cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oral Health-Related Outcomes in Edentulous Patients Treated With Mandibular Implant-Retained Dentures Versus Complete Dentures: Systematic Review With Meta-Analyses.

The objective of this systematic review was to determine the effect on oral health-related outcomes from mandibular implant-retained dentures opposing maxillary complete dentures in edentulous middle-age and older adults, compared with complete removable dentures in both arches. Randomized controlled trials included participants with an average age of 65 years or older. The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Web of Science were searched. A total of 228 abstracts were reviewed for inclusion criteria, with 14 trials included and analyzed for risk of bias. Eleven of these studies were assessed as being at an unclear risk of bias, and 3 were at high risk. Mandibular implant-retained overdenture therapy showed statistically significant improvements in the patients' general satisfaction (P = .003), oral health-related quality of life (P < .001), and chewing ability (P < .001), over the patients with complete dentures. There were no significant differences in the percentage of patients who were satisfied with their ...
Benchmarking DL Reasoners Using Realistic Ontologies.

We did a preliminary benchmark on DL reasoners using real world OWL ontologies. First hand experiences on OWL ontologies and reasoning services available to OWL are described and discussed.
Isolated Orbital Floor Fracture Management: A Survey and Comparison of American Oculofacial and Facial Plastic Surgeon Preferences

This article aimed to characterize, compare, and contrast the management of isolated orbital floor fractures among oculofacial and facial plastic surgeons in the United States. An anonymous 17-question multiple-choice web-based survey was distributed to all 590 members of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) and all 1,300 members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) using each society's email database from November 2016 to January 2017. Two-hundred twenty-five oculofacial and 135 facial plastic surgeons completed the survey. The most important indications for surgery among both oculofacial and facial plastic surgeons were motility restriction, enophthalmos, and diplopia at 2 weeks. The most common preferred time to surgical intervention was 8 to 14 days; however, facial plastic surgeons were more likely to operate after 4 to 7 days (p
Eine Bemerkung über die Beziehungen zwischen der Relativitätstheorie und der idealistischen Philosophie

Zu den Zugen der Relativitatstheorie, die philosophisch Gesinnte besonders fesseln mussen, gehort die Tatsache, das sie neue und uberraschende Einsichten uber das Wesen der Zeit gab, jenes ratselhaften und scheinbar in sich widerspruchsvollen1 Etwas, das doch die Grundlage fur die Existenz der Welt und unserer selbst bildet. Schon der Ausgangspunkt der speziellen Relativitatstheorie ist die Entdeckung einer neuen und auserst erstaunlichen Eigenschaft der Zeit, namlich der Relativitat der Gleichzeitigkeit, die weitgehend die der Sukzession zur Folge hat2. Die Behauptung, die Ereignisse A und B hatten gleichzeitig stattgefunden (und fur eine grose Gruppe von Ereignispaaren auch die Behauptung, A habe vor B stattgefunden), verliert ihren objektiven Sinn insofern, als ein anderer Beobachter mit dem gleichen Anspruch auf Richtigkeit behaupten kann, A und B hatten nicht gleichzeitig stattgefunden (oder B habe vor A stattgefunden).
Phylogenetic Patterns, Evolutionary Trends, and the Origin of Ant—Plant Associations in Piper section Macrostachys: Burger’s Hypotheses Revisited

In Flora Costaricensis, William Burger of the Field Museum in Chicago considered eight of the Piper species that occur in Costa Rica to make up the P. obliquum complex, and six additional species to be closely allied to it (Fig. 9.1; Burger 1971). Piper calcariformis, an additional species assignable to the P. obliquum complex, was later described by Tebbs (1989). Although Burger did not apply a system of infrageneric classification in Flora Costaricensis (1971), these 15 species of the P. obliquum complex and its allies represent all of the Costa Rican members of Piper sect. Macrostachys (Miq.) C.DC. Besides discussing the relationships between species, Burger (1972) also made hypotheses concerning evolutionary trends among the Costa Rican Piper species. In addition, he was among the first to note that certain Piper species have a tendency to support associations with ants. All known obligate ant-plants among New World Piper are found within the P. obliquum complex and its allies. In this chapter, we revisit Burger’s hypotheses regarding systematic relationships and evolutionary hypotheses, and explore the evolution of ant-plant associations more fully in the broader context of Piper sect. Macrostachys using a molecular phylogenetic approach.
A Novel Torsional Kolsky Bar for Testing Materials at Constant-Shear-Strain Rates

