cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Representation for Modeling Functional Knowledge in Geometric Structures

Most geometric models are quantitative (half-spaces and transformations), making it difficult to perform the kind of abstraction needed to model the underlying functional knowledge. Typically, users have used ad hoc subjective notions to perform this abstraction, which we call the "get-beneath-the-geometry" syndrome.
Improved selectivity for Pb(II) by sulfur, selenium and tellurium analogues of 1,8-anthraquinone-18-crown-5: synthesis, spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and computational studies.

We report here a series of heteroatom-substituted macrocycles containing an anthraquinone moiety as a fluorescent signaling unit and a cyclic polyheteroether chain as the receptor. Sulfur, selenium, and tellurium derivatives of 1,8-anthraquinone-18-crown-5 (1) were synthesized by reacting sodium sulfide (Na2S), sodium selenide (Na2Se) and sodium telluride (Na2Te) with 1,8-bis(2-bromoethylethyleneoxy)anthracene-9,10-dione in a 1 : 1 ratio. The optical properties of the new compounds are examined and the sulfur and selenium analogues produce an intense green emission enhancement upon association with Pb(II) in acetonitrile. Selectivity for Pb(II) is markedly improved as compared to the oxygen analogue 1 which was also competitive for Ca(II) ion. UV-Visible and luminescence titrations reveal that 2 and 3 form 1 : 1 complexes with Pb(II), confirmed by single-crystal X-ray studies where Pb(II) is complexed within the macrocycle through coordinate covalent bonds to neighboring carbonyl, ether and heteroether donor atoms. Cyclic voltammetry of 2–8 showed classical, irreversible oxidation potentials for sulfur, selenium and tellurium heteroethers in addition to two one-electron reductions for the anthraquinone carbonyl groups. DFT calculations were also conducted on 1, 2, 3, 6, 6 + Pb(II) and 6 + Mg(II) to determine the trend in energies of the HOMO and the LUMO levels along the series.
Autonomic Modulation for the Management of Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system in heart failure (HF) has received considerable attention during the past 3 decades, largely because of the well-recognized association between increased sympathetic activity and the elaboration of biologically active molecules, collectively referred to as neurohormones, that help to maintain cardiovascular homeostasis through increased volume expansion, peripheral arterial vasoconstriction, and increased myocardial contractility. However, high and sustained levels of these biologically active molecules (eg, norepinephrine, angiotensin II, aldosterone) are overtly toxic to the heart and circulation.1 These and other insights have led to the clinical use of neurohormonal antagonists, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, aldosterone antagonists, and β-blockers to treat patients with HF with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).1 The effectiveness of these pharmacological agents is predominantly because of their ability to directly antagonize the deleterious effects of excessive sympathetic and renin–angiotensin activation. However, the current guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with HF fails to completely restore normal autonomic balance disrupted as a part of HF pathophysiology. During the last decade, a novel approach has generated widespread interest: modulation of the autonomic nervous system as a result of either a one-time intervention (eg, denervation) or of ongoing active therapy (eg, electric stimulation) as a means of further diminishing the sympathovagal imbalance that develops in HF.2,3 Of note, therapeutic neuromodulation with device-based therapies, either with spinal cord stimulation (SCS) or vagal stimulation (VS), has been used safely in patients with chronic pain, epilepsy, and depression, since the 1980s. As noted above, HF with a reduced LVEF is associated with sustained activation of the sympathetic nervous system that is accompanied by a withdrawal of parasympathetic tone. Impaired arterial baroreflexes have been proposed as an important mechanism that contributes to the sympathovagal imbalance present in HF4 …
Charge-carrier states and light absorption in ordered quantum dot superlattices

We have theoretically investigated the electron and hole energy spectra and light absorption in the three-dimensionally ordered quantum dots superlattices (QDS) made of the direct band-gap semiconductors. The calculations were performed for QDS of the rhombic symmetry with a substantial electron (hole) wave-function overlap using a one-band Hamiltonian for the electrons and six-band Hamiltonian for the holes. The obtained results were compared with the predictions of the simplified models for the uncoupled heavy, light, and split-off holes. It has been shown that the energy spectra of the electrons and holes in the ordered QDS are distinctively different from those in the single quantum dots (QD) or conventional quantum-well superlattices. The charge-carrier dispersion and localization are very sensitive to the quasicrystallographic directions defined by the dots, which play a role of the atoms in such QD supracrystal. We found that in the ordered QDS the oscillator strength for the interband optical transitions can be high for a relatively wide range of the photon energies. The obtained results are important for the proposed applications of QDS in solar cells, photodetectors, and thermoelectrics.
A review of human factors challenges of complex adaptive systems: discovering and understanding chaos in human performance.

