cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Associations between implementation of Project Lazarus and opioid analgesic dispensing and buprenorphine utilization in North Carolina, 2009–2014

Project Lazarus (PL) is a seven-strategy, community-coalition-based intervention designed to reduce opioid overdose and dependence. The seven strategies include: community education, provider education, hospital emergency department policy change, diversion control, support programs for patients with pain, naloxone policies, and addiction treatment expansion. PL was originally developed in Wilkes County, NC. It was made available to all counties in North Carolina starting in March 2013 with funding of up to $34,400 per county per year. We examined the association between PL implementation and 1) overall dispensing rate of opioid analgesics, and 2) utilization of buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is often used in connection with medication assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid dependence. Observational interrupted time series analysis of 100 counties over 2009–2014 (n = 7200 county-months) in North Carolina. The intervention period was March 2013–December 2014. 74 of 100 counties implemented the intervention. Exposure data sources comprised process surveys, training records, Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data, and methadone treatment program quality data. Outcomes were PDMP-derived counts of opioid prescriptions and buprenorphine patients. Incidence Rate Ratios were estimated with adjusted GEE Poisson regression models of all seven PL strategies. In adjusted models, diversion control efforts were positively associated with increased dispensing of opioid analgesics (IRR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.09). None of the other PL strategies were associated with reduced prescribing of opioid analgesics. Support programs for patients with pain were associated with a non-significant decrease in buprenorphine utilization (IRR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.85, 1.02), but addiction treatment expansion efforts were associated with no change in buprenorphine utilization (IRR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.91, 1.06). Implementation of PL strategies did not appreciably reduce opioid dispensing and did not increase buprenorphine utilization. These results are consistent with previous findings of limited impact of PL strategies on overdose morbidity and mortality. Future studies should analyze the uptake of MAT using a more expansive view of institutional barriers, treating community coalition activity around MAT as an effect modifier.
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is deontological? Completing moral dilemmas in front of mirrors increases deontological but not utilitarian response tendencies.

Abstract Recent evidence suggests moral dilemma responses reflect concerns about image and identity. If so, enhancing self-awareness should impact dilemma responses—possibly increasing both harm-rejection (consistent with deontological philosophy) and outcome-maximization tendencies (consistent with utilitarian philosophy). Yet, conventional analyses may not detect such effects because they treat harm-rejection and outcome-maximization tendencies as diametric opposites. Instead, we employed process dissociation to assess these response tendencies independently. Across two studies (n = 370), participants who completed dilemmas in front of mirrors—a classic manipulation of self-awareness—tended to reject harm more than those in a control condition. However, the mirror manipulation did not systematically increase outcome-maximization tendencies. These findings suggest that deontological decisions in moral dilemmas may partially reflect self-awareness and concerns about one’s image.
Adult attachment, filial piety, and interpersonal functioning of Chinese young adults

ABSTRACTThis study examined the unique and interaction effects of adult attachment and filial piety among Chinese young adults on three selected interpersonal functioning variables (i.e. social sel...
Treatment outcome and prognostic indicators in 26 cases of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma under interferon based therapy.

e16626Background: Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLHCC) is a variant of HCC that comprises ∼1%–9% of all HCCs, with about 200 annual cases reported globally, most often affects younger pat...
Identification of Bladder Diverticular Stone on 99mTc-Methyl Diphosphonate Bone Scintigraphy and SPECT/CT.

We report a bladder diverticular stone with increased 99mTc-MDP uptake on bone scintigraphy and SPETC/CT. Diverticular stone is a known risk factor for bladder malignancy. The deposition of 99mTc-MDP on the crystal surface of the diverticular stone is a rare phenomenon, but of clinical significance. Cystolitholapaxy is indicated to remove the diverticular stone and to reduce risk of bladder cancer.
The Impact of Infection and Inflammation on Drug Metabolism, Active Transport, and Systemic Drug Concentrations in Veterinary Species

Within human medicine, it is recognized that the pharmacokinetics (PK) of many compounds can be altered by the presence of inflammation or infection. Research into the reason for these changes has identified pathways that can influence drug absorption, clearance, and tissue distribution. In contrast, far less is known about these relationships within the framework of veterinary medicine. Rather, most of the PK data generated in veterinary species employs healthy subjects, raising the question of whether these studies are founded on an assumption that healthy animal PK reflect that of the diseased animal population. Accordingly, there is a need to explore the PK changes that might be overlooked in studies that recruit only healthy animals to assesses drug PK. To meet this objective, we surveyed the published literature for studies focusing on the impact of disease on the dose-exposure relationships in food-producing and companion animal species. We found that, consistent with humans and laboratory species, both up- and downregulation of the various cytochrome isoenzymes and/or transporters have occurred in response to an increase in inflammatory mediators. These findings suggest that, as observed in human medicine, the potential for differences in the drug PK in healthy versus animal patients points to a need for acquiring a greater understanding of these changes and how they may influence the dose-exposure-response relationships of veterinary pharmaceuticals. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review delivers a much-needed summary of published information that provides insights into how disease and inflammation can influence the appropriateness of extrapolating laboratory-based dose-exposure-response relationships to what will occur in the actual veterinary patient. As part of this review, we also examine some of the method-associated issues to be considered when assessing the reported nature and magnitude of these changes.
What is the current state of patient education after Clostridioides difficile infection

