cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of regional lymph node involvement in childhood extremity rhabdomyosarcoma

Thirty-four patients with extremity rhabdomyosarcoma were treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center during the years 1970 to 1987. The regional lymph node status at diagnosis was histologically confirmed in 27 patients. Of these 27 patients, there were 20 males and 7 females, ranging in age from 6 months to 22 years (median 10 years). The primary tumor was located in the upper and lower extremity in 11 and 16 patients, respectively. The histologic subtypes included embryonal in 13 patients and alveolar in 14 patients. Fourteen patients had no evidence of regional lymph node involvement (N0) and 13 patients had lymphatic metastases (N1). All patients were further staged according to the extent of surgical resection, the local invasiveness and size of the primary tumor, and the presence (M1) or absence (M0) of distant metastases. With a median follow-up time from diagnosis of 9.2 years (minimum 5.3 years), the overall survival was 48% (13/27): N0, 12/14 and N1, 1/13 (P = .0002). Excluding those patients with M1 disease, the survival rate was: N0, 11/12; N1, 1/10 (P = .0001). The first site of relapse in the M0 patients was distant metastases in 8/10 cases. Our results suggest that regional lymph node involvement at diagnosis is an important prognostic factor in extremity RMS. Its presence appears to be associated with a high incidence of relapse in metastatic sites and poor survival outcome.
Display power analysis and design guidelines to reduce power consumption

Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) are used to provide lighting for liquid crystal displays (LCDs). This paper presents a set of guidelines for measurement characterization and design to reduce the power consumption of CCFL LCD backlight inverters and panel electronics. The proposed methods aim to reduce the backlight power consumption by fine-tuning a backlight inverter for a specific LCD, using several methods. First, the authors describe their power measurement methodology; and next, they identify different areas for tuning a backlight inverter for a given display. The experiment results showed that power savings can range from 50 to 200 mW if the backlight inverter is properly tuned. This paper also proposes an optimized configuration for light-emitting device (LED) panels to reduce power loss by selecting a LED with a specific input voltage and number of cells to help minimize power loss.
Tamoxifen has Acute Inhibitory Effects on Contractility in Isolated Adult Rat Cardiac Myocytes

Spatiotemporal cardiac gene targeting featuring α-MyHC-MerCreMer (MCM) transgenic mice is an important approach for studying heart-specific gene function. The modified estrogen receptor (MER) is activated by the selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) tamoxifen. MER activation by tamoxifen results in nuclear translocation of MCM, and Cre-mediated excision of loxP-flanked genes. A drawback to tamoxifen-dependent Cre translocation is transient cardiomyopathy, which is suggested to be independent of gene excision and dependent on the presence of MCM. However, studies using isolated cardiac myocytes reveal the presence of an acute non-genomic inhibitory effect of tamoxifen on several types of ion channels, suggesting tamoxifen also may have an effect in the absence of MCM. The goal of the present study was to determine whether the inhibition of ion channels found in previous studies translates to changes in contractility and calcium transients in isolated adult rat cardiac myocytes. One day after cell isolation, we found an acute, dose-dependent decrease in the peak height of contraction with tamoxifen concentrations ranging from 1-10μM. This was accompanied by diminished calcium transient amplitude. Additionally, the percentage of rod-shaped cells that visibly contract dose-dependently decreased over the course of one hour of pacing with tamoxifen. Raloxifene, also in the SERM class of drugs, had a pattern of effects similar to tamoxifen. In conclusion, the acute tamoxifen and raloxifene-induced inhibition of cardiac myocyte contractility may contribute to the transient cardiomyopathy seen in MCM transgenic mice. The results of this study emphasize the importance of using the minimum dose of tamoxifen required for gene excision in MCM transgenic mice, as well as incorporating appropriate controls to address tamoxifen-mediated acute cardiomyopathy.
Evaluation of a pharmacist-led, 6-month weight loss program in obese patients

Abstract Objective To evaluate a pharmacist-led weight loss program based on the general requirements set forth by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Decision Memo for Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity. Setting Onsite Walgreens pharmacy located inside the main administration building of Maricopa County in downtown Phoenix, AZ. Practice description A prevention and wellness behavioral therapy weight loss program was developed for patients of the Maricopa County on-site Walgreens. Practice innovation Current pharmacy patients were recruited to attend 14 one-on-one, pharmacist-led, face-to-face behavioral therapy sessions during a 6-month period that addressed diet, exercise, and nutrition. Interactive PowerPoint presentations were used throughout the sessions. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was mean weight loss from baseline to the end of the study. Secondary outcomes included changes in body composition, changes in nutritional intake, and participant satisfaction. Results Of 12 enrolled participants, 11 (92%) completed the program. The mean weight loss from baseline to the end of the program was 5kg ( P Conclusion Pharmacists are accessible health care providers who can effectively provide intensive behavioral therapy for obesity in a manner consistent with the CMS guidelines.
Using Three-Dimensional Spectral/Spatial Gabor Filters for Hyperspectral Region Classification