Objective:In this paper, the author explores a need for a greater understanding of the true nature of human–system interactions from the perspective of the theory of complex adaptive systems, including the essence of complexity, emergent properties of system behavior, nonlinear systems dynamics, and deterministic chaos.Background:Human performance, more often than not, constitutes complex adaptive phenomena with emergent properties that exhibit nonlinear dynamical (chaotic) behaviors.Methods:The complexity challenges in the design and management of contemporary work systems, including service systems, are explored. Examples of selected applications of the concepts of nonlinear dynamics to the study of human physical performance are provided.Results:Understanding and applications of the concepts of theory of complex adaptive and dynamical systems should significantly improve the effectiveness of human-centered design efforts of a large system of systems.Conclusion:Performance of many contemporary work syst...
Controlled branching of polyglycidol and formation of protein–glycidol bioconjugates via a graft-from approach with “PEG-like” arms

The control of the branching in polyglycidols as semibranched alternatives to traditional polyglycidols is presented. The relative abundance of dendritic carbons is lowered by five-fold compared to hyperbranched polyglycidols. It is the first example of tailoring the branching in polyglycidol and creating protein–glycidol bioconjugates as alternatives to pegylated biostructures.
Gambogic acid inhibits multiple myeloma mediated osteoclastogenesis through suppression of chemokine receptor CXCR4 signaling pathways.

Bone disease, characterized by the presence of lytic lesions and osteoporosis is the hallmark of multiple myeloma (MM). Stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α) and its receptor, CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), has been implicated as a regulator of bone resorption, suggesting that agents that can suppress SDF1α/CXCR4 signaling might inhibit osteoclastogenesis, a process closely linked to bone resorption. We, therefore, investigated whether gambogic acid (GA), a xanthone, could inhibit CXCR4 signaling and suppress osteoclastogenesis induced by MM cells. Through docking studies we predicted that GA directly interacts with CXCR4. This xanthone down-regulates the expression of CXCR4 on MM cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The down-regulation of CXCR4 was not due to proteolytic degradation, but rather GA suppresses CXCR4 mRNA expression by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) DNA binding. This was further confirmed by quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, as GA inhibits p65 binding at the CXCR4 promoter. GA suppressed SDF-1α-induced chemotaxis of MM cells and downstream signaling of CXCR4 by inhibiting phosphorylation of Akt, p38, and Erk1/2 in MM cells. GA abrogated the RANKL-induced differentiation of macrophages to osteoclasts in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, we found that MM cells induced differentiation of macrophages to osteoclasts, and that GA suppressed this process. Importantly, suppression of osteoclastogenesis by GA was mediated through IL-6 inhibition. Overall, our results show that GA is a novel inhibitor of CXCR4 expression and has a strong potential to suppress osteoclastogenesis mediated by MM cells.
Varying the number of telomere-bound proteins does not alter telomere length in tel1Δ cells

Abstract Yeast telomere DNA consists of a continuous, ≈330-bp tract of the heterogeneous repeat TG1-3 with irregularly spaced, high affinity sites for the protein Rap1p. Yeast monitor, or count, the number of telomeric Rap1p C termini in a negative feedback mechanism to modulate the length of the terminal TG1-3 repeats, and synthetic telomeres that tether Rap1p molecules adjacent to the TG1-3 tract cause wild-type cells to maintain a shorter TG1-3 tract. To identify trans-acting proteins required to count Rap1p molecules, these same synthetic telomeres were placed in two short telomere mutants: yku70Δ (which lack the yeast Ku70 protein) and tel1Δ (which lack the yeast ortholog of ATM). Although both mutants maintain telomeres with ≈100 bp of TG1-3, only yku70Δ cells maintained shorter TG1-3 repeats in response to internal Rap1p molecules. This distinct response to internal Rap1p molecules was not caused by a variation in Rap1p site density in the TG1-3 repeats as sequencing of tel1Δ and yku70Δ telomeres showed that both strains have only five to six Rap1p sites per 100-bp telomere. In addition, the tel1Δ short telomere phenotype was epistatic to the unregulated telomere length caused by deletion of the Rap1p C-terminal domain. Thus, the length of the TG1-3 repeats in tel1Δ cells was independent of the number of the Rap1p C termini at the telomere. These data indicate that tel1Δ cells use an alternative mechanism to regulate telomere length that is distinct from monitoring the number of telomere binding proteins.
Liquid-chromatographic determination of rate constants for the cellulose-dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea reaction

Rates of the MgCl2-catalyzed reaction between cellulose and 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2-imidazolidinone were measured at 70, 90, and 110°C. The rate constants were determined by curing the resin for various times, extracting the unreacted resin, and determining its concentration by liquid chromatography. The energy of activation was calculated from the rate data. This work confirms the pseudo-first-order behavior of this reaction.
Infectious complications of commonly performed spinal injections

Infections after spinal injections are rare but devastating complications. The purpose of this review is to provide an evidence-based assessment of the case report literature to characterize the predisposing epidemiological and clinical features of patients who developed infectious complications after commonly performed spinal injections. All patients received a corticosteroid as part of the injection. The mean time to symptom onset from the last injection was 14 days, during which patients presented with worsening spinal pain and the onset of new neurological symptoms. The most common type of infection was an epidural abscess, while the most frequently cultured organism was Staphylococcus aureus. The presence of an underlying medical illness that adversely impacts immune function could represent a potential risk factor for development of an epidural abscess. Immunocompromised patients should be identified before performing an epidural injection, and antibiotic prophylaxis for S. aureus should be considered.
The structural dependence of light sensitivity in (Al,Ga)As/GaAs modulation doped heterostructures

