cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Steady-state plasma concentrations and effects of taxol for a 250 mg/m2 dose in combination with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in patients with ovarian cancer.

Taxol, a natural product initially isolated from the stem bark of the western yewTaxus brevifolia, is undergoing phase II and III evaluation due to its reported activity against a variety of tumors. Previous studies have described correlations between plasma concentrations and toxicity when taxol is given (a) at lower doses, (b) for shorter infusion times, and (c) without granulocyte-colonystimulating factor. Because the 24-h infusion schedule is most commonly used in current clinical trials, we attempted to correlate steady-state plasma concentrations of taxol achieved with a 24-h continuous i.v. infusion with toxicities and responses. Plasma samples from 48 refractory ovarian cancer patients were obtained 1–2 h prior to the end of the first taxol infusion. Taxol concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Interpatient variation of taxol plasma concentrations was small (mean±SD, 0.85±0.21 μM. Total taxol body clearance was 256±72 ml min−1m−2 (mean±SD). Taxol plasma protein binding was 88.4%±1.3% (mean±SD,n=9). Grade 3–4 hematologic toxicity, mainly leukopenia, occurred in 92% of the patients. The leukopenia was transient and did not warrant a reduction in the dose of taxol. Grade 3–4 nonhematologic toxicity occurred in 8% of the patients. No severe hypersensitivity reaction or grade 3–4 neurotoxicity was observed. Correlations of plasma concentrations and toxicities were not feasible due to the high frequency of hematologic effects and the low frequency of nonhematologic toxicity. The low degree of interpatient variation in plasma concentrations hindered the development of correlations with response.
Immunochromatographic Partition of Soluble Antigens on Columns of Insoluble Diazo-Gamma-Globulins

Immunochromatographic Partition of Soluble Antigens on Columns of Insoluble Diazo-Gamma-Globulins
Is Application of an Internal Anterior Pelvic Fixator Anatomically Feasible

Background Spinal hardware has been adapted for fixation in the setting of anterior pelvic injury. This anterior subcutaneous pelvic fixator consists of pedicle screws placed in the supraacetabular region connected by a contoured connecting rod placed subcutaneously and above the abdominal muscle fascia.
Resolving ambiguous identifiers

In some compilers, long identifiers are truncated, or lower case letters are converted to upper case. Such respellings can make two distinct identifiers appear identical, and under unfavourable circumstances no warning or error messages will be generated. The use of different respelling algorithms in different compilers is a hindrance to transporting software, and is a source of latent bugs. This short note suggests avoiding the problem by generating warning messages when a potentially ambiguous spelling is used in a declaration. The technique involves hashing the character and case-shift bits that would otherwise be thrown away. A program that compiles without warning messages can be safely transported.
Retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma in a man: Case report and review of the literature

In the English medical literature, 27 cases of primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma have been published. We report the second case of a primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma in a man. The patient was an 83-year-old man, with a large 26 x 20 x 16-cm retroperitoneal cystic mass causing abdominal discomfort and cachexia, who underwent excision of the mass. Prior reports suggest that this type of tumor has an aggressive clinical course, and surgical excision is the treatment of choice. These rare tumors need to be included in the differential of retroperitoneal cystic tumors.
More Similar than Different: Millennials in the U. S. Building Trades

The objective of this study is to investigate the extent to which generational differences exist among skilled workers within a single construction trade. Although Millennials have been the focus of attention in media reports and popular management literature, little attention has been paid to empirical examinations of skilled trade workers. This study examined the workplace beliefs and values of three generations of workers within a national sample of skilled construction workers in the United States. A random sample (N = 2,581) of workers belonging to a national building trades union responded to a survey about work ethics, job values, and gender beliefs. Additionally, focus groups were conducted in five U.S. cities in order to develop a richer understanding of this phenomenon. Results from this study found few meaningful quantitative differences between generations. Millennial workers were more similar than different from other generations in their work beliefs, job values, and gender beliefs. Differences elicited in focus groups were more likely the result of experience, position, or age than generation. These findings suggest that construction firms should avoid policies and procedures based on generational differences for their skilled trade workers. Instead, firms should focus on practical strategies directed toward communicating and working with younger workers. The results point to the importance of occupational communities, social class, and other factors in understanding Millennials. These workers are different from the college students or white collar workers used in much prior generational research.
Clinical decision making: from theory to practice. Cost-effectiveness analysis. Is it up to the task?

KIE: Eddy indentifies and discusses methodological problems with cost-effectiveness analysis as a means of allocating limited health care resources. The discussion takes the form of an imaginary dialogue between Eddy, a physician, and his late father, a general surgeon. It concludes with a brief assessment of Oregon's attempt to use cost-effectiveness analysis to allocate resources for state-funded health care.
Effects of atropine on anterior chamber depth and anterior chamber inflammation after primary trabeculectomy.