A 3-D spectral/spatial DFT represents an image region using a dense sampling in the frequency domain. An alternative approach is to represent a 3-D DFT by its projection onto a set of functions that capture specific orientation, scale, and spectral attributes of the image data. For this purpose, we have developed a new model for spectral/spatial information in images based on three-dimensional Gabor filters. This model achieves optimal joint localization in space and frequency and provides an efficient means of sampling a three-dimensional frequency domain representation of HSI data. Since 3-D Gabor filters allow for a large number of spectral/spatial quantities to be used to represent an image region, the performance and efficiency of algorithms that use this representation can be improved if methods are available to reduce the dimensionality of the model. Thus, we have derived methods for selecting filters that emphasize the most significant spectral/spatial differences between the various classes in a scene. We demonstrate the utility of the new model for region classification in AVIRIS data.
Postural complexity differs between infant born full term and preterm during the development of early behaviors.

Abstract Background and aims Postural control differs between infants born preterm and full term at 1–3 weeks of age. It is unclear if differences persist or alter the development of early behaviors. The aim of this longitudinal study was to compare changes in postural control variability during development of head control and reaching in infants born preterm and full term. Methods Eighteen infants born preterm (mean gestational age 28.3 ± 3.1 weeks) were included in this study and compared to existing data from 22 infants born full term. Postural variability was assessed longitudinally using root mean squared displacement and approximate entropy of the center of pressure displacement from birth to 6 months as measures of the magnitude of the variability and complexity of postural control. Behavioral coding was used to quantify development of head control and reaching. Results Group differences were identified in postural complexity during the development of head control and reaching. Infants born preterm used more repetitive and less adaptive postural control strategies than infants born full term. Both groups changed their postural complexity utilized during the development of head control and reaching. Discussion Early postural complexity was decreased in infants born preterm, compared to infants born full term. Commonly used clinical assessments did not identify these early differences in postural control. Altered postural control in infants born preterm influenced ongoing skill development in the first six months of life.
Student Evaluations of Teaching: Effects of the Big Five Personality Traits, Grades and the Validity Hypothesis.

The purpose of the current study was to examine whether the Big Five personality traits and expected student grades relate to student evaluations of teachers and courses at the college level. Extraversion, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness were found to be personality traits favoured in instructors, whereas neuroticism was not. A significant correlation was found between the students’ expected grades in the course and student evaluations of the course, but not the evaluations of the instructor. When the effect of students’ perceived amount of learning was taken into account, no significant effect of grades was found on teacher ratings. Personality explained variance in teacher and course evaluations over and above grades and perceived learning.
THE EFFECT OF LEAF HAIRS OF VERBASCUM THAPSUS ON LEAF ENERGY EXCHANGE

SUMMARY Energy budgets were determined for normal and hairless leaves of Verbascum thapsus L. in a wind tunnel. Leaves with the dense hair present were warmer than hairless leaves. This was shown to be due to a thicker boundary layer over normal leaves. Boundary layer resistance to heat and water vapour loss was higher for normal than for hairless leaves, resulting in lower convection and transpiration from normal hair-covered leaves. Differences in transpiration resistance were correctly predicted by heat transfer theory. The hairs had little effect on radiation absorption by the leaves.
Epidural analgesia improves outcome after multiple rib fractures.

Abstract Background Rib fractures are common and associated with significant pulmonary morbidity. We hypothesized that epidural analgesia would provide superior pain relief, and reduce the risk of subsequent pneumonia. Methods A prospective, randomized trial of epidural analgesia versus IV opioids for the management of chest wall pain after rib fractures was carried out. Entry criteria included patients older than 18 years with more than 3 rib fractures and no contraindications to epidural catheter placement. Results From March 2000 to December 2003, 408 patients were admitted with more than 3 rib fractures; 282 met exclusion criteria, 80 could not be consented, and 46 were enrolled (epidural n = 22, opioids n = 24). The groups were comparable for mean age, injury severity score, gender, chest Abbreviated Injury Scale, and mean number of rib fractures. The epidural group tended to have more flail segments (38% vs 21%, P = .20) and pulmonary contusions (59% vs 38%, P = .14), and required more chest tubes (95% vs 71%, P = .03) Despite the greater direct pulmonary injury in the epidural group, their rate of pneumonia was 18% versus 38% for the intravenous opioid group. When adjusted for direct pulmonary injury, there was a greater risk of pneumonia in the opioid group: OR, 6.0; 95% CI, 1.0-35; P = .05. When stratified for the presence of pulmonary contusion there was a 2.0-fold increase in the number of ventilator days for the opioid group: incident rate ratio, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.6-2.6; P Conclusions The use of epidural analgesia is limited in the trauma population due to numerous exclusion criteria. However, when feasible, epidural analgesia is associated with a decrease in the rate of nosocomial pneumonia and a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation after rib fractures.
Satisfaction with abilities and well-being: Development and validation of a questionnaire for use among persons with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective. To develop a questionnaire to measure satisfaction with abilities and well-being of persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. We used data from a panel study of persons with RA(n = 446). The 13 items of the Satisfaction with Abilities and Well-Being Scale (SAWS) were based on problematic aspects of RA and domains of life activities. Results. The SAWS demonstrated internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93). Two subscales were identified, Satisfaction with Abilities and Satisfaction with Well-Being, which also demonstrated internal consistency (α = 0.91 and α = 0.82, respectively). Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with psychosocial and clinical variables. After controlling for demographic, psychosocial, and clinical characteristics, there was a significant inverse association between SAWS scores and depressive symptoms scores. Conclusions. The SAWS appears to be a valid and reliable measure of satisfaction with abilities and well-being among persons with RA. Longitudinal studies will examine the role of satisfaction in the development of depressive symptoms.
Hepatotoxicity of microcystin-LR in fed and fasted rats.

