similar diet containing 20% crude protein in trial 1, tyrosine, valine, glutamic and aspartic acids were higher in the plasma of young ewes, while citrulline and serine were higher in the old ewes. In trial 2, isoleucine, tyrosine, methionine, alanine, leucine, valine, glutamic acid, phenylalanine, lysine and arginine were higher in young ewes, while citrulline was higher in the old animals, suggesting a differential age-related response to higher dietary protein. Total, essential, nonessential, the ratio of essential to nonessential and branched-chain amino acids did not differ by age in trial 1, while all these values except nonessential amino acids were higher in young ewes in trial 2. Plasma urea nitrogen was higher in old ewes in both trials. No age difference occured in plasma ammonia in trial 1, while old ewes had lower plasma ammonia in trial 2. The decreased plasma amino acid concentrations and elevated urea levels in old ewes at both levels of protein intake suggested increased amino acid catabolism, perhaps reflecting age differences in cellular amino acid metabolism.
The efficiency of behavior rating scales to assess inattentive–overactive and oppositional–defiant behaviors: Applying generalizability theory to streamline assessment

Although the efficiency with which a wide range of behavioral data can be obtained makes behavior rating scales particularly attractive tools for the purposes of screening and evaluation, feasibility concerns arise in the context of formative assessment. Specifically, informant load, or the amount of time informants are asked to contribute to the assessment process, likely has a negative impact on the quality of data over time and the informant's willingness to participate. Two important determinants of informant load in progress monitoring are the length of the rating scale (i.e., the number of items) and how frequently informants are asked to provide ratings (i.e., the number of occasions). The purpose of the current study was to investigate the dependability of the IOWA Conners Teacher Rating Scale (Loney & Milich, 1982), which is used to differentiate inattentive-overactive from oppositional-defiant behaviors. Specifically, the facets of items and occasions were examined to identify combinations of these sources of error necessary to reach an acceptable level of dependability for both absolute and relative decisions. Results from D studies elucidated a variety of possible item-occasion combinations reaching the criteria for adequate dependability. Recommendations for research and practice are discussed.
C―H Bond Activation of Light Alkanes on Pt(111): Dissociative Sticking Coefficients, Evans-Polanyi Relation, and Gas―Surface Energy Transfer

Effusive molecular beam experiments were used to measure alkane dissociative sticking coefficients, S(Tg,Ts), for which the impinging gas temperature, Tg, and surface temperature, Ts, could be independently varied. The 400−1000 K temperature range examined should be relevant to heterogeneously catalyzed industrial processes such as the steam reforming of alkanes. Methane, ethane, and propane all showed increasing dissociative sticking as either Tg or Ts were increased—indicative of an activated reaction mechanism. Effusive beam experiments with gas impinging along the surface normal and Tg = Ts = T determined Sn(T), a close approximation and formal upper bound to the thermal dissociative sticking coefficient, S(T), appropriate to reaction with a thermal ambient gas. Activation energies determined from Sn(T) for methane, ethane, and propane are Ea = 58, 43, and 34 kJ mol−1, respectively. An Evans−Polanyi plot of Ea for alkane dissociative chemisorption versus the alkane thermal desorption energy, ED, is li...
Role of mu-opioids as cofactors in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 disease progression and neuropathogenesis

