cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endogenous opioid dynorphin is a potential link between traumatic brain injury, chronic pain and substance use disorder.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem associated with numerous physical and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Chronic pain is prevalent and interferes with post-injury functioning and quality of life, whereas substance use disorder (SUD) is the third most common neuropsychiatric diagnosis after TBI. Neither of these conditions has a clear mechanistic explanation based on the known pathophysiology of TBI. Dynorphin is an endogenous opioid neuropeptide that is significantly dysregulated after TBI. Both dynorphin and its primary receptor, the k-opioid receptor (KOR), are implicated in the neuropathology of chronic pain and SUD. Here, we review the known roles of dynorphin and KORs in chronic pain and SUDs. We synthesize this information with our current understanding of TBI and highlight potential mechanistic parallels between and across conditions that suggest a role for dynorphin in long-term sequelae after TBI. In pain studies, dynorphin/KOR activation has either antinociceptive or pro-nociceptive effects, and there are similarities between the signaling pathways influenced by dynorphin and those underlying development of chronic pain. Moreover, the dynorphin/KOR system is considered a key regulator of the negative affective state that characterizes drug withdrawal and protracted abstinence in SUD, and molecular and neurochemical changes observed during the development of SUD are mirrored by the pathophysiology of TBI. We conclude by proposing hypotheses and directions for future research aimed at elucidating the potential role of dynorphin/KOR in chronic pain and/or SUD after TBI.
Neuron Type-Dependent Synaptic Activity in the Spinal Dorsal Horn of Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia Mouse Model

Opioids are widely used for pain relief; however, chronic opioid use causes a paradoxical state of enhanced pain sensitivity, termed ‘Opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH)’. Despite the clinical importance of OIH, the detailed mechanism by which it enhances pain sensitivity remains unclear. In this study, we tested whether repeated morphine induces a neuronal circuit polarization in the mouse spinal dorsal horn. Transgenic mice expressing GFP to neurokinin-1 receptor for excitatory neurons (sNK1Rn) and GABAergic interneurons (sGABAn) that received morphine (20 mg/kg, once daily for 4 consecutive days (i.p.)) developed mechanical hypersensitivity. Repeated morphine altered synaptic strengths in the SDH as a specific cell-type but not in a gender-dependent manner. In sNK1Rn and non-tonic firing neurons, repeated morphine treatment significantly increased frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (sEPSC) and evoked EPSC (eEPSC). In addition, repeated morphine treatment significantly decreased evoked inhibitory postsynaptic current (eIPSC) in sNK1Rn. Conversely, in sGABAn and tonic firing neurons, repeated morphine treatment significantly decreased sEPSC frequency and eEPSC, but had no change of eIPSC in sGABAn. Interestingly, repeated morphine treatment significantly decreased neuronal rheobase of sNK1Rn but had no effect on sGABAn. These findings suggest that spinal neuronal circuit polarization maybe the mechanism of OIH and identify a potential therapeutic mechanism to prevent or treat opioid-induced pain.
The use of cultured epithelial and endothelial cells for drug transport and metabolism studies.

In an effort to develop novel strategies for delivery of drug candidates arising from rational drug design and recombinant DNA technology, pharmaceutical scientists have begun to employ the techniques of cell culture to study drug transport and metabolism at specific biological barriers. This review describes some of the general factors that should be considered in developing a cell culture model for transport studies and metabolism studies. In addition, we review in detail the recent progress that has been made in establishing, validating, and using cell cultures of epithelial barriers (e.g., cells that constitute the intestinal, rectal, buccal, sublingual, nasal, and ophthalmic mucosa as well as the epidermis of the skin) and the endothelial barriers (e.g., brain microvessel endothelial cells).
Motion for Manipulation Tasks

This chapter serves as an introduction to Part D by giving an overview of motion generation and control strategies in the context of robotic manipulation tasks. Automatic control ranging from the abstract, high-level task specification down to fine-grained feedback at the task interface are considered. Some of the important issues include modeling of the interfaces between the robot and the environment at the different time scales of motion and incorporating sensing and feedback. Manipulation planning is introduced as an extension to the basic motion planning problem, which can be modeled as a hybrid system of continuous configuration spaces arising from the act of grasping and moving parts in the environment. The important example of assembly motion is discussed through the analysis of contact states and compliant motion control. Finally, methods aimed at integrating global planning with state feedback control are summarized.
Particles in the nebular midplane: Collective effects and relative velocities