Kolsky bars, also known as split-Hopkinson bars, have been widely used in the dynamic characterization of engineering materials for over 50 years. Kolsky bars can be made to test materials in compression, tension, or torsion, and until recently, have been generally employed in the testing of high-impedance ductile materials to collect rate-dependent stress-strain data during large-strain inelastic flow. The advancement of “pulse-shaping” techniques in the last decade has allowed Kolsky bars to be utilized for testing low-impedance and brittle materials as well. Pulse-shaping is a processes of tailoring the dynamic loading during a test, with consideration given to the material being tested, in order ensure that the sample achieves a state of dynamic stress equilibrium and constant strain-rate if desired. The most common design of torsional Kolsky bars currently in widespread use offer no way to incorporate pulse-shaping. This limits their use mostly to high-impedance, large-strain applications. A novel torsional Kolsky bar design is presented in this work, which allows for straightforward pulse-shaping, similar to the method employed in compression testing, that can be used to test brittle and low-impedance materials as well as to design experiments that ensure the sample is undergoing a constant-shear-strain-rate deformation. Details of the design as well as some preliminary data demonstrating the pulse shaping capabilities collected during tests are presented.
Video capsule endoscopy as a tool for evaluation of obscure overt gastrointestinal bleeding in the intensive care unit.

Background and study aims Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a minimally invasive tool that helps visualize the gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the right colon without the need for sedation or preparation. VCE is safe with very few contraindications. However, its role and safety profile in the intensive care unit (ICU) population have not been reported. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of VCE use in ICU patients. Patients and methods We conducted a single-center retrospective observational study of patients who underwent VCE for evaluation of obscure overt gastrointestinal bleeding in the ICU between 2008 and 2016. Results This study included 48 patients who were admitted to the UMass Memorial Medical Center ICUs for gastrointestinal bleeding. VCE was successfully completed in 43/48 (90 %) patients. The entire length of small bowel could be evaluated in 75 % and the source of bleeding was identified in 44 % of the patients. The most commonly identified source of bleeding included small bowel angioectasias, duodenal erosions/ulcers, and small bowel polyps. No major complications could be attributed to the VCE. Only 1 capsule was retained after 2 wk; however, there was no incidence of bowel obstruction, perforation, or capsule aspiration. Conclusions This observational retrospective study demonstrates that VCE may be a safe, feasible, and effective diagnostic tool in evaluation of gastrointestinal bleeding in the ICU population with few complications. VCE may be a safe diagnostic prelude and be a guide to the correct therapeutic procedure if needed, in the context of patients who are seriously ill.
S2HM of Buildings in USA

The evolution of seismic structural-health monitoring (S2HM) of buildings in the USA is described in this chapter, emphasizing real-time monitoring. Rapid and accurate assessment of post-earthquake building damage is of paramount importance to stakeholders (including owners, occupants, city officials, and rescue teams). Relying merely on rapid visual inspection could result in serious damage being missed because it is hidden by building finishes and fireproofing. Absent visible damage to a building’s frame, most steel or reinforced-concrete moment-frame buildings will be green-tagged based on limited visual indications of deformation, such as damage to partitions or glazing. Contrary, uncertainty in judging extent of structural damage may lead an inspector toward a relatively conservative tag, such as a red tag. In such cases, expensive, intrusive, and time-consuming inspections may be recommended to building owners (e.g., following the Mw 6.7 1994 Northridge, Calif., earthquake, approximately 300 buildings were subjected to costly inspection of connections (FEMA 352)). Using real-time data-driven computation of drift ratios as the parametric indicator of structural deformation and damage to a structure could be of great value to minimize potential judgmental errors in such assessments. Recorded sensor data are an indication of performance, and performance-based design standards stipulate that the amplitude of relative displacement of a building’s roof (with respect to its base) indicates performance. Establishing sound criteria for performance is the most important issue for S2HM process, and since 2000 (in the USA), using real-time computed drift ratios and acceptable threshold criteria form the basis for almost all applications in S2HM.
PGC1α repression in IPF fibroblasts drives a pathologic metabolic, secretory and fibrogenic state

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal ageing-related disease linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. The present study aimed to determine whether peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma co-activator 1-alpha (PPARGC1A, encoding PGC1α), a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, is diminished in IPF and controls pathologic fibroblast activation. Primary human IPF, control lung fibroblasts and fibroblasts sorted from bleomycin-injured mice were used to evaluate the expression and function of PGC1α. In vitro PGC1α manipulation was performed by small interfering RNA knockdown or overexpression. Fibroblast activation was assessed by quantitative PCR, Western blotting, matrix deposition, secreted cytokine array, immunofluorescence and traction force microscopy. Mitochondrial function was assessed by Seahorse analyzer and mitochondria mass and number by flow cytometry, mitochondrial DNA quantification and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We found that PGC1α levels are stably repressed in IPF fibroblasts. After bleomycin injury in young mice, PGC1α expression drops transiently but then increases prior to fibrosis resolution. In contrast, PGC1α expression fails to recover in aged mice with persistent fibrosis. PGC1α knockdown alone in normal human lung fibroblasts reduces mitochondrial mass and function while enhancing contractile and matrix synthetic fibroblast activation, senescence-related gene expression and soluble profibrotic and prosenescence signalling. Re-expression of PGC1α in IPF fibroblasts ameliorates all of these pathological cellular functions. Pharmacological treatment of IPF fibroblasts with rosiglitazone, but not thyroid hormone, elevated PGC1α expression and attenuated fibroblast activation. The sustained repression of PGC1α and beneficial effects of its rescue in IPF fibroblasts identifies PGC1α as an important regulator of the fibroblast’s pathological state in IPF.
The Metaphor of a 'Level Playing Field' in Games and Sports

