cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nucleophilic targets in carcinogenesis, mutagenesis and chemotherapy of cancer.

Abstract A hypothesis is suggested, which emphasizes the role in carcinogenesis of the attack on low molecular nucleophilic substances (LMN) by electrophilic agents — chemical carcinogens, phisical factors, and antitumor alkylating agents. The significance of the degree of nucleophilicity (electronic charge, order of bonds, index of valence) as a locus minoris resistentiae of the LMN in the electrophilic attack on the latter is emphasized as well as the probable role of the hydrogenated pteridines in influencing carcinogenesis by means of ascorbate, tocopherol, SH-containing compounds etc. In support of this hypothesis the preference of electrophilic agents (derivatives of nitrogen mustard and nitrosoureas) for the places with highest degree of nucleophilicity as targets, in experiments in vitro with nucleic bases and pteridines is emphasized.
Ambiguous Genitalia in a Newborn with 45,X/46,X,Idic(Y) Ovotesticular Disorder of Sex Development

ABSTRACT Objective To discuss a case of ovotesticular disorder of sex development (DSD) with ambiguous genitalia, isodicentric Y sex chromosome mosaicism, and unique histopathologic findings. Methods We report the clinical, laboratory, imaging, and operative findings, and we highlight the pertinent features of this case. Results of hormonal and genetic testing are reviewed, and histopathologic findings are illustrated. Results A term newborn had ambiguous genitalia and was found to have an uncommon 45,X/46,X,idic(Y) karyotype. This infant had a 2-cm phallic structure, a penoscrotal hypospadias, a gonad easily palpable in the right scrotum, and a second gonad palpable high in the left inguinal canal. On ultrasonography, both gonads appeared as normal testicles, and no mullerian structures were identified. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels were normal for a male neonate. After assessment of the patient at 2 months of age because of an incarcerated left inguinal hernia, both gonads were removed and were found to have both testicular and ovarian tissues spread throughout, with a fallopian tube on the left and an incipient juvenile granulosa cell tumor on the right. He was then diagnosed with ovotesticular DSD and continued to be raised as a boy. Conclusion This male infant had undervirilization and an ovotesticular DSD. He had evidence of both ovarian and testicular tissues, in conjunction with apparent alterations in local mullerian inhibiting substance levels that allowed one fallopian tube to be preserved. The proportion of actively transcribed Y material in the chromosomes of patients with this karyotype may partially explain the variable phenotypes that can occur. (Endocr Pract. 2009;15:732-736)
Approaches to the treatment of mitochondrial diseases

Therapy for mitochondrial diseases is woefully inadequate. However, lack of a cure does not equate with lack of treatment. Palliative therapy is dictated by good medical practice and includes anticonvulsant medication, control of endocrine dysfunction, and surgical procedures. Removal of noxious metabolites is centered on combating lactic acidosis, but extends to other metabolites. Attempts to bypass blocks in the respiratory chain by administration of electron acceptors have not been successful, but this may be amenable to genetic engineering. Administration of metabolites and cofactors is the mainstay of real-life therapy and is especially important in disorders due to primary deficiencies of specific compounds, such as carnitine or coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). There is increasing interest in the administration of reactive oxygen radicals (ROS) scavengers, both in primary mitochondrial diseases and in neurodegenerative diseases. Gene therapy is a challenge because of polyplasmy and heteroplasmy, but novel experimental approaches are being pursued. One important strategy is to decrease the ratio of mutant to wild-type mitochondrial genomes ("gene shifting") by different means: (1) converting mutated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes into normal nuclear DNA genes ("allotopic expression"); (2) importing cognate genes from other species ("xenotopic expression"); (3) correcting mtDNA mutations by importing specific restriction endonucleases; (4) selecting for respiratory function; and (5) inducing muscle regeneration. Germline therapy raises ethical problems but is being considered for prevention of maternal transmission of mtDNA mutations. Preventive therapy through genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis is becoming increasingly important for nuclear DNA-related disorders.
Human lead metabolism: Chronic exposure, bone lead and physiological models

Exposure to lead is associated with a variety of detrimental health effects. After ingestion or inhalation, lead may be taken up from the bloodstream and retained by bone tissue.X-ray fluorescence was used to make in vivo measurements of bone lead concentration at the tibia and calcaneus for 367 active and 14 retired lead smelter workers. Blood lead levels following a labor disruption were used in conjunction with bone lead readings to examine the endogenous release of lead from bone. Relations between bone lead and a cumulative blood lead index differed depending on time of hiring. This suggests that the transfer of lead from blood to bone has changed over time, possibly as a result of varying exposure conditions. A common polymorphism in the δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALAD) enzyme may influence the distribution of lead in humans. Blood lead levels were higher for smelter workers expressing the more rare ALAD 2 allele. Bone lead concentrations, however, were not significantly different. This implies that a smaller proportion of lead in blood is distributed to tissue for individuals expressing the ALAD 2 allele. The O’Flaherty physiological model of lead metabolism was modified slightly and tested with input from the personal exposure histories of smelter workers. The model results were consistent with observation in terms of endogenous exposure to lead and accumulation of lead in cortical bone. Modeling the calcaneus as a trabecular bone site did not reproduce observed trends. Variations in lead metabolism between different trabecular sites may therefore be significant. The model does not incorporate a genetic component, and its output did not reflect observed differences in this respect. This result provides further support for the influence of the ALAD polymorphism on lead metabolism. Experimental trials with a digital spectrometer revealed superior energy resolution and count throughput relative to the conventional x-ray fluorescence system. The associated reduction in the uncertainty of lead measurement has the potential to benefit future surveys and modeling efforts.
Study of Transient Effects on the Extinction Limits of an Unsteady Counterflow Diffusion Flame