Abstract– In the absence of global turbulence, solid particles in the solar nebula tend to settle toward the midplane, forming a layer with enhanced solids/gas ratio. Shear relative to the surrounding pressure-supported gas generates turbulence within the layer, inhibiting further settling and preventing gravitational instability. Turbulence and size-dependent drift velocities cause collisions between particles. Relative velocities between small grains and meter-sized bodies are typically about 50 m s−1 for isolated particles; however, in a dense particle layer, collective effects alter the motion of the gas near the midplane. Here, we develop a numerical model for the coupled motions of gas and particles of arbitrary size, based on the assumption that turbulent viscosity transfers momentum on the scale of the Ekman length. The vertical distribution of particles is determined by a balance between settling and turbulent diffusion. Self-consistent distributions of density, turbulent velocities, and radial fluxes of gas and particles of different sizes are determined. Collective effects generate turbulence that increases relative velocities between small particles, but reduce velocities between small grains and bodies of decimeter size or larger by bringing the layer’s motion closer to Keplerian. This effect may alleviate the “meter-size barrier” to collisional growth of planetesimals.
Pressure Vessel Fracture Simulation

The influence of local defects or flaws and through the thickness cracks on the load carrying capability and structural behavior of steel cylindrical shells subject to internal pressure is investigated. An integrated computer code is used for the simulation of structural degradation under loading. Damage initiation, growth, accumulation, and propagation to structural fracture are included in the simulation. A mapping method is utilized to accurately simulate damage and fracture progression using a relatively coarse finite element mesh. A thick shell finite element model, subdivided across its thickness to a finite number of layers, is used to enable representation of gradual local damage growth across the shell thickness. Computational results are compared with traditional fracture mechanics for a design case, as well as with experimental data from the literature. The effect of local defects such as partial-thickness flaws and through-the-thickness slits on the durability of pressurized cylindrical shells is examined in detail.
Power spectra of infragravity waves in a deep ocean

[1] Infragravity waves (IGWs) play an important role in coupling wave processes in the ocean, ice shelves, atmosphere, and the solid Earth. Due to the paucity of experimental data, little quantitative information is available about power spectra of IGWs away from the shore. Here we use continuous, yearlong records of pressure at 28 locations on the seafloor off New Zealand's South Island to investigate spectral and spatial distribution of IGW energy. Dimensional analysis of diffuse IGW fields reveals universal properties of the power spectra observed at different water depths and leads to a simple, predictive model of the IGW spectra. While sources of IGWs off New Zealand are found to have a flat power spectrum, the IGW energy density has a pronounced dependence on frequency and local water depth as a result of the interaction of the waves with varying bathymetry.
A simple cumulant based approach for multiuser channel identification

This paper presents a new statistical approach to the blind estimation of linear multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels with finite impulse response. A matrix pencil is constructed from a set of fourth-order cumulant matrices of channel output signals. MIMO channel impulse response can be efficiently estimated from the generalized eigen-decomposition of the cumulant matrix pencil. The proposed new method requires a relaxed channel identifiability condition and does not rely on the exact knowledge of MIMO channel order.
Listening, Thinking, Being: Toward an Ethics of Attunement by Lisbeth Lipari

As an anchor for CBS, Dan Rather once asked the late Mother Teresa what she said during times of prayer. She responded, “I don’t say anything; I listen.” Intrigued by her reply, Dan asked, “So what...
Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of a Nup107-Nup133 heterodimeric nucleoporin complex.

The nuclear pore complex (NPC), the sole gateway of traffic between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, is built up from multiple copies of about 30 proteins collectively termed nucleoporins (nups). Nups are organized into distinct subcomplexes. Nup107 and Nup133 are members of the essential Nup107–160 subcomplex, a component of the central NPC architecture. A dimeric complex of the C-­terminal domains of human Nup107 and Nup133 was expressed from a bicistronic vector in Escherichia coli, purified and crystallized in two different crystal forms. Crystals grown in the presence of 18–22% PEG 3350 belong to space group P212121 and diffracted to 2.9 A. Native and seleno-l-methionine-derivative crystals grown in the presence of 1.1 M sodium malonate belong to space group C2 and diffracted to 2.55 and 2.9 A, respectively. Structure determination of this complex will give the first insights into the protein–protein interactions within a core module of the NPC.
SNEWS – The SuperNova Early Warning System

SNEWS is a cooperative effort between the world's neutrino detection experiments to spread the news that a star in our galaxy has just experienced a core-collapse and is about to be seen as a Supernova. This project exploits the ∼hours time difference between neutrinos promptly escaping the nascent supernova and photons originating when the shock wave breaks through the stellar photosphere, to give the world a chance to get ready to observe such an exciting event at the earliest possible time. A coincidence trigger between experiments is used to eliminate potential local false alarms, allowing a rapid, automated alert. SNEWS is currently operational and ready, and this poster presents the procedures in use.
The Response of Juvenile Alewives to Water Currents in an Experimental Chamber

Abstract The response of juvenile alewives to water currents in an experimental chamber was examined. Fish showed greater movement from the center of the chamber when water was flowing then when under static conditions. Fish oriented strongly to currents, and their direction of movement may have been influenced by current velocity. Responses to currents were similar in fresh and seawater.
Computational analysis of kilohertz frequency spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain management