In a survey of hospitals and of patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), we found that most facilities had educational materials or protocols for education of CDI patients. However, approximately half of CDI patients did not recall receiving education during their admission, and knowledge deficits regarding CDI prevention were common.
Global translational landscape of the Candida albicans morphological transition

Candida albicans, a major human fungal pathogen associated with high mortality and/or morbidity rates in a wide variety of immunocompromised individuals, undergoes a reversible morphological transition from yeast to filamentous cells that is required for virulence. While previous studies have identified and characterized global transcriptional mechanisms important for driving this transition, as well as other virulence properties, in C. albicans and other pathogens, considerably little is known about the role of genome-wide translational mechanisms. Using ribosome profiling, we report the first global translational profile associated with C. albicans morphogenesis. Strikingly, many genes involved in pathogenesis, filamentation, and the response to stress show reduced translational efficiency (TE). Several of these genes are known to be strongly induced at the transcriptional level, suggesting that a translational fine-tuning mechanism is in place. We also identify potential upstream open reading frames (uORFs), associated with genes involved in pathogenesis, and novel ORFs, several of which show altered TE during filamentation. Using a novel bioinformatics method for global analysis of ribosome pausing that will be applicable to a wide variety of genetic systems, we demonstrate an enrichment of ribosome pausing sites in C. albicans genes associated with protein synthesis and cell wall functions. Altogether, our results suggest that the C. albicans morphological transition, and most likely additional virulence processes in fungal pathogens, is associated with widespread global alterations in TE that do not simply reflect changes in transcript levels. These alterations affect the expression of many genes associated with processes essential for virulence and pathogenesis.
Coding cerebral bypasses: a proposed nomenclature to better describe bypass constructs and revascularization techniques.

Objective Bypass surgery has evolved into a complex surgical art with a variety of donor arteries, recipient arteries, interpositional grafts, anastomoses, and suturing techniques. Although innovation in contemporary bypasses has increased, the literal descriptions of these new bypasses have not kept pace. The existing nomenclature that joins donor and recipient arteries with a hyphen is simplistic, underinformative, and in need of improvement. This article proposes a nomenclature that systematically incorporates anatomical and technical details with alphanumeric abbreviations and is a clear, concise, and practical "code" for bypass surgery. Methods Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the proposed nomenclature, which consists of abbreviations for donor and recipient arteries, arterial segments, arteriotomies, and sides (left or right), with hyphens and parentheses to denote the arteriotomies joined in the anastomosis and brackets and other symbols for combination bypasses, are presented. The literature was searched for articles describing bypasses, and descriptive nomenclature was categorized as donor and recipient arteries (donor-recipient), donor-recipient with additional details, less detail than donor-recipient, and complete, ambiguous, or descriptive text. Results In 483 publications, most bypass descriptions were categorized as donor-recipient (335, 69%), with superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass described most frequently (299, 62%). Ninety-seven articles (20%) used donor-recipient descriptions with additional details, 45 (9%) were categorized as ambiguous, and none contained a complete bypass description. The authors found the proposed nomenclature to be easily applicable to the more complex bypasses reported in the literature. Conclusions The authors propose a comprehensive nomenclature based on segmental anatomy and additional anastomotic details that allows bypasses to be coded simply, succinctly, and accurately. This alphanumeric shorthand allows greater precision in describing bypasses and clarifying technical details, which may improve reporting in the literature and thus help to advance the field of bypass surgery.
Protein diffusion in cell membranes: some biological implications.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the biological implications of protein diffusion in cell membranes. Current efforts to capture and quantitate the motion of proteins in membranes are predicated on the assumption that this phenomenon has important biological implications. The chapter reviews the bases of that assumption and discusses how passive diffusion of membrane proteins contributes directly to certain biological functions. It explains how cells might deal with the potentially negative consequences of protein lateral motion. The chapter also explains how lateral diffusion of membrane proteins may directly facilitate a number of membrane-mediated biological functions, including self-assembly, cell–cell recognition and adhesion, enzymatic reactions, hormonal response, and other signaling processes. It highlights the fact that the diffusion of a membrane protein is a reflection of the fluid lipid environment in which it resides.
The hydrolysis of alpha-N-benzoyl-L-argininamide catalyzed by trypsin and acetyltrypsin. Dependence on pH.

