cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of plantazolicin analogues enables dissection of ligand binding interactions of a highly selective methyltransferase

A convergent strategy for the synthesis of truncated analogues of plantazolicin (PZN), a member of the thiazole/oxazole-modified microcin (TOMM) class of natural products, has been developed. These N-terminal mono-, tri-, and pentazole substructures of PZN were utilized to probe the substrate requirements and thermodynamic ligand binding parameters of an unusually selective PZN methyltransferase (BamL) by isothermal titration calorimetry. Our results demonstrate that the presence of a single N-terminal azole permits efficient processing by BamL; however, the substrate binding becomes stronger with increased polyazole chain length.
Serologic Diagnosis of Lyme Disease

Indirect fluorescent antibody tests and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays are being used as laboratory aids for the diagnosis of Lyme disease and related disorders. Depending on the needs, polyvalent or class-specific reagents can be used to detect total immunoglobulins (Ig) or IgM and IgG antibodies. The sensitivities of these assays are relatively low when serum samples are obtained from patients within 3 weeks after onset of erythema migrans and are tested by either the IFA method or ELISA. During neuritis or arthritis, IgG antibody levels are usually elevated, and serologic verification is more easily achieved. Cross-reactivity occurs when sera from patients with Lyme disease, relapsing fever, or treponemal infections are screened against heterologous antigens, but these diseases can usually be separated clinically or by further seroanalyses. Although IFA tests and ELISA are both suitable for confirming Lyme disease, the objective results and the ability to perform many more analyses make ELISA the preferred method.
Bioelectrical Echoes From Evaluative Categorization: II. A Late Positive Brain Potential That Varies as a Function of Attitude Registration Rather Than Attitude Report

We report evidence of both correspondence and independence between participants' attitude report and a late positive potential (LPP) of the event-related potential. Attitude reports and LPPs to positive, neutral, and negative stimuli that were preceded by positive stimuli were recorded while participants either reported accurately their attitudes or misreported neutral or negative attitudes. Evaluatively inconsistent, in contrast to consistent, stimuli evoked a larger LPP regardless of whether participants reported accurately or misreported their attitudes. These results were replicated in a second study in which attitude reports and LPPs to negative, neutral, and positive stimuli that were preceded by negative stimuli were recorded. Findings suggest that the LPP evoked during evaluative judgments reflects attitude categorization rather than attitude report processes and can potentially assess attitudes that people are unwilling to report.
Increased levels of urinary adenosine deaminase binding protein in children treated with cisplatin or methotrexate

Abstract Levels of adenosine deaminase binding protein (ABP), a renal tubular cell antigen, were determined by enzyme immunoassay in urine specimens from seven children with solid tumors who were receiving the recognized nephrotoxins cisplatin or methotrexate. ABP excretion was uniformly increased within the first 3 days after administration of either drug. Elevated ABP levels were usually accompanied by increased excretion of the urinary enzymes N- acetyl -β- d -glucosaminidase and alanine aminopeptidase. In alkaline urine specimens associated with methotrexate therapy, ABP levels were increased whereas enzyme activities appeared to be unstable. Hence, immunochemical measurement of urinary ABP levels may be adjunctively useful for clinical studies of renal tubular damage.
Central venous pressure monitoring during living right donor hepatectomy

Low central venous pressure (CVP) has been advocated during liver resection to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements. As a consequence, CVP catheter placement has been considered essential for hepatic surgery, including living donor hepatectomies. We retrospectively analyzed whether intraoperative management without CVP monitoring influenced fluid administration, blood loss, and patient outcome. Medical charts and hospital data system of 50 adult to adult living liver donors were retrospectively reviewed. Data collection included patient demographics, intraoperative variables such as fluid management, blood loss, urine output, and operating room time. Postoperative variables were collected during the postanesthesia care unit stay and for the first 24 hours after surgery. Patients were then grouped on the basis of the presence or absence of a CVP catheter. Data were reanalyzed and groups compared. Patient groups did not differ in terms of demographics at baseline. When divided into groups with CVP and without CVP, the presence of CVP did not result in decreased intraoperative fluid administration. All patients were hemodynamically stable, and renal function was not different between groups throughout hospitalization. Length of postanesthesia care unit and hospital stay was the same. There was no difference in the frequency of complications during the hospital stay and at 3 months' follow-up. CVP monitoring did not appear to reduce blood loss when compared with patients without CVP monitoring. In centers with extensive experience, CVP monitoring may not be necessary in this highly selective patient population.
An overview of research on couple violence: What do we know about male batterers, their partners, and their children?