Background:Kilohertz frequency spinal cord stimulation (KHFSCS) is an emerging therapy for treating refractory neuropathic pain. Although KHFSCS has the potential to improve the lives of patients experiencing debilitating pain, its mechanisms of action are unknown and thus it is difficult to optimiz
the romance of resistance: tracing transformations of power through Bedouin women

Resistance has become in recent years a popular focus for work in the human sciences. Despite the theoretical sophistication of many anthropological and historical studies of everyday resistance, there remains a tendency to romanticize it. I argue instead that resistance should be used as a diagnostic of power, and I show what the forms of Awlad ‘Ali Bedouin women's resistance can reveal about the historically changing relations of power in which they are enmeshed as they become increasingly incorporated into the Egyptian state and economy. [resistance, power, Bedouins, women, the state, Egypt]
MICROFLUOROMETRIC ANALYSIS OF SISTER CHROMATID EXCHANGES, INDICES OF CHROMOSOME FRAGILITY

Quenching of 33258 Hoechst fluorescence by 5-bromodeoxyuridine incorporated into chromosomal DNA (S.A. Latt, P.N.A.S. 70:3395, 1973) allows micro-fluorometric differentiation between sister chromatids, documenting the semiconservative distribution of newly replicated DNA. Sister chromatid exchanges are sharply demarcated and can be localized relative to quinacrine banding patterns. While the incidence of exchanges is approximately proportional to meta-phase chromosome length, the majority occur either in interband regions or very near the band-interband junction. Sites of frequent exchange often compare with the locations of radiation-induced breaks and with break points of spontaneous chromosome translocations reported in the literature. Sister chromatid exchanges, analyzed microfluorometrically, are at least 200 times more frequent than breaks and appear to be very sensitive indicators of chromosome damage by the drug mitomycin C. These exchanges might similarly serve to gauge damage due to other chemical agents or radiation, as well as reflect increased susceptibility of chromosome regions to breakage as in Bloom's Syndrome or Fanconi's Anemia.
Anticytokinin activity of substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines

Abstract Ten substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines were tested as cytokinins and anticytokinins in the tobacco bioassay. Eight new anticytokinins were identified and two were found to be highly active. The most potent species were 4-cyclohexylamino- and 4-cyclopentylamino-2-methylthiopyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine, of which 0.05 and 0.009 μM concentrations, respectively, were required to produce detectable inhibition of the growth of tobacco callus cultured on a medium containing 0.003 μM 6-(3-methyl-2-butenylamino)purine. The inhibition of growth by moderate (≤6.6 μM) concentrations of these compounds was reversible by equal or higher concentrations of 6-(3-methyl-2-butenylamino)purine, but not by indole-3-acetic acid or gibberellic acid. These substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines were also found to enhance bud formation at high cytokinin concentrations, suggesting that a cytokinin may act at more than one cellular site in exerting its growth-promoting and morphogenetic effects.
Work, Welfare, and the Informal Economy: Toward an Understanding of Household Livelihood Strategies

Drawing on data from a survey of family households in nonmetropolitan Pennsylvania, this paper examines how households construct livelihood strategies through partieipalion in the formal labor market, government assistance programs, and informal work (for cash, barter, and savings/self provisioning). Throughout, special attention is paid to influence of household income. The results show that participation in a varied livelihood strategy is common. Greater formal labor force participation is shown among higher-income households, and greater participation in assistance programs is shown among lower-income households. Engagement in the informal economy, however, is shown to differ little by household income. Multivariate models are used to explore key correlates of participation in various livelihood strategies. Implications for future research and efforts aimed at poverty alleviation and community development are then discussed.
Closed Vitrectomy for the Vitreous Touch Syndrome

We used closed vitrectomy techniques to remove formed vitreous from the anterior chamber in a consecutive series of 38 eyes with the vitreous touch syndrome. The visual results in these cases were related to the severity of corneal edema and the visual acuity recorded preoperatively. Most patients with preoperative visual acuities of 6/15 (20/50) or better demonstrated a clearing of corneal edema and an improvement in vision. Of eyes achieving visual acuities of 6/12 (20/40) or better within six weeks of vitreous surgery, 14 (74%) maintained this level during follow-up. No eyes with preoperative visual acuities of 6/90 (20/300) or worse achieved good results. The incidence of complications of vitreous surgery was acceptable, although cystoid macular edema developed postoperatively in at least 10%. Closed virectomy techniques provide a safe and effective means of treating the vitreous touch syndrome when corneal edema is localized.
The future of security visualization: Lessons from network visualization

Approaches in security visualization have made significant progress in addressing challenges in the ever changing landscape of network security. However, many approaches are limited in both scope and scale, especially when we consider the complexity of the complete security analysis process. In this article, we review several notable recent systems in security visualization, examining their relative strengths and limitations. We then show that recent research in general network visualization, which often deals with domains other than security, provides new visual metaphors and interaction techniques that will help address limitations in security visualization systems. We examine several of these network visualization approaches in detail, and discuss how they can be applied to meet the challenges of the next generation of security visualization systems.
Nyquist's theorem and the Hall resistivity