Understanding the origin and nature of light sensitivity in (Al,Ga)As/GaAs modulation doped heterostructures is becoming important as modulation doped field effect transistors move from the research laboratories into practical application. Control of threshold voltage in an integrated circuit is crucial. If these devices are to be operated at cryogenic temperatures to take advantage of their enhanced transport properties then the persistent photoconductive effects associated with these structures cannot be ignored. This paper examines the dependence of light sensitivity on the thicknesses of the doped (Al, Ga)As layer and the undoped GaAs buffer layer. The use of As2 as opposed to As4 is investigated. Based upon these results, the origin and behavior of the persistent photoconductivity is reexamined.
Tacrolimus and sirolimus have distinct effects on insulin signaling in male and female rats.

Although the contribution of the immunosuppressants tacrolimus (TAC) and sirolimus (SIR) to the development of posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) are being increasingly recognized, the mechanisms of immunosuppressant-induced hyperglycemia are unclear. SIR induces insulin resistance predominantly, but is associated with β-cell dysfunction in rodents. TAC affects islet function but is associated with worsening insulin sensitivity in a few, and improvement in some, clinical studies. We sought to clarify the contributions of TAC and SIR to insulin resistance and islet function. Four groups of male and female Sprague-Dawley rats received TAC, SIR, TAC and SIR, or control for 2 weeks. All rats were administered an oral glucose challenge at the end of treatment. Half the groups were sacrificed 10 minutes after administration of regular insulin whereas the other half did not receive insulin before sacrifice. Liver, pancreas, fat, and muscle were harvested subsequently. Quantification of Western blots revealed that SIR and TAC plus SIR suppressed the phospho-Akt (pAkt)-to-Akt ratios in liver, muscle, and fat compared with control, regardless of sex. TAC alone did not impair the pAkt-to-Akt ratios in any of the tissues in male and female rats. β-Cell mass was reduced significantly after TAC treatment in male rats. SIR did not affect β-cell mass, regardless of sex. Our study demonstrated very clearly that SIR impairs insulin signaling, without any effect on β-cell mass, and TAC does not impair insulin signaling but reduces β-cell mass. Our efforts are key to understanding the mechanisms of immunosuppressant-induced hyperglycemia and to tailoring treatments for PTDM.
Fermi surface and magnetism in the Kondo lattice: A continuum field theory approach

Abstract We consider the Fermi surface inside the antiferromagnetic ordered region of a Kondo lattice system in an arbitrary dimension higher than one. We establish the existence of AF S , an antiferromagnetic phase whose Fermi surface is “small,” in the sense that the local moments do not participate in the Fermi-surface formation. This is in contrast to the “large” Fermi surface that is typically assumed for heavy fermion metals. We extend our earlier work to the case that the Fermi surface of the conduction electrons intersects the antiferromagnetic Brillouin zone boundary. Our results provide a new perspective on local quantum criticality. In addition, our results imply that, for the AF S phase, it is important to keep track of the dynamical screening processes; we suggest that this effect is not captured in a recent variational Monte Carlo study of the Kondo lattice.
Model of the Solids Deposition in Hydrotransport: An Energy Approach

A theoretical approach to calculating the deposition velocity is proposed. It is based on the hypothesis that the turbulent energy is partially spent on suspending the solids against gravity and on solids-liquid viscous friction. Only two constants of the theoretical equation are identified from the experimental data. The calculated results are compared to both the experimental data and the results obtained by other correlations. The accuracy of the results obtained by the derived correlation is sufficient for engineering applications.
198 EFFECTS OF INSULIN AND THEOPHYLLINE ON GLYCOGEN CONTENT OF FETAL RAT LUNG IN ORGAN CULTURE

198 EFFECTS OF INSULIN AND THEOPHYLLINE ON GLYCOGEN CONTENT OF FETAL RAT LUNG IN ORGAN CULTURE
Observations from Demonstrations of Several Commercial Diver Detection Sonar Systems

As part of its ongoing Maritime Force Protection Technology Demonstration Project, Defence R&D Canada - Atlantic has recently concluded a series of four commercial diver detection sonar demonstrations. The one-week-long demonstrations took place off the Canadian Forces Base Shearwater jetty, near the entrance to Halifax Harbour, with the participation of divers from the Canadian Forces Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic. The sonar systems were all deployed within 100 m of the jetty in 10-15 m water depth. Experience at this and similar past demonstrations has shown the importance of fusion of the sonar data with environmental data, and therefore measurements of the local acoustic propagation environment were made to aid in interpretation of sonar performance.
Intrapulmonary lymph nodes masquerading as renal cell carcinoma metastases