The LD50 (25 hr, i.p.) for microcystin-LR in fed rats (122 micrograms/kg) was significantly higher than that in fasted rats (72 micrograms/kg). At doses of 100, 150 and 200 micrograms of microcystin-LR per kg, the median times to death were 31.9, 18.2 and 11.2 hr for fed rats, and 1.8, 1.7 and 1.5 hr for fasted rats. A sublethal dose of microcystin (50 micrograms/kg) afforded protection to fasted, but not fed, rats against a subsequent lethal dose (200 micrograms/kg) challenge given 72 hr later. Biochemical and ultrastructural changes resulting from microcystin-LR (100 micrograms/kg, i.p.) were compared in fed and fasted rats 1 hr after injection. In both groups, liver weight and serum levels of sorbitol dehydrogenase and glucose significantly increased. Plasma membranes, isolated from livers of fed or fasted rats, exhibited similar toxin-induced changes in associated cytoskeletal elements. Liver mitochondria from toxin-treated, fasted rats exhibited complete inhibition of state 3 respiration, while those from toxin-treated, fed rats had ADP/O ratios and respiratory control indices comparable to control values. The primary event responsible for enhanced microcystin hepatotoxicity in the fasted state has not yet been identified. Depletion of glycogen stores and a decreased respiratory capacity may, however, play significant roles in this degenerative process.
Review of Recently Approved Alternatives to Anticoagulation with Warfarin for Emergency Clinicians

Abstract Background Dabigatran and rivaroxaban are novel anticoagulants that have been approved for the prevention of thromboembolic events in atrial fibrillation. These medications are attractive to both patients and clinicians, as, unlike warfarin, they do not require laboratory monitoring or dietary restrictions. However, they carry bleeding risks similar to that of warfarin and are without a reliable reversal agent. Objectives The objectives of this article are to 1) summarize the pivotal trials leading to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals of dabigatran (Pradaxa; Boehringer Ingelheim, Ridgefield, CT) and rivaroxaban (Xarelto; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Titusville, NJ); 2) present the limited data available regarding the management of bleeding patients on these agents; and 3) provide suggestions to guide emergency providers given the limited data. Discussion Dabigatran and rivaroxaban were approved based on large, non-inferiority trials comparing the new agents to warfarin with stroke or systemic embolism as the primary outcome. Traditional coagulation studies cannot be used to determine the degree of anti-coagulation produced by these agents. Fresh frozen plasma is unlikely to be effective in patients on these drugs who are acutely bleeding. Prothrombin complex concentrate can be considered in patients on rivaroxaban. Dabigatran is renally cleared, so dabigatran could be removed by hemodialysis. Theoretically, DDAVP (Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC, Bridgewater, NJ), aminocaproic acid, tranexamic acid, or recombinant activated factor VII could also be used in an attempt to control bleeding. Conclusion There is a need for assays for the degree of anticoagulation produced by drugs such as dabigatran and rivaroxaban. Additionally, studies are needed to evaluate reversal agents that could be effective in the setting of acute bleeding.
Uplifting-sliding response of flexible structures to seismic loads

Abstract This study presents the development of a BEM-FEM methodology to analyze flexible structures on an elastic halfspace allowed to simultaneously uplift and slide under seismic excitations. The methodology combines the Boundary Element Method (BEM) applied to model the semi-infinite soil medium and the Finite Element Method (FEM) to model the foundation and the super-structure. The two methods are combined with appropriate force equilibrium and displacement compatibility requirements through the utilization of FEM interface elements at the foundation-soil interface. All four modes of interface deformations, i.e., stick, debonding, rebonding and sliding, are accounted for to accurately simulate uplift and sliding of the foundation-structure system from the underlying soil medium. The sliding mode of deformation is associated with Coulomb friction at the soil-structure interface. The methodology is employed to investigate the response of a nuclear containment structure subjected to the El Centra earthquake of 1940. The results revealed that the base shear reduces significantly if the structure is allowed to slide. Further, parametric studies for various values of the friction coefficient are conducted in order to investigate the structure response under varying friction conditions.
Criminal justice curricula in the united states: An examination of baccalaureate programs, 1988–1989