PURPOSE To investigate the effects of postoperative atropine on central and peripheral anterior chamber depth and anterior chamber inflammation in patients undergoing primary trabeculectomy. METHODS Two separate groups of patients who were phakic without previous intraocular surgery undergoing primary trabeculectomy were prospectively randomized to atropine or no atropine. In the first group of patients, 24 eyes of 21 patients undergoing primary trabeculectomy were prospectively randomized to atropine or no atropine, and their anterior chamber depth was measured. Central and peripheral chamber depths were measured using the EAS-1000 anterior segment analysis system (Nidek, Tokyo, Japan) before surgery and on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30. In the second group, 34 patients undergoing primary trabeculectomy were prospectively randomized to atropine or no atropine, and their anterior chamber reaction was documented. The amount of cells and flare was measured using the Kowa laser flare meter (FM-500) and cell counter (LC-500) (Kowa Electronics and Optics, Tokyo, Japan) preoperatively and on postoperative day 1, 7, and 30. RESULTS Compared with preoperative measurements, a small (approximately 0.1 mm) but statistically significant deepening of the central and peripheral anterior chamber depth on days 1, 7, 14, and 30 was found in patients who used atropine. In the nonatropine group, no statistically significant change was found in central or peripheral anterior chamber depths at any time as compared with preoperative values. There was no statistically significant difference in the cell or flare counts between the atropine and nonatropine groups at any time. CONCLUSIONS This study showed a small but statistically significant deepening of the anterior chamber with atropine. No statistically significant differences were observed in the cell or flare counts between atropine and nonatropine groups. Routine atropine use after trabeculectomy may not be necessary to reduce postoperative complications, such as shallowing of the anterior chamber or anterior chamber inflammation. In patients with a shallow anterior chamber, however, atropine would be expected to deepen the chamber.
Intravenous solid tip lead placement in telemetry implanted dogs. Part 1: Surgical methods, signal quality, and pathological endpoints.

Abstract Introduction Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals in safety pharmacology studies are generally collected via subcutaneous or epicardial leads. Subcutaneous placement is an easier procedure, but signals often contain artifacts. Epicardial leads offer improved quality but require additional surgical expertise. Signal quality and tolerability of intravenous (IV)/diaphragmatic ECG leads were investigated as a less invasive alternative to the epicardial ECG lead approach for cardiovascular assessment in dogs. Methods Twenty-eight beagle dogs were implanted with PCT (n = 14) or PCTP (n = 14) transmitters with IV (negative)/diaphragmatic (positive) ECG leads arranged in approximate Lead II configuration. Surgical time for previous epicardial and current IV lead placement approaches was compared. The ECG signals were assessed for up to 32 weeks post-surgery. Signal quality was assessed based on good wave/total wave (GW/TW) ratios calculated using ECG PRO (Ponemah Physiology Platform, Version 4.8) and variability in ECG parameter measurements for each surgical model. Clinical pathology was assessed on all animals before surgery and approximately 2 and 12 weeks post-surgery. A specialized necropsy was conducted on four animals (two PCT and two PCTP) to assess the tolerability of telemetry equipment; selected tissues were examined microscopically. Results Surgical time using the IV lead method was approximately 18% shorter than the epicardial lead method. The GW/TW ratio for IV lead-implanted dogs indicated good durability of signal that was similar to epicardial leads. Intra- and inter-animal variability in ECG parameter measurements was similar between IV lead-implanted and epicardial lead-implanted dogs. Clinical pathology revealed no noteworthy findings, and the IV/diaphragmatic surgical approach had minimal consequences on local vasculature and associated implantation sites. Discussion Advantages of the IV/diaphragmatic lead model include a less invasive and shorter surgical procedure; high tissue tolerance, ECG signal quality, and durability; and data processing procedures similar to that of epicardial leads. Therefore, the IV/diaphragmatic lead configuration is a viable alternative to more invasive surgical approaches for telemetry device implantation in dogs.
Elimination of fluorescence and scattering backgrounds in luminescence lifetime measurements using gated-phase fluorometry.