In this article, we review research findings on the problem of couple violence. We draw several conclusions based on a review of sociodemographic findings and research comparing violent and nonviolent men, violent and nonviolent couples, battered and nonbattered women, and children growing up in maritally violent homes and nonviolent homes. Specifically, risk factors for couple violence include young age, low socioeconomic status, minority group membership, and cohabitation. Relative to nonviolent men, batterers evidence more psychopathology, alcohol use, and anger, but poorer communication and problem-solving skills. Battered women are at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder and depression, and children of violent marriages are at risk for a range of negative psychological and behavioral outcomes. However, batterers, battered women, violent couples, and their children are not homogeneous groups. Rather, they vary along important dimensions (e.g., severity of violence, consequences of violence, psychopathology) that may have important clinical implications, such as designing treatment for different types of clients. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cooperative Collision Warning through mobility and probability prediction

The past decade has witnessed the confluence of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANET) that promises to revolutionize incident detection and the timely dissemination of traffic-related information to the various interested parties. One of the key components is expected to be a Cooperative Collision Warning System (CCWS). Our main contribution is to derive analytical expressions for key CCWS metrics that rely on mobility information exchanged by various players. The feasibility of CCWS has been demonstrated in previous work; this paper analyzes the mobility parameters and derives the conditional probability of a collision. We begin by proposing a set of fundamental parameters for CCWS: conditional probability of collision, headway distance, driver reaction time, relative velocity and acceleration. Preliminary simulation results have demonstrated the effectiveness of our analytical derivations.
Pyrimidines. 20. Novel reactions of 5‐cyano‐1,3‐dimethyluracil. A simple synthesis of pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidines

A reaction of 5-cyano-1,3-dimethyluracil (1, R = CN) with acetone in base afforded 1,3,7-trimethylpyrido-[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)dione (9a) in a moderate yield. From a reaction mixture of 1 (R = CN) with butanone, 1,3,6,7-tetramethyl- and 7-ethyl-1,3-dimethylpyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (9b and 9c, respectively) were isolated in low yields. When ethyl cyanoacetate or malononitrile was used in place of the ketone in the above reaction, 7-amino-6-ethoxycarbonyl- and 7-amino-6-cyano-1,3-dimethylpyrido[2,3-d]-pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (14a and 14b, respectively) were obtained in quantitative yields. A plausible mechanism for the formation of bicyclic compounds is discussed.
Influence of Technique With Distally Fixed Modular Stems in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

Distally fixed modular implants have seen a recent increase in use, to manage proximal femoral bone loss often encountered during revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Forty-three distally fixed modular stems implanted at our institution between 1999 and 2006 were clinically and radiographically reviewed. These patients had either a minimum 2-year follow-up (average, 2.4 years; range, 2-5.6 years) or failure (ie, explant or rerevision required). Eleven stems subsided, and 4 were rerevised (n = 4), for a rate of 9.3%. All revised stems were radiographically undersized, emphasizing the importance of the technique. Although being a valuable option in revision THA, these stems are not free of complications. The high rate of subsidence encountered in our early experience shows that there is a learning curve. This complication is preventable by avoiding undersizing.
A competitive assay of lipoprotein: proteoglycan interaction using a 96-well microtitration plate.

A method for the microassay in vitro of lipoprotein: proteoglycan interactions is described. The wells of a plastic 96-well microtitration plate are coated with low density lipoprotein. A limiting quantity of biotin-conjugated proteoglycan is allowed to bind to each coated well, and the amount of the latter retained in wells is estimated spectrophotometrically through subsequent binding of alkaline phosphatase-conjugated avidin. Many of the incubation parameters (e.g., time, pH, salt concentration, divalent cations), which influence the extent of binding of biotin-conjugated proteoglycan, have been studied and optimized. The effect upon binding of introducing different levels of proteoglycans or lipoproteins at the interaction step can be measured readily. Thus, the orders of increasing relative binding affinities were found to be high density lipoprotein < Lipoprotein (a) < low density lipoprotein; rat chondrosarcoma proteoglycan < bovine nasal cartilage proteoglycan < human aorta proteoglycan; chondroitin 4-sulfate < chondroitin 6-sulfate < dermatan sulfate for lipoproteins, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans, respectively.
Resistance to Southwestern Corn Borer in Corn after Anthesis

Southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella Dyar, is an important pest of corn, Zea mays L., in the southern USA and Mexico. Germplasm with resistance to attack by southwestern corn borer in the vegetative stages has been released; however, resistance to attack after anthesis has not yet been identified. The objectives of this investigation were to evaluate a diallel cross among a group of inbred lines, some of which appeared to exhibit resistance in laboratory and preliminary field tests, and to evaluate the effectiveness of visual ratings of leaf sheath and husk damage in identifying resistant hybrids. The nine-parent diallel cross was grown for 2 yr and plants were infested with southwestern corn borer larvae 7 d after anthesis. Leaf sheaths and husks were visually rated and larvae recovered, counted, and weighed 14 d after infestation. Husks were also collected from an additional planting of the diallel cross within 3 d after silk emergence, lyophilized, and used in preparation of laboratory diets. Larvae were fed on the diets for 21 d and then weighed. Leaf sheath and husk ratings were not significant among hybrids; however, differences in number of larvae, mean larval weight, and total weight of larvae collected from a plant in the field test and mean larval weight in the laboratory among hybrids were significant. General combining ability (GCA) was a significant source of variation among hybrids for all traits. Estimates of general combining ability effects indicated that the parental inbreds, Mp305 and SC213, contributed to resistance of their hybrids.
Evaluation of dedicated stethoscopes as a potential source of nosocomial pathogens