The status of baccalaureate criminal justice education is examined by using a stratified random sample of all criminal justice programs in the United States. The study was designed and conducted to provide an empirical basis for evaluating current baccalaureate degree criminal justice programs in the nation and within and among the regions. The curricula of the sample programs are examined and compared by region. The specific course requirements in the sample baccalaureate curricula and the criminal justice courses offered by the sample programs during academic year 1987–1988 are examined. The current status of the baccalaureate criminal justice curriculum in the nation is discussed.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa contains an inducible methylcitrate synthase

Assaying for enzymes of propionyl-CoA catabolism in crude extracts ofPseudomonas aeruginosa was complicated by the presence of a short-chain acyl-CoA hydrolase. Interference by the hydrolase was avoided by using permeabilized whole cells. Cells treated this way exhibited low or undetectable levels of propionyl-CoA carboxylase, propionyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and α-hydroxyglutarate synthase, enzymes initiating propionyl-CoA catabolism in many prokaryotes, but did contain high levels of methylcitrate synthase, an enzyme of the methylcitrate cycle for propionyl-CoA catabolism. Gel filtration experiments revealed a peak of methylcitrate synthase distinct from the citrate synthase of the bacterium. The enzyme was induced by growth on propionate and on propanol and heptanoate, precursors of propionate. These results suggest thatP. aeruginosa may utilize the methylcitrate cycle to metabolize propionate, a pathway heretofore only described in the yeastCandida lipolytica.
Fission Barriers at High Angular Momenta

Fission and evaporation-residue excitation functions for 170-340-MeV $^{40}\mathrm{Ar}$+$^{109}\mathrm{Ag}$ have been analyzed with a code which treats multiple-particle emission with explicit angular-momentum dependence. It is found that the liquid-drop barriers must be reduced by 40% to reproduce experimental results, and that multiple-chance fission contributions are essential to the analysis.
Antipsychotic medications and the elderly: effects on cognition and implications for use.

Despite being frequently prescribed in the elderly, antipsychotic medications are commonly associated with adverse effects in this population, including sedative, orthostatic and extrapyramidal adverse effects. Growing evidence suggests that antipsychotics can also cause deleterious cognitive effects in some elderly patients. Preclinical and growing clinical evidence indicates that inhibitory effects on dopaminergic, cholinergic and histaminergic neurochemical systems may account for antipsychotic-associated cognitive impairment in the elderly. A review of published reports of the cognitive effects of antipsychotics in the elderly suggests that newer antipsychotic medications may possess a more favourable cognitive profile than that of traditional agents in this population. The cognitive effect that a specific antipsychotic will have in the elderly, however, is likely better predicted by considering the pharmacodynamic action of an individual agent in combination with the pathophysiology of the condition being treated. Agents with relatively weak dopamine inhibiting effects (e.g. clozapine and quetiapine), for example, would theoretically have a cognitive profile superior to that of agents with higher degrees of dopaminergic inhibition (all traditional agents, risperidone, olanzapine and ziprasidone) when used for conditions associated with diminished dopamine function (e.g. idiopathic Parkinson's disease). Drugs with weak anticholinergic effects (high-potency traditional agents, risperidone, quetiapine and ziprasidone) would theoretically be less likely to cause cognitive impairment than agents with high degrees of cholinergic receptor blocking actions (clozapine and olanzapine) when treating patients with impaired cholinergic function (e.g. Alzheimer's disease). Cholinergic agonist effects of clozapine and olanzapine may, however, mitigate potential adverse cognitive effects associated with the cholinergic blocking actions of these agents. Large, rigorous trials comparing the cognitive effects of antipsychotics with diverse pharmacodynamic actions are lacking in the elderly and are needed.
A temperature sensitive mutant of heat shock protein 70 reveals an essential role during the early steps of tombusvirus replication

Abstract By co-opting host proteins for their replication, plus-stranded RNA viruses can support robust replication and suppress host anti-viral responses. Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) recruit the cellular heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), an abundant cytosolic chaperone, into the replicase complex. By taking advantage of yeast model host, we demonstrate that the four-member SSA subfamily of HSP70 genes is essential for TBSV replication. The constitutively expressed SSA1 and SSA2, which are resident proteins in the viral replicase, can be complemented by the heat-inducible SSA3 and/or SSA4 for TBSV replication. Using a yeast strain carrying a temperature sensitive ssa1ts, but lacking functional SSA2/3/4, we show that inactivation of Ssa1pts led to a defect in membrane localization of the viral replication proteins, resulting in cytosolic distribution of the viral proteins and lack of replicase activity. An in vitro replicase assembly assay with Ssa1pts revealed that functional Ssa1p is required during the replicase assembly process, but not during minus- or plus-strand synthesis. Temperature shift experiments from nonpermissive to permissive in ssa1ts yeast revealed that the re-activated Ssa1pts could promote efficient TBSV replication in the absence of other SSA genes. We also demonstrate that the purified recombinant Ssa3p can facilitate the in vitro assembly of the TBSV replicase on yeast membranes, demonstrating that Ssa3p can fully complement the function of Ssa1p. Taken together, the cytosolic SSA subfamily of Hsp70 proteins play essential and multiple roles in TBSV replication.
Acute Care Surgery: Impact on Practice and Economics of Elective Surgeons