A new gated form of phase fluorometry for measuring lifetimes is presented. The technique uses a square-wave excitation and gates the detector on only during the off period of the excitation. Using a long-lived sample, this eliminates or reduces errors from scattered light and short-lived fluorescences. Using a square-wave modulated excitation source with a 50% duty cycle, traditional data treatment can be used after, at most, a simple π/2 phase adjustment. A combination of theory and experimental results demonstrates the validity of this new gated method and its utility for eliminating or reducing background. The results are precise, accurate, eliminate scattering errors, and greatly reduce errors due to short-lived fluorescence impurities. Errors from fluorescence bleed-through into the detection period or a slow excitation source turn off can be mitigated by using an offset time prior to gating the detector on.
Interactional Considerations In Studying American "Indians" The Case Of Adolescent Self-Esteem*

This paper argues that symbolic interactionists must recognize the necessity to not overgeneralize their data and to accurately reflect the natural environment of “lndianness” when investigating the empirical reality of the American “Indian’s” social world. Data pertaining to the self-esteem of Arapahoe and Shoshone adolescents living on Wyoming’s Wind River Reservation are discussed as a case in point. Arapahoe and Shoshone youth attending integrated high schools, as a racial and numerical minority, were found to have relatively high levels of self-esteem. The implications of this finding are reviewed. THE RESEARCH LITERATURE on measures of self-esteem among racial minority groups in American society is changing. Early findings pertaining to the self-esteem of blacks, for example, indicated that blacks tend to view themselves in a more negative fashion than whites (cf., Clark and Clark, 1950; Dreger and Miller, 1960; Proshansky and Newton, 1968). Recent research concludes otherwise and suggests that blacks, especially black school children, have relatively high levels of self-esteem (cf. Baughman, 1971; Rosenberg and Simmons, 1972; Powell and Fuller, 1973; St. John, 1975; Simmons, 1978). Whether this change is due to new ideologies emphasizing
Effects of Input Modality and Expertise on Workload and Video Game Performance

A recent trend in consumer and military electronics has been to allow operators the option to control the system via novel control methods. The most prevalent and available form of these methods is that of vocal control. Vocal control allows for the control of a system by speaking commands rather than manually inputting them. This has implications not only for increased productivity, but also for optimizing safety as well as for assisting the disabled population. Past research has examined the potential costs and benefits to this novel control scheme with varying results. The purpose of this study was to further examine the relationship between modality of input, operator workload, and expertise. The results obtained indicated that vocal control may not be ideal in all situations as a method of input, as participants experienced significantly higher amounts of workload than those in the manual condition. Additionally, expertise may be more specific than previously thought, as participants in the vocal con...
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Using Televideo

Abstract Televideo bridges the gap between high need for behavioral services in rural and other underserved areas and limited access to professionals trained in evidence-based strategies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The authors first summarize the current literature concerning CBT using televideo, including therapeutic rapport as well as condition-specific considerations related to depressive symptoms and suicidality; anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders; eating disorders; alcohol and substance abuse; and behavioral medicine. They then address establishing and sustaining a televideo practice, including concerns related to clients/families, therapists, telemedicine site coordinators, and broader community participants. They conclude with a case example highlighting ethical considerations related to CBT services over televideo.
Evidence-based reform of teaching and learning

Over the years a great deal of time and attention has been devoted to reform of teaching and learning in chemistry. However, many of these efforts have focused on individual faculty’s experiences and intuition, rather than our understanding of how people learn or evidence about the effects of such reforms. For example, while it is widely known that students emerge from our courses with non-scientific ideas about core concepts, the reasons why this happens are often ascribed to the students' lack of ability or work ethic. However, there is emerging evidence that both the traditional pedagogical approach and the structure of the curriculum contribute to this problem. Students must be provided both with a strong foundation on which to build and link new knowledge, and an understanding of what that knowledge will be used for. In order to achieve this we need to rely on the research base and evidence emerging from discipline-based education research (DBER)—a field that combines deep disciplinary expertise with knowledge and understanding of the science of teaching and learning. This paper presents a short overview of these ideas.
The Korean System of Innovation and the Semiconductor Industry: A Governance Perspective1

This paper explores in detail the political-institutional processes and governance aspects of the Korean system of innovation. It shows (i) how the specific form of corporate governance (chaebol) evolved out of Korea's national political-institutional arrangements, such as the state-firm relationship based on reciprocal subsidy; and (ii) how the dramatic emergence of Korean semiconductor firms in world memory chip markets resulted from the subtle and changing interactions of state, world market conditions and chaebol governance. Copyright 1998 by Oxford University Press.
Rainfall distribution and regime in Central America

Seasonal variations of the atmospheric circulation on the western flanks of the North Atlantic Anticyclone imply upward motion over the Caribbean Sea during the summer half-year, with a secondary minimum in July and August, while ascending motion decreases from November onward, and a strong subsidence develops towards the end of the winter half-year. This is associated with variations in the persistence of the trade inversion and the development of the Easterly Waves. The precipitation regime over the Caribbean Sea follows closely the seasonal variations in the field of large-scale vertical motion. A large variety in rainfall distribution and regime is found, on the other hand, on the Central American Isthmus. In qualitative terms, this is controlled by the orientation of mountain ranges and the configuration of coast lines relative to the seasonal flow patterns, that is orographic and stress-differential induced divergence and convergence effects. Due to the latitudinal variation of the Coriolis parameter, stress-differential induced divergence effects should be particularly pronounced in the tropics. The causes for the regional variations in the beginning of the rainy season and the secondary rainfall minimum in midsummer are discussed particularly. An altitudinal belt of maximum rainfall below the 1,000 m level is found in large parts of the Central American mountains. Recent climatic fluctuations display regional differences which appear to be greatly due to orographic and stressdifferential induced divergence effects.
One step non-contact fabrication of polymer microlens arrays by thermocapillary lithography