Clinically apparent intrapulmonary lymph nodes are rare but may be incorrectly diagnosed as pulmonary metastatic disease. We report on a 65-year-old man who presented with a left renal mass and left lower lobe pulmonary nodules that were interpreted radiographically to be consistent with metastatic disease. Surgical pathologic examination confirmed intrapulmonary lymph nodes and a Stage II renal cell carcinoma. Failure to diagnose intrapulmonary lymph nodes may result in erroneous diagnosis of metastatic disease and preclude potentially curative treatment.
Global estimates of market and non-market values derived from nighttime satellite imagery, land cover, and ecosystem service valuation

We estimated global marketed and non-marketed economic value from two classified satellite images with global coverage at 1 km2 resolution. GDP (a measure of marketed economic output) is correlated with the amount of light energy (LE) emitted by that nation as measured by nighttime satellite images. LE emitted is more spatially explicit than whole country GDP, may (for some nations or regions) be a more accurate indicator of economic activity than GDP itself, can be directly observed, and can be easily updated on an annual basis. As far as we know, this is the first global map of estimated economic activity produced at this high spatial resolution (1 km2). Ecosystem services product (ESP) is an important type of non-marketed value. ESP at 1 km2 resolution was estimated using the IGBP land-cover dataset and unit ecosystem service values estimated by Costanza et al. [Valuing Ecosystem Services with Efficiency, Fairness and Sustainability as Goals. Nature's Services, Island Press, Washington DC, pp. 49–70]. The sum of these two (GDP+ESP)=SEP is a measure of the subtotal ecological–economic product (marketed plus a significant portion of the non-marketed). The ratio: (ESP/SEP)×100=%ESP is a measure of proportion of the SEP from ecosystem services. Both SEP and %ESP were calculated and mapped for each 1 km2 pixel on the earth's surface, and aggregated by country. Results show the detailed spatial patterns of GDP, ESP, and SEP (also available at: http://www.du.edu/∼psutton/esiindexisee/EcolEconESI.htm). Globally, while GDP is concentrated in the northern industrialized countries, ESP is concentrated in tropical regions and in wetlands and other coastal systems. %ESP ranges from 1% for Belgium and Luxembourg to 3% for the Netherlands, 18% for India, 22% for the United States, 49% for Costa Rica, 57% for Chile, 73% for Brazil, and 92% for Russia. While GDP per capita has the usual northern industrialized countries at the top of the list, SEP per capita shows a quite different picture, with a mixture of countries with either high GDP/capita, high ESP/capita, or a combination near the top of the list. Finally, we compare our results with two other indices: (1) The 2001 Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI) derived as an initiative of the Global Leaders of Tomorrow Environment Task Force, World Economic Forum, and (2) Ecological Footprints of Nations: How much Nature do they use? How much Nature do they have? developed by Mathis Wackernagel and others. While both of these indices purport to measure sustainability, the ESI is actually mainly a measure of economic activity (and is correlated with GDP), while the Eco-Footprint index is a measure of environmental impact. The related eco-deficit (national ecological capacity minus national footprint) correlates well with %ESP.
Oxidation of spent fuel in air at 175 to 195°C

Abstract Air oxidation tests were conducted on four LWR spent fuels at 175 and 195°C to determine the effects of variations in burnup, gas release, and grain size on oxidation of fuel in a potential repository. Weight gains were measured and samples were examined by XRD, ceramography, and TEM. The fuel characteristics were found to affect only the initial oxidation behavior. Following transient behavior related to differences in grain-boundary susceptibility to oxidation, all four fuels progressed toward a metastable state at an oxygen-to-metal (O/M) ratio near 2.4. Unlike nonirradiated UO2 under similar conditions, the fuels oxidized preferentially along grain boundaries and formed U4O9 rather than U3O7. Cubic U4O9, the sole oxidation product observed at times to ∼38000 h, persisted to oxygen supersaturations as high as UO2.4 with no detectable U3O8 formation. Growth of the U4O9 into the UO2 grains followed parabolic kinetics with an activation energy of 26.6 kcal/mol. Based on reaction kinetics, the time to completely oxidize LWR spent fuel to U4O9 at 95°C would be greater than 2000 years.
Negative Self-Concept: Specificity to Depressive Symptoms and Relation to Positive and Negative Affectivity☆

Abstract This study extends in several ways earlier research (Beck, Steer, Epstein, & Brown, 1990) showing that a generalized negative view of the self is a distinguishing feature of depression. First, we used a nonclinical sample ( N = 124), a stringent test of specificity in view of the high overlap of depressive and anxiety symptoms in such samples. Second, we correlated self-concept with a depressive symptom measure from which overlapping content had been removed. Third, we related self-concept to positive and negative affectivity (PA, NA). Specificity to depression suggests that low self-concept should be associated with low PA, whereas its inclusion in the proposed criteria for mixed anxiety–depression (Zinbarg et al., 1994) implied that low self-esteem should be linked especially to high NA. Results indicate that self-esteem was (a) inversely correlated with depressive symptoms, (b) specific to depressive symptoms, and (c) correlated more highly with PA than with NA.
Explanations of ethnic and gender differences in youth smoking: A multi-site, qualitative investigation

