cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adolescent substance abuse treatment: Evidence-based practice in outpatient services

Adolescent substance use disorder (SUD) is a serious public health concern. The majority of youth with SUD receive outpatient treatment. There is a pressing need to improve treatment outcome due to high rates of both premature treatment termination and relapse during and after treatment completion. Reviews of the latest innovations in the treatment of adolescent substance abuse and the recent completion of several randomized clinical trials examining singular and integrative treatment modalities have established empiric support for the efficacy of adolescent treatment. Despite some prominent differences in treatment modalities, design, and methodology, recent studies have reported remarkably similar short-term outcomes. Taken together, the findings represent significant developments in treatment outcome research, and lay the foundation for continued future research addressing important challenges. Potential directions include improving short- and long-term outcomes, enhancing motivation for treatment, improving engagement strategies, identifying challenges associated with psychiatric comorbidity, addressing patient-treatment matching, and developing aftercare programs.
Enhancement of murine in vitro antibody formation by hyperthermia.

The influence of hyperthermia on primary in vitro antibody formation by C57BL/6 splenocytes to a T-dependent antigen, sheep red blood cells (SRBC), and a T-independent antigen, trinitrophenyl-lipopolysaccharide (TNP-LPS), was evaluated. Following heat treatment (39 or 40 °C), spleen cells demonstrated two- to fivefold increases in antibody production to SRBC. This enhancement of humoral immunity is critically dependent on the timing of hyperthermia administration relative to antigenic exposure. Examination of the kinetics for the SRBC response revealed that heat significantly lengthens the time period of antibody production. Although a number of parameters were examined, antibody production to TNP-LPS from hyperthermically treated cultures were comparable to control (37 °C treated) cultures. Finally, we have determined that the heat-induced increases in antibody formation to SRBC are mediated through T lymphocytes.
Ultrasmall implantable composite microelectrodes with bioactive surfaces for chronic neural interfaces

Implantable neural microelectrodes that can record extracellular biopotentials from small, targeted groups of neurons are critical for neuroscience research and emerging clinical applications including brain-controlled prosthetic devices. The crucial material-dependent problem is developing microelectrodes that record neural activity from the same neurons for years with high fidelity and reliability. Here, we report the development of an integrated composite electrode consisting of a carbon-fibre core, a poly(p-xylylene)-based thin-film coating that acts as a dielectric barrier and that is functionalized to control intrinsic biological processes, and a poly(thiophene)-based recording pad. The resulting implants are an order of magnitude smaller than traditional recording electrodes, and more mechanically compliant with brain tissue. They were found to elicit much reduced chronic reactive tissue responses and enabled single-neuron recording in acute and early chronic experiments in rats. This technology, taking advantage of new composites, makes possible highly selective and stealthy neural interface devices towards realizing long-lasting implants.
Antiplane dynamic soil-bridge interaction for incident plane SH-waves

The analysis of dynamic soil-bridge interaction has been performed in three steps. These are: the analysis of input motions, the force-displacment relationships for the foundations, the dynamic analysis of the structure itself, i.e. the bridge. Based on the exact solution of the first two steps, the dynamic interaction of a simple two-dimensional bridge model erected on an elastic half-space has been investigated for a single span case. The two-dimensional model under study consists of an elastic shear girder bridge supported by two rigid abutments and rigid foundations which have a circular cross-section and are welded to the half-space. It has been shown that the dynamic interaction depends on: the incidence angle of plane SH-waves, the ratio of the rigidity of the girder and the soil, the ratio of the girder mass to the mass of the rigid abutment-foundation system, the span of the bridge. The dynamic response of the girder and the effect of the radiative damping in the half-space on the interaction of the girder have been studied. /Author/
One-shot percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation vs. transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for low back pain: comparison of therapeutic effects.

Hsieh RL, Lee WC: One-shot percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation vs. transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for low back pain: Comparison of therapeutic effects. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2002;81:838–843.ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects of one shot of low-frequency percutaneous e
Comparison of J-shifting models for rovibrational spectra as applied to the HO2 molecule

Abstract We perform approximate calculations of the rovibrational energy levels of HO2, using various theory-based J-shifting (JS) schemes, applied to a representative set of J values (total angular momentum). Results are compared both to exact energy levels previously reported by the authors (Chen and Poirier, 2010) [19], as well as to experimentally derived vibrational-state-dependent JS results (Zhang and Smith, 2006) [7]. This study serves both to evaluate and improve upon specific existing JS schemes, as well as to assess the general validity of the JS approach.
69-kV High-Pressure Oil-Filled Pipe-Type Submarine Lines to Offshore Drilling Islands