Abstract A newly automated method employing the Berthelot reaction is described for measurement of the rates of enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of amide substrates. Using this technique the pH-dependence of the hydrolysis of α-N- benzoyl- l -argininamide catalyzed by bovine trypsin (EC 3.4.4.4) and N,O-acetyltrypsin has been investigated. The apparent pK values for the free enzyme and modified enzyme have been estimated from plots of log ( k cat K m ) vs. pH. The values for trypsin are 7.0 and 10.1 (25°, I = 0.19), while those for acetyltrypsin are 7.2 and 10.5. The apparent kinetic pK values for the enzyme-substrate complexes have been estimated from plots of log kcatvs. pH. The values for trypsin are 6.2 and 10.4, while those for acetyltrypsin are 6.3 and 11.0. The pH-independent constants corresponding to Km and kcat for trypsin are 3.4 mM and 0.7 sec−, while those for acetyltrypsin are 2.1 mM and 1.2 sec−1. The results confirm previous suggestions that acetylation of exposed tyrosyl groups increases the acylation rate constant in the trypsin-catalyzed hydrolysis of specific amide substrates and rule out altered protonic equilibria as an explanation for the enhancement of activity.
Photonic Crystal Enhanced Fluorescence

A new platform for fluorescence enhancement incorporating photonic crystal slabs is demonstrated. Fluorescence enhancement occurs by the effect of leaky eigenmodes that serve to enhance near-field intensities and simultaneously provide enhanced extraction.
Sequential homotopy-based computation of multiple solutions to nonlinear equations

Homotopy methods have achieved significant success in solving systems of nonlinear equations for which the number of solutions are known and the homotopy paths are bounded. We present a two-stage homotopy process which does not require a-priori knowledge of the number of solutions to a system of nonlinear equations. This approach makes use of compact manifolds to find solutions sequentially along disconnected homotopy paths. The procedure is tested on two standard optimization and neural network benchmark problems.
CMOS VLSI Lukasiewicz logic arrays

Lukasiewicz logic arrays (LLAs) are massively parallel analog computers organized as binary trees of identical processing elements. The authors have designed and performed preliminary tests on a series of CMOS VLSI LLAs whose cells perform Lukasiewicz implication ( to ). The authors describe the LLA architecture and its relationship to cellular automata, describe the CMOS VLSI implementation of versions LL9 and LL10 and their initial characterization, and report on the results obtained by programming LL9 and LL10 as fuzzy function recognizers, the first step in designing more general function units such as expert systems and neural networks. Initial test results showed that the LLAs implemented the notch function linearly, but with a slope that varied from that of the ideal function. Trimming the LLA inputs and outputs is expected to result in a typical error of less than 2%, and a mean error of less than 0.5%. >
Evaluation of 16 New Holmium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser Optical Fibers for Ureteroscopy

Objective To test the performance of 16 new single-use holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser fibers. Materials and Methods Small and medium core fibers were evaluated for flexibility, true diameter, connector temperature, and failure threshold. A flexible ureteroscope was deflected with the fiber in the working channel to measure flexibility. Diameter was measured by micrometer and connector temperature by infrared thermometer. Failure threshold was determined by bending the fiber to 180°, beginning with a radius of 1.25 cm. A 100 W holmium:YAG laser was operated at 1.2 J/10 Hz for 30 seconds or until fiber fracture. The radius was decreased in 0.25-cm increments until a minimum bend radius of 0.4 cm was attained or until fiber fracture. Results Of the small core-fibers, the Cook-HLF-S150 (Cook Medical) had the smallest diameter and the Flexiva TracTip 200 (Boston Scientific) the largest. The Cook-HLF-S150 and S200 were the most flexible and the SlimLine EZ200 (Lumenis) the least. The SlimLine EZ200 failed at the largest bend radius, whereas the Flexiva 200 and Flexiva TracTip 200 did not fracture. Of the medium-core fibers, the ScopeSafe 300 had the smallest diameter and the Flexiva 365 the largest. The ScopeSafe 300 was the most flexible and the SlimLine 365 the least. The ScopeSafe 365 failed at the largest radius of 1.25 cm, and the Flexiva 365 did not fail in 6 of 9 trials at the tightest radius. Conclusion Performance characteristics of these new holmium:YAG optical fibers differed significantly but performance was on par or better than historical controls.
Induction of Partial Specific Heterotypic Immunity in Mice by a Single Infection with Influenza A Virus

Schulman, Jerome L. (Cornell University Medical College, New York, N.Y.), and Edwin D. Kilbourne. Induction of partial specific heterotypic immunity in mice by a single infection with influenza A virus. J. Bacteriol. 89:170-174. 1965.-Mice infected 4 weeks previously with influenza A virus were found to be partially immune when challenged with influenza A2 virus. This partial immunity was demonstrated by reduced titers of pulmonary virus, decreased mortality, and less extensive lung lesions. A specific immunological basis for this protection was suggested by the absence of any protection in animals previously infected with influenza B virus when challenged with A2 virus, or in animals previously infected with influenza A virus when challenged with influenza B virus. Parenteral inoculation with inactivated influenza A virus did not induce partial immunity to A2 virus challenge. An accelerated rise of hemagglutinating-inhibiting antibody after A2 virus challenge was demonstrated in animals previously infected with influenza A virus.
Searching for biogeochemical hot spots in three dimensions: Soil C and N cycling in hydropedologic settings in a northern hardwood forest