Thermocapillary lithography, a continuous-relief patterning technique, is used to fabricate polymer microlens arrays with variable pitch and focal length. Pattern definition results from sculpting by thermocapillary forces imposed by a cooled mask.
Career Concerns for People Living With HIV/AIDS

The purpose of this study was to identify the career concerns of people living with HIV/AIDS. The authors used qualitative research methodology to ask participants to discuss the impact their diagnosis has had on their career development concerns and their career goals. Based on participants' interview responses, the authors classified their concerns as relating to career or workplace issues, medical issues, or coping resources. Career counseling implications for each category are discussed.
Glutamine: Do the Data Support the Cause for Glutamine Supplementation in Humans?

This review examines the preclinical rationale for using glutamine supplements and reviews the prospective randomized trials using glutamine to improve outcomes in patients. A special role for glutamine in gut physiology and in management of a variety of serious illnesses has been suggested, because it is the most abundant extracellular amino acid, and is used at high rates by the gut, liver, central nervous system, and immune cells. A state of relative Gln deficiency has been postulated in humans based on the decrease in plasma Gln in acute critical illness, but the decrease in plasma Gln is not specific for that amino acid, predicts only poorer outcome, and has not been validated to identify a deficiency state. Current evidence does not necessarily predict a special need or role for Gln in critical illness. Clinical efficacy of supplemental Gln has been difficult to demonstrate, possibly related to the lack of a Gln deficiency state, the wide range of end points used that reflect the lack of certainty of the predicted effect of supplementation, the heterogeneous patient populations studied, the lack of stable clinical course during the study, the lack of adequate power, and the relatively short follow-up period. Prospective randomized clinical trials of Gln supplementation were reviewed in patients with short-bowel syndrome, during cancer chemotherapy and in bone marrow transplantation, and in surgical, burn, and intensive care unit patients. No firm recommendation can be made at this time. Future studies should seek to develop a more standard and stable design for intervention in sufficiently powered studies.
Antiestrogens and ovine gonadotrophs: antagonism of estrogen-induced changes in gonadotropin secretions.

17β-Estradiol (E2) was found to affect gonadotrophs in long term ovine pituitary cell culture in several ways which were easily measured. It inhibited basal FSH secretion and, concomitantly, stimulated LH secretion. High physiological levels of E2 (1010 M; 27 pg/ml) were able to elicit about 70% of the maximal responses, and the effects were developed fully between 6–24 h after the addition of E2. In culture, the antiestrogens (AEs) tamoxifen, nafoxidine, and CI-680 antagonized both the inhibitory and stimulatory effects of E2 (10-10 M) on gonadotropin secretion in a dose-dependent manner, and 10-6M AE was fully effective. At concentrations of 10-6M or lower, the AEs showed no significant intrinsic estrogenicity. At higher concentrations, the AEs progressively altered gonadotropin secretion in an apparently nonspecific fashion. Preincubations of cultures with AEs (3.3 × 10-6M) antagonized E2 action (10-10 M) for approximately 18–24 h after the removal of AEs. Tamoxifen appeared to be the most potent AE te...
Hierarchical Position in the Work Organization and Job Satisfaction: A Failure to Replicate

The association between hierarchical position in the work organization and job satisfaction was examined in national probability samples from 1972, 1973, 1976, and 1977. Results failed to replicate the finding in a 1974 national sample that position and job satisfaction are significantly associated when occupational prestige, income, and age are controlled. The importance of replicating large survey results across independent samples is emphasized.
Interspecies differences in oxidative stress response and radiocesium concentrations in rodents inhabiting areas highly contaminated by the chornobyl nuclear disaster