A dual 69-kV high-pressure oil-filled pipe-type cable system was recently installed by the Southern California Edison Company, Los Angeles, Calif., to serve four offshore oil drilling islands in Long Beach Harbor. Each line is capable of carrying the entire load with parallel line out of service. A submarine pipeline was severed and repaired. Cable pulls, believed to be the longest on record, are discussed. Cable tests indicate higher permissible pulling tensions.
Evaluation of Selected Endocrine Disrupting Compounds on Sex Determination in Daphnia magna Using Reduced Photoperiod and Different Feeding Rates

Many anthropogenic chemicals, such as organochlorine pesticides and plasticizers, have been shown to exert toxicity in vertebrates and invertebrates through disruption of the endocrine system (LeBlanc 1998). These effects include impairment of the reproductive and molting processes and interference with sexual development in offspring. From a mechanistic standpoint, endocrinemodulating compounds may have several sites of action such as binding to hormone receptors or alterations in steroid hormone metabolism (Baldwin et al. 1997; Oberdorster 1998).
Optical Coherence Tomography for Neurosurgical Imaging of Human Intracortical Melanoma

OBJECTIVE: Intraoperative identification of brain tumors and tumor margins has been limited by either the resolution of the in vivo imaging technique or the time required to obtain histological specimens. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of using optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a high-resolution, real-time intraoperative imaging technique to identify an intracortical melanoma. INSTRUMENTATION: OCT is a new, noncontact, high-speed imaging technology capable of resolutions on the micrometer scale. OCT is analogous to ultrasound B-mode imaging, except that reflections of infrared 1ight, rather than sound, are detected. OCT uses inherent tissue contrast, rather than enhancement with dyes, to differentiate tissue types. The compact, fiberoptic-based design is readily integrated with surgical instruments. METHODS: A portable handheld OCT surgical imaging probe has been constructed for imaging within the surgical field. Cadaveric human cortex with metastatic melanoma was harvested and imaged in two and three dimensions. Changes in optical backscatter intensity were used to identify regions of tumor and to locate tumor margins. Structures within the optical coherence tomographic images were compared with the histological slides. RESUL TS: Two-dimensional images showed increased optical backscatter from regions of tumor, which was quantitatively used to determine the tumor margin. The images correlated well with the histological findings. Three-dimensional reconstructions revealed regions of tumor penetrating normal cortex and could be resectioned at arbitrary planes. Subsurface cerebral vascular structures could be identified and were therefore avoided. CONCLUSION: OCT can effectively differentiate normal cortex from intracortical melanoma based on variations in optical backscatter. The high-resolution, high-speed imaging capabilities of OCT may permit the intraoperative identification of tumor and the more precise localization of tumor margins. (Neurosurgery 43:834-841, 1998) Key )Nords: Imaging, Infrared, Margins, Microscopy, Optical, Stereotactic, Tumor
Developing a health care intermediary-delivered intervention to promote an online health information resource: results from formative research.

This study describes the development of a health care intermediary-delivered intervention to promote an existing state-based health information Web site (NC Health Info) originally designed by health science librarians. Two focus groups and six key informant interviews were conducted with 17 health care intermediaries (HCIs) to: (1) identify key trends in HCIs' use of and attitudes toward online health information; (2) understand the barriers HCIs and their patients/clients face when using a health information Web site; and (3) design an intervention promoting the use of the online health information resource among HCIs and their patients/clients.
View-Based Semantic Search and Browsing

In this paper we address the issue of defining and using views in information seeking tasks in the context of topic-centered learning repositories. We propose an extension of the Topic Maps model with views and an approach for a view-based retrieval that improves the search of relevant resources. We have implemented this extension in the educational topic maps environment TM4L. The provided support enables users to retrieve resources by specifying view descriptors derived from their current tasks or goals.
Lyme Disease Presenting as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Objective: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) by defini- tion represents a diagnosis of exclusion. Late stage or "Chronic Lyme" infection with or without "co-infections" is a difficult diagnosis to estab- lish. The symptom complex of both conditions can be very similar. This case study represents an attempt to support serious consideration for a subpopulation of patients otherwise diagnosed with "CFS," as actually representing chronic Lyme disease. Method: A case study is presented of a 33-year-old man, who for two years, was being managed as having CFS. However, after ~2 years of utilizing multiple modalities of management with limited success, the diagnosis of Lyme disease was reconsidered. Historical exposure risks to Lyme disease in this individual were high. He had prolonged exposure in the highly tick-infested mountains of North Carolina for 18 months, several years prior to becoming ill. More aggressive investigation con- firmed the diagnosis of Lyme disease. Appropriate changes in manage- ment were associated with an improved level of functioning that was far in excess of what maximal management of CFS was able to achieve. The features of CFS and chronic Lyme disease can be very similar and include the following. Profound fatigue often associated with cognitive impairment. Other common symptoms related to both of these conditions include sleep dis- turbances, fibromyalgia, and dysautonomias. In pursuing clarification of this diagnosis, the author was exposed to a contrast in medical opinion regarding diagnostic tools and criteria that were perceived as creating
Rho Proteins and Microtubules