Background The creation of an acute care surgery service provides a rich operative experience for acute care surgeons. Elective surgeons typically have concerns about whether their practice volume will be restored with elective cases. Acute care surgery has financial implications for both groups. The aim of this project is to examine the impact in terms of work relative value units (wRVUs), collections, and cases in both groups with creation of an acute care surgery service at our institution. Study Design Work RVUs, collections, and case volume were examined from departmental records for 2 groups before and after acute care surgery service creation. The service began on September 1, 2008. Before this time, emergency surgical consults went to the general surgeon on call. After this date, all emergency consults were seen by acute care surgeons. Results The number of operations performed by the acute care surgery group increased significantly when the mean of the 2 years after institution of acute care surgery were compared with the mean of the 2 years preceding the service creation (1,639 vs 790/year; p=0.007). There was no change in total operations done by the elective surgery group (2,763 vs 2,496/year: p=0.13). Elective caseload, however, did increase by 23% in the elective surgery group. In the acute care surgery group, wRVUs increased by 140% and elective surgery group wRVUs decreased by 8%. Collections increased in both groups (acute care surgery 129%, elective surgery 7%) and the combined collections of the groups increased by $2,138,00 in the year after service creation. Conclusions Acute care surgery service creation took emergency business from the elective surgery group, but this was almost immediately replaced with elective cases. This resulted in higher collections for both groups and a resultant significant increase in collections in aggregate.
Price Discrimination Through Transactions Bundling; The Case of Monopsony ⋆

This paper shows that for a price setting monopsony, offering to transact in a mixed bundle of goods of uncertain quality is profit enhancing. The magnitude of this enhancement relative to no bundling is greater the smaller the gap in the degree of quality uncertainty between the two goods purchased is. Moreover, contrary to coventional wisdom, the use of mixed purchase bundling by a monopsonist is trade enhancing. There is more room for a dramatic improvement in the volume of trade in a good with a low degree of quality certainty if its purchase is combined with a good of a substantially higher quality certainty.
Mortgaging the future of chinese paleontology

Much of the posterior part of the skull and zygomatic arches is either faked or simply crude plaster in this “new cheetah.” The color of the matrix also suggests that the specimen may have been collected from localities that are several million years older than estimated in the original publication (2), highlighting the peril of using commercially traded specimens. Image courtesy of Xiaoming Wang.
Civil Society Capacity Building for Democratic Reform: Experience and Lessons from Indonesia

This article examines civil society strengthening experience in Indonesia to illuminate issues, challenges, and lessons for non-governmental organization (NGO) capacity building and international donor-supported democratic reform. The authors conceive of capacity as a function of contextual factors, and internal factors associated with an individual NGO or a network of NGOs. Contextual factors that need to be taken into account in Indonesia include weak reform implementation, state distrust of NGOs, and backsliding on some basic freedoms. Among the important internal features of NGOs in democracy promotion are overreliance on confrontational advocacy strategies, shallow organizational capacity, inability to cooperate to leverage impact, limited outreach to indigenous constituencies and sustainability problems. Indonesia’s democracy-promotion NGO coalitions have largely operated as instruments of donor-supported reforms. As they seek to become socially embedded actors pursuing indigenous agendas, they face the need to confront the various expectations of their stakeholders regarding their roles and legitimacy, develop flexibility to respond to new engagements with government and with citizens, and address their internal capacity gaps. Three cases are presented that illustrate both the problems and the encouraging progress with government–NGO collaborations in democratic governance.
Protected-site phosphorylation of protein kinase C in hippocampal long- term potentiation

One important aspect of synaptic plasticity is that transient stimulation of neuronal cell surface receptors can lead to long-lasting biochemical and physiological effects in neurons. In long-term potentiation (LTP), generation of autonomously active protein kinase C (PKC) is one biochemical effect persisting beyond the NMDA receptor activation that triggers plasticity. We previously observed that the expression of early LTP is associated with a phosphatase-reversible alteration in PKC immunoreactivity, suggesting that autophosphorylation of PKC might be elevated in LTP. In the present studies we tested the hypothesis that PKC phosphorylation is persistently increased in the early maintenance of LTP. We generated an antiserum that selectively recognizes the alpha and betaII isoforms of PKC autophosphorylated in the C-terminal domain. Using western blotting with this antiserum we observed an NMDA receptor-mediated increase in phosphorylation of PKC 1 h after LTP was induced. How is the increased phosphorylation maintained in the cell in the face of ongoing phosphatase activity? We observed that dephosphorylation of PKC in vitro requires the presence of cofactors normally serving to activate PKC, i.e., Ca2+, phosphatidylserine, and diacylglycerol. Based on these observations and computer modeling of the three-dimensional structure of the PKC catalytic core, we propose a "protected site" model of PKC autophosphorylation, whereby the conformation of PKC regulates accessibility of the phosphates to phosphatase. Although we have proposed the protected site model based on our studies of PKC phosphorylation in LTP, phosphorylation of protected sites might be a general biochemical mechanism for the generation of stable, long-lasting physiologic changes.
Effects of dispersion on the inference of metal texture from S0 plate mode measurements. Part I. Evaluation of dispersion correction methods.