In sports, the concept of a “level playing field” is much praised but not well understood. “Level” fields are supposed to be desirable because they are somehow fair; fields that are slanted towards one player or team seem paradigmatic of unfair advantage. But beyond the physical metaphor of uphill and downhill, what makes for a slant and the connection between identifiable slants and unfairness may remain opaque. In this chapter, I attempt to make progress on understanding the idea of a “level” field by drawing analogies between games and sports. My approach is constructivist: that is, I consider how games have been built and developed for insights this might provide about leveling the playing field in sports. I begin by setting the stage about level playing fields in sports.
mAb Higher Order Structure Analysis with Protein Conformational Array ELISA

The clinical and biological properties of protein-based therapeutics, or biologics, are closely related to their Higher Order Structures (HOS) which in turn can be altered by many physical and chemical conditions. A novel technology to monitor changes in monoclonal antibody (mAb) HOS is the Protein Conformational Array (PCA) ELISA which uses a bank of more than 30 antibodies to measure protein epitope change on the surface of the mAb. Using this technology, this report provided interesting findings for the first time on the HOS changes in response to the various conditions often encountered during mAb formulation development. Specifically, one IgG1 and four IgG2 native molecules in formulation buffer were compared with the same IgG which had undergone exposure to increased temperature, pH extremes and light exposure. In addition, we also examined the impact of glycation and de-glycosylation on the mAb HOS. This study demonstrated that the PCA ELISA is stability-indicating and can provide detailed HOS information that could be important for the successful development of monoclonal antibodies.
Family medicine physicians’ confidence and perceived effectiveness in delivering health behaviour change interventions

BACKGROUND Approximately 40% of deaths in the USA are attributable to modifiable health behaviours. Despite clear recommendations and practice guidelines, primary care physicians (PCPs) generally do not dedicate much time to addressing health behaviours, thereby missing opportunities to improve patient well-being. OBJECTIVE(S) To examine what health behaviour change techniques PCPs use with their patients, including frequency of use, confidence in and perceived effectiveness of those interventions. METHODS Using a cross-sectional study design, family medicine resident and faculty physicians (n = 68) from three residency training programs completed an anonymous online survey. Questions explored their use of, confidence in and perceived effectiveness of health behaviour change interventions for six domains: physical activity, healthy eating, medication adherence, smoking cessation, sleep and alcohol reduction. Qualitative responses to open-ended questions were double coded by two independent raters. PCPs' open-ended responses to questions regarding specific intervention techniques were coded using an evidence-based behaviour change taxonomy. RESULTS Although PCPs indicated that they address health behaviour topics quite frequently with their patients, they reported only moderate confidence and low-to-moderate perceived effectiveness with their interventions. The most frequently cited technique was providing instruction (telling patients what to do). PCPs reported lowest frequency of addressing, lowest confidence and lowest effectiveness regarding helping patients decrease their use of alcohol. Insufficient time and perceived low patient motivation were commonly cited barriers. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the need for the development and evaluation of educational curricula to teach physicians brief, evidence-based approaches to helping patients make these changes in their health-related behaviours.
Метод формализации личностного фактора в эргатической системе

The majority of reasons for aviation accidents that occurred with the state aircraft in the Russian Federation are due to the flight personnel manifestations of the “personality factor” during the flight mission. However, the aviation system security record and evaluation of “personality factor” influence is carried out fragmentarily at present and does not have a systemic character. This is the factor that impedes the use of a systematic approach to the problem of the human factor influence on flight safety. In this regard, there is a need to quantify the "personality factor" impact on the safety of the upcoming flight in order to reduce this impact. The solution to this problem will require the determination of the most significant pilot’s upcoming flight “personality factor” safety indicators set and a substantial description of each specific indicator value. Due to the lack of the assessment mechanisms to solve this problem which are known to the authors the article substantiates the need to develop a tool for the quantitative assessment of potential threats impact associated with the social and psychophysiological restrictions of a human-operator on ergatic system safety controlled by this person. As a result of a personality-oriented approach to assessing the state of system security, implemented by means of using an integral indicator determining the total threats magnitude of a particular human operator personality factor to the ergatic system state the total human operator hazard indicator, and developing criteria for ergatic system safety this indicator influence degree; a universal tool for assessing the influence of the personality factor on ergatic system safety has been obtained. This tool is called the “The ergatic system personality factor formalizing method". The obtained method allows us to develop a methodology for assessing the influence of the operator’s personality factor which is applicable to any ergatic system, including the system of “crew – aircraft”.
Mitochondrial Function and Protein Turnover in the Diaphragm are Altered in LLC Tumor Model of Cancer Cachexia