Rho GTPases have increasingly become recognized as prominent regulators of the microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton. Whereas Rho GTPases regulate the de novo formation of distinct actin arrays (stress fibers, lamellipodia, and filopodia), with MTs, which are present as extensive and dynamic arrays in the absence of Rho GTPase signaling, Rho GTPases principally modify the behavior and dynamics of individual MTs within an existing array. Despite this seemingly modulatory role, Rho GTPases have to profound effects on the MT cytoskeleton. The action of Rho GTPases is primarily exerted at the ends of MTs and causes changes in: (1) dynamics of MT plus ends either through MAPs or sequestering proteins, (2) interactions of MT plus ends with targets in the cortex, in kinetochores or at other sites, a process termed MT capture or (3) the activity of MT minus ends at the centrosome. In many cases, specific GTPases and effectors are known to regulate each of these processes and constitute signaling pathways to regulate MTs. Additionally, MTs can in turn influence the activity of Rho GTPases by interacting with the guanine exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) regulating their function. Together, MTs and Rho GTPases have a dynamic relationship that allows a cell to quickly respond to and integrate a variety of stimuli.
Biomechanical bipedal model with asymmetrical reference trajectories for sit-to-stand task

Human bipedal models behave symmetrically as well as asymmetrically depending upon nature of movement, task and orientation of the body. A bipedal model with full symmetry of limbs and movement is very redundant engineering design which has lots of unstable eigenvalues and poles. To avoid redundancy asymmetry is introduced which imposes coordination and controller design problem. In this paper, we are presenting a biomechanical bipedal model with 13 generalized coordinates of joint angles of right and left limbs in sagittal and frontal plane, a left foot translation. This model has no moment in right foot translation and asymmetrical reference trajectories in right and left limbs. An optimal controller design provides the feedback torque for stable sit-to-stand movement. Our results indicate the applicability of this model for stroke patients or subjects with paraplegic limbs.
Camp Butner Live-Site UXO Classification Using Hierarchical Clustering and Gaussian Mixture Modeling

We demonstrate in detail a semisupervised scheme to classify unexploded ordnance (UXO) by using as an example the data collected with a time-domain electromagnetic towed array detection system during a live-site blind test conducted at the former Camp Butner in North Carolina, USA. The model that we use to characterize targets and generate discrimination features relies on a solution of the inverse UXO problem using the orthonormalized volume magnetic source model. Unlike other classification techniques, which often rely on library matching or expert knowledge, our combined clustering/Gaussian-mixture-model approach first uses the inherent properties of the data in feature space to build a custom training list that is then used to score all unknown targets by assigning them a likelihood of being UXO. The ground truth for the most likely candidates is then requested and used to correct the model parameters and reassign the scores. The process is repeated several times until the desired statistical margin is reached, at which point a final dig is produced. Our method could decrease intervention by human experts and, as the results of the blind test show, identify all targets of interest correctly while minimizing false-alarm counts.
DNA synthesis by cultured lymphocytes: a modified method for measuring 3H-thymidine incorporation.

Abstract A rapid, convenient and inexpensive method for harvesting lymphocyte cultures and measuring the incorporation of 3 H-thymidine into trichloroacetic acid precipitable material has been developed. The basic principle is to adsorb the entire contents of a microculture well onto the cotton applicator portion of a Q-tip, precipitate the DNA, wash away unincorporated 3 H-thymidine, and count the remaining 3 H in a mixture of scintillation fluid plus detergent. Data presented for mixed lymphocyte cultures between allogeneic rat lymph node cells, mixed lymphocyte cultures of human peripheral blood lymphocytes, Con A stimulated mouse spleen cells, and PHA stimulated mouse spleen cells show the method to be highly reproducible with standard deviations of less than 15% of the mean for quadruplicate mixed lymphocyte cultures and in most cases less than 5% of the mean for duplicate mitogen stimulated cultures. This culture system also gives positive values for PHA stimulated DNA synthetic responses of mouse spleen cells cultured in RPMI-1640 plus penicillin and streptomycin but without exogenous serum.
Using Robot Based Learning to Enhance CS Curriculum Delivery

This paper discusses the use of robots as technology aids in teaching programming and other skills required for the computer science curriculum. It gives an overview of technology based learning, successes of robot based education and concludes with suggestions for education stakeholders.
Reshaping the brain: direct lineage conversion in the nervous system

During embryonic development, cells in an uncommitted pluripotent state undergo progressive epigenetic changes that lock them into a final restrictive differentiated state. However, recent advances have shown that not only is it possible for a fully differentiated cell to revert back to a pluripotent state, a process called nuclear reprogramming, but also that differentiated cells can be directly converted from one class into another without generating progenitor intermediates, a process known as direct lineage conversion. In this review, we discuss recent progress made in direct lineage reprogramming of differentiated cells into neurons and discuss some of the therapeutic implications of the findings.
Myosin V, Rab11, and dRip11 direct apical secretion and cellular morphogenesis in developing Drosophila photoreceptors