About one third of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome cases in the USA have been attributed to the use of injected addictive drugs, frequently involving opioids like heroin and morphine, establishing them as significant predisposing risk factors for contracting human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Accumulating evidence from in vitro and in vivo experimental systems indicates that opioids act in concert with HIV-1 proteins to exacerbate dysregulation of neural and immune cell function and survival through diverse molecular mechanisms. In contrast, the impact of opioid exposure and withdrawal on the viral life cycle and HIV-1 disease progression itself is unclear, with conflicting reports emerging from the simian immunodeficiency virus and simian-human immunodeficiency virus infection models. However, these studies suggest a potential role of opioids in elevated viral production. Because human microglia, astrocytes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, and monocyte-derived macrophages express opioid receptors, it is likely that intracellular signaling events triggered by morphine facilitate enhancement of HIV-1 infection in these target cell populations. This review highlights the biochemical changes that accompany prolonged exposure to and withdrawal from morphine that synergize with HIV-1 proteins to disrupt normal cellular physiological functions especially within the central nervous system. More importantly, it collates evidence from epidemiological studies, animal models, and heterologous cell systems to propose a mechanistic link between such physiological adaptations and direct modulation of HIV-1 production. Understanding the opioid-HIV-1 interface at the molecular level is vitally important in designing better treatment strategies for HIV-1-infected patients who abuse opioids.
Autoimmunity and immunotherapy for cancer.

Adjuvant treatment for patients after resection of high-risk and regionally metastatic melanoma remains suboptimal. Despite the Food and Drug Administration's approval of high-dose interferon alfa-...
Hybrid supercapacitor materials from poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) conformally coated aligned carbon nanotubes

Abstract Conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) conformally coated aligned carbon nanotubes (PEDOT/A-CNTs) were developed and investigated as the active material for supercapacitor electrode applications and the results were compared to those of non-coated CNTs as well as that of PEDOT coated randomly packed CNTs. The electrochemical performance of the electrodes was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results revealed that the PEDOT conformally coated and densified (5% volume fraction, V f ) A-CNTs exhibit a specific volumetric capacitance of 84.0 F/cm 3 , much higher compared to the non-coated and non-densified A-CNTs (1% V f ) that had a specific capacitance of only 3.9 F/cm 3 . Ion insertion/de-insertion processes in the PEODT coating layers are observed in impedance spectra for the PEDOT-coated A-CNT electrodes at rates that are not limiting to cell performance relative to ion transport through the channels formed by the PEDOT/A-CNTs. Specific energy and power densities of 11.8 Wh/l and 34.0 kW/l, respectively, were obtained for these nano-tailored electrodes, with high capacitance retention compared with those of PEDOT coated random CNTs.
Familial right ventricular dilated cardiomyopathy associated with supraventricular arrhythmias

Abstract Although idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy most commonly affects both ventricular chambers (with the predominant pathologic abnormalities found in the left ventricle), isolated right ventricular (RV) involvement has been documented in rare cases. 1 Familial dilated cardiomyopathy has been observed, 2,3 but only a single report of a family with an isolated RV cardiomyopathy, in which RV dilation was mild, has been published. 4 In the present case report, we describe the clinical sequelae in a family with electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evidence of severe RV cardiomyopathy with frequent, difficult to control supraventricular arrhythmias. Two family members have incurred cerebrovascular accidents presumed to be related to the arrhythmias, including one occurring at age 41.
Numerical solution of the eigenvalue problem for symmetric rationally generated Toeplitz matrices

A numerical method is proposed for finding all eigenvalues of symmetric Toeplitz matrices $T_n = ( t_{j - i} )_{ij = 1}^n $, where the $\{ t_j \}$ are the coefficients in a Laurent expansion of a rational function. Matrices of this kind occur, for example, as covariance matrices of ARMA processes. The technique rests on a representation of the characteristic polynomial as $\det ( \lambda I_n - T_n ) = W_n G_{0n} G_{1n} $ in which $G_{0n} ( \lambda ) = 0$ for the eigenvalues of $T_n $ associated with symmetric eigenvectors, $G_{1n} ( \lambda ) = 0$ for those associated with skew-symmetric eigenvectors, both functions are free of extreme variations, and both can be computed with cost independent of n. It is proposed that root finding techniques be used to compute the zeros of $G_{0n} $ and $G_{1n} $. Numerical experiments indicate that the method may be useful.
Orthogonal multiprocessor sharing memory with an enhanced mesh for integrated image understanding