Two of the most powerful predictors of adolescent smoking are ethnicity and gender, but little research has focused on understanding how these factors play a role in adolescent smoking. This paper reports results from a qualitative, multi-site investigation of explanations for ethnic and gender differences in cigarette smoking with five ethnic groups: whites, African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian-American/Pacific Islanders. Across 11 states, we conducted 178 focus groups with a total of 1175 adolescents. The groups explored such major research themes as reasons for smoking and not smoking; images of smoking and smokers; messages youth receive about smoking and not smoking; and the social context of smoking. We synthesized data from the focus groups through multiple cross-site collaborations and discussions, with an emphasis on identifying consistent themes across a majority of groups and sites. Striking differences emerged across ethnic and gender sub-groups in reasons for not smoking. African-American females in particular viewed not smoking as a positive identity marker. Asian-American/Pacific Islander females similarly reported strong mandates not to smoke. Youth's perceptions of family messages about smoking also varied by ethnicity and gender, with African-American, Hispanic, and Asian-American/Pacific Islander youth consistently reporting strong, clear anti-smoking messages from family. These findings, notable in their consistency across geographic regions, may shed light on the discrepant prevalence of smoking across ethnic and gender groups.
A pilot study examining depressive symptoms, Internet use, and sexual risk behaviour among Asian men who have sex with men

In the present paper, we present a preliminary examination of the association of depression level, internet use, meeting sexual partners online, and unprotected sexual activity among Asian men who have sex with men (MSM). Because depression level has been previously linked to increased levels of sexual risk behavior, and heightened levels of Internet use has been linked to greater depressive symptoms, the present pilot research jointly examines these factors. We found that those with higher levels of depression, measured using the CES-D, spent more time online, met significantly more sexual partners online, and reported a significantly higher number of unprotected sexual acts. Based on this initial evidence, we conclude that incorporating CES-D to screen for depression can serve as an important tool for addressing underlying dynamics of sexual risk behaviors.
Involutions in incidence algebras

Abstract In this note we consider whether there exists an involution in rings of upper triangular matrices. In particular, when the ring of matrices consists of the full ring of n × n upper triangular matrices all involutions are described.
Variations on the family resemblance hypothesis as applied to personality disorders

Diagnosis and classification of the personality disorders is controversial and problematic. Diagnostic reliability is uneven because of overlapping of traits and the lack of clear boundaries between categories. This study demonstrates that personality disorder diagnosis is dependent on the total number of defining features. Clinicians tend to ignore the presence of conflicting features when making a diagnosis. A new research instrument, artificially created case histories that allow the specific manipulation of defining features (i.e., diagnostic criteria), is described.
The effect of task type on fundamental frequency in children.

Summary Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of task type on the fundamental frequency (F0) produced by young children. Fundamental frequency is a parameter which describes the rate of vocal fold vibration. The influence of task type on F0 values is important for health professionals designing and implementing assessment protocols for children with voice disorders. Methods Forty-eight healthy children between the ages of 5.0 and 7.11 years were evaluated in this study. Each child completed four tasks used to elicit a voice sample for subsequent analysis of F0. The tasks included: (a) sustaining the vowel/a/(Vowel), (b) sustaining the vowel embedded in a word at the end of a phrase (Phrase), (c) repeating a sentence (Sentence), and (d) counting from 1 to 10 (Counting). Each child was evaluated by one of two clinicians who had an equal number of years of training and were the same age and gender. Results A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine the influence of task type on F0 values. The results revealed a significant difference in F0 between the four elicitation tasks (p = .002). Pair wise comparisons revealed that Counting elicited higher F0 values compared to Phrase (p = .018) and Sentence tasks (p = .001). There were no significant interaction effects for task by age, gender, or clinician who evaluated the child (p > .05). Conclusions The results of this study revealed that task type does significantly influence F0 values in young children. This finding is clinically important as it indicates that the same task should be used to monitor changes in the voice over time in relationship to surgical or behavioral interventions.
The RING Finger Domain of Cbl Is Essential for Negative Regulation of the Syk Tyrosine Kinase