Sensory neuron terminal differentiation tasks apical secretory transport with delivery of abundant biosynthetic traffic to the growing sensory membrane. We recently showed Drosophila Rab11 is essential for rhodopsin transport in developing photoreceptors and asked here if myosin V and the Drosophila Rab11 interacting protein, dRip11, also participate in secretory transport. Reduction of either protein impaired rhodopsin transport, stunting rhabdomere growth and promoting accumulation of cytoplasmic rhodopsin. MyoV-reduced photoreceptors also developed ectopic rhabdomeres inappropriately located in basolateral membrane, indicating a role for MyoV in photoreceptor polarity. Binary yeast two hybrids and in vitro protein–protein interaction predict a ternary complex assembled by independent dRip11 and MyoV binding to Rab11. We propose this complex delivers morphogenic secretory traffic along polarized actin filaments of the subcortical terminal web to the exocytic plasma membrane target, the rhabdomere base. A protein trio conserved across eukaryotes thus mediates normal, in vivo sensory neuron morphogenesis.
STEROIDS IN HUMAN OVARIAN VEIN BLOOD.

Progesterone concentration in the ovarian vein blood during the menstrual cycle has been studied in 4 patients. Values of 110, 48 and 29 μg/100 ml of ovarian vein blood were obtained 5, 10 and 11 days postovulatory, respectively. In one anovulatory cycle no measurable progesterone could be detected. In addition to progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone,1 20α-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3-one and androstenedione have been identified in the same samples.
Lacustrine sedimentation during the culminating phase of Eocene Lake Gosiute, Wyoming (Green River Formation)

During deposition of the Laney Member of the Green River Formation, Eocene Lake Gosiute evolved from a saline, alkaline lake to a freshwater lake. This evolution reflects the change from a closed-basin hydrologic regime to an open-basin hydrologic regime; sedimentation in the Lake Gosiute system was strongly influenced by the relationship between evaporation and inflow of waters into the basin and, during deposition of the upper Laney lacustrine beds, to the outflow of lake water into the Piceance Creek basin. Stratification sequences, sedimentary structures, and mineralogy of lithofacies in the Laney Member provide insights into the evolution of the lake and into the competing factors that determined the type of sediment accumulated in the lake and fringing environments. Carbonate sedimentation was strongly influenced by lacustrine transgressions and regressions across a very low topographic gradient. Terrigenous rocks mark progradation of beach and deltaic shorelines during times of greater precipitation when more terrigenous detritus was transported to the lake. Hydrochemistry of Lake Gosiute during the deposition of the Laney Member was controlled largely by surface and spring water. Calcite was precipitated in the lake as a result of mixing of calcium-rich inflow and saline-alkaline lake waters. Dolomite formed as a result of periodic flooding and drying of the fringing carbonate mud flat, where carbonate muds were saturated with saline-alkaline lake waters and underwent evaporative pumping. Some surface waters reaching the lake contained high concentrations of salts dissolved from efflorescent crusts generated by capillary draw of connate waters in alluvial and mud-flat sediments.
Modulation of Monocyte‐Macrophage Function with α‐Tocopherol: Implications for Atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. Monocyte-macrophages are crucial cells in atherogenesis. Several lines of evidence suggest that antioxidants, especially alpha-tocopherol, have beneficial effects with regard to cardiovascular disease. Alpha-tocopherol has beneficial effects on cell functions that are pivotal in atherogenesis. Alpha-tocopherol inhibits platelet aggregation and proinflammatory activity of monocytes. In vitro data also support an effect of alpha-tocopherol on smooth muscle cell proliferation and endothelial function. Finally, recent data support an effect of alpha-tocopherol on macrophage function. The mounting evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies provides a sound scientific basis for alpha-tocopherol supplementation. Further clinical trials are required, however, before a definitive recommendation can be made for primary and secondary prevention of heart disease.
BAG3 myofibrillar myopathy presenting with cardiomyopathy