It is established that cancer cachexia causes limb muscle atrophy and is strongly associated with morbidity and mortality; less is known about how the development of cachexia impacts the diaphragm. The purpose of this study was to investigate cellular signaling mechanisms related to mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and protein synthesis during the development of cancer cachexia. C57BL/J6 mice developed Lewis Lung Carcinoma for either 0 weeks (Control), 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or 4 weeks. At designated time points, diaphragms were harvested and analyzed. Mitochondrial respiratory control ratio was ~50% lower in experimental groups, which was significant by 2 weeks of cancer development, with no difference in mitochondrial content markers COXIV or VDAC. Compared to the controls, ROS was 4-fold elevated in 2-week animals but then was not different at later time points. Only one antioxidant protein, GPX3, was altered by cancer development (~70% lower in experimental groups). Protein synthesis, measured by a fractional synthesis rate, appeared to become progressively lower with the cancer duration, but the mean difference was not significant. The development and progression of cancer cachexia induces marked alterations to mitochondrial function and ROS production in the diaphragm and may contribute to increased cachexia-associated morbidity and mortality.
A renewably powered Global South requires meeting interconnected cost and land-use challenges

Renewable energy costs remain prohibitively expensive in many low- and some middle-income countries in the Global South. In a recent Joule article, Matthaus and Mehling show that risk pooling can reduce these costs. However, land-use competition, an equally challenging and interconnected problem—particularly in Southeast Asia and Africa—remains, requiring both technical and financial solutions.
Clusterin and Its Role in Insulin Resistance and the Cardiometabolic Syndrome

The cardiometabolic syndrome involves a clustering of metabolic and cardiovascular factors which increase the risk of patients developing both Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and cardio/cerebrovascular disease. Although the mechanistic underpinnings of this link remain uncertain, key factors include insulin resistance, excess visceral adiposity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and endothelial dysfunction. Of these, a state of resistance to insulin action in overweight/obese patients appears to be central to the pathophysiologic process. Given the increasing prevalence of obesity-related Type 2 Diabetes, coupled with the fact that cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of mortality in this patient population, a more thorough understanding of the cardiometabolic syndrome and potential options to mitigate its risk is imperative. Inherent in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance is an underlying state of chronic inflammation, at least partly in response to excess adiposity. Within obese adipose tissue, an immunomodulatory shift occurs, involving a preponderance of pro-inflammatory immune cells and cytokines/adipokines, along with antigen presentation by adipocytes. Therefore, various adipokines differentially expressed by obese adipocytes may have a significant effect on cardiometabolism. Clusterin is a molecular chaperone that is widely produced by many tissues throughout the body, but is also preferentially overexpressed by obese compared lean adipocytes and relates strongly to multiple components of the cardiometabolic syndrome. Herein, we summarize the known and potential roles of circulating and adipocyte-specific clusterin in cardiometabolism and discuss potential further investigations to determine if clusterin is a viable target to attenuate both metabolic and cardiovascular disease.
Optical and photoelectrochemical properties of nitrogen-doped a-SiC thin films deposited by reactive sputtering method at room temperature

This paper studies optical properties of Nitrogen-doped a-SiC amorphous, commonly called, silicon carbonitride (SiCN) thin films deposited on polished and textured silicon wafers by reactive RF mag...
Judah he-Ḥasid and the Tosafists of Northern France

Recent scholarship has suggested that teachings and practices of the German Pietists permeated Tosafist circles in the Rhineland and elsewhere in Germany. This study demonstrates that there were intellectual and methodological contacts between the Pietists and the Tosafists of northern France as well, in the areas of talmudic studies and Jewish law. Judah he-Ḥasid offered interpretations that were known in the study hall of Isaac (Ri) of Dampierre (d. 1189); passages found in northern French Tosafot parallel other interpretations and derivations associated with Judah; Judah’s main Pietist student commented and critiqued Tosafot to tractate Bava Qamma that were produced in Ri’s study hall; and halakhic rulings and traditions put forward by Judah are cited and followed by thirteenth-century Tosafists in northern France such as Isaac b. Joseph and Perez of Corbeil. All of this suggests that what separated the Pietists and Tosafists even in northern France has to be formulated in a more nuanced fashion.
A Qualitative Examination Detailing Medical Student Experiences of a Novel Competency-Based Neuroanatomy eLearning Intervention Designed to Bridge a Gap Within an Integrated Medical Curriculum.