Extinction strain rates in unsteady methane- and propane-air counterflow diffusion flames were experimentally measured as a function of initial strain rate, oscillation frequency, and amplitude of the imposed fluctuation. The maximum strain rate was found to occur at a temporal phase corresponding to the maximum velocity for the diluted methane flame. However, for the propane flame the maximum strain rate occurred when the imposed velocity fluctuation was zero and decreasing. Above an oscillation frequency of 100 Hz, the diluted methane flame was able to survive peak strain rates exceeding the steady extinction strain rate. The minimum air velocity in the pure methane and propane flames was negative for all cases studied, which is most likely responsible for flame extinction at low frequencies and initial strain rates. However, at high initial strain rates and forcing frequencies peak unsteady strain rates at extinction approached the steady extinction strain rate and flow reversal was much less significant.
Fe Promoted Rh-Clusters in Zeolite NaY: Characterization and Catalytic Performance in CO Hydrogenation

Mossbauer spectroscopy, temperature programmed reduction (TPR), and FTIR of adsorbed CO show that ion exchange of [Rh(NH3)4Cl]Cl2 and FeSO4 into NaY, followed by calcination and reduction in H2 up to 500°C, leads to Fe2+ ions and bimetallic RhFe clusters with low Fe0 content. The selectivity of such catalysts toward oxygenate formation in CO hydrogenation at p = 10 bar, T = 250°C, and H2/CO = 2 is very low. Much higher oxygenate selectivity, in particular ethanol formation, is observed if Fe2+ ions are first hydrolyzed to a hydroxide gel which is subsequently dehydrated. The resulting catalysts contain bimetallic particles of higher Fe0 content after reduction, coexisting with an Fe2+ oxide phase. Transmission electron microscopy shows that a fraction of the metal migrates to the external surface of the NaY support during CO hydrogenation. The results show that Fe exerts two catalytic promoter functions on Rh/NaY catalysts: Fe0 alloyed with Rh0 increases the catalytic activity; Fe2+, when present as a separate oxide phase in close contact with Rh particles, increases the selectivity toward C2+ oxygenates.
Design, preparation, and characterization of hydrogen bonded supramolecular aggregates based on the cyanuric acid‐melamine lattice

Molecular self-assembly is described as a strategy for synthesizing large hydrogen-bonded supramolecular aggregates that are based on the planar lattice formed of equimolar portions of cyanuric acid and melamine. The aggregates described in this paper contain four to ten individual molecules, are stabilized by networks of 18 to 54 hydrogen bonds, and have molecular weights in the range 2.7 to 6.5 kDa. Each of these aggregates has been characterized using 1H NMR. spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and vapor pressure osmometry. Physical-organic chemistry is used to (i) improve our criteria for the design of self-assembling structures and (ii) develop techniques for characterizing non-covalently bound aggregates in organic solution.
CO oxidation on inverse Fe 2O 3/Au(1 1 1) model catalysts

CO oxidation is studied at pressures between 4 and 100 Torr and temperatures from 400 K to 670 K on inverse model catalysts made of Fe2O3 nanoclusters grown on a Au(1 1 1) single crystal surface. The addition of Fe2O3 nanoclusters transformed the inert Au(1 1 1) single crystal into an active catalyst for CO oxidation. The catalytic activity increases with iron oxide coverage initially and then decreases when the iron oxide coverage is greater than 0.5 monolayers. Additionally, when the iron oxide particles form a continuous film on Au(1 1 1), there is no catalytic activity. These experimental results strongly suggest that the active sites for CO oxidation are located at the iron oxide/gold perimeter. Kinetic measurements suggest that CO oxidation by chemisorbed oxygen at the Fe2O3/Au perimeter is likely to be the rate-limiting step. Carbon deposition observed via a post-reaction Auger electron spectra suggests that multiple reaction pathways are involved in CO oxidation over Fe2O3/Au(1 1 1).
Day treatment as an aid to mainstreaming troubled children.