A thermodynamic sum rule is developed for the Hall resisitivity with use of the Nyquist voltage-fluctuation theorem. This compliments a previous sum rule for the Hall conductivity derived from Kubo current fluctuations. The Nyquist result can be directly applied to electronic "surface layers" wherein electrons can be exchanged between the surface layer and the bulk substrate, as in the quantum Hall effect.
An Efficient Method for Improving Reliability of a Pipeline FFT

A technique is described whereby the reliability of a pipeline FFT structure can be significantly increased with a relatively modest increase in complexity/cost. The proposed method is shown to give a substantial reliability/cost improvement relative to that achievable with dual redundant structures.
SUCCESSFUL PREGNANCY IN A FAMILIAL MEDITERRANEAN FEVER PATIENT FOLLOWING ASSISTED REPRODUCTION

We conclude that untreated women with FMF have up to a 30% incidence of infertility due to ovulatory dysfunction and peritoneal adhesions. Some of these women conceive during ovulation induction with or without insemination. We have described the first case of a successful and normal pregnancy in a patient with FMF following in vitro fertilization (IVF) while on prophylaxis colchicine therapy after other treatments for infertility were unsuccessful.
Electronic and structural properties of ununquadium from first principles

Using first-principles techniques, the electronic and structural properties of ununquadium are investigated. These properties are compared to the known experimental and theoretical properties of Pb which lies in the same column above Uuq in the periodic table. Within the limits of density-functional theory, we find that solid Uuq is expected to be metallic and crystallize in an fcc structure.
Advances in the linear/nonlinear control of aeroelastic structural systems

Active aeroelastic control is a recently emerging technology aimed at providing solutions to a large class of problems involving the aeronautical/aerospace flight vehicle structures that are prone to instability and catastrophic failures, and to oscillations that can yield structural failure by fatigue. In order to prevent such damaging phenomena to occur, the linear/nonlinear aeroelastic control technology should be applied. Its goals are among others: (i) to alleviate and even suppress the vibrations appearing in the subcritical flight speed range, (ii) to enlarge the flight envelope by increasing the flutter speed, and (iii) to enhance the post-flutter behavior by converting the unstable limit cycle oscillation to a stable one. A short review of the available control techniques and capabilities is presented first. Attention is focused on the open/closed-loop of 2D and 3D lifting surfaces as well as on panels exposed to supersonic flowfields. A number of concepts involving various control methodologies, such as proportional, velocity, linear quadratic regulator, modified bang-bang, sliding mode observer, time-delay control, fuzzy, etc., as well as results obtained with such controls are presented. Emphasis is placed on theoretical and numerical results obtained with the various control strategies that are considered in a comparative way. Finally, conclusions and directions for further work are presented.
A Practical Index to Predict 30-Day Mortality After Major Amputation

Background Patients at risk of mortality after amputation have not been well identified. We sought to devise a clinical index predicting 30-day mortality after amputation that would allow stratification of intensity of postoperative care. Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database (2005–2009) was analyzed for patients who had above- or below-knee amputations. An additive risk index was created based on logistic regression that examined patient demographics, comorbidities, and operative characteristics. A threshold score for clinical action was identified as the score at which the gain in certainty was maximized. The primary outcome measure was 30-day mortality. Results Among 9244 patients analyzed, there were 744 deaths (8.1%) at 30 days, with 280 occurring after hospital discharge (37.9%). The final index includes 11 components with a total score range of 0–13: age (60–79 or ≥80 years), history of congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or major cardiac surgery, using steroid medications, having dependent functional status, dyspnea, being on dialysis, having impaired sensorium, or preoperative sepsis. This index has a c-statistic of 0.7391, and the score at which clinical action should be taken is ≥5. The observed probability of 30-day mortality increased from 1.06% at a score of 1 to 10% at 5 and 38.5% at a score of 10. Conclusions More than one-third of deaths within 30 days of major amputation occur after discharge from acute care. A novel index to predict 30-day mortality after major amputation is described. Patients receiving a score ≥5 face a substantial risk of mortality and should be held in the hospital longer or, if discharged, receive closer postoperative follow-up.
Colonic mucosal lysosomal enzyme activities in ulcerative colitis.