Abstract Objective: To determine whether the ear tips of dedicated stethoscopes (DS) that are used on patients prescribed contact precautions for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium , or multiple antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii become contaminated with these micro-organisms. Design: Culture of DS ear tips. Setting: A 524-bed tertiary care university hospital. Methods: DS ear tips were inoculated directly onto bacteriologic media and incubated for 48 to 72 hours. Growth of more than 10 colonies from the 2 ear tips collectively was indicative of contamination. Results: Ear tips of 78 DS from 69 patients were cultured. Ear tips from 17% (13/78) of the DS were contaminated with potentially pathogenic bacteria: 2 with S aureus (1 MRSA), 1 with E faecalis , 7 with Acinetobacter species, 2 with Pseudomonas species, 1 with Escherichia coli, and 1 with Moraxella . None of the stethoscope ear tips was contaminated with the same pathogen for which the patient was prescribed contact precautions (95% CI, 0-3.8%). Conclusion: Although the ear tips of DS from patients who were prescribed contact precautions for MRSA, vancomycin-resistant E faecium , or multiple antibiotic-resistant A baumannii were not contaminated with the indicated nosocomial pathogen, 94% of the evaluable ear tips were contaminated, including with MRSA (1.3%) and Acinetobacter (11%). Regular disinfection of ear tips of DS between users should be considered. (Am J Infect Control 2002;30:499-502.)
Comparison of endmember extraction techniques

Image pixels represent either distinct materials (end members) that are present in the image, or mistures of two or more of these pure materials. Estimates of pure end member spectra are needed for spectral libraries and for input into pixel unmixing codes. We investigate three algorithms for estimating end member spectra: (1) the convex hull method in which an n-dimensional surface is shrink- wrapped around the data cloud; (2) a pixel-by-pixel search method in which pixels that have sufficiently different spectral angles are declared end members; (3) a pixel-by- pixel search method using Euclidean distance as a measure, followed by clustering to improve the estimate of the spectra. The convex hull technique should provide an estimate of pure end member spectra while the pixel-by-pixel search methods should find both distinct end members and distinct mixtures. Each method requires user-set thresholds to find distinct spectra, which can be expressed in spectral angle degrees or image-dependent units for Euclidean distance. Estimates for the lower threshold (below which two spectra are considered to be the same material) and the upper threshold (above which two spectra are definitely different materials) are derived empirically. Low-altitude AVIRIS data will be used to demonstrate the utility of these end member extraction methods. We will illusxtrate how well each technique compare to the other, and compare how well individual algorithms work across adjacent scenes.
The crescentic first metatarsal basilar osteotomy for correction of metatarsus primus varus

The crescentic basilar first metatarsal osteotomy has been largely abandoned by the podiatric community in recent years in favor of proximal wedge-type osteotomies for the correction of metatarsus primus varus with large intermetatarsal angles. In most cases, this was due to the inherent instability of the osteotomy and difficulties with fixation. However, the crescentic osteotomy has the ability to correct in all three planes with less shortening than the wedge-type osteotomies. New fixation techniques, such as the small cannulated screw systems, have allowed for less technical difficulty in obtaining rigid internal fixation. In this article, the authors describe the results in 29 feet (27 patients) where the crescentic osteotomy was performed along with a metatarsaphalangeal joint procedure ranging from a McBride (with or without lateral sesamoidectomy) to a phalangeal osteotomy. Preoperative intermetatarsal angles ranged from 11° to 22°, with an average of 18.6°. Postoperative intermetatarsal angles ranged from 2.6° to 8.2° with an average of 5.1°. The preoperative hallux abductovalgus angles ranged from 25° to 38°, with an average of 33.6°. The postoperative hallux abductovalgus angles ranged from 4° to 18° with an average of 11°. Complications included one hallux varus, one delayed union, and three cases of superficial cellulitis that resolved with oral antibiotic therapy.
The growth of infant hearts grafted to young and adult rats.