Myofibrillar myopathies (MFMs) are a heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders distinguished by the pathological hallmark of myofibrillar dissolution. Most patients present in adulthood, but mutations in several genes including BCL2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) cause predominantly childhood-onset disease. BAG3-related MFM is particularly severe, featuring weakness, cardiomyopathy, neuropathy, and early lethality.While prior cases reported either neuromuscular weakness or concurrent weakness and cardiomyopathy at onset, we describe the first case in which cardiomyopathy and cardiac transplantation (age eight) preceded neuromuscular weakness by several years (age 12). The phenotype comprised distal weakness and severe sensorimotor neuropathy. Nerve biopsy was primarily axonal with secondary demyelinating/remyelinating changes without “giant axons.” Muscle biopsy showed extensive neuropathic changes that made myopathic changes difficult to interpret. Similar to previous cases, a p.Pro209Leu mutation in exon 3 of BAG3 was found. This case underlines the importance of evaluating for MFMs in patients with combined neuromuscular weakness and cardiomyopathy. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Body composition changes in chronic hemodialysis patients before and after hemodialysis as assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hemodialysis on body composition assessment by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Seventeen patients with chronic renal failure who were on a regular hemodialysis schedule were studied. Body weight and body composition were assessed immediately before and approximately 1 hour after a typical hemodialysis session. Body weight was assessed by means of an electronic balance. Body composition measurements were made by DEXA. Whole-body and subtotal (head and neck excluded) analysis assessed the following parameters: body weight, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and fat (FTM) and lean (LTM) tissue mass. BMC, FTM, and LTM were estimated separately for the trunk, arms, and legs. The mean body weight reduction after hemodialysis was 2.8 ± 1.1 kg (mean ± SD). Concerning whole-body analysis, no change was observed in mean BMC and FTM after hemodialysis. On the contrary, a significant reduction was observed in mean body weight as assessed by DEXA (before hemodialysis, 65.0 ± 11.4 kg; after, 62.2 ± 10.9 kg, P = .0003), as well as in mean LTM (before hemodialysis, 42.7 ± 9.4 kg; after, 39.7 ± 9.0 kg, P = .0003). Similar results were obtained from subtotal and regional analysis. Body weight changes as measured by the electronic balance exhibited a strong positive correlation with the changes in both body weight and LTM as assessed by DEXA (r = .989, standard error of the estimate [SEE] = 0.167 kg and r = .941, SEE = 0.382 kg, respectively, P < .0001). It is concluded that gravimetric changes induced by hemodialysis are highly correlated with LTM changes and are not associated with changes in BMC or FTM estimated by DEXA.
Quality: Walk the walk

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) is dedicated to pathology and laboratory medicine quality. The CAP's Laboratory Accreditation Program, Proficiency Testing Program, Q-Probes and Q-Tracks, site-specific cancer checklists, webinars, annual meetings, and Advanced Practical Pathology series are all focused on providing superior patient quality. The CAP is synonymous with quality in pathology and laboratory medicine. As pathology practice becomes more sophisticated, the CAP's many programs will increasingly help pathologists provide appropriate, personalized care.
Mechanical properties of isolated cardiac myocytes

A wide variety of techniques have been developed to monitor the mechanical responses of isolated cardiac myocytes. The most successful are those that measure shortening in unattached cells. Because of their relative ease of implementation, edge-detector methods of following cell displacement have become most widespread. Laser diffraction techniques have been applied to the single heart cells, and sophisticated sarcomere imaging systems capable of 2-ms time resolution of shortening responses have also been developed. Active force has been recorded in intact single cells from frog atria; however, the compliance of the force transducers was relatively higher (approximately 5% Lo). (There is an obvious trade-off between transducer sensitivity, which affects noise and drift and compliance.) Some success has been reported with the use of intact rat myocytes supported by suction micropipettes and in guinea pig ventricular myocytes adhering to poly-L-lysine-coated glass beams. With the rat preparation, contractile stress was comparable to that of ventricular muscle, but few cells survived the attachment. In guinea pig myocytes, contractile stress in electrically induced twitches was only approximately 10% of the active stress developed by mammalian trabeculae or papillary muscles at the same temperature (35 degrees C), but, as with the frog atrial transducer, the compliance of the supporting beams was relatively high. Sarcomere uniformity has not been evaluated in these intact preparations. For attachment to the relatively short mammalian cardiac myocytes, the more promising methods that better preserve sarcomere uniformity include double-barreled micropipettes coated with a barnacle adhesive; however, for nonsubmersible transducers, a continuing limitation is the problem of solution surface stability. Unfortunately, the more severe limitation to effective attachment to intact cells is still the extreme sensitivity of the sarcolemma to mechanical stress. The challenge remains to develop an attachment to the intercalated disk such that cell stress can be transferred to the supporting transducers along the normal stress-bearing cellular interface. The ultrastructural and passive mechanical data strongly indicate that although the extracellular collagen limits the extension of cardiac muscle beyond the peak of the active length-tension relation, there is also a substantial cellular component of resistance to extension. Furthermore, this cellular component is related to the cytoskeleton rather than to membranous elements in the cell. The more likely candidates for the longitudinal resting stress-bearing element are titin (connectin) and desmin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Methodology discourses as boundary work in the construction of engineering education.