Ultrasonic S0 waves (fundamental symmetric Lamb modes) are being considered in several laboratories for the nondestructive characterization of the texture (preferred grain orientation) and formability of metal sheets and plates. In a typical experimental setup, the velocities of the S0 waves are measured as a function of wave propagation angle with respect to the rolling direction of the plate. However, the S0 waves are known to be dispersive, and that dispersion must be considered in order to isolate the small, texture‐induced shifts in the S0 wave velocity. Currently, there are two approximate dispersion correction methods, one proposed by Thompson et al.9 and the other introduced by Hirao and Fukuoka.20 In this paper, these two methods will be evaluated using an exact theory for wave propagation in orthotropic plates. Through the evaluation, the limits of the current texture measurement techniques are established. It is found that when plate thickness to wavelength ratio is less than 0.15, both Thompso...
Symmetry and lifetime of the hydroxymethyl radical in the 3p Rydberg state

Abstract Hydroxymethyl (CH2OH) radicals were produced in a molecular beam via the photoinitiated reaction between Cl atoms and methanol. The rovibronic spectrum obtained following excitation to the 3p Rydberg state was measured by (1+1) and (2+1) REMPI. Analyses of rotational contours of selected vibronic bands obtained in the molecular beam and in a flow cell led to the assignment of the excited Rydberg state as 2 A ″ (3pz). The 11±2 cm−1 homogeneous linewidth that best fits the observed contours implies a lifetime of the excited state of 0.5±0.1 ps, consistent with predissociative decay.
The effect of expanding access to health insurance on the health and mortality of Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries

We use a social experiment to estimate the impact of expanding health insurance coverage on the health and mortality of newly entitled SSDI beneficiaries who lacked health insurance. Our intent-to-treat estimates show that expanding health insurance has significant effects on self-reported health at one year following health insurance enrollment, positive effects on mental health and physical health at one year following health insurance enrollment, and no significant effects on mortality within our observation period. About 30% of control group members obtained health insurance coverage within one year following enrollment. We use two-stage least square models to estimate the impact on those who would not have obtained health insurance coverage without the demonstration project and find larger effects on self-reported health and mental health among these SSDI beneficiaries. Finally, we examine distributional impacts to show that mean impacts miss meaningful effects.
Individual differences in behavior following amphetamine, GBR-12909, or apomorphine but not SKF-38393 or quinpirole.

Subjects that respond more to a novel environment show a greater locomotor response to drugs of abuse such as cocaine and amphetamine. The current study was performed to examine differences between high (HR) and low (LR) responding rats to a novel environment following administration of amphetamine, a selective dopamine uptake blocker (GBR-12909), a nonselective dopamine agonist (apomorphine), and selective dopamine D1 and D2/D3 agonists. A behavioral checklist and a rating scale were used to determine the behavioral arousal caused by administration of amphetamine (0, 0.5, 2.0, and 8.0 mg/kg), GBR-12909 (0, 1.25, 5.0, and 20.0 mg/kg), apomorphine (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 1 mg/kg), SKF 38393 (0, 2.5, 10, and 40 mg/kg), or quinpirole (0, 0.05, 0.5, and 5.0 mg/kg). The five drugs produced behavioral activation profiles distinct from each other. Following amphetamine administration, both HR and LR subjects showed dose dependent increases in behavioral arousal. The behaviors primarily affected were sniffing, locomotor activity, rearing, and oral activity. HR rats showed a greater overall behavioral response to amphetamine administration compared with LR rats and there were differences in specific behaviors between the two groups. Following GBR-12909 administration, all subjects showed dose dependent increases in sniffing, locomotor activity, and rearing. Differences between HR and LR were observed in sniffing, locomotor activity, and rearing behaviors. HR and LR both showed dose dependent increases in behavior following apomorphine administration. HR showed greater behavioral activation after apomorphine than LR. SKF 38393 produced pronounced increases in the amount of sniffing, grooming, and intense grooming, in addition to increasing the overall behavioral rating of all subjects, while quinpirole produced increases in sniffing, locomotor activity, and oral movements. However, the behavioral effects of SKF 38393 and quinpirole did not differ between HR and LR. These results suggest that activation of the dopamine system but probably not only one type of dopamine receptor is sufficient to produce behavioral differences between high and low responding subjects.
THE EFFECT OF THYROXIN INJECTIONS ON THE THYROTROPHIN CONTENT OF THE ANTERIOR PITUITARY OF THE MALE ALBINO MOUSE1