Hearts from infant rats were grafted to the abdominal cavities of infant or adult hosts by end-to-side anastomosis of the graft's aorta to the host dorsal aorta, and of the donor's pulmonary artery to the inferior vena cava of the host. In such transplants, circulation through the heart bypassed the left atrium and ventricle. Four months after operation, the grafts had grown to normal adult sizes and their right ventricles had hypertrophied commensurate with the left side.
The Bancroft point and vapor-liquid equilibria in the system benzene + isopropanol

Abstract Vapor–liquid equilibria data from the literature for the system benzene+isopropanol are reviewed in detail. The data span a pressure range from 0.1 to 4.1 MPa, and indicate azeotropic behavior with the composition of the azeotrope shifting from being benzene-rich at low pressure to isopropanol-rich at high pressure. We attribute this behavior to the nature of the Bancroft point in this system and discuss the prevalence of Bancroft points in general. In a study comprising 1350 pure components, 64,103 Bancroft points were identified.
A systematic scoping review of measures of participation in disability and rehabilitation research: A preliminary report of findings

Abstract Purpose/objective The concept of participation is emerging as a gold-standard of outcome measurement in disability and rehabilitation. We aimed to assess the status of methods to measure this new concept. Method/design We conducted a scoping review and a content analysis to assess the literature on participation. Results We identified 586 articles addressing participation. Seventy-two articles passed all exclusion criteria. Twenty-four articles cited the International Classification of Function as their conceptual foundation. Most studies included individuals with a broad range of impairments (cross disability). Most instruments relied on self-report in a cross-sectional design. We noted three levels of measurement (static, interactional, and dynamic). Few studies reported collecting data on the environment along with participation. Subjective aspects of participation emerged as an important consideration but few articles reported measuring it. Conclusions The concept of participation represents more than a “shift from negative to more positive language.” It represents a transformational concept that requires new, dynamic measures collected in context.
NMR studies of interionic interactions in N-methylformamide

The NMR chemical shifts of alkali and thallium(I) salts with various monovalent anions have been measured in N-methylformamide solution. Lithium-7 chemical shifts are virtually concentration and counter-ion independent, presumably due to an absence of direct cation-anion interactions. The sodium-23, potassium-39 and cesium-133 chemical shifts of the salts studied depend on the anion and vary linearly with the concentration. The observed behavior can be accounted for by the formation of collisional ion pairs. On the other hand, the thallium-205 chemical shifts of thallium(I) nitrate and perchlorate were anion-dependent and varied non-linearly with the salt concentration. These results are indicative of contact ion pair formation; formation constants were calculated to be 2.6±0.4 M −1 for TlNO 3 and 1.7±0.5 M −1 for TlClO 4 . The cesium-133 NMR spectra of several mixed electrolyte systems also have been measured in N-methylformamide solution. The133Cs chemical shifts also change linearly with the concentrations of the salts added to 0.10 M CsI/NMF solutions. The influence of the anions on the chemical shifts is the same as that observed for cesium salts alone.
Influence of Body Mass Index and Gender on Growth Hormone (GH) Responses to GH-Releasing Hormone Plus Arginine and Insulin Tolerance Tests

The aim of this study is to assess whether gender and body mass index (BMI) should be considered in developing thresholds to define GH deficiency, using GH responses to GHRH + arginine (ARG) stimulation and insulin tolerance test (ITT). Thirty-nine healthy subjects (19 males, 20 females; ages 21-50 yr) underwent GHRH + ARG, and another 27 subjects (19 males, 8 females; ages 20-49 yr) underwent ITT. Peak GH response was significantly higher (P = 0.005) after GHRH + ARG than with ITT, and this difference could not be explained by age, gender, or BMI. Peak GH response was negatively correlated with BMI in both tests (GHRH + ARG, r = -0.76; and ITT, r = -0.65). Peak GH response to GHRH + ARG was higher in females than males (P = 0.004; ratio = 2.4), but it was attenuated after eliminating the influence of BMI (P = 0.13; ratio = 1.6). No significant gender differences were found in peak GH responses to ITT, which could be due to the smaller number of female subjects studied. GH response to GHRH + ARG and ITT stimulation is sensitive to BMI differences and less so to gender differences. A higher BMI is associated with a depressed GH response to both stimulation tests. BMI should therefore be considered as a factor when defining the diagnostic cut-off points in the assessment of GH deficiency, whereas whether gender should be likewise used is inconclusive from this study.
Functional metamaterials for wireless phase conjugation

Functional metamaterials provide useful properties for the design of electromagnetic devices. In this work we demonstrate that functions including high nonlinearity and amplification can be included in metamaterials to realize time reversal imaging.
Is cancer a disease of self-seeding?

The high cell density, rapid growth rate and large population size of cancer are conventionally attributed to a pathologically high ratio of cell production to cell death. Yet these features might also or instead result from inappropriate cell movement, already understood to underlie invasion and metastasis. This integrating concept could induce a broadening of our existing anticancer pharmacopoeia, which, with mitosis as its predominant target, is now seldom curative.
Kinetics of synthesis of cytochromes a and a 3 during respiratory adaptation of yeast.