Understanding and predicting the extent, location, and function of biogeochemical hot spots at the watershed scale is a frontier in environmental science. We applied a hydropedologic approach to identify (1) biogeochemical differences among morphologically distinct hydropedologic settings and (2) hot spots of microbial carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling activity in a northern hardwood forest in Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire, USA. We assessed variables related to C and N cycling in spodic hydropedologic settings (typical podzols, bimodal podzols, and Bh podzols) and groundwater seeps during August 2010. We found that soil horizons (Oi/Oe, Oa/A, and B) differed significantly for most variables. B horizons (>10cm) accounted for 71% (±11%) of C pools and 62%(±10%) ofmicrobial biomass C in the sampled soil profile, whereas the surface horizons (Oi/Oe and Oa/A; 0-10cm) were dominant zones for N-cycle-related variables. Watershed-wide estimates of C and N cycling were higher by 34 to 43% (±17-19%) when rates, horizon thickness, and areal extent of each hydropedologic setting were incorporated, versus conventionally calculated estimates for typical podzols that included only the top 10cm of mineral soil. Despite the variation in profile development in typical, bimodal, and Bh podzols, we did not detect significant differences in C and N cycling among them. Across all soil horizons and hydropedologic settings, we found strong links between biogeochemical cycling and soil C, suggesting that the accumulation of C in soils may be a robust indicator of microbial C and N cycling capacity in the landscape.
Effects of Glucose Deprivation, Chemical Hypoxia, and Simulated Ischemia on Na+ Homeostasis in Rat Spinal Cord Astrocytes

A steep inwardly directed Na + gradient is essential for glial functions such as glutamate reuptake and regulation of intracellular ion concentrations. We investigated the effects of glucose deprivation, chemical hypoxia, and simulated ischemia on intracellular Na + concentration ([Na + ] i ) in cultured spinal cord astrocytes using fluorescence ratio imaging with sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate (SBFI) AM. Glucose removal or chemical hypoxia (induced by 10 mm NaN 3 ) for 60 min increased [Na + ] i from a baseline of 8.3 to 11 mm. Combined glycolytic and respiratory blockage by NaN 3 and 0 glucose saline caused [Na + ] i to increase by 20 mm, similar to the [Na + ] i increases elicited by blocking the Na + /K + -ATPase with ouabain. Recovery from large [Na + ] i increases (>15 mm) induced by the glutamatergic agonist kainate was attenuated during glucose deprivation or NaN 3 application and was blocked in NaN 3 and 0 glucose. To mimic in vivo ischemia, we exposed astrocytes to NaN 3 and 0 glucose saline containing l-lactate and glutamate with increased [K + ] and decreased [Na + ], [Ca 2+ ], and pH. This induced an [Na + ] i decrease followed by an [Na + ] i rise and a further [Na + ] i increase after reperfusion with standard saline. Similar multiphasic [Na + ] i changes were observed after NaN 3 and 0 glucose saline with only reduced [Na + ] e . Our results suggest that the ability to maintain a low [Na + ] i enables spinal cord astrocytes to continue uptake of K + and/or glutamate at the onset of energy failure. With prolonged energy failure, however, astrocytic [Na + ] i rises; with loss of their steep transmembrane Na + gradient, astrocytes may aggravate metabolic insults by carrier reversal and release of acid, K + , and/or glutamate into the extracellular space.
PROPERTIES OF A PURIFIED HALOPHILIC MALIC DEHYDROGENASE.

Holmes, P. K. (University of Illinois, Urbana), and H. Orin Halvorson. Properties of a purified halophilic malic dehydrogenase. J. Bacteriol. 90:316–326. 1965.—The malic dehydrogenase (MDH) from Halobacterium salinarium required high concentrations of monovalent ions for stability and activity. Studies of inactivation rates at different salt concentrations suggested that approximately 25% NaCl (w/v) is required to stabilize MDH. From 50 to 100% reactivation, depending on the salt concentration present during inactivation, could occur in 2.5 to 5 m NaCl or KCl. The optimal salt concentration for activity of MDH was a function of the pH, and ranged from 1 to 3 m NaCl or KCl. The effect of salt concentration on the pH-activity curves occurred chiefly below pH 7.0. Inactivation of MDH with heat or thiol reagents showed that the enzyme was more labile in the state induced by absence of salt. The activation of MDH by salts was attributed to a decreased rate of dissociation of MDH and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH2). The inactivation of the enzyme in the absence of salt could be largely prevented by the presence of NADH2. The S20.w of MDH decreased threefold at low salt concentrations. The enzyme was assumed to be in its native compact configuration only in the presence of a high concentration of salt.
Interpreting Space Use and Behavior of Blue Tang, Acanthurus coeruleus, in the Context of Habitat, Density, and Intra-specific Interactions