Problem children who are diverted from public school programming into a private psychoeducational day facility in a community mental health center are followed up in a 10-year study to determine the rate of return to regular classes. The evidence points to a successful reintegration into public schools for the great majority of students. A philosophy for mainstreaming which supports the need for proper preparation of children for public shool reentry is basic to effective management.
Stem cell clinical trials: toward cell-based therapy for retinal degenerations

Stem cell-based therapeutic strategies are central to the emerging field of regenerative medicine. The past two decades have seen many spectacular results in animal models and at this juncture the clinical translation of much of this work is in progress. It should be evident that the technical and regulatory challenges facing the development of novel cell-based therapeutics are not insignificant, yet a number of early milestones have already been achieved. While it is too soon to predict the eventual outcome of these efforts, early indications could be characterized as cautiously optimistic. Certainly, hopes have been raised that something efficacious will emerge within the next several years. In particular, diseases of the CNS represent an area of vast unmet medical need, particularly in light of aging demographics in much of the world. It is therefore not surprising that strategies aimed at the treatment of CNS conditions have received much of the attention. Of these, retinal degenerative diseases have proven to be disproportionately popular among potential disease targets. Currently, there are clinical trials underway in which a range of different stem cell types are being transplanted to the diseased retina of patients with a variety of retinal disease phenotypes, including the atrophic form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as well as a number of other degenerative retinal conditions.
Cholesteryl ester composition and morphology of human normal intima and fatty streaks

Abstract The cholesteryl ester fatty acid composition and morphology of aorta and coronary artery fatty streaks and normal tissue have been studied in 13 cases of accidental death ranging in age from 17 to 37 years. The proportions of palmitic, oleic, and eicosatrienoic acids were higher, and the proportions of linoleic and arachidonic acids were lower in the cholesteryl esters from fatty streaks compared with grossly normal areas. This direction of difference in relative proportions of fatty acids was constant in every case, but the magnitude of the difference was variable. Cholesteryl oleate and linoleate showed changes of the greatest magnitude. The elevation in the proportion of cholesteryl oleate and depression in the proportion of cholesteryl linoleate was greatest when fatty streaks were compared with grossly normal tissue when the fatty streaks were composed of large numbers of foam cells. Differences in the proportions of the fatty acids esterified to cholesterol in the aorta and coronary arteries were similar when the lesions were similar histologically. Morphologic studies with the light and electron microscopes revealed a fine granular extracellular lipid and fusiform-shape cells with lipid in their cytoplasm in all fatty streaks and in most sections of normal tissue, but to a lesser degree. Lipid in these forms was correlated with a higher proportion of cholesteryl linoleate and lower oleate than was found in fatty streaks composed of large numbers of foam cells. The large foam cell in fatty streaks was observed to be distinctly different from smooth muscle cells.
A MULTILEVEL ANALYSIS OF STUDENT PERCEPTIONS OF SCHOOL CLIMATE: THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC RISK FACTORS

This multilevel study examines the extent to which individual- and school-level variables are predictive of three aspects of students’ perceived school climate (order, safety, and discipline; fairness and clarity of school rules; and teacher-student relationship) by using a nationally representative sample. A wide range of social and academic risk factors at the individual level are examined. The results show that individual-level predictors, such as having behavior problems at school, being held back a grade, coming from a single-parent family, parents’ education level, gender, and ethnicity (e.g., Hispanic and Asian), play a significant role in student perceptions of school climate. The results suggest that these relationships between the individual-level predictors and students’ perceived school climate are fairly robust across schools. School-level variables, such as attending a private or a Catholic school, are also significant predictors of students’ perceived climate. Furthermore, the study reveals significant interaction effects among the predictors and provides more accurate interpretations of the findings. C
Progressive neurologic disability in methylmalonic acidemia despite transplantation of the liver

Methylmalonic acidemia unresponsive to cobalamin is often fatal in infancy. Patients have been considered candidates for hepatic transplantation and experience has been that the procedure eliminates the life-threatening episodes of ketoacidosis that characterize this disease. Conclusion: experience with a 24-year-old patient treated with hepatic transplantation indicates that this procedure does not prevent progressive renal failure and neurologic dysfunction.
Effect of 2013 National Healthcare Safety Network definition changes on central line bloodstream infection rates: audit results from the New York State Department of Health.

Surveillance criteria for central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are continually being refined to more accurately reflect infections related to central lines. An audit of 567 medical records from adult, pediatric, and neonatal intensive care unit patients with a central line and a positive blood culture showed a 16% decrease in CLABSI rates after the 2013 National Healthcare Safety Network definitions compared with the 2012 definitions.
On the Path-Dependence of the J-Integral Near a Stationary Crack in an Elastic-Plastic Material

The path-dependence of the J-integral is investigated numerically via the finite-element method, for a range of loadings, Poisson’s ratios, and hardening exponents within the context of J2-flow plasticity. Small-scale yielding assumptions are employed using Dirichlet-to-Neumann map boundary conditions on a circular boundary that encloses the plastic zone. This construct allows for a dense finite-element mesh within the plastic zone and accurate far-field boundary conditions. Details of the crack tip field that have been computed previously by others, including the existence of an elastic sector in mode I loading, are confirmed. The somewhat unexpected result is that J for a contour approaching zero radius around the crack tip is approximately 18% lower than the far-field value for mode I loading for Poisson’s ratios characteristic of metals. In contrast, practically no path-dependence is found for mode II. The applications of Tor S-stress, whether applied proportionally with the K-field or prior to K, have only a modest effect on the path-dependence. DOI: 10.1115/1.4001748
A method for determining the elemental compositions of daughter ions in simple tandem mass spectrometry spectra