Indicators of oxidative stress response were compared to radionuclide concentrations in rodents from highly contaminated sites around the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Ukraine, and uncontaminated reference areas. Three rodent species-Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus sylvaticus, and Clethrionomys glareolus (n = 121)-were collected from contaminated sites within the 10-km exclusion zone surrounding the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant and from uncontaminated reference areas in northern Ukraine. Liver samples were analyzed for superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, and muscle samples were analyzed for radiocesium activity. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities differed significantly between reference and contaminated groups only for A. agrarius, and activities were lower in contaminated animals relative to those from reference sites. The SOD activity did not differ among species collected in reference areas. Among contaminated groups, A. agrarius had a significantly lower SOD activity than the other two species. Among reference groups, CAT activity for C. glareolus was significantly lower than for the other two species. Very high muscle radiocesium activities (up to 60,000 Bq/g) were found in rodents from contaminated areas, while the references for each species were at or below background. Clethrionomys glareolus had significantly higher muscle radiocesium concentrations than the other species collected at contaminated sites. There were no significant correlations between either SOD or CAT activities and muscle radiocesium concentrations for contaminated or reference animals in any species. There are significant interspecies differences in oxidative enzyme activities in rodents with lifetime exposure at highly radioactive contaminated sites. However, internal radiocesium concentration is not a sensitive predictor of these oxidative stress responses in individuals.
Biocompatibility and static fatigue behavior of glassy carbon

1. The normal stages of bone modeling and remodeling occur following the implantation of carbon plugs. 2. Glassy carbon bars aged in vivo for five months did not undergo statistically significant weakening. 3. Glassy carbon does undergo static fatigue when aged in a simulated biological environment. However, the conditions necessary to cause this failure are extreme. 4. Minimal tissue response was seen to the presence of the carbon.
Better humans? Understanding the enhancement project

Two characteristics of the ongoing debates concerning the loosely labeled “human enhancement” movement can help position Michael Hauskeller's new book on the matter. One is seen in the widely varie...
Arabidopsis LEAFY COTYLEDON1 Is Sufficient to Induce Embryo Development in Vegetative Cells

The Arabidopsis LEAFY COTYLEDON1 (LEC1) gene is required for the specification of cotyledon identity and the completion of embryo maturation. We isolated the LEC1 gene and showed that it functions at an early developmental stage to maintain embryonic cell fate. The LEC1 gene encodes a transcription factor homolog, the CCAAT box-binding factor HAP3 subunit. LEC1 RNA accumulates only during seed development in embryo cell types and in endosperm tissue. Ectopic postembryonic expression of the LEC1 gene in vegetative cells induces the expression of embryo-specific genes and initiates formation of embryo-like structures. Our results suggest that LEC1 is an important regulator of embryo development that activates the transcription of genes required for both embryo morphogenesis and cellular differentiation.
Linear Control Systems

This chapter gives an exposition of control theory for linear systems with emphasis on items and techniques given in a form appropriate for topics in forthcoming chapters. It introduces problems of reachability and optimal target control under constraints, as well as time-optimal control. Indicated are solution approaches to open-loop control that involve the moment problem, the maximum principle, and the duality methods of convex analysis.
Web-Based GIS and the Future of Participatory GIS Applications within Local and Indigenous Communities.

As resource managers search for strategies to meet the challenges posed by intense competition for scarce local resources, the implementation of Community-based GIS applications have become widespread. Besides mapping, the Participatory GIS (PGIS) projects create a peaceful medium for community groups and public officials to meet, exchange views and also learn to develop trust for each other. However, the PGIS projects face many problems including the lack of basic supporting infrastructure and services. The adoption of the Internet as a platform for PGIS applications therefore raises concerns about the future of PGIS projects. While the Internet may open the participatory process, it can also hinder participation among local groups. In an era when PGIS applications have become important in the management of local resources, there is an urgent need to examine implications of the On-line PGIS project. Accordingly, in this paper, we assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of on-line PGIS applications within local communities.
Towards semantic services for sensor-rich information systems

This paper describes the architecture and programming model of a semantic-service-oriented sensor information system platform. We argue that the key to enabling scalable sensor information access is to define an ontology and associated sensor information hierarchy for interpretation of raw data streams. The ontological abstraction allows a sensing system to optimize its resource utilization in collecting, storing, and processing data. We describe the SONGS architecture that uses an automatic service planning to convert declarative user queries into a service composition graph, and performs compile-time and run-time optimizations for resource-aware execution of the service composite in a sensor network, building on the sensor information hierarchy. We motivate and demonstrate the SONGS platform using a parking garage example
The Child Care Arrangements of Preschool‐Age Children in Immigrant Families in the United States

This study examined the child care arrangements of children in immigrant families. Using data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), the study found great diversity in the child care arrangements of children according to their nativity status. Children in immigrant families, especially those in low-income immigrant families, were found less likely to use centre-based child care. Mexican, Asian, and other Hispanic children are also less likely to use centre-based child care. Because quality centre-based child care has been shown to benefit preschool-age children and help prepare them for school, both scholastically and psychologically, less use of centre-based child care among children in immigrant families compared to children in non-immigrant families is a potentially troubling finding. Public policies promoting greater access to and more use of centre-based child care, especially for low-income immigrant families and two-parent immigrant families, may make a significant difference to their children's long-term adaptation, and their children's school readiness and achievement.
Wavelets with composite dilations and their MRA properties