Engineering education research is a new field that emerged in the social sciences over the past 10 years. This analysis of engineering education research demonstrates that methodology discourses ha...
Use of cellular telephones in the hospital environment.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether cellular telephones used in a normal way would cause interference with medical devices located in patient care areas of hospitals. METHODS Two cellular telephones from different cellular carriers were tested in various patient care areas between February 15, 2006, and June 29, 2006. To monitor the medical devices and equipment in the patient care areas during testing, we observed the device displays and alarms. RESULTS Interference of any type occurred in 0 of the 75 patient care rooms during the 300 tests performed. These 300 tests involved a total of 192 medical devices. The incidence of clinically important interference was 0% (95% confidence interval, 0%-4.8%). CONCLUSIONS Although cellular telephone use in general has been prohibited in hospitals because of concerns that these telephones would interfere with medical devices, this study revealed that when cellular telephones are used in a normal way no noticeable interference or interactions occurred with the medical devices.
Innovative therapeutic actions by targeting serotonin 1A receptors selectively

SummarySerotonin 1A receptors are being targeted by a variety of drugs, including par & agonists, full agonists, antagonists. Some serotonin 1A receptors are presynaptic autoreceptors, and others are postsynaptic. Drug actions on serotonin IA receptors of one type do not necessarily parallel those at another type. Thus, it may be that the balance of drug actions at pre- versus postsynaptic serotonin 1A receptors explains the therapeutic potential of such agents in anxiety and depression. This article reviews the pharmacological concepts underlying the actions of serotonin 1A full agonists, partial agonists and antagonists on both presynaptic and postsynaptic serotonin 1A receptors. The theoretical applications of each type of agent in a variety of clinical applications are also discussed, including anxiety, depression, and other novel uses including memo y and alcohol abuse. The potential clinical relevance of interactions between serotonin 1A receptors and other serotonin receptors, particularly serotoni...
Molekulare Aspekte der Sichelzellen‐Krankheit

Sichelzell-Hamoglobin (Hamoglobin S) enthalt in Position 6 der β-Kette Valin anstelle von Glutaminsaure. Die Konformationen von Hamoglobin S und normalem Erwachsenen-Hamoglobin (Hamoglobin A) unterscheiden sich nur wenig. Sauerstofffreies Hamoglobin S bildet unter Eigenassoziation eine flussig-kristalline Phase, die die Erythrocyten zu einer sichelartigen Gestalt verformt und somit die klinischen Symptome der Sichelzellanamie hervorruft. In diesem Gel stehen Desoxyhamoglobin-S-Monomere und -Polymere im Gleichgewicht. Man weis, das der Polymerisationsprozes einen negativen Temperaturkoeffizienten hat und vom pH-Wert sowie besonders stark von der Hamoglobin-S-Konzentration abhangt. Die Triebkraft fur die Polymerisation von Desoxyhamoglobin S ist anscheinend die Entropiezunahme. Die Reaktion lauft in zwei kinetischen Phasen ab, einer Verzogerungsperiode und einem raschen Polymerisationsprozes. Das Polymer besteht aus Rohrchen, die aus sechs oder acht nebeneinander liegenden, helixformig gewundenen Strangen aus Desoxyhamoglobin S aufgebaut sind. Der Windungsabstand („pitch”) betragt 3000 A. Die genaue Natur der Kontakte zwischen den Hamoglobin-S-Molekulen ist noch nicht bekannt. Die anschliesende Ausrichtung der Rohrchen fuhrt zu den in S/S-Erythrocyten beobachteten Tactoiden. Zwar sind noch viele Einzelheiten der Polymerbildung und der Struktur nicht aufgeklart worden, doch hat man bereits mehrere Versuche zur chemischen Beeinflussung der Sichelbildung durchgefuhrt. Allerdings ist bisher noch keine befriedigende chemische Behandlungsmethode gefunden worden.
Structures of Human Steroidogenic Cytochrome P450 17A1 with Substrates

The human cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) enzyme operates at a key juncture of human steroidogenesis, controlling the levels of mineralocorticoids influencing blood pressure, glucocorticoids involved in immune and stress responses, and androgens and estrogens involved in development and homeostasis of reproductive tissues. Understanding CYP17A1 multifunctional biochemistry is thus integral to treating prostate and breast cancer, subfertility, blood pressure, and other diseases. CYP17A1 structures with all four physiologically relevant steroid substrates suggest answers to four fundamental aspects of CYP17A1 function. First, all substrates bind in a similar overall orientation, rising ∼60° with respect to the heme. Second, both hydroxylase substrates pregnenolone and progesterone hydrogen bond to Asn202 in orientations consistent with production of 17α-hydroxy major metabolites, but functional and structural evidence for an A105L mutation suggests that a minor conformation may yield the minor 16α-hydroxyprogesterone metabolite. Third, substrate specificity of the subsequent 17,20-lyase reaction may be explained by variation in substrate height above the heme. Although 17α-hydroxyprogesterone is only observed farther from the catalytic iron, 17α-hydroxypregnenolone is also observed closer to the heme. In conjunction with spectroscopic evidence, this suggests that only 17α-hydroxypregnenolone approaches and interacts with the proximal oxygen of the catalytic iron-peroxy intermediate, yielding efficient production of dehydroepiandrosterone as the key intermediate in human testosterone and estrogen synthesis. Fourth, differential positioning of 17α-hydroxypregnenolone offers a mechanism whereby allosteric binding of cytochrome b5 might selectively enhance the lyase reaction. In aggregate, these structures provide a structural basis for understanding multiple key reactions at the heart of human steroidogenesis.
PSYCHIATRIC DIAGNOSIS IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry - Vol. 42 - N° 2 - p. 129-130
Simple and efficient generation in vitro of nested deletions and inversions: Tn5 intramolecular transposition