A method has been developed and generalized to determine the elemental compositions of daughter ions in simple MS/MS spectra. To employ the method, it is necessary to take the daughter ion spectra of the m and [m1+1]+ ions, where m is the parent ion and [m1+1]+ is the same ion with a replaced naturally-occurring heavier isotope of mass 1 greater than that of the main isotope. For each daughter ion produced from m, two may be produced from [m1+1]+; one of these will contain the heavy isotope and the other one will not. The ratio of the abundances of these two daughter ions in the spectrum of [m1+1]+ is equal to the ratio of the probabilities of finding the heavy isotope in the ion fragment or in the corresponding neutral fragment(s), and these probabilities are termed the “relative isotope abundances” of the two fragments. An equation is derived for calculating these relative isotope abundances of the daughter ion versus that of the parent. The effectiveness of the method has been tested by applying it to a compound whose spectrum has daughter ions of known formulae. Errors have been measured, and the limitations of the method assessed. Also, several compounds that could produce daughter ions of more than one possible formula were used as tests of the method.
The Nogo-66 receptor: focusing myelin inhibition of axon regeneration

CNS myelin inhibits axonal outgrowth in vitro and is one of several obstacles to functional recovery following spinal cord injury. Central to our current understanding of myelin-mediated inhibition are the membrane protein Nogo and the Nogo-66 receptor (NgR). New findings implicate NgR as a point of convergence in signal transduction for several myelin-associated inhibitors. Additional studies have identified a potential coreceptor for NgR as p75(NTR), and a second-messenger pathway involving RhoA that inhibits neurite elongation. Although these findings expand our understanding of the molecular determinants of adult CNS axonal regrowth, the physiological roles of myelin-associated inhibitors in the intact adult CNS remain ill-defined.
Microalgae on seagrass mimics : Does epiphyte community structure differ from live seagrasses ?

The role of seagrasses in regulating epiphytes is a question of central importance for understanding structuring processes in seagrass communities. This study tests the hypothesis that seagrasses are not simply bare substrata for microalgal attachment, but rather influence community composition by altering competitive interactions between different microalgal groups. The effects of wave exposure, depth, seagrass species and seagrass type (mimic vs. live blades) on eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) and shoalgrass (Halodule wrightii Ascher) epiphyte community structure were examined using manipulative field experiments. Relative abundances of major microalgal groups were determined using high-performance liquid chromatographic measurements of diagnostic photopigments. Exposure to wave energy, depth, and seagrass species did not affect epiphyte total biomass. However, epiphyte biomass was significantly greater on live than mimic blades. Diatom biomass was higher under conditions of low wave energy, in deep habitats and on mimic blades. Cyanobacterial biomass was higher in high energy habitats and on live seagrass blades. Although diatoms had a significantly higher biomass on mimic blades, their biomass contribution relative to cyanobacteria was higher on live seagrass blades. The differences in epiphyte community structure on live vs. mimic seagrass blades suggest that competitive interactions between seagrass and epiphytes may result in selection against cyanobacteria or for diatoms. Another possibility is that seagrasses modify the microenvironment on blade surfaces in a way that alters the outcome of competitive interactions between major algal groups (i.e., diatoms and cyanobacteria).
Comparing the pulmonary embolism severity index and the prognosis in pulmonary embolism scores as risk stratification tools

BACKGROUND: Multiple risk stratification scoring systems exist to forecast outcomes in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the comparative validity of the PE severity index (PESI) and the prognosis in pulmonary embolism (PREP) scores to predict mortality in acute PE. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC. PATIENTS: Consecutive adults (aged >18 years) diagnosed with acute PE. INTERVENTION: The PESI and PREP scores were calculated. MEASUREMENTS: Raw PESI scores were segregated into risk class (I-V) and then dichotomized into low (I-II) versus high (III-V) risk groups; the raw PREP scores were divided into low (0-7) versus high (>7) risk groups. The primary endpoint was 30-day and 90-day mortality. We determined the negative predictive value and computed the area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curves to compare the ability of these scoring tools. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 302 subjects. Thirty-day mortality was 3.0%, and 4.0% died within 90 days. The PESI and the PREP performed similarly (PESI AUROC: 0.858 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.773-0.943] vs 0.719 [95% CI, 0.563-0.875] for PREP). Segregating these scores into risk categories did not affect their discriminatory power (AUROC: 0.684 [95% CI, 0.559-0.810] for PESI and 0.790 [95% CI, 0.679-0.903] for PREP). The negative predictive value for death of being classified as low risk by the PESI or PREP was 100% and 99%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The PREP score performed comparably to the PESI score for identifying PE patients at low risk for short-term and intermediate-term mortality. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Effects of chronic ethanol consumption on the myocardial hypertrophic response to a pressure overload in the rat.