We hypothesized that blue tang, Acanthurus coeruleus, territories on sites with low biogenic structure would be larger than territories on sites with relatively high biogenic structure due to differences in the amount and distribution of resources. We tested this hypothesis by tracking blue tang over uncolonized pavement and reef crest, two habitat types at opposite ends of the habitat structure spectrum. We recorded density, feeding rates and aggression events in order to evaluate our findings in the context of a territory model and the ideal free distribution model. Territories of A. coeruleus averaged nearly four times larger on pavement sites than on reef crest sites. Conversely, densities of A. coeruleus were significantly lower on pavement sites. While there was no significant difference in the average rates of movement between habitats, average turning angles were significantly higher on reef crest. There were no significant differences in feeding rates between habitats, suggesting that higher territory sizes and lower densities may allow fish on uncolonized pavement to match resource acquisition of fish on reef crest. The insignificant difference of aggression encounters between habitats suggests that movement and density differences among habitats are not solely legacies of differential settlement.
Cytokine gene polymorphisms are not associated with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome or survival after lung transplant.

Background Cytokine polymorphisms are inconsistently associated with transplant rejection and other adverse outcomes. To address this controversy, we evaluated cytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a lung transplant cohort. Methods All patients who underwent lung transplantation from 1993 to 1998 and had post-transplant survival of at least 6 months were included in the initial analysis. Subjects were genotyped for: TNF-α −308 G/A; IFN-γ +874 A/T; TGF-β1 +869 T/C and +915 G/C; IL-10 −1082 A/G, −819 C/T and −592 C/A; and IL-6 −174 G/C. End-points were onset of broncholitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) and survival. Results In the cohort, 78 subjects, with an overall mean ± SE survival 2,339 ± 117 days, had no correlation between onset of BOS1, BOS2 or survival with TNF-α, IFN-γ, TGF-β1 or IL-10 gene polymorphisms. However, IL-6 polymorphisms GG or GC were associated with an earlier onset of BOS1 ( p = 0.039), BOS2 ( p = 0.021), and decreased overall post-transplant survival ( p = 0.038). A second cohort of more recent lung transplant recipients did not validate an association between IL-6 polymorphisms and earlier onset of BOS1 ( p = 0.70), BOS2 ( p = 0.54) or overall post-transplant survival ( p = 0.25). Conclusions Polymorphisms of TNF-α, IFN-γ, TGF-β1, IL-10 and IL-6 do not appear to influence the onset of BOS or graft survival in recipients.
High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for the Assay of Undecylenic Acid and Undecylenates in Pharmaceutical Products After Conversion to 4′-Nitrophenacyl Esters

Abstract A high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with spectrophotometric detection is presented for the assay of undecylenic acid, undecylenates (calcium, zinc), and the combination undecylenic acid-zinc undecylenate in commercial antifungal products. To enhance detection, an acetone solution of the sample preparation and sodium octanoate, the internal standard, was derivatized with 4′-nitrophenacyl bromide in the presence of triethylamine at 50°C for 30 min. An aliquot of the reaction mixture was directly analyzed on a Microsorb-MV C8 column, with methanol-acetonitrile-water (50:30:20) as the mobile phase, and detection at 265 nm. At a flow rate of 1.6 mL/min, baseline resolution of the mixture of 4′-nitrophenacyl esters was attained in less than 7 minutes. Detector responses were linearly related to concentrations of reacted undecylenic acid, or its equivalent in an undecylenate, in the range 12.5–300 μg. The recovery of undecylenic acid or an undecylenate from spiked commercial products...
Metrological Aspects of the Process of Recording the Energy Parameters of the Acoustic Emission of Substances

The basic problems of the acoustic-emission method of nondestructive testing are analyzed. Comparative estimation of the effectiveness of the parameters of acoustic emission signals is performed. It is demonstrated that the methods of analysis are inadequate in a narrow frequency band. The need for the use of methods of spectral analysis for the purpose of increasing the precision and reliability of results is demonstrated.
Carcinogenesis of hexachlorobenzene in mice.