We have exploited the intramolecular transposition preference of the Tn5 in vitro transposition system to test its effectiveness as a tool for generation of nested families of deletions and inversions. A synthetic transposon was constructed containing an ori, an ampicillin resistance (Amp r ) gene, a multi-cloning site (MCS) and two hyperactive end sequences. The donor DNA that adjoins the transposon contains a kanamycin resistance (Kan r ) gene. Any Amp r replicating plasmid that has undergone a transposition event (Kan s ) will be targeted primarily to any insert in the MCS. Two different size targets were tested in the in vitro system. Synthetic transposon plasmids containing either target were incubated in the presence of purified transposase (Tnp) protein and transformed. Transposition frequencies (Amp r /Kan s ) for both targets were found to be 30‐50%, of which >95% occur within the target sequence, in an apparently random manner. By a conservative estimate 10 5 or more deletions/inversions within a given segment of DNA can be expected from a single one-step 20 μl transposition reaction. These nested deletions can be used for structure‐function analysis of proteins and for sequence analysis. The inversions provide nested sequencing templates of the opposite strand from the deletions.
Current Leakage Evolution in Partially Gate Ruptured Power MOSFETs

It has been observed that power MOSFETs can experience an SEGR and continue to function with altered parameters. We propose that there are three different types of SEGR modes; the micro-break, the thermal runaway, and the avalanche breakdown. Data that demonstrates these stages of device failure are presented as well as a proposed model for the micro-break. Brief discussions of the other modes, based on analysis combined with our interpretations of the older literature, are also given.
Evaluation of Application Methods and Flammability Characteristics for Topical Flame Retardant Treatments on Fiber Art Installations

Fiber art installations placed in specific areas of non-residential buildings are required to be flame resistant. When needed, topical flame-retardant treatments are often used by artists to provide flame resistance. This study was a preliminary investigation of two application methods for a topical flame-retardant treatment on a fiberwork and an evaluation of flammability characteristics relative to add-on. Six commercial and two nonproprietary flame retardants were applied to a handwoven fabric consisting of identical linen warp and three separate sections of weft fiber content: cotton, rayon, and wool. Two methods of application, spraying and dipping, were investigated ANOVA was used to test for differences in add-on as a function of fabric, application, and product. Flame resistance was assessed by the National Fire Protection Association's Field Test: Match Flame Test. Data indicated that, in general, dipping results in greater add-on than spraying; however, this varies by flame retardant and fiber c...
Where is health law going?: follow the money.

IN LATE AUGUST 2003, the Minnesota Supreme Court rendered an important health law decision placing the ultimate cost of liability for silicon breast implants on more than twenty-five insurance companies for the manufacturer, 3M, rather than on the manufacturer itself. 1 In rendering this decision, the court was required to address the question ofwhen the plaintiffs' causes of action accrued, and what the terms of the insurance contracts required. The result will be a transfer of hundreds of millions of dollars to the manufacturer of these implants. Of course, the court was also called upon to address the question of the millions of dollars of attorneys' fees that had accrued to 3M in the course of the litigation. If one were to try to fit this case into a structure of the subject of health law (or its predecessor) twenty-five years ago, one would fail; it simply was not a part of this discipline. Today, as the lawyers who sought millions in fees in this case recognize, it is at the heart of it. Where has health law come from? Where will it be going? To follow the development of this discipline, follow the money. Where substantial financial interests entered the health care enterprise, lawyers have been sure to follow--or, sometimes, to lead. Where we can predict there will be concentrations of money, we can predict there will be concentrations of lawyers, and, not too far behind, legal academics. The very birth of "health law" (or, at least, its transformation out of "medical law") was a consequence of a newly developing medical economy. Since the term "Health Law" was first used as a casebook title by a major law publisher to describe the discipline in 1987, those studying the subject, and those practicing it, have turned their focus from malpractice actions against individual physicians to corporate and economic issues that affect the financing of the largest
Plastic optical fiber links: A statistical study

We report the first large statistical study of graded index plastic optical fiber and demonstrate that modern POF reliably supports 10Gb/s over 200m and that reliable 40Gb/s transmission over distances ≫100m are achievable.
Benchmarking CPA Firms For Productivity And Efficiency: A Decade Comparison 1994 Versus 2004