Abstract Affine systems are reproducing systems of the form A C = { D c T k ψ l : 1 ⩽ l ⩽ L , k ∈ Z n , c ∈ C } , which arise by applying lattice translation operators T k to one or more generators ψ l in L 2 ( R n ) , followed by the application of dilation operators D c , associated with a countable set C of invertible matrices. In the wavelet literature, C is usually taken to be the group consisting of all integer powers of a fixed expanding matrix. In this paper, we develop the properties of much more general systems, for which C = { c = a b : a ∈ A , b ∈ B } where A and B are not necessarily commuting matrix sets. C need not contain a single expanding matrix. Nonetheless, for many choices of A and B, there are wavelet systems with multiresolution properties very similar to those of classical dyadic wavelets. Typically, A expands or contracts only in certain directions, while B acts by volume-preserving maps in transverse directions. Then the resulting wavelets exhibit the geometric properties, e.g., directionality, elongated shapes, scales, oscillations, recently advocated by many authors for multidimensional signal and image processing applications. Our method is a systematic approach to the theory of affine-like systems yielding these and more general features.
Depression in multiple sclerosis: review and theoretical proposal

Because of its high prevalence and implications for quality of life and possibly even disease progression, depression has been intensively studied in multiple sclerosis (MS) over the past 25 years. Despite the publication of numerous excellent empirical research papers on this topic during that time, the publication of theoretical work that attempts to explain depression in a comprehensive way is scarce. In this study, we present a theoretical model that attempts to integrate existing work on depression in MS and provide testable hypotheses for future work. The model suggests that risk for depression begins with the onset of MS. MS results in disease-related changes such as increased lesion burden/brain atrophy and immunological anomalies that are associated with depression in MS, but explain only a relatively limited proportion of the variance. Common sequelae of MS including fatigue, physical disability, cognitive dysfunction, and pain, have all been shown to have an inconsistent or relatively weak relationship to depression in the literature. In the model, we propose that four variables--social support, coping, conceptions of the self and illness, and stress--may moderate the relationship between the above common MS sequelae with depression and help to explain inconsistencies in the literature.
MicroRNA-92b regulates expression of the oligopeptide transporter PepT1 in intestinal epithelial cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are noncoding RNAs that posttranscriptionally inhibit expression of target genes, have recently emerged as important regulators of many cellular functions such as cell differentiation. The epithelial di/tripeptide membrane transporter PepT1 is expressed in highly differentiated cells (the villous tip) but not in undifferentiated cells (the crypt) of the small intestine. Here, we investigated the regulation of PepT1 expression by miRNAs and its functional consequences. We observed a reverse correlation between the expression levels of PepT1 and mature miRNA-92b (miR-92b) during the differentiation of intestinal epithelial Caco2-BBE cells, suggesting a miR-92b-mediated regulation of PepT1 expression. We demonstrate that miR-92b suppressed PepT1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels, with subsequent reduced PepT1 transport activity, in Caco2-BBE cells by directly targeting the PepT1 3'-untranslated region. In addition, miR-92b suppresses bacterial peptide-induced proinflammatory responses in intestinal epithelial cells by inhibiting PepT1 expression. Altogether, our study provides for the first time evidence for the regulation of PepT1 expression at a posttranscriptional level by miRNAs in intestinal epithelial cells during pathophysiological states.
Design and Optimization of a Class-E Amplifier for a Loosely Coupled Planar Wireless Power System

In wireless power systems for charging battery-operated devices, the selection of component values guaranteeing certain desired performance characteristics can be a tedious trial-and-error process, either sweeping component values in circuit simulations or changing components by hand. This difficulty is compounded by the variable nature of the load resistance presented by a device under charge. This brief considers component selection for a specific wireless power system architecture, which is an open-loop class-e inverter using a series-parallel arrangement for load impedance transformation. Formulas for the optimal receiver, transmitter, and class-e components are derived given a set of constraints on the resistance, phase, quality factor, and drain voltage waveform. Using a 16 cm times 18 cm primary and a 4 cm times 5 cm secondary coil, the derived formulas are used to build a wireless power system. We show that the system has desirable performance characteristics, including a power delivery of over 3.7 W, peak efficiency of over 66%, and decreasing power delivery with increasing load resistance.
Improving conformational searches by geometric screening

Motivation: Conformational searches in molecular docking are a time-consuming process with wide range of applications. Favorable conformations of the ligands that successfully bind with receptors are sought to form stable ligand--receptor complexes. Usually a large number of conformations are generated and their binding energies are examined. We propose adding a geometric screening phase before an energy minimization procedure so that only conformations that geometrically fit in the binding site will be prompted for energy calculation. Results: Geometric screening can drastically reduce the number of conformations to be examined from millions (or higher) to thousands (or lower). The method can also handle cases when there are more variables than geometric constraints. An early-stage implementation is able to finish the geometric filtering of conformations for molecules with up to nine variables in 1 min. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time such results are reported deterministically. Contact: mzhang@mdanderson.org
Beyond Our Senses: Recasting Book I, Part 3 of Hume's Treatise