Abstract This paper proposes a new parallel architecture, which has the potential to support low-level image processing as well as intermediate and high-level vision analysis tasks efficiently. The integrated architecture consists of an SIMD mesh of processors enhanced with multiple broadcast buses, and MIMD multiprocessor with orthogonal access buses, and a two-dimensional shared memory array. Low-level image processing is performed on the mesh processor, while intermediate and high-level vision analysis is performed on the orthogonal multiprocessor. The interaction between the two levels is supported by a common shared memory. Concurrent computations and I/O are made possible by partitioning the memory into disjoint spaces so that each processor system can access a different memory space. To illustrate the power of such a two-level system, we present efficient parallel algorithms for a variety of problems from low-level image processing to high-level vision. Representative problems include matrix based computations, histogramming and key counting operations, image component labeling, pyramid computations, Hough transform, pattern clustering, and scene labeling. Through computational complexity analysis, we show that the integrated architecture meets the processing requirements of most image understanding tasks.
Influence of Solvation Environment on Excited State Avoided Crossings and Photodissociation Dynamics

Photodissociation dynamics of I2 in rare gas liquids and solid matrixes have been the focus of much experimental and theoretical research. Experimental studies of both A and B state photoexcitation leading to dissociation have been thoroughly investigated by Apkarian and Schwentner, showing very dissimilar behavior between solid and liquid phases. B state excitation of I2 in liquid rare gases results in fast dissociation in a few hundred femtoseconds, while the B state lifetime in the solid is measured to be on the order of a few picoseconds. The current paper addresses various important issues related to the implementation of the nonadiabatic dynamics methods in the situation where quasi-nonavoided crossings take place and play a crucial role in determining the dynamics. Reliable treatment of quasi-nonavoided crossings in nonadiabatic MD calculations enables the accurate computation of pump−probe signals that reproduce experimental results. Analysis of trajectory data provides a detailed understanding of...
Atrial septal aneurysm mimicking a right atrial mass on transesophageal echocardiography

Abstract Atrial septal aneurysm (ASA)is an uncommon anomaly usually first recognized on echocardiographic examination. Visualization on conventional transthoracic echocardiographic imaging may at times be difficult because the atrial septum lies in the ultrasonic far field. Furthermore, although the morphology is typical in most cases, diagnostic confusion may arise when an unusual appearance exists. 1 A recent report 2 suggests that transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is superior in imaging and characterizing the morphology of ASA. We describe a patient undergoing TEE examination for suspected acute aortic dissection with an incidental finding of an ASA whose appearance simulated a right atrial mass.
Quantified immunohistochemistry demonstrates cellular level targets of an oral multikinase inhibitor in metastatic thyroid cancer

Quantified Immunohistochemistry Demonstrates Cellular Level Targets of an Oral Multikinase Inhibitor in Metastatic Thyroid Cancer Evan R. Ransom, MD1; Jason M. Leibowitz, MD1; Cathy Ma, MD2; Kanchan Puttaswamy, MS2; Andrea Troxel, ScD3; William Lee, PhD1; Michael Feldman, MD, PhD4; Marcia S. Brose, MD, PhD1,2 Department of 1Otolaryngology-Head&Neck Surgery, 2Hematology/Oncology, 3Biostatistics, & 4Pathology, University of Pennsylvania
Diffusion-limited aggregation at multiple growth sites