Abstract In view of the intrinsic defect in myocardial protein synthesis in the presence of acetaldehyde, the primary metabolite of ethanol, the effects of prolonged ethanol consumption on the hypertrophic response of the rat heart were studied. Changes in heart weight, myocardial protein and RNA content in response to banding of the ascending aorta were determined. Heart weight and heart to body weight ratios were reduced in non-banded ethanol diet animals when compared to nonbanded control diet rats. The extent of myocardial hypertrophy and the increment in RNA content resulting from banding were similar in both ethanol and control diet animals. These data indicate that although basal myocardial protein synthesis may be diminished in the alcoholic animal, the ability to respond in a compensatory manner to the stress imposed by aortic banding is retained.
Voting Equilibria in Multidimensional Choice Spaces

This paper examines necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of voting equilibria over a multidimensional issue space, following the lead of the seminal work of Davis and Hinich Davis, O. A., M. J. Hinich. 1966. A mathematical model of policy formation in a democratic society. J. Bernard, ed. Mathematical Applications in Political Science II. Southern Methodist University Press, Dallas, 175--208. and Plott Plott, C. R. 1967. A notion of equilibrium and its possibility under majority rule. Amer. Econom. Rev.57 787--806.. We assume a finite number of voters who vote among alternatives located in an m-dimensional vector space and that the voters vote according to their preferences defined over the space. Here, we generalize and strengthen many of the existing theorems to deal with global rather than local equilibria and plurality as opposed to majority voting rules.
Zone-subsoiling effects on infiltration, runoff, erosion, and yields of furrow-irrigated potatoes

Sojka, R.E., Westermann, D.T., Brown, M.J. and Meek, B.D., 1993. Zone-subsoiling effects on infiltration, runoff, erosion, and yields of furrow-irrigated potatoes. Soil Tillage Res., 25: 351-368. Soil compaction is a problem in many Pacific Northwest fields. We hypothesized that zone subsoiling would improve potato (Solanum tuberosum L., cv. 'Russet Burbank' ) yield or grade, increase infiltration, and decrease bulk density, runoff, and erosion of furrow-irrigated fields, while maintaining trafficability and irrigability of furrows. A 2 year study was established on a Portneuf silt loam (coarse-silty, mixed, mesic Durixerollic Calciorthids). In the fall, plots were in wheat stubble (1988) or bean stover (1989), and were either disked (10-12 cm ), chiselled (25-30 cm ), or moldboard plowed (20-25 cm ). Fall tillages were split in spring, half of each plot receiving in-row zone subsoiling (46 cm ) after planting potatoes. The effect of zone subsoiling on infiltration in 1989 was small because of variation across fall tillages. In 1990, zone subsoiling increased infiltration by 10% across fall tillages. Erosion decreased up to 278% with zone subsoiling. Zone subsoiling reduced erosion more effectively than it increased infiltration, shown by a two- to three-fold decrease in the sediment loss to water infiltrated ratio. Zone subsoiling increased infiltration and reduced erosion more in 1990 when the study was conducted on a slightly steeper slope with higher water application rates than in 1989. In 1989, zone subsoiling increased the yield of grade 1 tubers by 3.8 t ha-' (4.6%), but the total yield was not significantly increased. In 1990, zone subsoiling increased the total yield by 4.2 t haand the yield of grade 1 tubers by 5.6 t ha-' (7.7%). With zone subsoiling, the percentage of large grade 1 market-grade tubers increased by 3.3% in 1989 and 5.7% in 1990. Zone subsoiling requires some extra attention by the irrigator early in the season to insure uniform furrow irrigation, but it can potentially conserve both soil and water while improving grade and yield.
Continent vesicostomy in the absence of the appendix: three methods in 16 children.

Abstract Objectives. To review our experience with three methods of continent vesicostomy and to examine the morbidity and long-term outcome of each method. In the absence of an appendix, the surgical options for constructing continent vesicostomies include the use of the ureter, retubularized ileum, or stomach, a Benchekroun valve, or creation of a continent stoma from the reservoir itself. Methods. Between 1984 and 1999, 16 children, 14 with neurogenic bladder, 1 with cloacal malformation, and 1 with valve bladder, required access to their continent reservoir other than the urethra. The appendix was unavailable in all, either because it had been removed surgically at an earlier date or it had been used for an antegrade continent enema procedure. Eighteen continent vesicostomies were performed in 16 children. In 5 children, a Benchekroun valve was constructed. Two were subsequently replaced by tapered small bowel. In 7 children, a segment of small bowel was harvested, retubularized, and reimplanted in the reservoir in a submucosal or seromuscular tunnel. In 6 children, a flap of bowel forming the reservoir was raised, tubularized, and then a Nissen valve was constructed. Results. The early results of the Benchekroun valve were satisfactory; however, the results with long-term follow-up were disappointing because 4 of 5 children developed stomal stenoses and one subsequent valve perforation. One of the 5 children continued to do well 6 years postoperatively. The 7 children in whom a segment of small bowel was retubularized (Monti procedure) continued to do well and to catheterize their stomas without difficulty. At last follow-up, 1 child was awaiting collagen implant of her bladder neck for urinary incontinence. Five of the 6 children with a Nissen valve were doing well 1 to 8 years postoperatively. One child did well initially, but was lost to follow-up 1 year later. Conclusions. The appendix is the preferred conduit for a catheterizable stoma. In its absence, our experience with the Benchekroun valve was disappointing. The retubularized ileum provided an excellent and reliable alternative to the appendix and is preferable if the bladder capacity is marginal. The Nissen valve constructed out of the reservoir has the advantage of avoiding intraperitoneal dissection and the use of additional small bowel. The two latter methods appear to be reliable in the long-term and are viable options when the appendix is not available.
Thiolation of chitosan. Attachment of proteins via thioether formation.