THE ANALYSIS of the factors involved in the regulation of the secretion of the thyrotrophic hormone by the anterior pituitary has involved several types of investigations. Of these, the studies of thyroidectomy and of hyperthyroidism point to the thyroid hormone as the principal regulator of this pituitary hormone. On this hypothesis, a decrease in the level of thyroid hormone in the body should be associated with an increased secretion of thyrotrophic hormone and an increased supply of thyroid hormone with lessened production of thyrotrophin. The first part of this hypothesis is supported by the work of several investigators (Aron, Van Caulaert and Stahl, 1931; Chen and VanDyke, 1934; Bodart and Fellinger, 1936; Fellinger, 1936; Hertz and Oastler, 1936; Zeckwer, 1936; Emerson and Cutting, 1938; Rawson and Starr, 1938; Means, 1939; Starr et al., 1939; Bastenie, 1940; Rawson, Sterne and Aub, 1942) who report a greater thyrotrophic potency of the pituitaries and body fluids of thyroidectomized dogs, rats an...
Intrinsic value and meaningful life

Abstract I distinguish various ways in which human life may be thought to be meaningful and present an account of what might be called existential meaningfulness. The account is neutral with respect to both theism and naturalism, but each is addressed in several places and the paper's main points are harmonious with certain versions of both. A number of important criteria for existential meaningfulness are examined, and special emphasis is placed on criteria centering on creativity and excellence, on contributing to the well-being of persons, and on human relationships, particularly those pervaded by love. In the light of a conception of intrinsic goodness, the good life is compared with the meaningful life, and the relation between the two notions is explored. I argue that goodness in a life counts towards its meaningfulness and that the goodness of a life is sufficient for an important kind of meaningfulness. I also suggest that the overall notion of rewarding elements in a life-intrinsically good eleme...
d-Cycloserine therapy of psychosis by symptom provocation

Abstract The demonstration that cycloserine, an accepted therapeutic agent in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, induces neurotoxic effects and behavioral changes at high doses suggested its therapeutic trial in a group of long-term severe mentally ill. Cycloserine was given to ten patients in dosages from 1.0 to 2.0 grams per day for 18 days to 16 weeks (mean, 50 days). Increases in psychotic symptoms and psychomotor excitement, confusion, and alterations of mood, affect and vigilance were the principal behavioral changes observed. Seizures and muscular twitching occurred in 2 patients. While the therapeutic benefits of cycloserine treatment alone were poor, subsequent treatment with active psychotropic drugs resulted in marked behavioral improvement, with 6 patients discharged and 3 working in the hospital six months after the study. This sequence of treatments (activation followed by psychotropic drug treatment) has been described as “symptom-provocation” therapy. Blood levels of cycloserine were related to the daily dosage and inversely related to weight. Blood levels below 45 mcg./ml. were accompanied by few behavioral changes, while levels above 65 mcg./ml. were accompanied by neurotoxic phenomena, suggesting a symptom-provocation range for cycloserine between 45 and 65 mcg./ml. The EEG patterns with cycloserine were those of desynchronization, increased fast frequencies and increased variability. These are similar to the patterns seen with other compounds inducing behavioral alerting, heightened affect and, in higher than therapeutic doses, hallucinations, delusions and excitement. d -cycloserine is an effective agent for symptom provocation with the unique advantage that an effective range can be defined by simple blood level estimations.
Poison information providers: An assessment of proficiency

An analysis of the results of a national certification examination for poison information specialists administered by the American Association of Poison Control Centers is presented. The failure rate in nonregional centers was more than double that in regional centers, and presents a strong argument for regionalization. Poison information specialists with prior training as pharmacists or registered nurses performed significantly better than those who were high school or college graduates in other fields, emergency medical technicians, or licensed practical nurses. Poison information specialists in centers receiving more than 15,000 calls each year had significantly higher scores. Individual total work experience also had a small but significant correlation with score. The mean score for emergency physicians serving as a control group was 57.0% compared with 77.1% for poison information specialists. The data suggest that telephone consultations for poison emergencies are done best by those who do them on a specialized full-time basis. Calls should be referred to the appropriate regional poison control center.
Stimulation of thiamine triphosphate metabolism in nerve by cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate.

This paper reports that addition of cGMP results in an increase of the amount of32Pi incorporated into thiamine triphosphate in nerve roots and sympathetic trunks. The effect is present both at rest and during electrical stimulation. Other nucleotides were less effective. Theophylline increased the incorporation, possibly because of phosphodiesterase inhibition. A blocking effect of atropine was noted in sympathetic trunk preparations that contain ganglion cells.
Mesangial hypercellularity in children: presenting features and outcomes.