The proto-oncogene product Cbl has emerged as a negative regulator of a number of protein-tyrosine kinases, including the ZAP-70/Syk tyrosine kinases that are critical for signaling in hematopoietic cells. The evolutionarily conserved N-terminal tyrosine kinase-binding domain is required for Cbl to associate with ZAP-70/Syk and for their subsequent negative regulation. However, the role of the remaining C-terminal regions of Cbl remains unclear. Here, we used a COS-7 cell reconstitution system to address this question. Analysis of a series of C-terminally truncated Cbl mutants revealed that the N-terminal half of the protein, including the TKB and RING finger domains, was sufficient to mediate negative regulation of Syk. Further truncations, which delete the RING finger domain, abrogated the negative regulatory effects of Cbl on Syk. Point mutations of conserved cysteine residues or a histidine in the RING finger domain, which are required for zinc binding, abrogated the ability of Cbl to negatively regulate Syk in COS-7 cells and Ramos B lymphocytic cells. In addition, Syk-dependent transactivation of a serum response element-luciferase reporter in transfected 293T cells was reduced by wild type Cbl; mutations of the RING finger domain or its deletion abrogated this effect. These results establish the RING finger domain as an essential element in Cbl-mediated negative regulation of a tyrosine kinase and reveal that the evolutionarily conserved N-terminal half of the protein is sufficient for this function.
New face-bow simplifies routine use and dental laboratory cooperation.

Abstract The Spring-Bow instrument was selected for use by dental students at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine because its simplicity facilitates teaching and its versatility fosters continued routine use and cooperation with the dental laboratory. Rationale for this advanced Snow-type facebow has been reviewed and advantages and disadvantages of the design have been discussed.
Magnetism-induced solid solution effects in intermetallic Ni60Al40

Abstract In this study, experimental work on solute effects in an intermetallic alloy, NiAl, has been complemented by first-principles quantum mechanical calculations to investigate the effect of iron and cobalt solutes on lattice parameter and hardening. Ternary additions of iron and cobalt with similar atomic sizes were added to replace nickel in NiAl containing 40% Al. Cobalt solutes did not affect the lattice parameter or the hardening behavior of NiAl alloys. Iron solutes, on the other hand, substantially expanded the lattice, resulting in unusual solid solution softening. These results could not be explained from a consideration of the size mismatch based on the Goldschmidt radii for iron and cobalt atoms. From the contrasting behavior of the iron and cobalt solutes, magnetic interactions induced by iron atoms located on the aluminum sublattice have been identified as a new factor responsible for the unusual large lattice dilation and resultant solid solution softening in these intermetallic alloys.
Nonlinear perspective projections and magic lenses: 3D view deformation

Nonlinear projections and implementations are largely unexplored in 3D environments. A technique for generating deformed 3D visual effects using nonlinear perspective projections allows real-time navigation of 3D environments. The authors derive their deformation algorithms from 3D nonlinear perspective projections, which consider factors such as depth, view angle, and camera position-parameters 2D distortion algorithms don't consider. Distortion from the methods is more realistic than that of the 2D image distortion. In addition, the algorithms allow partially linear magnification or nonlinear deformation of 3D views in real time with less performance degradation. The authors also developed an experimental system that lets one deform 3D virtual worlds for real-time navigation. This article is available with a short video documentary on CD-ROM.
Wireless Tissue Palpation: Characterization of the Probe Head to Improve Detection of Tumors in Soft Tissue

Abstract Restoring tissue palpation in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) procedures has been a relevant research topic in the last decade. Among the developed devices the Wireless Palpation Probe (WPP) embeds a barometric pressure sensor to create a stiffness distribution map of underlying tissues. In this work we characterized nine different interchangeable WPP heads fabricated with the combination of three different thickness/materials. Step responses and stress strain were evaluated to assess the best material and thickness combination for the next WPP heads fabrication.
From human skin to Nano-Skin: an experimental study on human skin temperature measurement

The human state in human–machine systems should be monitored to improve system performance. In monitoring it is preferable to use physiological cues such as skin temperature. The sensing capabilities of human skin were analyzed. The sensing system of human skin was modeled, and inspired the design of a Nano-Skin for physiological measurement in dynamic human–machine contact for human state recognition. The Nano-Skin involves a flexible bottom layer, sensors, special integrated circuit, interconnection between sensors and special integrated circuit, and flexible top layer. The requirements for the sensors of a Nano-Skin are summarized, and compared with common sensors, MEMS sensors, and nano sensors. A Nano-Skin with deposited platinum was manufactured. The manufacturing process is shown to be feasible and repeatable. The Nano-Skin with deposited platinum was used to measure skin temperature. Its performance was investigated using experiments. The results verified that the accuracy of the Nano-Skin sensors...
A modified scoring system to describe gross pathology in the rabbit model of tuberculosis

Background The rabbit model is an ideal means to study the pathogenesis of tuberculosis due to its semblance to the disease in humans. We have previously described the results using a bronchoscopic route of infection with live bacilli as a reliable means of generating lung cavities in sensitized rabbits. The role of sensitization in the development of disease outcomes has been well established in several animal models. We have described here the varying gross pathology that result from lack of sensitization with heat-killed M. bovis prior to high-dose bronchoscopic infection with live bacilli.
Spatially Resolved Temperature Measurements in a Liquid Using Laser Induced Phosphorescence

We describe recent advances in the development of a temperature measurement methodology based on phosphorescence of a tracer molecule in a liquid. The methodology represents an extension of molecular tagging velocimetry (MTV). MTV is a laser-based technique of obtaining spatially resolved fluid velocity profiles. The methodology has the potential of providing spatially resolved simultaneous measurements of velocity and temperature data over a planar domain. Presently, a method of obtaining temperatures over a range of 30°C with a typical uncertainty of ±1.0-1.5°C has been developed. Recent progress has resulted in a method of generating robust calibration curves for use in subsequent temperature measurements. A discussion of the experimental methodology, calibration curve development, and error analysis is presented. Finally, simultaneous temperature and velocity profile measurements using the method are demonstrated under dynamic conditions
Efficacy and safety of global endometrial ablation after cesarean delivery: a cohort study.

Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of global endometrial ablation in women with a history of cesarean delivery. Study Design We performed a historical cohort study of patients who underwent endometrial ablation for menorrhagia between 1998 and 2005. Outcome measures included amenorrhea, treatment failure, and operative complications. Time to treatment failure was compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Risk adjustments were performed using Cox and logistic regression models. Results Of 704 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 162 (23%) had a history of 1 or more cesarean deliveries. Women with and without a history of cesarean delivery had comparable rates for 5 year cumulative endometrial ablation failure, amenorrhea, treatment failure, and operative complications. The type of ablation device and number of previous cesarean deliveries did not affect any outcomes. Conclusion The efficacy and safety of endometrial ablation are comparable in women with or without a history of cesarean delivery.
The Science Wars

The so-called 'Science Wars' is a puzzling, largely American cultural phenomenon. The phrase gained prominence in 1996, when a rather obscure cultural studies journal called Social Text devoted an entire issue to critiques of Paul R. Gross and Norman Leavitt's controversial book, Higher Superstition: The Academic Left and its Quarrels with Science.1 According to the journal's editors, apologists for the militaryindustrial complex on the right had declared war against science studies scholars, techno-sceptics, and environmentalists of the Left.
Community Violence, Protective Factors, and Adolescent Mental Health: A Profile Analysis

This study examined interrelationships among community violence exposure, protective factors, and mental health in a sample of urban, predominantly African American adolescents (N = 504). Latent Profile Analysis was conducted to identify profiles of adolescents based on a combination of community violence exposure, self-worth, parental monitoring, and parental involvement and to examine whether these profiles differentially predict adolescents' depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior. Three classes were identified-a vulnerable class, a moderate risk/medium protection class, and a moderate risk/high protection class. The classes differentially predicted depressive symptoms but not aggressive behavior for boys and girls. The class with the highest community violence exposure also had the lowest self-worth.
Solid-state bioconversion of fava bean by Rhizopus oligosporus for enrichment of phenolic antioxidants and l-DOPA

Abstract Fava beans are a rich source of levo-dihydroxy phenylalanine ( l -DOPA) the precursor of dopamine, and are being investigated for use in the management of Parkinson's disease. The present research was conducted to enrich the fava bean substrate with phenolic antioxidants and l -DOPA via solid-state bioconversion system using the food grade fungus Rhizopus oligosporus . The l -DOPA content in the fungal-grown fava bean increased significantly to approximately twice that of control, accompanied by moderate phenolic-linked antioxidant activity and higher fungal superoxide dismutase activity during early stages of growth. This indicated that l -DOPA can be mobilized and formed from fava bean substrates by fungal bioconversion and is contributed to the antioxidant functionality of such extracts. A high superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity during early and late growth stages indicates the likely oxidation stress of initial fungal colonization and later due to nutrient depletion. High levels of soluble phenolics were observed during late growth stages. During the course of solid-state growth there was an increase in β-glucosidase activity, which correlated to an increase in total phenolic content during the late stages. This suggests that the enzyme may play an important role in the release of phenolic aglycones from fava bean substrate and thereby increases the phenolic content and accompanying antioxidant activity. The implication from this study is that solid-state bioconversion of fava bean by R. oligosporus can significantly improve the phenolic antioxidant activity and Parkinson's relevant l -DOPA content.
CT manifestations of infarcted epiploic appendages of the colon

Two patients presenting with acute onset of left lower abdominal pain due to infarcted epiploic appendages are the subject of this report. Computed tomography (CT) in both cases showed localized pericolic inflammatory changes corresponding to the location of infarcted epiploic appendages on the serosal aspect of the descending colon or sigmoid. The clinical and radiological findings of this entity are briefly described.
Deficits in temporal sequencing of verbal material: The effect of laterality of lesion

Abstract Temporal sequencing of verbal materials (digits, words, and geometric forms) presented in two sensory modalities (auditory and visual) to three groups of subjects (Broca's with left anterior lesions, patients with right hemisphere lesions, and normals) was examined. Each subject was asked to point to a set of stimuli in the same sequence as presented by the examiner. Results indicated that patients with left hemisphere lesions were more impaired on all tasks than the right hemisphere lesioned patients who, in turn, were impaired compared to normal controls. Response to auditory presentation was superior to response to visual presentation. Also, digits were the easiest for all groups, and words were easier than geometric forms. Of special interest was the finding which suggested that right hemisphere lesions are associated with impairment of verbal temporal sequencing under either auditory or visual presentation.
High quality optical microangiography of ocular microcirculation and measurement of total retinal blood flow in mouse eye