Background A 1-year time-gap between first- and second-year neuroanatomy courses was created at our institution as a result of restructuring the curriculum from systems-based to an integrated format. Additionally, neuroanatomy hours decreased significantly (48.8%) when transitioning to an integrated curriculum, similar to other medical schools. Competency-based eLearning in medical education has shown promising results with decreasing overall learning time and improving accuracy. To date, competency-based eLearning has not yet been explored in neuroanatomy education. Objective The purpose of this study is to develop and assess a novel competency-based neuroanatomy eLearning intervention for second-year medical students designed to bridge a 1-year time-gap, without adding significant instructional hours, in an integrated curriculum. Methods A competency-based eLearning intervention encompassing the major tracts, brainstem anatomy, and an interactive case featuring a simulated patient experience was developed in the Articulate Storyline® platform. Student usage data, single-session course evaluations, and a focus group were used to evaluate the module's effectiveness. Results Student usage data showed an average completion time of M = 2:59:25 hours which fit within the scheduled 3-hour timeframe. Students rated the module's overall effectiveness as M = 3.65 (out of 4) on a single-session evaluation. A focus group provided qualitative feedback suggesting improvements to the eLearning module in the domains of content, mechanics, and timing. Conclusion A competency-based neuroanatomy eLearning intervention shows promising initial results to bridge a 1-year educational gap within an integrated curriculum. Overall, students described this educational tool as helpful and outlined ways in which to improve this resource.
Feminist Forms and Borderless Landscapes in Ali Smith’s Seasonal Quartet

Pioneering Scottish novelist Ali Smith experiments with literary form and, in response to the contemporary climate crisis, she plants environmental themes into her poetic prose. Smith’s seasonal quartet includes four stand-alone but interconnected novels that capture the critical and cyclical changes that come with an industrial, post-Brexit world. This change includes the ever-growing borders that divide people and places. Smith crosses and removes borders in her four published volumes—Autumn (2016), Winter (2017), Spring (2019), and Summer (2020)—to reunite Europeans with their fragmented, common land. Her third volume, Spring, demands particular attention for its archive of feminist and ecological forms. Spring exhibits the work of British visual artist Tacita Dean (1965—), whose 2018 exhibition at the Royal Academy, titled Landscape, implores the viewer to consider their place in temporal and geological time scales. Dean’s form-breaking style resists modern art’s limitations and, like Smith’s experimental fiction, refuses to conform to borders or, in this case, genre conventions. A practice well versed in the politics of exclusion, feminist art has the capacity to model a borderless world. Smith’s gallery of feminist art further incites us to remediate marginalized subjects and restore our relationship with the wider ecosystem.
Abstract MP40: Microbiome-associated Metabolites Are Altered In Mouse Models Of Hypertension

Recent studies suggest that the microbiome plays a key role in hypertension and associated inflammation. Microbiota produce metabolites that may lead to activated pro-inflammatory immune cells and ...
Patient delay in cancer : a view from the crisis model

Despite widespread cancer awareness programs, deleterious delays in seeking diagnosis and care for cancer are as prominent now as as they were 50 years ago. These delays may be seen as attempts to resolve or postpone the crisis brought on an individual by the suspicion of terminal illness. The use of denial-like processes in the cognitive appraisal employed to assess this crisis is influenced by a variety of personal, social, and physical factors. Case material is examined to discuss the integration of these factors by the crisis model of physical illness and to examine the implications of such an approach for earlier detection and treatment of cancer.
Retrospective comparison of ultrasound and fluoroscopic image guidance for intercostal steroid injections.

Introduction: Steroid injection around the intercostal nerves is one of the treatment options for intercostal neuralgia. The technique may be performed blindly, under fluoroscopic guidance (FSG) or with the use of ultrasound guidance (USG). This study is a retrospective comparison of image guidance for intercostal steroid injections. Methods: After Institutional Review Board approval, a retrospective review of all patient charts who received intercostal steroid injections from 2005 to 2009 was performed. A total of 39 blocks were performed in that period. Of that 12 were USG blocks and 27 FSG blocks. The preprocedure visual analog scale (VAS) and postprocedure VAS and the duration of pain relief were compared between the 2 techniques. A Mann–Whitney test and Kruskal–Wallis test were performed looking for differences between the techniques. Results: The median change in the VAS for FSG and USG were −5.000 and −4.000, respectively, and duration of pain relief with a median difference of 2 weeks (95% confidence interval of −4, 7). There were 2 occasions of intravascular spread noticed with the FSG although this should not affect the study result as the needle was repositioned and steroid injected only after contrast dye confirmation. Conclusion: With similar change in VAS scores and duration of pain relief between the 2 guidance methods based on this retrospective study, both image guidance techniques may offer similar pain relief.
The properties of O 6 -methylguanine in templates for RNA polymerase.