Optimal assay conditions and kinetic properties of three acid hydrolase activities, acid phosphatase, arylsulfatase, and β-glucuronidase and a non-lysosomal alkaline phosphatase activity, were determined in colon mucosa from 12 normal subjects and compared to mucosa from 5 patients with ulcerative colitis. There were significant decreases in specific activities of arylsulfatase and β-glucuronidase and significant increases in specific activities of acid and alkaline phosphatase in mucosa from patients with ulcerative colitis when compared to data from normals. Abnormal acid hydrolase activities were found in all diseased portions of mucosa studied but were absent in normal specimens from patients with ulcerative colitis. Such changes in acid hydrolase activities could not be attributed to changes in kinetic properties of the enzymes, changes in binding to particulate cellular material, the presence or absence of dissociable inhibitors or stimulators of the several activities or the lymphocytic portion of the inflammatory exudate in the lamina propria. The three acid hydrolase activities appeared to behave in concert from patient to patient. Although mean activities of both acid and alkaline phosphatase increased in diseased mucosa, there was a significant negative correlation between them in individual patients. Coupled with the slight but significantly decreased inhibition of colon mucosal alkaline phosphatase activity in ulcerative colitis specimens byl-phenylalanine, this disordancy suggests different cells were responsible for the changes in acid hydrolase activities and alkaline phosphatase activity. Whereas these changes may be a result of the disease, they are also consistent with a potential pathogenetic role of lysosomal acid hydrolases in ulcerative colitis.
VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR (VEGF) IN PULMONARY LAVAGE FROM PRETERM INFANTS: EFFECTS OF AGE AND POSTNATAL DEXAMETHASONE † 1487

Background. Corticosteroids are used to prevent and treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), but also affect normal development, including the expression of growth factors such as VEGF.
Salivary hormones and parturition in healthy, primigravid women

Hormonal predictors of labor initiation are of considerable interest but are not clearly elucidated. Current hypotheses suggest a surge in the ratio of estriol to progesterone from b1 to N1 marks the impending onset of labor [1–3]. Little research exists examining relationships between other steroid hormones and parturition in healthy, uncomplicated, late-term pregnancies [4]. The purpose of this study was to assess prospectively associations between salivary progesterone, DHEAS, testosterone, estrone, estradiol, and estriol concentrations and parturition. Twenty-four healthy, medication free, primigravid women were recruited from area childbirth education classes and gave their informed consent to participate. This study was approved by the UNLV institutional review board. Pre-prandial, un-stimulated saliva samples were collected from participants at 9:00 am at 37 weeks +/−2 days of pregnancy. Specimen were mailed via two-day courier to AllVia Diagnostic Lab in Phoenix, AZ for analysis, enzyme immunosorbent assays. Pearson's bivariate correlations were calculated to determine relationships between salivary hormones and length of gestation. Normality was tested using Shapiro–Wilks, pb .05. The mean age of the participants was 29.63, SD 4.16. The average length of gestation was 277 days +/−6.68 days. Participants were tested at 259 days +/−2 days. The mean number of days from test time to delivery was 18 days. All participants began labor naturally without assistance. After labor initiated 11 women required medical intervention either via medication (n=9) or cesarean section (n=2) to deliver. Thirteen women delivered without assistance. All delivered healthy infants. The intraand inter-assay coefficients of variation did not exceed 10% except for inter-day estrone (16.25%). Descriptive hormone data are presented in Table 1. Progesterone was correlated with longer pregnancies (r=.414, pb .05) while estradiol was associated with shorter pregnancies (r= −.519, pb .01). No significant correlations between estriol values or the mean ratio of estriol to progesterone (.57) and delivery was found. No other hormone was correlated with parturition. Researchers have identified a pre-delivery surge of estriol either alone [3] or relative to progesterone [1,2] associated with labor initiation, suggesting that fetal input contributes to the onset of labor and that an estriol surgemarks impending delivery. Our study does not support these findings. Here, progesterone and estradiol, but not estriol either alone or relative to progesterone were associated with parturition in healthy, late-
Andreev reflection and the proximity effect in Auz.sbnd;YBa2Cu3O7 junctions with ultra-low interface resistance

Abstract Gold contacts to YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 crystals with specific contact resistivity under 10 −10 ωcm 2 are described. A gap structure of 10 mV is seen in the Andreev reflection signal. We discuss the possibility of superconductivity induced in Au by the proximity effect.
Relation of age and race to serum cholesterol ester fatty acid composition.

SummaryThe serum CEFA and cholesterol level of children (6-10 years old) and older subjects (60-87 years old) of both negro and white races have been compared. Children of both races had significantly less oleic acid and significantly more linoleic acid in their serum CEFA fraction than older subjects. Arachidonic acid did not show significant changes with increasing age. Negro and white subjects of the same age group did not show significant differences in CEFA spectrum. Also, children had a significantly lower total blood cholesterol level than older individuals. The significance of these findings as related to atherosclerosis is discussed.
Using Leadered Groups in Organizational Behavior and Management Survey Courses

In organizational behavior and management survey courses, students are likely to maximize certain career-appropriate knowledge when their classroom groups are leadered rather than leaderless. Using...
Macrophages express multiple ligands for γδ TCRs