Chitosan has a variety of biological functions through conjugating of other compounds to their amino and hydroxyl groups. To further expand applicability of chitosan, we have modified the amino group of chitosan with 2-iminothiolane to bestow thiol groups and obtained about 20% yield, which is equivalent to 913 μequiv SH/g chitosan or 457 nequiv SH/nmol chitosan. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was reacted with N-(e-maleimidocaproyloxy)sulfosuccinimide ester (sulfo-EMCS), and maleimide-modified BSA (MalN-BSA) was obtained. The yield of sulfo-EMCS addition was 12.8−36.8 mol MalN/mol BSA. When the chitosan-SH was reacted with MalN-BSA via thioether, 97.8% of the maleimide group was reacted, and 37.2% of the SH group was consumed. The remaining SH group was quenched by bromoacetamide. This is the first report of covalent conjugation of a protein to chitosan. Our method should find many applications in developing new chitosan-based biomedical materials containing other components such as growth factors and cell ad...
On a Metric, Unidimensional Unfolding Model for Attitudinal and Developmental Data.

If stimulus responses are linearly related to squared distances between stimulus scale values and person scores along a latent continuum, (a) the stimulus × stimulus correlation matrix will display a simplex-like pattern, (b) the signs of first-order partial correlations can be specified in an empirically testable manner, and (c) the variables will have a semicircular, two-factor structure. Along the semicircle, variables will be ordered by their positions on the latent dimension. The above results suggest procedures for examining the appropriateness of the model and procedures for ordering the stimuli. Applications to developmental and attitudinal data are discussed.
Effects of risk and ambiguity on judgments of contingency relations and behavioral resource allocation decisions

Abstract Motivation has been defined as the allocation of time and effort across competing demands. Such resource allocation problems are made more difficult when the relationships between activities and desired outcomes are uncertain. Cognitive theories of motivation assume that individuals make judgments about the associations of specific activities with desired outcomes, then choose actions based on those judged associations. These theories assume that uncertainty affects the judgments of the associations, but not the decision based on those judgments. However, recent research on decision theory with binary choices suggests that uncertainty has separate and distinguishable effects on judgments and on the choices made based on those judgments. In a laboratory experiment subjects learned two act-to-product contingencies under two levels of risk and two levels of ambiguity. The contingencies were judged as more linear than the actual contingencies when learned under uncertain conditions. Furthermore, decisions to allocate time across the two activities were biased in the direction of the more certain associations. This research extends the literature on risk with gambles and provides some additional insights into the way which judgment and decision processes differ. Implications for behavior change in industry and future research directions are discussed.
School Choice: Today's Scope and Barriers to Growth

Few people realize the movement's breadth and the forms in which school choice expansion is manifest. Out of slightly more than 57 million K–12 schoolchildren, almost 29.4 million—nearly 52%—are enrolled in a K–12 school choice option. This article provides an overview of the scope of school choice today and summarizes the political, policy, and procedural barriers that impeded expansion.
Social Comparison, Advertising, and Consumer Discontent

Consumers encounter countless advertising images during the course of everyday life. Many of these images are idealized, representing life more as it is imagined than as it actually exists. This article uses theories originating in social psychology to examine the impact these idealized advertising images have on consumers' perceptions of their lives, particularly with respect to their material possessions. Using social comparison theory as a basis, the author argues that exposure to idealized images leads consumers to compare, often unconsciously, their own lives with those represented in idealized advertising images. In addition, information integration frameworks are used to explain how repeated exposure to idealized images raises consumers' expectations and influences their perceptions of how their lives ought to be, particularly in terms of their material possessions. The result of both these processes, for some consumers, is consumer discontent and an increased desire for more.
TrackEye tracking algorithm characterization

TrackEye is a film digitization and target tracking system that offers the potential for quantitatively measuring the dynamic state variables (e.g., absolute and relative position, orientation, linear and angular velocity/acceleration, spin rate, trajectory, angle of attack, etc.) for moving objects using captured single or dual view image sequences. At the heart of the system is a set of tracking algorithms that automatically find and quantify the location of user selected image details such as natural test article features or passive fiducials that have been applied to cooperative test articles. This image position data is converted into real world coordinates and rates with user specified information such as the image scale and frame rate. Though tracking methods such as correlation algorithms are typically robust by nature, the accuracy and suitability of each TrackEye tracking algorithm is in general unknown even under good imaging conditions. The challenges of optimal algorithm selection and algorithm performance/measurement uncertainty are even more significant for long range tracking of high-speed targets where temporally varying atmospheric effects degrade the imagery. This paper will present the preliminary results from a controlled test sequence used to characterize the performance of the TrackEye tracking algorithm suite.
Ensuring optimal insulin utilization in the hospital setting: role of the pharmacist