Abstract A copolymer of cytidylic and O 6 - methylguanylic acids has been synthesized and used as a template for RNA polymerase. In this model system, the presence of O 6 - methylguanine leads to the misincorporation of UMP or AMP into the product copolymer. Since this misincorporation is not blocked by the addition of CTP to the incubation mixture, we conclude that cytosine is not a normal base partner for O 6 - methylguanine . These results support the suggestion that formation of O 6 - methylguanine is an important mutagenic event.
Endotoxin and Kupffer Cell Activation in Alcoholic Liver Disease

One central component in the complex network of processes leading to the development of alcoholic liver disease is the activation of immune cells residing in the liver (i.e., Kupffer cells) by a substance called endotoxin, which is released by bacteria living in the intestine. Alcohol consumption can lead to increased endotoxin levels in the blood and liver. When activated, Kupffer cells produce signaling molecules (i.e., cytokines) that promote inflammatory reactions as well as molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage liver cells. Endotoxin activates Kupffer cells by interacting with a complex of protein molecules that are located on the outside of the Kupffer cell or which extend into the cell. Binding of endotoxin alters the activities of the proteins in this complex so that they trigger a cascade of biochemical signals in the Kupffer cell, resulting in cytokine and ROS production and, ultimately, liver damage. Because alcohol can enhance endotoxin release and, therefore, Kupffer cell activation, novel approaches to inhibit these processes might help prevent or ameliorate alcoholic liver disease.
Conditional E-cash

We introduce a novel conditional e-cash protocol allowing future anonymous cashing of bank-issued e-money only upon the satisfaction of an agreed-upon public condition. Payers are able to remunerate payees for services that depend on future, yet to be determined outcomes of events. Once payment complete, any double-spending attempt by the payer will reveal its identity; no double-spending by the payee is possible. Payers can not be linked to payees or to ongoing or past transactions. The flow of cash within the system is thus both correct and anonymous. We discuss several applications of conditional e-cash including online trading of financial securities, prediction markets, and betting systems.
An optimized DFT and test pattern generation strategy for an Intel high performance microprocessor

This work describes an optimized DFT architecture and its implementation strategy for an Intel high performance (>3 GHz) microprocessor. Major DFT features and ATPG techniques implemented are described and key results are presented to show the return-on-investments (ROI) in the high volume manufacturing (HVM) test environments.
Low-Density Lipoprotein Postsecretory Modification, Monocyte Function, and Circulating Adhesion Molecules in Type 2 Diabetic Patients With and Without Macrovascular Complications The Effect of α-Tocopherol Supplementation

Background—Although diabetes confers an increased propensity toward accelerated atherogenesis, data are lacking on monocyte activity in type 2 diabetic patients with (DM2-MV) and without (DM2) macrovascular disease compared with control subjects. Thus, we tested whether (1) postsecretory modifications of LDL (glycation and oxidation), monocyte proatherogenic activity, and circulating levels of soluble cell adhesion molecules (sCAMs) are more pronounced in DM2-MV than in DM2 and control subjects and (2) RRR-α-tocopherol (AT) therapy, 1200 IU/d for 3 months, has a similar effect in the 3 groups (n=25 per group). Methods and Results—Although LDL glycation was increased in both diabetic groups compared with control subjects, AT therapy had no significant effect on glycation. AT therapy significantly decreased LDL oxidizability in all 3 groups. Diabetic monocytes released significantly more superoxide anion (O2−) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and exhibited greater adhesion to endothelium than control subjects. AT...
Poets, doctors, and the rhetoric of money.

OBJECTIVE Greek poets from the archaic and early classical periods frequently depicted doctors alongside political and military leaders and victorious sportsmen. The mythology of ancient physicians found in such sources may give us clues as to how doctors could be viewed and represented by other segments of society, then and now. METHODS Pindar's Third Pythian Ode from the first quarter of the 5th century BCE was investigated with reference to other classical sources to understand the contemporary portrayal of ancient physicians. RESULTS The Greek hero Asclepius is often recognized as the mythical father of surgery. Pindar's portrayal of Asclepius as a heroic but morally flawed physician and surgeon provides clues to the ambivalent role and identity of physicians in the late archaic period. In particular, the primacy of the moral framework surrounding different types of exchange in late archaic society is identified as a key factor influencing the perception of physicians, poets, and other professionals. CONCLUSION The portrayal of physicians in ancient poetry and sculpture may inform modern neurosurgery and organized medicine about strategies by which we may best serve our patients and elevate our profession.
Extracting Primordial Density Fluctuations

The combination of detections of anisotropy in cosmic microwave background radiation and observations of the large-scale distribution of galaxies probes the primordial density fluctuations of the universe on spatial scales varying by three orders of magnitude. These data are found to be inconsistent with the predictions of several popular cosmological models. Agreement between the data and the cold + hot dark matter model, however, suggests that a significant fraction of the matter in the universe may consist of massive neutrinos.
Correspondence of teacher ratings and direct observations of classroom behavior of psychiatric inpatient children.