The early sections of Book I, Part 3 of A Treatise of Human iG1trir2~ az widely studied, and with good reason. They contain Hume’s skeptical argxments about what we now call inductive inference or what Hume called rcsoning from experience. Very little attention, however, has been paid u Hume’s extensive treatment of the social context of belief formation and correction which dominates Sections iv-xiii of Part 3. When these sections noticed at all, they are seen as, at best, embellishments and digressions, zt worst, as unfortunate muddles. Purified of Sections iv-xiii, Part 3 is simpler (and shorter) than the actual Part 3; its arguments are well understood and their influence on Kant and the subsequent history of philosophy is we3 documented.2 I will purposefully dirty the waters by attempting to account fcr the rich examples and the explicit treatment of the social component of belizin these neglected sections. While there are excellent reasons for stressing tlx importance of Hume’s skeptical arguments, the text shows that Hume had 3 second major concern, namely to account for the formation and regulatim of beliefs as they typically arise in social contexts. What exactly is at stake? It’s easy to demonstrate that Hume treats belief in social contexts in a significant chunk of Part 111. There is extensive dic cussion of such phenomena as testimony, credulity, and education througt out. It does not follow from this, however, that the analysis of testimony, fcr example, is central to Hume’s epistemology. As Part 3 is usually interpreted, Hume’s core account of belief formation and revision is decidedly non-social
Performance analysis of linear multiuser detectors for randomly spread CDMA using Gaussian approximation

The performance of a linear decorrelating detector (LDD) and a minimum mean square error (MMSE) detector is analyzed for random spreading waveforms. The performance of the LDD and MMSE detectors is expressed in terms of the so-called near-far resistance, defined by a reciprocal of a diagonal component of inverse matrix. For random code division multiple access, which employs random spreading waveforms, the near-far resistance can be regarded as a random variable. Many papers have dealt with the analysis of multiuser detectors for random spreading sequences. In most cases, however, these analyses derived only the expectations or bounds for the near-far resistance. In this paper, we directly derive the approximate probability density function (PDF) of the near-far resistance and corresponding bit error rate expression for random spreading sequences. It is based on Gaussian approximation of the cross correlation between any two randomly generated spreading codes. The resulting PDF turned out to be a reversed-and-scaled version of chi-square distribution. The approximate expressions, both the PDF and the corresponding bit error rate expression, were verified via Monte Carlo simulations. The results showed that the approximation is quite close to the simulation results when the number of users is less than half the processing gain.
Google Wave: A Potential New Tool for Collaborative Communications

Later this year, Google Wave is set to be launched. This new communication and collaboration platform will allow real-time discussion and editing of a common body of text among several authors. This tool will allow users to create an e-mail document, or “wave,” which may then be transmitted to select recipients. On doing so, the richly formatted text …
Introducing the Peace Accords Matrix (PAM): a database of comprehensive peace agreements and their implementation, 1989–2007

This article presents the Peace Accords Matrix (PAM), a database of comprehensive peace agreements and their implementation, covering the years between 1989 and 2007. PAM identifies more than 51 elements that have appeared in peace agreements and collects data that can be used to analyse and compare peace accords. The matrix also monitors the extent to which the agreements have been implemented. Because of these capabilities, PAM is ideal for researchers who want to examine aspects of peace agreements and the implementation of particular provisions, which either help or hinder peace processes in post-accord periods. PAM is also useful for facilitators and mediators who are engaged in the peace process, both prior to and after an agreement is signed, as it provides information on how other countries have previously attempted peace processes. PAM data can be a very useful tool to design better peace accords and to ensure the implementation of accords.
Partially well-ordered sets of infinite matrices and closed classes of abelian groups

We give a necessary and sufficient condition for a class of row-decreasing infinite matrices to be partially well-ordered with regard to the component-wise ordering. Then, using these matrices, we determine all the classes of abelian groups, closed under taking subgroups, direct limits, and isomorphic groups.
Approaches to Classification of Lymphoma and Leukemia

The classification of leukemias, lymphomas, and other tumors of the immune system is a constantly changing effort driven by advances in immunology, molecular genetics, and laboratory technologies. Here, we discuss the current 2008 World Health Organization classification and its historical precedents which have resulted in different approaches for myeloid leukemias, plasma cell dyscrasias, and lymphomas. Also discussed are trends in the diagnostic workup for lymphomas including the use of fine needle aspiration and multiparameter flow cytometry, and the increasing use of molecular monitoring in place of morphology for the diagnosis and follow-up of leukemias.
Composition and Metabolism of Myelin Phosphoglycerides During Maturation and Aging