Mesangial hypercellularity (MH), in the absence of sclerosis or immune deposition, was a common finding on renal biopsy in our center. We studied 66 children with predominant MH. Among all patients older than 2.7 years, blood pressure (BP) percentile and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) remained stable. Serum albumin (Alb) trended higher (3.0 ± 0.2 start vs. 3.4 ± 0.2 end g/dl, p = 0.06) and urine protein/creatinine lower (4.2 ± 0.9 start vs. 2.3 ± 0.9 end mg/mg, p = 0.18) at the end of the study period. The proportion with stage 1 CKD remained constant: 94% start vs. 92% end. At end, Alb was lower in patients referred for nephrotic syndrome (NS): 4.4 ± 0.3 hematuria vs. 4.2 ± 0.2 proteinuria vs. 2.8 ± 0.3 NS g/dl, p < 0.05 vs. both. Alb was lower (p = 0.03) and urine protein/creatinine trended higher in patients with diffuse foot-process fusion (FPF). Twenty-five percent of patients with focal FPF developed NS, all had relapses, and 63% were steroid sensitive (SS). All but one with diffuse FPF presented with NS; 86% had relapses (mean 1 year) and 63% were SS. GFR trended higher at the end in those with matrix thickening (mat) (119.6 ± 4.7 no mat vs. 129.1 ± 2.6 mat ml/min per 1.73 m2, p = 0.1). Those without mat were less SS (59% no mat vs. 80% mat) and were more likely to require alkylating agents (Alk) for NS. Among those with positive immunofluorescence (IF), 82% had immunoglobulin M (IgM) alone; those with positive IF were more SS and needed Alk for NS. MH predicts a favorable prognosis. FPF predicts NS and multiple relapses.
Prediction of Setschenow constants

The Setschenow (salting out) constant by sodium chloride is related to molar volume, aqueous solubility, and octanol-water partition coefficient, K(ow), of the drug solute. This study validates a previously proposed relationship between the salting out constant of a solute and its partition coefficient. It also shows that the partition coefficient is a better descriptor of salting out than either molar volume or solubility.
Agreement on the concept of the ideal therapist as a function of experience.

Fiedler ' showed that experienced therapists of different schools agreed more highly with each other than with non-experts of their own schools concerning the nature of the ideal psychotherapeutic relationship. However, Fiedler's concept of experience pertained only to time spent with patients in a therapeutic relationship or as an actual subject of therapy. He did not take into consideration the type of clinical sophistication and change in attitude which may result from academic exposure to therapeutic processes and to the theories behind them. His non-experts had already had some academic training and thus they were not completely unfamiliar with the theories, practices, etc. Perhaps the lack of large statistical differences between Fiedler's expert and non-expert groups was partly the result of a similarity in amount of academic training. In further criticism ^ ' ^^ of Fiedler's study, there were some rather important weaknesses in his Q-sort which was weighted with banalities and extreme statements {e.g., " . . . is hostile."). Sets of items were included with identical content but with different adverbs {e.g., always . . ., sometimes . . , never . . . ) so that the items fell rather easily into categories ranging from most to least characteristic. Such items tend to compel agreement among sorters. Fiedler did not indicate any pretesting of the Q sort with the aim of maximizing item variability and minimizing the average correlations between sorts, which Apfelbaum^^^ has demonstrated to be important. High item variability and low average correlation between sorts would seem to be important in studies involving "ideal" concepts because variability can be expected to be somewhat lessened already by social desirability and social stereotype factors. Thus, while this study and its hypothesis are based on Fiedler's investigation of the therapeutic relationship, an attempt has been made to improve the method by using a carefully constructed and pretested Q sort and by using groups differing in amount of academic training as well as amount of therapeutic experience. The hypothesis is: Experienced psychotherapists will agree more than less experienced therapists on the qualities of the ideal psychotherapist. Here the term experience includes exposure to academic training as well as the actual experience with patients.
A 454 Survey Reveals the Community Composition and Core Microbiome of the Common Bed Bug (Cimex lectularius) across an Urban Landscape

Elucidating the spatial dynamic and core constituents of the microbial communities found in association with arthropod hosts is of crucial importance for insects that may vector human or agricultural pathogens. The hematophagous Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), known as the human bed bug, has made a recent resurgence in North America, as well as worldwide, potentially owing to increased travel, climate change and resistance to insecticides. A comprehensive survey of the bed bug microbiome has not been performed to date, nor has an assessment of the spatial dynamics of its microbiome. Here we present a survey of internal and external bed bug microbial communities by amplifying the V4–V6 hypervariable region of the 16S rDNA gene region followed by 454 Titanium sequencing using 31 individuals from eight distinct collection locations obtained from residences in Cincinnati, OH. Across all samples, 97% of the microbial community is made up of two dominant OTUs, previously identified as the α-proteobacterium Wolbachia and an unnamed γ-proteobacterium from the Enterobacteriaceae. Microbial communities varied among host locations for measures of community diversity and exhibited structure according to collection location. This broad survey represents the most in-depth assessment, to date, of the microbes that associate with bed bugs.