The present investigation examined the correspondence of teacher ratings and direct observations of classroom behavior. Techers, extraclass raters, and observers completed standard rating scales and/or measures of overt classroom behaviors of psychiatric inpatient children (N=32). The study assessed if the correspondence between ratings and direct observations was influenced by who evaluates the child (teachers, raters) and the assessment format (general ratings, discrete behaviors). The results indicated that (1) measures from different assessors correlated in the low to moderate range, (2) data from extraclass raters corresponded more closely with direct observations than with data from teachers, (3) teacher and rater estimates of overt child behavior did not correlate more highly with direct observations than did standard rating scales, and (4) teachers and raters viewed child behavior as more appropriate than direct observations indicated. Measures from teachers, raters, and observers readily distinguished attention deficit disorder children with hyperactivity from their peers. However, teacher evaluations delineated these children more sharply than other assessors.
Specifications for the development of a 3D visual inspection/diagnosis system for damaged VLSI boards: VLSI reverse engineering

The automatic, real-time visual acquisition and inspection of VLSI boards requires the use of machine vision and artificial intelligence methodologies in a new "frame" for the achievement of better results regarding efficiency, quality and automated service. Thus, the development of a knowledge base for automated inspection and acquisition of VLSI boards becomes an important issue with today's needs from the electronic marketing. Inthis paper we describe the visual inspection of damaged VLSI boards and discuss the specifications for the development of a knowledge base associated with the visual inspection.
Genetic and Epigenetic Underpinnings of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a complex, polygenic disorder caused by genetic predisposition and environmental exposures. Because of the recent emergence of EoE as a bona fide global health concern, a paucity of available therapeutic and diagnostic options exists. However, rapid progress has been made in an effort to rectify this lack and to improve understanding of the factors that cause EoE. This article highlights key advances in elucidating the genetic (and epigenetic) components involved in EoE.
The Stanley Foundation Bipolar Treatment Outcome Network. II. Demographics and illness characteristics of the first 261 patients.

Background Since recent NIMH Bipolar Disorder Workshops highlighted the dearth of longitudinal and controlled studies of bipolar illness, the Stanley Foundation Bipolar Network (SFBN) has recruited a large cohort of patients with bipolar disorder to begin to address these issues. This report describes the demographics and course of illness characteristics of this study population. Methods The first 261 outpatients to be diagnosed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) and complete a detailed patient and a brief clinician questionnaire are described. All patients met DSM-IV criteria for bipolar I (n=211), bipolar II (n=42), or NOS (n=5) or schizoaffective (n=3), bipolar type. Chi-square and t-tests were used to examine statistically significant associations among important demographic and descriptive items. Results The general demographic and illness characteristics were similar to those in many bipolar clinical samples and not dissimilar from those reported in epidemiological surveys. The majority of patients had been hospitalized, with almost half reporting a worsening of illness over time, and two-thirds were not asymptomatic between episodes. First treatment for patients had been delayed by an average of 10 years from illness onset (by SCID). Almost a third of patients had attempted suicide at least once, and 30% reported current suicidal ideation at study entry. A total of 62% reported moderate to severe impact of the illness on occupational functioning. Early onset bipolar illness ( Conclusion The SFBN represents a sample of predominantly BP I patients largely recruited from the community who will be followed in detail longitudinally, participate in clinical trials, and thus help advance our understanding and treatment of this life-threatening medical disorder. While there is a broad range of illness characteristics and severity, the majority of patients have been severely impacted by their illness despite the availability of multiple conventional treatment approaches in the community. These data further underscore the need for development of new and earlier treatment interventions. Limitation The SFBN population is limited by the lack of random selection and represents a cohort willing to be treated and followed intensively in academic tertiary referral centers. While its characteristics are similar to many clinical study populations, the generalizability to non-clinic populations remains uncertain.
Perforation of the gall bladder.

1. The incidence of perforated gall bladders is higher than usually assumed, varying from 13–25 per cent of acute gall bladder conditions.
Metabolism of Phencyclidine by Microorganisms

Abstract A number of microorganisms were screened for their ability to metabolize phencyclidine. Two microorganisms, Beauveria sulfurescens and Cunninghamella echinulata , produced hydroxylated metabolites, which were identified as 1‐(1‐phenylcyclohexyl)‐4‐bydroxypiperidine and 4‐phenyl‐4‐piperidinocyclohexanol by high‐pressure liquid chromatographic analysis.
Single chain variable fragments against β-amyloid (Aβ) can inhibit Aβ aggregation and prevent Aβ-induced neurotoxicity

β-Amyloid (Aβ) is a major pathological determinant of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Both active and passive immunization studies have shown that antibodies against Aβ are effective in decreasing cerebral Aβ levels, reducing Aβ accumulation, and attenuating cognitive deficits in animal models of AD. However, the therapeutic potential of these antibodies in human AD patients is limited because of adverse inflammatory reactions and cerebral hemorrhaging associated with the treatments. Here we show that single chain variable fragments (scFv's) represent an attractive alternative to more conventional antibody-based therapeutics to reduce Aβ toxicity. The binding affinities and binding epitopes of two different scFv's to Aβ were characterized using a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor. An scFv binding the 17−28 region of Aβ effectively inhibited in vitro aggregation of Aβ as determined by thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence staining and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis, while an scFv binding the carboxyl-t...
Orientational Waves in Cell Membranes