Abstract The time course of elaboration of cytochromes a and a 3 during respiratory adaptation of yeast was determined from difference spectra of these cytochromes in both intact cells and in cell-free preparations. The synthesis of these cytochromes follows different kinetics. Cytochrome a is synthesized at a greater initial rate than cytochrome a 3 , and its concentration remains at all times higher than that of cytochrome a 3 until the end of adaptation when both cytochromes attain equal concentrations. The molar ratio of cytochrome a 3 to a increases progressively from an initial value of 0.13 to a final value of 1.0. Anaerobically grown cells contain polypeptides which on subsequent aeration in the absence of protein synthesis give rise mainly to cytochrome a . Both the cytoplasmic and the mitochondrial protein-synthesizing systems are required for the synthesis of both cytochromes.
Dihadron correlation in jets produced in heavy-ion collisions

The difference between the structures of jets produced in heavy-ion and hadronic collisions can best be exhibited in the correlations between particles within those jets. We study the dihadron correlations in jets in the framework of parton recombination. Two types of triggers, ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ and proton, are considered. It is shown that the recombination of thermal and shower partons makes the most important contribution to the spectra of the associated particles at intermediate ${p}_{T}$. In $pp$ collisions the only significant contribution arises from shower-shower recombination, which is negligible in heavy-ion collisions. Moments of the associated-particle distributions are calculated to provide a simple summary of the jet structures for easy comparison with experiments.
Genetic Accountability and Pregnant Women

Childbearing in the 1990s has brought with it new and expanding reproductive genetic testing options that provide women with previously unavailable information about their pregnancies. Although women may now have greater knowledge about their pregnancies, so, too, may they face increasing pressure to do as much as is technologically possible to ensure the birth of the “perfect”child. This article first examines the question of a woman’s personal accountability to her family or children for reproductive decisions and then shifts to the question of public accountability. Following an analysis of the ethical and legal underpinnings of individual rights and community interests, it concludes that justifications to manipulate women’s reproductive decisions are fatally flawed.
Development of Durable Platinum Nanocatalyst on Carbon Nanotubes for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Platinum nanocatalyst on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with citric acid (CA) was synthesized by a two-phase approach to transfer PtCl 2― 6 from aqueous to organic phase. Pt-thiol ligand-based Pt/MWCNTs were fabricated with the presence of dodecanethiol (DDT). A homogeneous distribution as well as a uniform particle size of Pt particle was achieved by optimizing the CA and DDT contents. Pt/MWCNTs were examined by a high resolution transmission electron microscope for particle size and distribution. The Pt/MWCNT-based electrodes were characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for cell resistance and cyclic voltammetry (CV) for durability evaluation using humidified H 2 and N 2 gases at 80°C. The single-cell fuel cell performance with 0.2 (anode) and 0.4 mg (cathode) Pt cm ―2 evaluated using Nafion 212 electrolyte showed a power density of about 1520 mW cm ―2 with H 2 and O 2 gases. The electrochemically active surface area, as measured by CV between 0.1 and 1.2 V, showed no degradation up to 1500 cycles for Pt/MWCNTs, showing exceptional durability.
Network Effects of Synaptic Modifications

In this paper, we use computational models of varying complexity to investigate the role of synaptic modifications for cortical network properties. In particular, we study how the dynamics can be regulated by neuromodulators, intrinsic noise and chemical agents. We focus on the complex neurodynamics and its modulation, and how this is related to the neural circuitry, where connectivity enhancement and pruning is considered. The emphasis is on the overall network structures, with feedforward and feedback loops between excitatory and inhibitory neurons at several layers and distances, and less details at the synaptic level. Our models aim at linking processes at a molecular and cellular (microscale), with processes at a network level (mesoscale), which in turn are linked to the mental processes and cognitive functions (macroscale). We also discuss the relevance of these results for clinical and experimental neuroscience, with applications to learning, memory, arousal, and mental disorders.
"Elective affinities": On the psychological bases of left–right differences.

Drawing on the concept of “elective affinities” from the writings of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Max Weber, I seek to articulate a scientific framework for understanding psychological receptiveness to ideological messages. More specifically, I summarize converging lines of research that link basic personality, cognitive, motivational, and even physiological processes to ideological differences between left and right. I also discuss situational factors such as the presence of threat that increase the affinity for political conservatism through its effect on “cognitive narrowing.” These findings and many others suggest that, contrary to Wildavsky (1989) and other skeptics, ideology is a meaningful force in people's lives and that it may be rooted in fundamental psychological antinomies, including preferences for stability versus change, order versus complexity, familiarity versus novelty, conformity versus creativity, and loyalty versus rebellion. Directions for further research are also discussed.
The respiratory syncytial virus subgroup B attachment glycoprotein: analysis of sequence, expression from a recombinant vector, and evaluation as an immunogen against homologous and heterologous subgroup virus challenge.