Purpose To summarize essential information for the hospital pharmacist to support the safe and effective use of insulin for the treatment of inpatient hyperglycemia. Summary Ensuring optimal insulin utilization in the hospital setting requires collaboration of a multidisciplinary team, including physicians (and endocrinologists specifically), nurses, pharmacists, dieticians, diabetes educators, laboratory staff, quality management staff, and others. The role of pharmacists in this multidisciplinary team is to assist in the standardization of insulin therapy via selection of appropriate insulin treatment protocols, participate in formulary management of insulin products, and contribute to the development of order sets and policies and procedures to minimize the risk of medication errors and misadventures. In addition, pharmacists can provide guidelines or treatment recommendations in special situations, such as those involving patients receiving enteral or parenteral nutrition or high-dose corticosteroids and the transition from i.v. to subcutaneous insulin therapy. Education of patients and providers is another key role for pharmacists. Nurses are important allies in the effort to ensure safe insulin use, as they are at the bedside of patients administering and adjusting insulin therapy. Recommendations are provided for the safe and effective use of insulin for the treatment of inpatient hyperglycemia. Conclusion Pharmacists are an integral part of the multidisciplinary team ensuring the safe and effective implementation of inpatient hyperglycemic control and insulin usage.
Effects of the intracerebroventricular injection of antinociceptive doses of acetylcholine on the stereospecific binding of 3H-dihydromorphine

Abstract The antinociceptive effects of intraventricularly administered acetylcholine (ACh) and its congeners have been demonstrated by previous investigators. The opiate receptor binding concept was used in this study to investigate possible correlations between ACh antinociception and its effects on opiate stereospecific binding. ACh in vitro decreased the stereospecific binding of 3H-dihydromorphine in mouse brain homogenates. Such decrease was also observed in the brain homogenates of mice which had been treated with ACh intracerebroventricularly (i.v.t.). The decrease in the stereospecific binding of 3H-dihydromorphine induced by (i.v.t.) acetylcholine was inhibited by naloxone, atropine, cyclazocine and pentazocine. The d -isomers of cyclazocine and pentazocine were more potent than the l -isomers in antagonizing the inhibitory effects of i.v.t. acetylcholine upon the stereospecific binding of 3H-dihydromorphine to mouse brain homogenates. The same stereospecificity of these two narcotic analgesics in blocking acetylcholine had been previously observed in the tail-flick test. It is suggested that the antinociceptive effects of acetylcholine are related to the inhibition of opiate stereospecific binding, the mechanism of which is yet to be understood.
Feminism and Family Therapy

Feminism has had a profound effect on contemporary culture and on thinking in most academic fields, including psychoanalysis. Interestingly, until very recently it had made virtually no impact on the theory and practice of family therapy. This paper proposes an explanation for this peculiar phenomenon and argues that family therapy has been considerably handicapped by its insularity from the feminist critique. Utilizing feminist scholarship in psychoanalysis, history, and sociology, the paper analyzes the structural contradictions in family life that family therapists have essentially ignored and then outlines their clinical implications. Key points in the discussion include the argument that systems theory is an inadequate explanatory matrix from which to build a theory of the family, that the archetypal "family case" of the overinvolved mother and peripheral father is best understood, not as a clinical problem, but as the product of a historical process two hundred years in the making, and that power relations between men and women in families function in terms of paradoxical, incongruous hierarchies that reflect the complex interpenetration between the structure of family relations and the world of work. This conceptual model then provides the basis for an analysis and critique of sexual politics as they emerge in the prototypical clinical situation.
Side Effects of Perioperative Intravesical Treatment and Treatment Strategies for These Side Effects

Perioperative intravesical chemotherapy has a well-established role in the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. There are multiple agents that can be used in this fashion with varying properties. Although chemical cystitis is the most common side effect and is usually self-limiting, significant toxicity can occur with intravesical chemotherapy. It is imperative that the urologist is aware of the acute and delayed side effects of intravesical chemotherapy and how to manage potential complications. Both local and systemic toxicities are discussed, as well as strategies to minimize and manage them.
Refraction profiles in the valley of ten thousand smokes, Katmai, Alaska

A refraction study was made in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, Katmai, Alaska to determine the thickness and structure of the 1912 ash flow. The tuff, in general, is composed of a thin surficial layer approximately one half meter thick and a main body that varies from 20 to over 70 meters in the areas surveyed. In most sections, two to three layers were discerned in the main body of the tuff, suggesting that the cruption may have occurred in more than one phase. The greatest thickness of the deposit is in the vicinity of Novarupta. This observation suggests that Novarupta was a major source of the tuff. The estimated volume of the tuff is approximately 3.8 km2 based on an average thickness of 30 m and an area of 127 km2.
Emergence of entrepreneurs following exogenous technological change