Abstract A theoretical analysis of various types of orientational waves in biological membranes is described. In particular, we consider nonlinear solitary waves (solitions) which may result from local membrane disorder in the presence of an electric field across the cell membrane. The non-dispersive waves could provide an efficient mechanism for the lateral spread of local perturbations in the membrane plane for solute transport across the membrane by modifying the orientation of the lipid molecules.
Improved detection of varicella zoster infection with a spin amplification shell vial technique and blind passage

Abstract Background: Among the methods available for the diagnosis of varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections, only tissue culture yields an isolate available for antiviral susceptibility testing or pathogenesis studies. However, conventional tube tissue culture (TC) has a low sensitivity. Objective: To increase the recovery rate of VZV in tissue culture. Study design: Clinical specimens submitted for VZV isolation were processed by TC and rapid shell vial (SV) techniques followed by a blind passage (BP). For SV, two incubation times and two mAbs, directed against viral-early or immediate-early antigens, were compared. Results: Isolation of VZV using the SV stained at 72 h postinoculation was more sensitive (88–96%) than TC (50–67%), or the SV technique at 48 h (66–70%). It was also more rapid than TC (9.6 days). The comparison of mAbs yielded similar results in SV. Blind passage of SV at 7 days postinoculation further increased detection. Conclusions: SV combined with BP is the method of choice for VZV isolation.
Lessons from China: Russian foreign policy and its implications

Both China and Russia have undergone dramatic changes in the last 20 years. The Chinese elite have engaged in the changes with the preservation of the repressive aspects of Communist regime. This ensures stability and lead to the rise of China's economy. Russia dismantled the Communist regime with its repressive/controlling aspect and this lead to Russia's steady decline. At the same time Russia could express revival if it would follow the Chinese way.
Comparative effectiveness of strategies to prevent weight gain among women with and at risk for breast cancer: a systematic review

Obesity affects cancer risk and treatment outcomes. Preventing weight gain may prevent some cancers, improve cancer outcomes, reduce cancer recurrence and increase cancer-related survival. We performed a systematic review to identify strategies to prevent weight gain in individuals with or at risk for breast cancer. We included 2 studies from 27,879 citations. In premenopausal women at risk for breast cancer, a low fat diet prevented weight gain at 12 months. Among women with breast cancer, effective strategies to prevent weight gain included low-fat dietary counseling with self-management techniques. One trial reported on cancer outcomes, mortality and adverse events. Low-fat dietary counseling wilth self-management techniques lowers the risk breast cancer relapse by 24% compared with less intensive counseling with maintenance of nutritional status goal. There was no difference in overall mortality and no adverse events were observed. Limited evidence suggests that women with or at risk for breast cancer may successfully employ dietary and exercise strategies to prevent weight gain for at least one year. Low fat dietary counseling may improve cancer outcomes in women with breast cancer. Future studies should confirm these findings and evaluate the impact of weight gain prevention on cancer incidence, recurrence and survival.
Design and Development of a High-Temperature Geothermal Heat Pump

A high-temperature geothermal-based heat pump prototype was designed and developed by a mechanical engineering capstone senior design team. It had to deliver water at a temperature above 140° F (60° C) using currently available technologies. Other requirements/specifications included: 3 ton (30 000 BTU/h, 8.8 kW) heating capacity; a coefficient of performance (COP) of 2 or more; saturated evaporator temperature of 25° F (-4° C); saturated condenser temperature of 120° F (49° C); and a maximum system operating pressure of 600 psia (4136 kPa), in order to meet safety standards. The heat pump was designed around the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. This paper provides details about the design and development of the heat pump prototype, as well as the testing and validation of the unit.
Heavy particle temperature measurements in a nitrogen plasma by a spectroscopic method

Abstract The measurement of heavy particle temperatures in a plasma is best made by a spectroscopic technique. The rotational line intensity method is developed for a plasma containing nitrogen and the theory applied to the N 2 second positive system emitted from a gas stream after expansion through a Mach 6 low density nozzle and excitation by a radio-frequency discharge. Good agreement is obtained between the temperatures calculated for different vibrational bands and at different positions in the hypersonic gas stream.
Cosmochemistry and structure of the giant planets and their satellites

Harold Urey made many contributions to a wide range of scientific areas and in the latter part of his career he played a pioneering role in the development of planetary science as a recognizable scientific discipline. Although you have to go back to his original papers to appreciate fully the power and originality of his work, perhaps his biggest influence was through the semipopular book The Planets, Their Origin and Development (Urey, 1952), which I turned to in seeking inspiration for this presentation.