Abstract The attachment glycoprotein G of respiratory syncytial (RS) virus is important in both the antigenic and molecular diversity of the RS viruses. Previous work has shown that the glycoprotein G of a subgroup A RS virus expressed from a recombinant vaccinia virus provides significant protection against homologous but not heterologous subgroup virus challenge. We undertook the cDNA cloning and nucleotide sequencing of the G mRNA of a subgroup B RS virus ( 8 60 ) to extend molecular comparisons of the G protein both within and between subgroups. We also tested the ability of a subgroup B G protein to provide protection against challenge by A or B subgroup viruses. Sequence analysis showed a deduced amino acid sequence having a single major open reading frame encoding a protein of 292 amino acids with an elevated serine and threonine (30%) and proline (9%) content. The 8 60 G differed from a subgroup A virus (A2) G protein with only a 56% amino acid identity while the 8 60 G shared a 98% amino acid identity with the G protein of another subgroup B virus (18537). The 8 60 G cDNA was placed in a vaccinia virus vector (vvGB) which was shown to express the 8 60 G protein. Cotton rats immunized intradermally with vvGB and later challenged intranasally with 8 60 RS virus had a significant reduction in viral titers in the lungs relative to control animals whereas similarly immunized animals were not protected against heterologous subgroup challenge. Our results indicate that a RS virus subunit vaccine containing the G protein would require both A and B subgroup G proteins to afford protection against viruses of both subgroups.
The Effect of Lifelong Exercise on Canine Articular Cartilage

The effect of long-term exercise on canine knees was studied to determine whether an increased level of lifelong weightbearing exercise causes degeneration, or changes that may lead to degeneration, of articular cartilage. Eleven dogs were exercised on a treadmill at 3 km/hr for 75 minutes 5 days a week for 527 weeks while carrying jackets weighing 130% of their body weight. Ten control dogs were allowed unrestricted activity in cages for the 550 weeks. At the completion of the study all knee joints were inspected for evidence of joint injury and degeneration. Articular cartilage surfaces from the medial tibial plateau were examined by light microscopy, the cartilage thickness was measured, and the intrinsic material properties were determined by mechanical testing. No joints had ligament or meniscal injuries, cartilage erosions, or osteophytes. Light microscopy did not demonstrate cartilage fibrillation or differences in safranin O staining of the tibial articular cartilages between the two groups. Furthermore, the tibial articular cartilage thickness and mechanical properties did not differ between the two groups. These results show that a lifetime of regular weightbearing exercise in dogs with normal joints did not cause alterations in the structure and mechanical properties of articular cartilage that might lead to joint degeneration.
NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase inhibitors block induction of ornithine decarboxylase activity in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.

Rotenone is the classical inhibitor of NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase and its analogue deguelin is a potent inhibitor of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-induced ornithine decarboxylase mRNA steady state level and enzyme activity in mouse 308 cells (Gerhauser et al. 1995). In MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, rotenone, deguelin and two structurally-unrelated miticides (pyridaben and fenazaquin) inhibit not only NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase but also induced ornithine decarboxylase activity with IC50 values of < 1 to 70 nM. Rotenone inhibits ornithine decarboxylase activity equally well as induced by TPA, insulin-like growth factor I and 17 beta-oestradiol. Pyridaben is the most potent of the four inhibitors not only for NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase activity (bovine heart enzyme) and TPA-induced ornithine decarboxylase activity and mRNA steady state level but also for TPA-induced reactive oxygen species. It is therefore proposed that NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase inhibitors block multiple and possibly reactive oxygen species-modulated pathways which regulate ornithine decarboxylase activity.
The WAIS Adaptability Scale and vocational behavior

Abstract A Short Form of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale was developed by selecting subtests that were consistently related to work performance across three groups (89 disabled, 140 retarded, and 111 disturbed) work-shop clients. Four scales were so selected: Similarity, Comprehension, Digit Symbol, and Block Design. The sum of the scores on these four subtests was significantly related to Full Scale IQ's (construct validity) and to work-shop performance (concurrent validity). Scores on this “Adaptability” Scale was also significantly related to employability measures in two other cross-validation groups. In fact, in all five groups Adaptability scores yielded higher correlations with employability measures than Full Scale IQ's.
A rapidly convergent iteration method and Gâteaux differentiable operators

Abstract Let {Fr}0⩽r⩽p be a family of Banach spaces satisfying, if 0⩽r1⩽r2⩽p, (i)Fr1 ⊇ Fr2; (ii) ¦f¦ r1 ⩽ ¦f¦ r2 (f ϵ F r1 ) ; and (iii) ϑ(r) = ln(¦f¦ r ) is a convex function. Let G0 be a Banach space and. F be a Gâteaux differentiate mapping, and suppose that F ′(x)(Fp) is dense in G0. Under appropriate assumptions, the equation F (x)=0 has a solution in Fr for 0⩽r⩽p. The results extend the Inverse Function Theorem of J. Moser to the class of Gâteaux differentiable operators.
The “Voice” Has It: Screen Reader Adoption and Switching Behavior Among Vision Impaired Persons in India

We present results from a mixed methods study of screen reader use and switching behavior among people with vision impairments in India. We examine loyalty and experimentation with screen readers and find that the main drivers of adoption for early users differ significantly from the factors that drive continued use by advanced users. We discuss the factor that emerges as one of the strongest stated drivers of early adoption, text-to-speech "voice" quality, particularly a "human-sounding voice" as one of the key features differentiating free/open source products from more expensive proprietary products. While the initial preferences are driven by voice quality, application support becomes more important over time as users speed up their sound settings and become more comfortable with the resultant non-human-sounding speech. We discuss these findings from two theoretical perspectives--first, through the application of the economics of behavior switching, and second, vis-a-vis novice and expert approaches toward new product adoption. We argue that these findings further our understanding of initial user comfort related to assistive technology adoption, and the impact of early technology choices on long-term technology switching behavior.
Static calibration for measurement of loads in wind tunnel tests on Shuttle surface tiles