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is a fungicide and a by-product in the manufacture of many chlorinated solvents and pesticides. In Turkey, between 1955 and 1959 HCB was the causative agent of an epidemic of toxic porphyria, which involved more than 3,000 people, predominantly children. HCB was studied in long-term experiments for carcinogenicity in mice. Outbred Swiss mice were given HCB in the diet at dose levels of 50, 100 and 200 parts per million (ppm), for 101–120 weeks. Survival rates in females and males of group HCB 200 were markedly affected by deaths due to toxic manifestations of HCB. All survivors were killed at 120 weeks. Exposure to HCB resulted in an increased incidence of liver-cell tumors in groups HCB 100 and HCB 200. No liver-cell tumors were observed in the controls and in the group fed HCB 50. The incidence of mouse lympho-mas was 35% in controls and 11% in HCB 200. The decrease reflects probably the shortest life-span of HCB-treated animals. The incidence of lung tumors was higher in controls than in the treated groups, but the multiplicity (nodule/mouse) was approximately the same in all groups. In a separate experiment 30 female and 30 male mice were administered 300 ppm HCB in the diet for only 15 weeks. Most of the males died early. The survival rate at 110 weeks of age was 10% and comparable to that of controls. Two mice in the HCB 300 group developed liver-cell tumors. The proportion of tumor-bearing animals and the incidence of lymphomas, lung adenomas and other tumor types in HCB 300 mice were similar to those reported in control animals. The present results indicate the carcinogenicity effect of HCB in mice.
Receiving Forgiveness as Moral Education: a theoretical analysis and initial empirical investigation

Abstract The importance of forgiveness is being recognised increasingly in psychological and educational circles. However, most work to date has focused on the experience of offering forgiveness to another. This article represents a theoretical and empirical analysis of the much‐neglected experience of accepting another's forgiveness. Most previous theorising suggests the outcomes of receiving forgiveness are positive, but research in related areas implies that this might not always be the case. Quantitative and qualitative data in this article suggest that the effects of accepting another's forgiveness are usually positive. These effects are explored from psychological, social and moral vantage points, and recommendations for moral education programmes are offered.
Pharmacological and non-drug treatment of child bipolar I disorder during prospective eight-year follow-up.

Geller B, Tillman R, Bolhofner K, Zimerman B. Pharmacological and non-drug treatment of child bipolar I disorder during prospective eight-year follow-up. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 164–171. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Objectives: The Phenomenology and Course of Pediatric Bipolar Disorders study, a National Institute of Mental Health-funded study of child bipolar I disorder (BP-I) begun in 1995, is a prospective follow-up study that included collecting pharmacological and non-drug treatment data. Methods: There were 115 first-episode subjects who fit full DSM-IV criteria for BP-I, mixed or manic phase, with severity scores in the clinically impaired range, ascertained by consecutive new case ascertainment. Subjects were assessed with the Washington University in St. Louis Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (WASH-U-KSADS), given separately to parents about their children and to children about themselves. All treatment was provided by the subjects’ own community practitioners, exactly as if they had not been in the research study. Thus, families were only seen for research assessments, and research staff were not at all involved in their treatment. Data on type, dose, and duration of pharmacological and non-drug treatment were collected. During follow-up, 93.9% (n = 108) were assessed at each of the nine assessment times. Results: During the eight years, only 62.6% received any antimanic medication (antipsychotic, anticonvulsant, lithium) at any time. Percents who received non-antimanic medication included 77.4% medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and 64.3% antidepressants. A total of 67.8% of subjects were taking two or more concurrent medication classes. Subjects ascertained from psychiatric versus pediatric sites received antimanics significantly more frequently (p = 0.006). Earlier recovery during eight-year follow-up was predicted by greater percent of weeks on lithium (p = 0.017). Conclusions: Given these findings, and the poor prognosis from prospective follow-up of this sample reported elsewhere, there is a need for further research that informs the development of effective treatment strategies.
Method of estimating the link quality of a UHF SATCOM channel

While the use of geostationary satellites allows tactical radios users to achieve beyond the line-of-sight communications nearly anywhere within the footprint of a satellite system, the use of directional antennas forces the radio operator to know the precise location of the satellite that is being used. Though a pointing guide and compass can work reasonably well when positioning an antenna, the Signal to Noise Ratio (S/N) thresholds of the highest date rate modems require more precise positioning to improve the system link margin and achieve a reasonable Bit Error Rate (BER). Additionally, one of the requirements of the Integrated Waveform (DAMA UHF SATCOM), specified in MIL-STD-188-181C/182B/183B/185A, calls for the ability to measure the Carrier Power to Noise Spectral Density Ratio (C/No) of the received FOW to within a certain degree and report the measured results to the IW Channel Controller (CC). This information facilitates the allocation of TDMA time slots with the appropriate over-the-air modem to support a reasonable BER given the terminal's channel conditions. The same techniques that can be utilized to meet the IW channel quality reporting requirements can be leveraged to create a system that assists terminal operators with antenna placement by informing them when optimal antenna placement is achieved and the appropriate over-the-air modem to utilize given the measured C/No. This paper will discuss the utilization of fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) in the determination of MILSATCOM channel quality in order to improve the ability of a system to select the optimal over-the-air modem and provide the user with the ability to manually locate geostationary satellites.
The emerging REDD+ regime of Brazil