This paper explains how, after an exogenous technological change occurs, entrepreneurs displace incumbents who were ex ante capable of exploiting any innovations that resulted from the change. The model initially considers classical economic assumptions in the context of process innovations, and then its robustness to uncertainty, bounded rationality, firm asymmetry, and product innovations are discussed. The model is preliminarily tested against industry trends, using both results from an analysis of the information technology sector and from the literature. The paper does not suffer from the inconsistency of explaining how capable incumbents are displaced by resorting to characterizations of incumbents as incapable due to some inefficiency; the paper models incumbents as efficient yet rationally choosing, in some instances, to be displaced. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalytic Synthesis of Oligosilazanes. 2

Abstract Preliminary studies on transition metal-catalyzed dehydrocoupling of Si-H bonds with H-N bonds to form Si-N bonds, silazanes and H 2 are described. A number of transition metal complexes have been tested as catalyst precursors for the dehydrocoupling reaction. Of these, Ru 2 (CO) 8 -(Et 3 Si) 2 proved to be the most active homogeneous catalyst, and Pd particles produced by the in situ reduction of Pd(OAc) 2 were the most active heterogeneous catalysts. Kinetic studies of the ruthenium-catalyzed reaction of Et 3 SiH with primary amines, RNH 2 (R = n-Pr, n-Bu, s-Bu and t-Bu) were run at 70 °C in THF. The effects of changes in Et 3 SiH, amine and catalyst concentrations on rates of reaction were examined. The data indicate that the dehydrocoupling catalytic cycle involves an extremely complex set of equilibria wherein the rate-determining step is dependant on the steric requirements of the amine and fragmentation of the starting Ru 3 (CO) 12 cluster.
Coupling caspase cleavage and ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent degradation of SSRP1 during apoptosis.

Structure-specific recognition protein (SSRP1) is an 87 kDa protein that heterodimerizes with Spt16 to form FACT, a complex initially shown to facilitate chromatin transcription. Despite its crucial roles in transcription and replication, little is known about the dynamics of FACT turnover in vivo. Here, we show that SSRP1 is cleaved during apoptosis by caspase 3 and/or 7 at the DQHD450 site. Analysis of the resulting fragments suggests that cleavage of SSRP1 generates a truncated, chromatin-associated form of FACT. Furthermore, the N-terminal product is stabilized by proteasome inhibitors and ubiquitylated in cells, suggesting degradation through the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. These results demonstrate that SSRP1 degradation during apoptosis is a two-step process coupling caspase cleavage and ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis.
Use of a Panel of Experts to Establish Validity for Patient Assault Vignettes

Although vignettes are used in all areas of social science research, few vignette validation studies have been done. This article reports on the validation of a structured group of patient assault vignettes and outlines a model for the validation of vignettes. The advantages and versatility of vignettes as a data collection tool and/or a methodology are also discussed.
Heat Dissipation, Gas Exchange and Acid-Base Status in the Land Snail Oreohelix During Short-Term Estivation

Summary Within 4 days following entry into estivation, heat dissipation and oxygen consumption by the land snail Oreohelix spp. decreased by 83 % compared to standard non-estivating rates. During both non-estivating and estivating conditions, the quantity of heat dissipated per mole of O2 consumed was indicative of a completely aerobic metabolism. This calorimetric-respirometric (C/R) ratio was — 461 ± 12 kJ moP 1 02 (S.E.M., N=5) under standard non-estivating conditions and — 464±26kJmol~ 1 O2 (7V=4) during estivation. Respiratory exchange ratios reflected a primary dependence upon carbohydrate as a metabolic substrate during both states. Carbon dioxide retention occurred during the first 36h of estivation, resulting in an increase in hemolymph PCch and a decrease in pH. The respiratory addosis during short-term estivation was not compensated by elevation of hemolymph [HCO3~] above levels predicted from the in vitro nonbicarbonate buffer value of hemolymph. A brief period of rapid CO2 release, which caused hemolymph F CO 2 and pH to return to pre-estivation values, preceded the increase in O2 consumption during arousal. Exposure of nonestivating snails to 4.67 kPa Pco^ (lkPa=7.5mmHg) caused a rapid and fully reversible 50% suppression of respiration rate. The temporal nature of CO2 retention and release during entry into and arousal from estivation, and the suppression of O2 consumption by artificial hypercapnia, support the hypothesis that elevated Pcch. or the resultant acidosis may contribute to metabolic suppression during estivation by land snails.
THE RATE OF BILIRUBIN (B) OXIDATION BY BRAIN MITOCHONDRIAL MEMBRANES (MM) INCREASES WITH POSTNATAL AGE. 345

THE RATE OF BILIRUBIN (B) OXIDATION BY BRAIN MITOCHONDRIAL MEMBRANES (MM) INCREASES WITH POSTNATAL AGE. 345