As only a handful of ligands have been identified, the general nature of the ligands recognized by γδ T cells remains unresolved. In this study, soluble multimerized γδ T cell receptors (smTCRs) representing the TCRs of two γδ T cell subsets common in the mouse were used to detect and track their own ligands. Ligands for both subsets were found on resident peritoneal macrophages taken from untreated mice, and the expression of both was further induced by Listeria monocytogenes infection. Nevertheless, the two types of ligand differ from one another in abundance, in the kinetics of their induction following Listeria infection, and in their ability to be induced by in vitro culture with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Surprisingly, because both are detectable on normal macrophages, these host-derived ligands are likely expressed constitutively, but are induced to higher levels of expression by stress or inflammation. In contrast to T22 and other known cell surface ligands for γδ T cells in mice and humans, expression of these smTCR-defined ligands does not depend on β2-microglobulin, suggesting that they are not MHC class I or class I-like molecules.
Antioxidant supplements: Effects on disease and aging in the United States population.

Ingestion of antioxidant supplements by the United States (US) population has increased steadily since the mid-1950’s. This review tried to determine if the supplements have contributed significantly to beneficial changes in the US during this period. Experimental animal studies have demonstrated that anti-oxidant supplements lower the incidence of a wide variety of diseases and increase life span. Anti-oxidants are associated with similar changes in man. Changes since the mid-1950’s in the US population include: 1) ingestion of antioxidant supplements has increased from one percent, or less, to 40–50 percent today. Cost: now 4–5 billion dollars per year, 2) disproportionate increases in the percentage of older individuals as average life expectancy at birth (ALE-B) rose, 3) declining chronic disability in the elderly since 1982, 4) declining cancer mortality since 1991, and 5) the decline in the rate of reported cardiovascular disease beginning in the 1950’s which significantly increased further in 1965. The last four changes suggest that the rate of increase in physiological age with time has been slowed. This can be attributed to decreases in the rate of accumulation of free radical-induced aging changes by the joint action of antioxidant supplements/dietary measures, and improvements in conventional measures (CM) which increase ALE-B, e.g., better medical care, nutrition, housing, accident prevention. The contribution by antioxidants to decreases in physiological age is seemingly small compared to that of CM. However, it will grow relative to CM as the amount and duration of supplement use increases and improvements in CM raise ALE-B closer to 85 years, the age associated with optimal living conditions.
A Comparison of Methods for Ranking Educational Program Goals

AbstractThe researchers examined rankings of goals of education obtained from community representatives using two different methods: use of single goal statements and use of interrelated goal sets. The sets were derived from a posited model of relationships among goals. The results indicate that basic skills were ranked lower when subjects were presented with a goal ranking task that accounted for relationships among goals compared to single goals presented as independent items. Greater consistency of ranking was also obtained using goal sets rather than individual goals.
Conserved expression of Arabidopsis thaliana poly (A) binding protein 2 (PAB2) in distinct vegetative and reproductive tissues

Summary The poly(A) tails of eukaryotic mRNAs are complexed with poly(A) binding protein (PABP). The poly(A)–PABP complex is central to the efficient translation initiation and control of poly (A) tail length and is required in some pathways of mRNA decay. A large gene family encodes PABPs in Arabidopsis thaliana. In striking contrast to the floral and root specific expression of three previously reported Arabidopsis PABPs, we demonstrate that RNA and protein for one highly diverse member of this family, PAB2, are expressed in roots, stems, leaves, flowers, pollen and siliques of Arabidopsis. However, cell-type specific analysis of a PAB2 reporter gene fusion revealed that PAB2 is spatially and temporally regulated in each organ. For example, strong expression was detected only in the stele and meristem region of roots and a dramatic decrease in expression was observed upon fertilization of ovules. Furthermore, the PAB2-reporter construct gave a nearly identical expression pattern in transgenic tobacco, demonstrating that PAB2 expression is under strong selective constraint. The PAB2-reporter was also strongly expressed in the transmittal tissues of both Arabidopsis and tobacco, raising the possibility of its involvement in the pollination-dependent poly(A) tail shortening of transmittal tissue specific mRNAs previously reported in tobacco ( Wang et al. 1996 , Plant J. 9, 715–727). In view of its potential role in poly(A) tail shortening, we demonstrated the strong and distinct presence of PAB2 protein in transmittal tissues of Arabidopsis. The evolutionary and functional implications of the expression pattern of PAB2 and its possible functional roles in post-transcriptional regulation in transmittal tissues are discussed.
Cell–material interactions on biphasic polyurethane matrix