A description is given of the procedures used for the static calibrations of the Coe (1981) sensor array to determine normal force, pitching moment, and rolling moment from the ensemble of sensor outputs. The use of independent data to confirm the validity of the calibration is also described. Two methods are used in calibrating the Coe sensors. In the first, calibration loads and readings are arranged in matrix form and are assumed to be related in a linear fashion. In the second, each Coe sensor reading is regarded as a sum of contributions from each of the calibration loads. It is shown that the Coe load sensors, in conjunction with either of two data analysis methods, can be used to determine the forces and moments experienced by a Shuttle TPS tile.
The Role of Public Employees in the Privatization Process: Personnel and Transition Issues

Once a government has made the decision to privatize a service that it is already providing, various considerations need to be given to the public employees who will be affected by this decision These considerations include personnel issues such as selection and termination, wages, benefits, and job security The reference made to them m the Request for Proposal (RFP) significantly impacts the amount of cost savings and the quality of service delivery that are likely to accompany privatization In addition, the ease or difficulty of transitioning these employees to private sector employment is also affected As an illustration, the efforts of the Orlando Orange County Expressway Authority to privatize toll operations in Central Florida are discussed
Analysis of transient combustion of a multicomponent liquid fuel droplet

The transient combustion of a multicomponent liquid fuel droplet has been studied. The unsteady effects caused by the liquid- and gas-phase processes are considered. The numerical results demonstrate that due to the process of fuel vapor accumulation within the inner region to the flame and to the high liquid-phase mass diffusional resistance, a situation is reached where the concentration of fuel vapor in the inner zone of the flame or in the immediate vicinity of the droplet surface exceeds that at the droplet surface for certain values of the liquid-phase Lewis number. This results in a suppression of the mass vaporization rate (i.e., negative vaporization rate) without any indication of flame extinction. The results also indicate that with the increase in the volatility differentials between the mixture constituents vaporization is suppressed earlier in the droplet lifetime. However, by decreasing the liquid Lewis number, this phenomenon can be eliminated and the complete droplet lifetime can be computed. For example, the numerical results show that for a 50-50 by mass heptane-decane droplet, a liquid-phase Lewis number larger than three results in suppression of vaporization.
Secretory IgA in the serum of infants with obstructive jaundice

The liver is capable of transporting IgA from the plasma to bile in several experimental animals. After bile duct ligation, SIgA and free secretory component accumulate in the serum of these animals. In the present study, SIgA was found in the serum of all infants with extrahepatic biliary obstruction, and in 75% of those with intrahepatic cholestasis, but in only one of seven age-matched infants without hepatobiliary disease. Infants with EHBO had significantly higher serum levels of secretory IgA and total IgA than in normal infants or patients with IHC. This result suggests that the human liver is involved in SIgA metabolism and that the elevated serum IgA levels in infants with liver disease are caused by bile duct obstruction or proliferation. Quantitation of SIgA in serum may help to differentiate major categories of obstructive jaundice in infancy. The concentration of SIgA in serum was indicative of the site of obstruction in 12 of 19 infants with hepatobiliary disease.
Endogenous thrombospondin-1 regulates leukocyte recruitment and activation and accelerates death from systemic candidiasis.

Disseminated Candida albicans infection results in high morbidity and mortality despite treatment with existing antifungal drugs. Recent studies suggest that modulating the host immune response can improve survival, but specific host targets for accomplishing this goal remain to be identified. The extracellular matrix protein thrombospondin-1 is released at sites of tissue injury and modulates several immune functions, but its role in C. albicans pathogenesis has not been investigated. Here, we show that mice lacking thrombospondin-1 have an advantage in surviving disseminated candidiasis and more efficiently clear the initial colonization from kidneys despite exhibiting fewer infiltrating leukocytes. By examining local and systemic cytokine responses to C. albicans and other standard inflammatory stimuli, we identify a crucial function of phagocytes in this enhanced resistance. Subcutaneous air pouch and systemic candidiasis models demonstrated that endogenous thrombospondin-1 enhances the early innate immune response against C. albicans and promotes activation of inflammatory macrophages (inducible nitric oxide synthase+, IL-6high, TNF-αhigh, IL-10low), release of the chemokines MIP-2, JE, MIP-1α, and RANTES, and CXCR2-driven polymorphonuclear leukocytes recruitment. However, thrombospondin-1 inhibited the phagocytic capacity of inflammatory leukocytes in vivo and in vitro, resulting in increased fungal burden in the kidney and increased mortality in wild type mice. Thus, thrombospondin-1 enhances the pathogenesis of disseminated candidiasis by creating an imbalance in the host immune response that ultimately leads to reduced phagocytic function, impaired fungal clearance, and increased mortality. Conversely, inhibitors of thrombospondin-1 may be useful drugs to improve patient recovery from disseminated candidiasis.
Burst-Suppression Pattern with Unusual Clinical Correlates:

A 44-year-old man suffered a severe anoxic encephalopathy with rapid fatal outcome. His EEG prior to expiration showed a burst-suppression pattern (BSP) with occurrence of two previously unreported clinical features: spontaneous chewing movements during the burst and tonic posturing during the suppression phase. In coma the appearance of BSP in the EEG commonly implies a severe anoxic/metabolic insult to the brain with a grave prognosis. The pattern is considered to be interictal, except in cases presenting with myoclonic status epilepticus. Subtle intermittent movements of the eye, mouth and cardiovascular rhythm are uncommon and it is unclear whether these are epileptic events or not. This case indicates that the suppression phase can also have associated clinical signs.
The amino acid sequence of a 27-residue peptide feleased from the α-chain carboxy-terminus during the plasmic digestion of human fibrinogen

Abstract The amino acid sequence of a 27-residue peptide released during the early stages of the plasmin digestion of human fibrinogen has been determined. The corresponding cyanogen bromide fragment has also been isolated from the purified α-chains of fibrinogen, although a separable fraction of those chains lack the fragment, evidently because of in vivo degradation. The peptide is the carboxy-terminal segment of native α-chains.
B physics at the Tevatron Collider

We report on current results and prospects for the near future for B physics at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. New results are presented on measurements of time-dependent B0−B0 mixing. Projected sensitivities for the measurement of CP violation in B→JφK2 and B→π+π−, Bs−Bs mixing, and b→μ+μ− X are given for the beginning of the Main Injector era.
Low-dose risperidone for the irritable medically ill patient

Received June 14, 1999; accepted July 28, 1999. From the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Rosenstein, Chief, NIH Psychiatry-Consultation Liaison Service, Office of the Clinical Director, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, 10 Center Drive, MSC 1276, Room 3N238, Bethesda, MD 20892-1276. Copyright 2000 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. One of the most difficult clinical management challenges for the consultation–liaison psychiatrist is the hostile, irritable, and uncooperative medical or surgical patient. Ill and physically uncomfortable patients characteristically express feelings of mild irritability and frustration. However, overt hostility, threats of aggression, and noncompliance with medical treatment frequently result in psychiatric consultation. These mood and behavioral dyscontrol syndromes, which do not meet diagnostic criteria for psychosis or delirium, can reflect longstanding character pathology or central nervous system effects of systemic illness and polypharmacy. Typically, management of such patients includes behavioral interventions and pharmacotherapy. Unfortunately, benzodiazepines can disinhibit these patients further, conventional neuroleptics can cause dysphoria and akathisia, and antidepressants require several weeks for beneficial mood effects. One pharmacological approach to the management of the medically ill and pathologically irritable patient is the use of the atypical neuroleptic risperidone. Several studies demonstrate beneficial effects of risperidone on hostility, aggression, agitation, and affective lability in various clinical populations. Although one report describes the efficacy of risperidone for the treatment of delirium, there are no published observations on the use of risperidone for other behavioral syndromes in medical inpatients. We report three patients who demonstrated rapid improvement in symptoms of irritability, hostility, and behavioral disinhibition after treatment with low-dose risperidone.
Endoscopic treatment of vallecular cyst in newborn

Summary Congenital vallecular cyst is a rare disease in neonates and infants. Even though benign in nature, it owns a high potential morbidity and mortality. Stridor, dyspnea, feeding difficulties, coughing, voice changes, failure to thrive are the most common symptoms. The authors report a case of a 4-month-old infant who presented with a failure to thrive and respiratory distress due to a congenital vallecular cyst. Marsupialization was performed with total symptoms resolution.
Ventilatory strategies in severe acute respiratory failure.

Lung-protective ventilator strategies are considered standard practice in the care of patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). To minimize ventilator-induced lung injury, attention is directed at avoidance of alveolar overdistention and cyclical opening and closing. The lowest possible plateau pressure and tidal volume (VT) should be selected. A reasonable target VT in all mechanically ventilated patients is 6 mL/kg. A topic of much controversy is the optimal setting of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Results of a meta-analysis using individual patient data from three randomized controlled trials suggest that higher PEEP should be used for moderate and severe ARDS, whereas lower PEEP may be more appropriate in patients with mild ARDS. PEEP should be set to maximize alveolar recruitment while avoiding overdistention. Volume and pressure limitation during mechanical ventilation can be described in terms of stress and strain. Fraction of inspired oxygen (F io 2) and PEEP are typically titrated to maintain arterial oxygen saturation (Sp o 2) of 88 to 95% (Pa o 2 55–80 mm Hg). There is currently no clear proven benefit for advanced modes.