Brazil has exercised a leadership in the International scene about climate change mitigation and adaptation. Internally, it has been demonstrating institutional, legal and technical capacity to monitor and reduce deforestation in the Amazon, capacities also required to the development of a national Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) system. In this article, we present the progress on the REDD+ debate under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Brazilian government trajectory towards a positive REDD+ agenda. We also discuss the relevant Brazilian legislation that can support a REDD+ regime: the National Policy for Climate Change, the Amazon state plans for deforestation reduction and the current debate and proposal of a REDD+ regime in Brazil, discussing their contexts, threats and opportunities. Funding opportunities are also discussed, with emphasis on the role of the Amazon Fund on fostering the REDD+ activities in Brazil. At the end, we propose a mechani...
Lee–Wick theories at high temperature

An extension of the standard model, the Lee–Wick standard model, based on ideas of Lee and Wick was recently introduced. It does not contain quadratic divergences in the Higgs mass and hence solves the hierarchy puzzle. The Lee–Wick standard model contains new heavy Lee–Wick resonances at the TeV scale that decay to ordinary particles. In this Letter we examine the behavior of Lee–Wick resonances at high temperature. We argue that they contribute negatively to the energy density ρ and pressure p and at temperatures much greater than their mass M their O(T^4) contributions to ρ and p cancel against those of the ordinary (light) particles. The remaining O(M2T^2) contributions are positive and result in an equation of state that approaches w = 1 from below as T → ∞.
Robust Scheduling with Processing Time Uncertainty

The scheduling of batch chemical processes has been the focus of a substantial amount of research interest. Work to date has focused primarily on building schedules for processes which are assumed to operate in a deterministic manner. In real world chemical processing facilities uncertainty exists in all facets of the manufacturing environment. The deviations which are considered in this work are those which can be represented as processing time variations. A framework is presented which when used open-loop is an effective tool for evaluating the expected performance and robustness of various scheduling strategies. Two scheduling tools are compared, one which uses the uniform time discretized model and the other uses a non uniform discretization of time.
Peptides panned from a phage-displayed random peptide library are useful for the detection of Bacillus anthracis surrogates B. cereus 4342 and B. anthracis Sterne.

Abstract Recent use of Bacillus anthracis as a bioweapon has highlighted the need for a sensitive monitoring system. Current bacterial detection tests use antibodies as bio-molecular recognition elements which have limitations with regard to time, specificity and sensitivity, creating the need for new and improved cost-effective high-affinity detection probes. In this study, we screened a commercially available bacteriophage-displayed random peptide library using Bacillus cereus 4342 cells as bait to identify peptides that could be used for detection of Bacillus . The method enabled us to identify two 12-amino acid consensus peptide sequences that specifically bind to B. cereus 4342 and B. anthracis Sterne, the nonpathogenic surrogates of B. anthracis strain. The two Bacillus -binding peptides (named BBP-1 and BBP-2) were synthesized with biotin tag to confirm their binding by four independent detection assays. Dot-blot analysis revealed that the peptides bind specifically to B. cereus 4342 and B. anthracis Sterne. Quantitative analysis of this interaction by ELISA and fluorometry demonstrated a detection sensitivity of 10 2 colony forming U/ml (CFU/ml) by both assays. When the peptides were used in combination with Qdots, the sensitivity was enhanced further by enabling detection of even a single bacterium by fluorescence microscopy. Immunoblot analysis and protein sequencing showed that BBP-1 and BBP-2 bound to the S-layer protein of B. anthracis Sterne. Overall, our findings validate the usefulness of synthetic versions of phage-derived peptides in combination with Qdot-liquid nanocrystals as high sensitivity bioprobes for various microbial detection platforms.
A powerful tool for teaching science

Although computers have dramatically improved productivity in many areas, their use for improving education has been slow and difficult. Online interactive simulations may soon change all that.
Evaluation of dye-micelle binding constants using diffusion sensitive band broadening effects

Abstract The diffusion coefficients of small solutes can be significantly altered by the presence of association colloids such as micelles. A relationship is utilized that relates the diffusion coefficient of a solute to its partitioning or binding behavior to a micellar pseudophase. The Taylor-Aris dispersion method was used to evaluate the diffusion coefficient of several dyes in the presence and absence of sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles. With this approach, all binding constants can be determined easily and reproducibly. The theory, experimental approach, and advantages of this technique are discussed.
Neodymium isotopic composition of the Mediterranean outflow and the eastern North Atlantic