Cell–matrix interaction is a key regulator for controlling stem cell fate in regenerative tissue engineering. These interactions are induced and controlled by the nanoscale features of extracellular matrix and are mimicked on synthetic matrices to control cell structure and functions. Recent studies have shown that nanostructured matrices can modulate stem cell behavior and exert specific role in tissue regeneration. In this study, we have demonstrated that nanostructured phase morphology of synthetic matrix can control adhesion, proliferation, organization and migration of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Nanostructured biodegradable polyurethanes (PU) with segmental composition exhibit biphasic morphology at nanoscale dimensions and can control cellular features of MSCs. Biodegradable PU with polyester soft segment and hard segment composed of aliphatic diisocyanates and dipeptide chain extender were designed to examine the effect polyurethane phase morphology. By altering the polyurethane composition, morphological architecture of PU was modulated and its effect was examined on MSC. Results show that MSCs can sense the nanoscale morphology of biphasic polyurethane matrix to exhibit distinct cellular features and, thus, signifies the relevance of matrix phase morphology. The role of nanostructured phases of a synthetic matrix in controlling cell–matrix interaction provides important insights for regulation of cell behavior on synthetic matrix and, therefore, is an important tool for engineering tissue regeneration.
Kinetics of Self-Decomposition and Hydrogen Atom Transfer Reactions of Substituted Phthalimide N-Oxyl Radicals in Acetic Acid

Kinetic data have been obtained for three distinct types of reactions of phthalimide N-oxyl radicals (PINO•) and N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) derivatives. The first is the self-decomposition of PINO• which was found to follow second-order kinetics. In the self-decomposition of 4-methyl-N-hydroxyphthalimide (4-Me-NHPI), H-atom abstraction competes with self-decomposition in the presence of excess 4-Me-NHPI. The second set of reactions studied is hydrogen atom transfer from NHPI to PINO•, e.g., PINO• + 4-Me-NHPI ⇄ NHPI + 4-Me-PINO•. The substantial KIE, kH/kD = 11 for both forward and reverse reactions, supports the assignment of H-atom transfer rather than stepwise electron−proton transfer. These data were correlated with the Marcus cross relation for hydrogen-atom transfer, and good agreement between the experimental and the calculated rate constants was obtained. The third reaction studied is hydrogen abstraction by PINO• from p-xylene and toluene. The reaction becomes regularly slower as the ring substit...
Hexagonal organization of Moloney murine leukemia virus capsid proteins.

Abstract To help elucidate the mechanisms by which retrovirus structural proteins associate to form virus particles, we have examined membrane-bound assemblies of Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) capsid (CA) proteins. Electron microscopy and image reconstruction techniques showed that CA dimers appear to function as organizational subunits of the cage-like, membrane-bound protein arrays. However, new three-dimensional (3D) data also were consistent with hexagonal (p6) assembly models. The p6 3D reconstructions of membrane-bound M-MuLV CA proteins gave unit cells of a = b = 80.3 A, c = 110 A, γ = 120°, in which six dimer units formed a cage lattice. Neighbor cage hole-to-hole distances were 45 A, while distances between hexagonal cage holes corresponded to unit cell lengths (80.3 A). The hexagonal model predicts two types of cage holes (trimer and hexamer holes), uses symmetric head-to-head dimer building blocks, and permits the introduction of lattice curvature by conversion of hexamer to pentamer units. The M-MuLV CA lattice is similar to those formed in helical tubes by HIV CA in that hexamer units surround cage holes of 25–30 A, but differs in that M-MuLV hexamer units appear to be CA dimers, whereas HIV CA units appear to be monomers. These results suggest that while general assembly principles apply to different retroviruses, clear assembly distinctions exist between these virus types.
On the nucleon effective mass in nuclear matter

Abstract The enhancement of the nucleon effective mass in the vicinity of the Fermi surface is studied. This enhancement is generated by the coupling of the nucleon with the low-lying particle-hole excitations of the medium. It is shown that collective effects play an important role in determining the magnitude of the enhancement and the energy range over which it takes place. We conclude that previous estimates of the effective mass which neglect these collective effects, predict a too rapid variation of the effective mass with the energy of the nucleon.
Augmentative releases of Diachasmimorpha tryoni (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) to suppress a mediterranean fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) population in Kula, Maui, Hawaii

Abstract Diachasmimorpha tryoni (Cameron), a larval parasitoid, was mass-reared in the laboratory and was used to suppress a wild Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), population in a nonisolated area (13 km2) of Kula, Maui, Hawaii. Weekly releases of D. tryoni, averaging 272,000 parasitoids per release, were made from March 10 to June 22, 1988. Trap catches of male C. capitata adults began to decline 8 weeks after the first release, and catches remained low throughout the summer months. However, in the control area of Keokea, adult catches began to increase in April and reached a peak in early July that was similar to that of previous years. The percentage of parasitism of C. capitata by D. tryoni was significantly higher for the six weekly collections of infested peaches in Kula than in the control area of Keokea: an average of 47.0% parasitism in Kula compared with 14.2% in Keokea. Of the total parasitoids, a significantly higher percentage of D. tryoni was recovered in fruit samples from Kula than in those from Keokea. Moreover, the number of C. capitata per fruit was significantly lower in the treated area than in the control area
Keynote address: Contributions of pediatric oncology: Examples derived from advances made in the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma and neuroblastoma