CPA firms are continuously being ranked and compared to each other. Most rankings are based on total revenue or total clients and convey a measure of prestige. But is ranking by total revenue the best way to compare firms, and benchmark and judge performance? Linking revenues to the resources used to generate them would give a more meaningful basis for evaluating firm performance regardless of size.
Incipient speciation across a depth gradient in a scleractinian coral

Abstract A few marine cases have demonstrated morphological and genetic divergence in the absence of spatial barriers to gene flow, suggesting that the initial phase of speciation is possible without geographic isolation. In the Bocas del Toro Archipelago of the Atlantic Coast of Panama, we found two morphotypes of the scleractinian coral Favia fragum with opposing depth distributions. One morphotype fit the classical description of F. fragum and was most abundant at 3 m depth. A second morphotype was distinguished by raised corallites and was restricted to ≤ 1 m depth. The two morphotypes overlapped in distribution at 1 m depth. Multivariate analysis of polyp-level characters (shape and distribution of septa within corallites) divided samples into two groups corresponding to initial qualitative observations of colony shape and corallite relief. To determine whether reduced gene flow maintains morphological variation, we measured the frequencies of alleles at five allozyme loci in both morphotypes at thre...
Estimation of surface area and counterion binding characteristics in fatty amine monolayers from desorption kinetics.

The surface area per molecule of an un-ionized fatty amine is very similar to the surface area per molecule of an un-ionized fatty acid. Surface area increases with ionization in both fatty amine and fatty acid films. How- ever, fatty amine cations have much smaller surface areas than the corresponding fatty acid anions. Thus counterion binding is stronger with fatty amine cations than with fatty acid anions. Surface area data show that counterion binding affinities for fatty amine cations decrease in the strong field sequence C1- > Br- > I- > SCN-. Furthermore, surface areas in the presence of the most strongly bound counterions, C1- and Br-, increase significantly with an increase in subphase ionic strength. These data are consistent with the forma- tion of strong ion-pair bonds and their disruption with an increase in ionic strength. Fatty amine cations desorb as micelles with much lower relative diffusion coefficients than the corresponding fatty acid anions. Furthermore, relative diffusion coefficients for fatty amine cations are strongly dependent on the specific cation. These data show that fatty amine cations form larger micelles when they desorb in the presence of strongly bound counterions. Anions enhance the solubility of a fatty acid anion in the sequence C1- < 1- < SCN-, which is characteristic of chaotropic anions that disrupt water structure.
Nickel selenide as a high-efficiency catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction

A metal-rich form of Ni-selenide, nickel subselenide, Ni3Se2 has been investigated as a potential oxygen evolution electrocatalyst under alkaline conditions for the first time. The Ni3Se2 phase has a structure similar to the sulfur mineral heazlewoodite, which contains metal–metal bonding. The electrocatalytic activities of Ni3Se2 towards OER were seen to be at par with or even superior to the transition metal oxide based electrocatalyst in terms of onset overpotential for O2 evolution as well as overpotential to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2 (observed at 290 mV). The electrocatalytic Ni3Se2 films were grown by electrodeposition on conducting substrates and the deposition parameters including the pH of the electrolytic bath, deposition potential, and substrate composition were seen to have some influence on the catalytic activity. So far, Ni3Se2 films deposited on the Au-coated Si substrate was seen to have the lowest overpotential. Annealing of the as-deposited electrocatalytic films in an inert atmosphere, enhanced their catalytic efficiencies by decreasing the overpotential (@10 mA cm−2) as well as increasing the current density. The structure and morphology of these films has been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Catalytic activities were investigated through detailed electrochemical studies under alkaline conditions, including linear sweep voltammetry, chronoamperometric studies at constant potential, electrochemical surface area determination and calculation of the Tafel slope. The Faradaic efficiency of this catalyst has been estimated by reducing the evolved O2 in a RRDE set-up which also confirmed that the evolved gas was indeed O2. In addition to low overpotentials, these Ni3Se2 electrodeposited films were seen to be exceptionally stable under conditions of continuous O2 evolution for an extended period (42 h).
The adjunctive use of methylmethacrylate in fixation of pathological fractures.

Methylmethacrylate was used adjunctively in the internal fixation of thirty-five pathological fractures and in sixteen patients in whom fractures were imminent. Effective fixation and stability were achieved after all procedures. Without the use of methylmethacrylate, twenty procedures associated with extensive destruction would not have achieved satisfactory fixation. Because stability of the osseous structure can be restored by the methylmethacrylate, extensive bone destruction is not a contraindication in the selection of patients. Relief of pain and functional improvement were rated as follows: good in thirty-eight cases, fair in six, and poor in seven. There were no failures of the fixation and no significant complications from the methylmethacrylate.