Publisher Summary This chapter mentions the composition and metabolism of myelin phosphoglycerides during the period of maturation and aging. Morphological studies have established that the myelin sheath in the central nervous system is continuous with the plasma membrane of the oligodendroglial cells and myelin constitutes the major portion of these cells. Myelin fractions can be isolated by a number of methods for subcellular fractionation of dispersions of central nervous system (CNS) tissues from adult mammals. In man, measurements are made of the content of lipids such as cerebrosides and ethanolamine plasmalogens that are concentrated in the myelin sheath. During early maturation, myelin isolation techniques yield “early myelin” that has a different composition, perhaps because it represents a transitional form between the oligodendroglial plasma membrane and compact myelin. During aging, the amounts of myelin in mouse and rat brains increase until at least 2 years of age. The lipid composition changes very little during aging, but some differences are seen in the fatty acid composition of myelin phosphoglycerides and cerebrosides from human brains.
Lectin-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity following in vitro culture of normal lymphocytes in medium containing 2-mercaptoethanol.

Cell-mediated cytotoxic reactivity resulting from the in vitro incubation of normal lymphocytes was assessed using nonspecific lectin-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (LDCC) as a measure of overall reactivity. Spleen cells from nonimmune C57BL/6 mice were incubated in vitro in RPM1-1640 supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum and 2-mercaptoethanol (2ME). Cytotoxicity was assayed against syngeneic Cr51-labeled EL-4 cells in the presence of Con A or PHA. Optimal LDCC was observed after 8 days of culture in the presence of 5 × 10-5 M 2ME. Cytotoxicity was mediated by an activated T-lymphocyte population whose development did not appear to require macrophages. Usually LDCC in the presence of PHA was significantly greater than that obtained in the presence of Con A. The presence of 2ME during the initial phase of culture was crucial for the development of cytotoxicity, since early removal of 2ME after 1 or 3 days of culture did not alter the subsequent development of cytotoxicity, whereas delayed addition o...
3-Hydroxyphthaloyl-β-lactoglobulin. II. Anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 activity in in vitro environments relevant to prevention of sexual transmission of the virus

It is anticipated that the rate of sexual transmission of viruses could be substantially decreased by the use of topical chemical barrier methods. Chemical modification of bovine β-lactoglobulin (β-LG), the major protein of whey, led to the generation of a potent inhibitor (designated 3HP-β-LG) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection which was also active against herpesviruses. Compounds intended for topical application to prevent sexual transmission of viruses need to maintain their antiviral activity at pH <<7, corresponding to an acidic vaginal environment, and in the presence of seminal fluid. Results presented here show that the binding of 3HP-β-LG to the CD4 receptor for HIV, involved in the anti-HIV-1 activity of this compound, decreases with decreasing pH. The presence of seminal fluid also decreased the binding of 3HP-β-LG to CD4 and diminished the inhibitory effect of the compound on CD4-gp120 binding. 3HP-β-LG was shown to bind Zn ++ , and the inhibitory effect of seminal fluid could be substantially diminished by chelating Zn ++ with ethylenediaminetetraacetate. Saliva had no effect on 3HP-β-LG binding to CD4 or on its interference with gp120-CD4 binding. The decreased 3HP-β-LG-CD4 binding and the concomitant reduction of gp120-CD4 binding inhibition by 3HP-β-LG at low pH and in the presence of seminal fluid could be compensated for by an increase of the 3HP-β-LG concentration and by adding Zn ++ chelators to 3HP-β-LG. These results provide a background for the design of 3HP-β-LG formulations for topical use.
Bioavailability of psychotropic drugs: Historical perspective and pharmacokinetic overview

The evolution of the federal government's role in the regulation and evaluation of generic psychotropic medications is described. To place many of the methodologic bioequivalence issues for antipsychotic agents into perspective, the pharmacokinetics of these drugs are reviewed. Appropriate methodologies for studying the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of psychotropic drugs are in early developmental stages. Many of the issues relating to bioequivalence of generic products will not be resolved until a better understanding of these factors is developed.
Die Elementare Katastrophentheorie aus der Sicht der Singularitaetstheorie

Der Terminus Topologie ist vom griechischen Wort τόποζ, das soviel wie Ort oder Stelle bedeutet, abgeleitet. Fruher verstand man in der Mathematik unter Topologie die Untersuchung der Situation, d.h. der Lage und der Gestalt geometrischer Gebilde. Man verwendete deshalb auch den Ausdruck analysis situs. In letzter Zeit hat sich die Topologie von einem Teilgebiet der Geometrie zu einer eigenstandigen mathematischen Theorie entwickelt.