A revolution in cure rates has occurred in the treatment of childhood cancer in the past 3 decades. Although scientific and technical improvements in surgery, anesthesia, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy have occurred in this time period, these striking improvements are also due to overall management approaches, such as the concept of multidisciplinary consultation prior to definite management, which have been pioneered in the pediatric patient. Using improvements in the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma and neuroblastoma as examples, this paper reviews some of these approaches that have been of particular importance and have, in many instances, been exported to the adult clinic with success. The role that pediatric oncology has served in increasing our knowledge of cancer and the potential that pediatric cancer serves as a model for future gains in our understanding of cancer is also discussed.
Perioperative Nursing Care of the Patient Undergoing Bariatric Revision Surgery

Obesity has become a major health concern in the United States. The number of patients seeking bariatric surgery has grown exponentially in recent years because of the proven success of weight-loss surgery, greater public acceptance, and the increasing number of insurers who will pay for these surgeries. Patients may seek bariatric revision procedures if the primary procedure does not achieve the desired results, if he or she gains back the weight lost after the primary procedure, if the comorbid conditions associated with obesity were not resolved, or if severe adverse effects and complications have occurred as a result of the primary bariatric procedure. Perioperative nurses must be knowledgeable about how to care for bariatric surgery patients with skill and compassion.
Biosynthesis of skin sterols. V. Effect of arsenite inhibition and the accumulation of labeled lanosta-7,24-dien-3β-ol in rat skin

Abstract Slices of epidermis from rat skin were incubated with arsenite and various radioactively labeled substrates. The following sites of inhibition of sterol biosynthesis were observed: the formation of mevalonate from acetate; the formation of squalene from mevalonate; the conversion of squalene to lanosterol; and the conversion of lanosterol and companions to cholesterol and companions. The last inhibition resulted in an accumulation of labeled Δ 7 -sterols; in high concentrations of arsenite, more than 50% of the activity was in lanosta-7,24-dien-3β-ol. The arsenite did not affect the accumulation of labeled lanosterol. The formation of cholesterol was markedly inhibited by 1.7 × 10 −4 M arsenite, whereas the formation of cholest-7-en-3β-ol was inhibited only in arsenite solutions of higher concentrations. The accumulation of labeled lanosta-7,24-dien-3β-ol and the depressed formation of product sterols suggested an intermediary role for this sterol in the biosynthesis of skin sterols. 2,3-Dimercaptopropanol in the presence of equimolar amounts of arsensite enhanced the observed inhibition. Partial reversal of arsenite inhibition by 2,3-dimercaptopropanol was not observed even in the presence of a tenfold excess of the dithiol. 2,3-Dimercaptopropanol inhibited sterol formation from mevalonate in the absence of arsenite.
Israel and the Bedouin of the Negev

(1979). Israel and the Bedouin of the Negev. Journal of Palestine Studies: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 3-20.
Chikungunya Virus: Possible Impact on Transfusion Medicine

In recent years, large chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreaks originating in Kenya have spread to islands of the Indian Ocean and parts of India, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Concern of transfusion transmission has been heightened for this mosquito-borne arbovirus because of high population infection incidence during outbreaks and the high-titer viremia lasting approximately 6 days. The virus has not circulated in the Americas; however, the abundant presence of competent mosquito vectors suggests large outbreaks are possible should the virus be introduced and autochthonous transmission occur. Chikungunya virus produces a fever-arthralgia syndrome resulting in considerable morbidity and some mortality, particularly among older age groups and/or those with pre-existing conditions. Estimated transfusion risks range as high as 150 per 10 000 donations during outbreaks. Possible measures to prevent possible CHIKV transfusion transmission include deferral of symptomatic donors, discontinuing blood collections in affected areas, and CHIKV nucleic acid screening of donations. Even a relatively small outbreak in Italy resulted in considerable adverse impact on blood collections and economic consequence. Assays suitable for testing donations for CHIKV RNA are not yet available, and given the highly geographically and temporally sporadic nature of CHIKV outbreaks, there may be considerable reluctance to develop and implement them.
Statistical simulation of atomic data in opacity calculations

Abstract The most significant improvement in radiative opacity codes in recent years has been advances in the atomic data incorporated in the models. In particular, the configuration term structure, which significantly increases the amount of atomic data in the calculations, is now explicitly included for elements with low atomic number. For large atomic number, where explicit calculations are impractical, clever methods have been developed that conserve a few properties of the transition arrays rather than attempt to reproduce the detailed spectrum. There are, however, conditions where neglecting the resolved character of the transition arrays leads to large errors, but for which explicit calculations are either costly or impractical. Here, we test recently developed methods for statistically simulating resolved transition arrays. When possible, the results are compared to explicit calculations and experiments.