Visualization and measurement of retinal blood flow (RBF) is important to the diagnosis and management of different eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy. Optical microangiography (OMAG) is developed for generating 3D dynamic microcirculation image and later refined into ultra-high sensitive OMAG (UHS-OMAG) for true capillary vessels imaging. Here, we present the application of OMAG imaging technique for visualization of depth-resolved vascular network within retina and choroid as well as measurement of total retinal blood flow in mice. A fast speed spectral domain OCT imaging system at 820nm with a line scan rate of 140 kHz was developed to image mouse posterior eye. By applying UHS-OMAG scanning protocol and processing algorithm, we achieved true capillary level imaging of retina and choroid vasculature in mouse eye. The vascular pattern within different retinal layers and choroid was presented. An en face Doppler OCT approach [1] without knowing Doppler angle was adopted for the measurement of total retinal blood flow. The axial blood flow velocity is measured in an en face plane by raster scanning and the flow is calculated by integrating over the vessel area of the central retinal artery.
Symptom persistence in a community cohort of women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS): 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up from the RICE cohort

The persistence of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) symptoms has been described in women seeking medical care. The purpose of this study was to determine whether symptoms persist among a population-based sample of women. A probability sample of US women was identified through a two-stage telephone screening process using the Research and Development (RAND) Interstitial Cystitis Epidemiology (RICE) high-sensitivity case definition. A randomly selected subgroup (n = 508) was enrolled in a longitudinal study and interviewed about their symptoms at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses determined predictors of persistence of symptoms over the four waves. A total of 436 women with a mean age of 47.5 years responding to all waves were included in the analysis. Forty-one percent met the RICE high-sensitivity case definition at baseline and in all four waves; an additional 21 % met the definition at baseline and in three waves. Women with a college degree (+12 % vs. no college, p = 0.02) and who were younger (−5 % per decade of age, p < 0.01) had higher chances of symptom persistence at each wave. Scoring one standard deviation higher on the continuity of symptoms and the O’Leary–Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom index increased the chances of symptom persistence by 4 % and 2 %, respectively (both p < 0.01). The majority of women demonstrated symptom persistence across at least three of four waves over 12 months. These women tended to be younger, college-educated, and to have reported a history of greater continuity of symptoms and higher severity of symptoms at baseline.
Role of eosinophil peroxidase in the origins of protein oxidation in asthma

Eosinophils are uniquely endowed with an arsenal of enzymes that enable them to generate an array of reactive oxidants and diffusible radical species. The formidable arsenal at their disposal likely evolved because of the central role these phagocytes play in combating invading helminths and other large metazoan pathogens. Although these leukocytes constitute an essential component of the effector limb of host defenses, they also are implicated in contributing to inflammatory tissue injury. The growing prevalence and severity of asthma, a respiratory disease characterized by recruitment and activation of eosinophils in the airways of affected individuals, has focused research efforts on elaborating the many potential mechanisms through which eosinophils may contribute to tissue injury and oxidative modification of biological targets in asthma. Eosinophil activation is strongly suspected as playing a contributory role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Accordingly, an understanding of the basic chemical pathways available to the leukocytes for generating specific reactive oxidants and diffusible radical species in vivo is required. In the following review, recent progress in the elaboration of specific mechanisms through which eosinophils generate oxidants and other reactive species are discussed. The potential contributions of these intermediates to modification of biological targets during asthma are described. Particular emphasis is placed upon the secreted hemoprotein eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), a central participant in generation of reactive oxidants and diffusible radical species by the phagocytes.
Successes and challenges of insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes in a managed-care setting

AbstractObjective:Although insulin is the most effective diabetes medication for lowering blood glucose, how insulin is used in clinical practice and how well patients respond to insulin therapy over the course of several years has not been documented. Our objective was to describe glycemic control, side-effects and dose titration over 7 years among persons starting insulin in a health plan that has long used a treatment algorithm similar to the current American Diabetes Association/European Association for the Study of Diabetes (ADA-EASD) algorithm for the management of hyperglycemia.Research design and methods:Patients (n = 2417) who initiated insulin therapy between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2004 were followed for a mean of 49.5 months until 30 June 2007, death, or health plan termination. Mean hemoglobin A1C, number of units of insulin purchased and body weight were assessed on a quarterly basis. The proportion experiencing edema or hypoglycemia was assessed annually.Results:Mean population A1C d...
Synthesis, spectroscopy, computational evaluation and first X-ray structural characterization of a primary amine containing boronium ion

Stable (CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 N − , I − and BPh 4 - salts of the boronium ion [( tert -butylamine)(1-methylimidazole)BH 2 ] + have been isolated and characterized. A single-crystal X-ray structure of the BPh 4 - salt provides the first unambiguous proof for a boronium ion supported by a primary amine ligand.