Two models have been developed to investigate the effects of multiple growth sites and finite particle concentrations on diffusion-limited aggregation. In one of these models (model A), all of the mobile particles are added to a lattice containing one or more growth sites at the start of the simulation. This model generates structures which have a fractal geometry on short length scales [the Hausdorff dimensionality ($D$) is about $\frac{5}{3}$ in our two-dimensional simulations] and a uniform structure on long length scales. If the separation between growth sites is large, the crossover from fractal to uniform structure occurs at a length which is determined by the mobile-particle concentration. In the limit of small mobile-particle and seed concentrations this model becomes equivalent to the Witten-Sander model for diffusion-limited aggregation. In the second model (model B), particles are added to the system one at a time at randomly chosen unoccupied positions and allowed to undergo a random walk until they contact one of the growing clusters or seeds. In the early stages of growth this model produces clusters which have the same structure as clusters generated by the Witten-Sander model ($D\ensuremath{\approx}\frac{5}{3}$ in two-dimensional simulations). At later stages the clusters become denser and more uniform. In both models a relatively high concentration is required to produce a continuous network of connected particles.
Essential cysteines in 3-deoxy-D-manno-octulosonic acid 8-phosphate synthase from Escherichia coli: analysis by chemical modification and site-directed mutagenesis.

The enzyme 3-deoxy-d-manno-octulosonic acid 8-phosphate synthase (EC 4.1.2.16) (KDO 8-P synthase) that catalyzes the condensation of d-arabinose 5-phosphate (A 5-P) with phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) t...
Eradication of Latent Epstein-Barr Virus by Hydroxyurea Alters the Growth-Transformed Cell Phenotype

The hallmark of infection by human herpesviruses, life-long persistence in the host, is unaffected by current antiviral therapies effective against replication of virus. In vitro studies indicated that low concentrations of the ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor, hydroxyurea, completely eliminated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) episomes from latently infected Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cell subsets, providing the first example of chemotherapeutic eradication of a latent herpesvirus from any cell population. Unlike parental EBV-positive BL cells, virus-free cell progeny from one treated cell line no longer exhibited the malignant phenotype in tumorigenicity assays. Hydroxyurea-treated primary B lymphocytes immortalized by EBV ceased to proliferate as episomes were lost. The altered growth phenotype of both BL cells and immortalized primary B cells suggests that latent EBV is an appropriate and accessible therapeutic target for treatment of some EBV-induced lymphoproliferations.
The microwave spectrum, structure and dipole moment of cyclobutene ozonide (2,3,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane)

Abstract Cyclobutene ozonide containing deuterium, 13C and 18O enrichment was prepared by ozonolysis of cyclobutene and via singlet molecular oxygen addition to furan. It was established that the ozonide has Cs symmetry. The structure was determined from the assignment of the microwave spectra of eight isotopic species. The peroxy bond distance of 1.492(5) A is increased by about 0.03 A compared with less strained monocyclic ozonides. The ring strain is also evident in several other bond distances and angles when compared with cyclopentene ozonide. The dipole moment is 2.857(2) debye.
Signals for lymphocyte egress.

Lymphocyte egress from lymph nodes is thought to require signals on T cells for the initiation of exit movement. Another possibility is that signaling instead opens endothelial 'gates' through which lymphocytes pass.
Molecular dynamics simulations of oxidized vapor-grown carbon nanofiber surface interactions with vinyl ester resin monomers

Abstract Surface oxidation effects on the liquid vinyl ester (VE) monomer distributions near two oxidized vapor-grown carbon nanofiber (VGCNF) surfaces were studied using molecular dynamics simulations. Two overlapping graphene sheets containing oxygenated functional groups represented the oxidized VGCNF surfaces. Two liquid VE bisphenol-A dimethacrylates (designated VE1 and VE2, respectively) and styrene constituted the resin. Temporally and spatially averaged relative monomer concentrations, calculated in a direction away from the oxidized graphene surfaces, showed increased styrene and VE1 concentrations. Monomer molar ratios found within a 10 A thick region adjacent to the oxidized graphene sheets were substantially different from those in the bulk resin. Curing should result in the formation of a very thin interphase region of different composition. The crosslink structure of such an interphase will be distinct from that of an unoxidized VGCNF surface. The enhanced VE1 concentration near this oxidized surface should give a higher crosslink density, leading to a stiffer interphase than that adjacent to unoxidized VGCNF surfaces. VGCNF–matrix adhesion may also be modified by the different interphase monomer molar ratios. These studies may facilitate multiscale material design by providing insight into carbon nanofiber–matrix interactions leading to improved macroscale composite properties.
Non-adaptive origins of interactome complexity