The neodymium concentration and isotopic composition of the Mediterranean outflow in the Strait of Gibraltar has been directly determined. The outflow has a dissolved Nd concentration of ~23 pmoles/kg with ϵ_Nd(0) = −9.4. These results are in clear disagreement with previous values inferred for the Mediterranean. This concentration and ϵ_Nd(0) do not sharply contrast with North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) values and can produce isotopic anomalies no larger than 1 ϵ unit in the North Atlantic. A new profile in the eastern North Atlantic does not exhibit an ϵ_Nd(0) anomaly at the depth of the Mediterranean Water core, in accordance with the above inferences, while concentrations and ϵNd(0) at this site indicate that Nd is conservative in the deep eastern North Atlantic. A previously reported ϵNd(0) anomaly in the eastern North Atlantic, originally associated with the Mediterranean outflow, has a different source. The direct contribution of the Mediterranean outflow to the NADW Nd budget is small, ~10% of the high latitude sources. However, the outflow plus entrained water supply ~30% of the total Nd associated with northern latitude deep water sources. Concentrations of dissolved Nd in the outflow are enriched compared to the Atlantic inflow, which has 16 pmoles/ kg with ϵ_Nd(0) = −11.8. The principal source of the excess dissolved Nd is inferred to be partial dissolution of detrital particles. Simple mass balance calculations suggest that ~0.6% of the Nd associated with detrital river-transported sediments and/or ~3.5% of the Nd associated with eolian particles delivered to the Mediterranean is mobilized during passage into the marine environment. If general, these mobilization efficiencies imply that the dissolution of detrital particles is a significant source of dissolved Nd (and other rare earth elements) in seawater.
Turbulence and Spatial Correlation of Currents in Quantum Chaos

We have found spatial decoherence (loss of phase coherence between distant points in space) of quantum states and chaotic behavior (``turbulence'') of quantum-mechanical currents for a nonlinear oscillator in a magnetic field. Use of quantum currents is dictated by the fact that they are simultaneously phase-sensitive and gauge-invariant measures. The theory is applicable to an electron in a quantum dot with soft confining potential in a magnetic field.
Some new directions for social indicators in the U.S. Department of Agriculture

While there is considerable research activity within the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding the construction of social indicators, the current data base is not adequate to construct a reasonably complete system of indicators for rural development of other rural policy concerns. It is argued that rural development indicators must be able to sense not only the outputs of social institutions and organizations expressed as programs or policies, but also the impacts of these outputs on human needs. This requires that measures of outcomes or the impact of institutions on individuals, such as those found in studies of subjective estimates of life quality, be incorporated into the rural data base. It is suggested, that some of the expertise and budget allocated to the collection of enumerative data be shifted to the collection of subjective estimates of life quality data tailored to the specific needs of rural development research and policy issues.
The Moral Significance of AIDS

Des questions d'ordre moral sont soulevees a propos du syndrome du sida, et leur analyse prend en compte non seulement la forme linguistique qui decrit la maladie, mais egalement les consequences morales qui affectent la vie des gens atteints de la maladie, et le rejet social
Spatial analysis of HIV positive injection drug users in San Francisco, 1987 to 2005.

Spatial analyses of HIV/AIDS related outcomes are growing in popularity as a tool to understand geographic changes in the epidemic and inform the effectiveness of community-based prevention and treatment programs. The Urban Health Study was a serial, cross-sectional epidemiological study of injection drug users (IDUs) in San Francisco between 1987 and 2005 (N = 29,914). HIV testing was conducted for every participant. Participant residence was geocoded to the level of the United States Census tract for every observation in dataset. Local indicator of spatial autocorrelation (LISA) tests were used to identify univariate and bivariate Census tract clusters of HIV positive IDUs in two time periods. We further compared three tract level characteristics (% poverty, % African Americans, and % unemployment) across areas of clustered and non-clustered tracts. We identified significant spatial clustering of high numbers of HIV positive IDUs in the early period (1987–1995) and late period (1996–2005). We found significant bivariate clusters of Census tracts where HIV positive IDUs and tract level poverty were above average compared to the surrounding areas. Our data suggest that poverty, rather than race, was an important neighborhood characteristic associated with the spatial distribution of HIV in SF and its spatial diffusion over time.
On the influence of void clusters on void growth and coalescence during ductile fracture

Abstract Based on the behavior of a three-void cluster embedded within a representative volume element, this study utilizes three-dimensional finite element analyses to examine the sensitivity of void growth and coalescence to strain hardening, multiaxial stress state and inter-void spacing. The strain-induced growth of voids within the cluster is accelerated when the voids are closely spaced in a low strain-hardening material subject to high levels of stress triaxiality. Far-field deformation causes strain to concentrate within the inter-void ligament, and the resulting behavior induces a load–loss response of the inter-void region. Based on the load–loss criterion for the onset of void coalescence, the results show that coalescence is accelerated by increasing stress triaxiality and decreasing strain hardening and inter-void spacing. A straightforward analysis is then presented that relates void coalescence to (a) the strain-hardening exponent and (b) the dependence of the plastic constraint factor within the inter-void ligament on strain, the latter being sensitive to far-field stress triaxiality and void geometry.