The boundaries between prokaryotes, unicellular eukaryotes and multicellular eukaryotes are accompanied by orders-of-magnitude reductions in effective population size, with concurrent amplifications of the effects of random genetic drift and mutation. The resultant decline in the efficiency of selection seems to be sufficient to influence a wide range of attributes at the genomic level in a non-adaptive manner. A key remaining question concerns the extent to which variation in the power of random genetic drift is capable of influencing phylogenetic diversity at the subcellular and cellular levels. Should this be the case, population size would have to be considered as a potential determinant of the mechanistic pathways underlying long-term phenotypic evolution. Here we demonstrate a phylogenetically broad inverse relation between the power of drift and the structural integrity of protein subunits. This leads to the hypothesis that the accumulation of mildly deleterious mutations in populations of small size induces secondary selection for protein-protein interactions that stabilize key gene functions. By this means, the complex protein architectures and interactions essential to the genesis of phenotypic diversity may initially emerge by non-adaptive mechanisms.
The effect of spring pad loading and head penetration on the flight of flexible disk over a spherical head

A flexible disk, spinning at relatively low speed (80-600 r/min) and locally sandwiched between a spherical head and a spring loaded pressure pad, is investigated by stroboscopic white light interferometry. The contours of the disk in the vicinity of the head in general, and the minimum head/disk spacing in particular, are determined for various values of parameters such as disk speed, head penetration, and the pad loading force. Based on the topology of the contours, various modes of flight with distinctive characteristics are classified, and the effects of the head penetration and the pad loading force are thoroughly analyzed. Qualitative explanations of the observed phenomena are given and the problems associated with the optimum head design are discussed.
Chorea Associated with the Use of Oral Contraceptives Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

A 17-year-old black female developed Sydenham's chorea 8 weeks after inaugurating the daily use of an oral contraceptive. Two weeks after she stopped the oral contraceptive, her signs and symptoms of chorea dis appeared. Other causes of chorea were eliminated by various lab tests and a 4-year follow-up on the patient. Phenytoin sodium and methadone are cited as two other medications that have been associated with drug-induced chorea. Some theories are presented about altered dopaminergic sensitivity by various drugs that could produce choreic movements. The literature of chorea asso ciated with oral contraceptives is reviewed. The pediatrician is reminded to consider side effects of oral contraceptives when dealing with a sick teenager.
Functional aspects of primate pelvic structure: A multivariate approach

This study aims to clarify the relationship of primate bony pelvic structure to locomotor habit. As with most of the postcranial skeleton, the pelvic bones of species within the Ceboidea and the Cercopithecoidea are remarkably similar visually except for variations in size. Yet there are substantial differences in locomotor pattern between the species in these taxa. I performed canonical analyses on a sample of 17 pelvic variables describing 22 primate species of the Ceboidea, the Cercopithecoidea, and the Hominoidea to discover which variables were significant in separating them into groups. In both analyses there was good separation of major taxa and additional separation of groups that differed in locomotor habit. The separation of colobine from cercopithecine monkeys was particularly consistent. In the analysis, including all 22 species, the variables given particular weight by the canonical analysis were the same as those traditionally used by anatomists for the same purpose. Specifically, breadth of the ischial tuberosity (reflecting presence or absence of ischial callosities) separated the Old from the New World monkeys. Breadth of the iliac tuberosity, in which man and to some extent other hominoids differ from other primates, and ilium height, in which man differs from other primates, were significant. Sagittal diameter of the pelvis was also substantially weighted. Having established that the technique would select variables of anatomical significance, the same method was applied to a study of monkeys only where the characteristics that differ between groups are not well established. Breadth of the ischial tuberosity was again important in separating the Ceboidea from the Cercopithecoidea. Discrimination of locomotor groups within these large divisions was brought about mainly by ischial length and the sagittal diameter of the pelvis. In studying these variables and their relationship to size in greater detail, it was found that among cercopithecoid monkeys, the colobines showed relatively lower values than did cercopithecines for both these dimensions. Atelines showed low values for ischial length but high values for the sagittal pelvic diameter. Biomechanical explanations of these observations are suggested.
Cognitive behavior therapy for hoarding disorder: follow-up findings and predictors of outcome.

Background A cognitive-behavioral model of hoarding posits deficits in information processing, maladaptive beliefs about and attachments to possessions that provoke distress and avoidance, and positive emotional responses to saving and acquiring that reinforce these behaviors. A 26-session individual cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) based on this model showed significant reductions in hoarding symptoms and large effect sizes (Steketee et al.[1]). Methods The present study presents findings at follow-up (up to 12 months), as well as predictors of outcome at posttreatment (n = 37) and follow-up (n = 31). Results Significant improvements at post-treatment were sustained at follow-up with large effects, and Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) ratings by clinicians and patients at follow-up indicated that 62 and 79% of patients were rated “much improved” or “very much improved,” respectively. The most prevalent patterns of outcome were improvement followed by stable gains or little improvement across all time points. Pretreatment severity of hoarding, overall clinical status, gender, perfectionism, and social anxiety were all associated with worse outcome. Only perfectionism and gender emerged as significant predictors after controlling for initial hoarding severity. Conclusions The present findings suggest general stability of individual CBT outcomes for hoarding and indicated that gender, perfectionism, and social anxiety may affect outcomes. More research on larger samples is needed to direct efforts to improve treatment for hoarding.
CAUSAL REPRESENTATION OF NARRATIVES

In reading comprehension, the central concern is with the kind of interpretation that the reader makes of a text. The interpretation made constitutes here what is called a mental representation of the text. Mental representations of text are, in our view, constructed from the information provided in the text by the reader. To do this, the reader must know the concepts and relations that are communicated in the text. What kind of knowledge the reader must have, what kind of representation is constructed, and how this representation affects what the reader is able to do with the interpreted information are the issues that are addressed in the papers in this volume.
Multipole characterization of a magnetic source using a truncated SVD

This paper presents a new technique for characterizing a magnetic source using truncated singular value decomposition (TSVD). It shows how the smallest singular value of the matrix of signature magnetic fields relates to the sensitivity of the restored multipoles to noises. The crosstalk and altercation due to the truncation of singular values are introduced as the parameters to determine an acceptable truncation limit. Numerical simulations with standard sources are tested using a rectangular array of magnetic field sensors. The results show that TSVD can greatly improve the accuracy of the field restoration.
NMDA-dependent modulation of CA1 local circuit inhibition

Whole-cell and extracellular recording techniques were used to examine local circuit inhibition in the CA1 region of the rat hippocampus in vitro. Activation, primarily of the recurrent inhibitory circuit by alvear stimulation, elicited an IPSP in pyramidal neurons that was dependent, in part, on NMDA receptor activation. Application of a tetanizing stimulus to the alveus evoked long-term potentiation (LTP) of the intracellularly recorded recurrent IPSPs. This LTP also was NMDA-dependent and was more sensitive to blockade by the NMDA antagonists 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV) and N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate, than the excitatory LTP produced by Schaffer collateral stimulation. With regard to APV, the sensitivity of inhibitory LTP was an order of magnitude greater. A biophysical simulation of hippocampal CA1 circuitry was used in a model of learned pattern recognition that included LTP in both excitatory and inhibitory recurrent circuits. In this model, selective blockade of inhibitory LTP produced aberrant spread of lateral excitation, resulting in confusion of normally distinguishable patterns of neuronal activity. Consideration is given to the possibility that selective disruption of NMDA-dependent modulation of local circuit inhibition may serve as a model for some aspects of dysfunction associated with NMDA-antagonist exposure and schizophrenia.