cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevention of vascular catheter-related infections

Infection is the most common serious complication of intravascular catheters. Most cases of catheter-related infection are caused by staphylococci that originate either from the skin of the patient and migrate along the external surface of the catheter or from a contaminated catheter hub and migrate along the internal surface of the catheter. Major risk factors predisposing to catheter-related infection include prolonged duration of catheter placement, frequent manipulation of the catheter, use of thrombogenic catheter material, location of the catheter, and use of occlusive transparent plastic dressings. A number of measures have been reported in prospective, randomized clinical trials to protect against vascular catheter-related infection. This paper summarizes the clinical efficacy of various preventive measures, such as placement and maintenance of vascular catheters by a skilled infusion therapy team, institution of maximal sterile barriers, use of silver-impregnated subcutaneous cuff, antimicrobial coating of catheters with either antibiotics or antiseptics, use of an antiseptic catheter hub, application of topical disinfectants, and flushing catheters with the combination of antimicrobial and antithrombotic agents.
Effects of nonprotein substances on protein hydrolysis and plastein formation

Abstract Effects of various naturally occurring nonprotein substances (carbohydrates, polysaccharides, fats and salts) on enzymatic hydrolysis of soy protein isolate and plastein formation from hydrolyzed soy protein were investigated. Relative extent of hydrolysis and plastein formation were measured as protein solubility in 10% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) since this method was found suitable for analysis of turbid, viscous and/or low protein samples. The presence of guar, xanthan, locust bean and arabic gums, arabinogalactan, unsaturated fatty acids (2%), salt mixture and xylan were found to enhance soy protein peptic hydrolysis at 0·5% enzyme/substrate; unsaturated fatty acids (1%) inhibited hydrolysis. At enzyme/substrate of 3·5%, hydrolysis was enhanced by xanthan gum, unsaturated fatty acids and sodium chloride but inhibited by gum karaya, salt mixture, starch, cellulose, and saturated fatty acids. Plastein synthesis was inhibited by xanthan, locust bean and guar gums but stimulated by arabinogalactan. Several nonprotein substances were found to interfere with the TCA solubility assay. Positive interference was noted for systems containing saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and magnesium, but negative interference was observed for systems containing guar gum, xanthan gum, calcium chloride and gum arabic.
Cholinergic and gabaergic neurons in the nucleus basalis region of young and aged rats

Abstract Antibodies directed against choline acetyltransferase and glutamic acid decar☐ylase were used in combination with recently developed stereological techniques to quantify changes in cholinergic, GABAergic, and total neuron number (Nissl-stain) within adjacent tissue sections through the horizontal limb/nucleus basalis in young (3 months, n = 6 ) and aged (27 months, n = 6 ) Fischer-344 male rats. Unbiased estimates of total neuron number within these regions were produced using a three-dimensional optical probe, the optical disector, in combination with a systematic random sampling scheme. Estimates of cell counts in immunostained tissue sections were conducted throughout the entire horizontal limb/nucleus basalis region. A significant 30% decrease in both cholinergic and total neuron number was detected in the aged animals; GABAergic neuron number remained unchanged. Total neuron number was significantly correlated with the both cholinergic ( r = 0.94 ) and glial cell number ( r = 0.63 ), but not with GABAergic cell number. Based on neuron counts within an individual thick tissue section, the cholinergic neurons comprised only 11–15% of all neurons in the nucleus basalis of young and aged animals. Cholinergic neuron loss accounted for only 20% of the total age-related neuron loss within the horizontal limb/nucleus basalis in Fischer-344 male rats. These results indicate that age-related cholinergic neuron loss within the basal forebrain is reflected in reductions in total neuron number; however, GABAergic neurons, many of which project to the cortex, are unaffected by age. The magnitude of the age-related total neuron loss cannot be entirely accounted for by cholinergic cell loss. Therefore, an unidentified non-cholinergic, non-GABAergic component within the basal forebrain is also lost during aging and may contribute to the cognitive deficits previously ascribed to cholinergic dysfunction.
Radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for stage IB2 cervical cancer.

Abstract Objective . We wished to evaluate survival and adverse outcomes of patients with stage IB2 cervical cancer treated primarily with radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy. Methods . A review was performed of all patients undergoing primary radical hysterectomy for stage IB2 cervical cancer at two institutions from 1987 to 2002. Patients were stratified into low, intermediate (Gynecologic Oncology Group protocol 92 criteria), and high-risk (positive nodes, margins, or parametria) groups. Survival and progression-free interval were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate analysis. Results . Seventy-two patients underwent primary type III radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy (72 pelvic, 58 pelvic and paraaortic). Patients were classified as low ( n = 6), intermediate ( n = 49), or high ( n = 17) risk for recurrence. Adjuvant therapy was administered to 94%, 12%, and 0% of the high-, intermediate-, and low-risk groups, respectively. Five-year survival was 72%, while 5-year progression-free survival was 63%. Five-year overall and progression-free survival by risk group were 47% and 40% (high-risk), 80% and 66% (intermediate-risk), 100% and 100% (low-risk). Predictors of survival in multivariate analysis were Caucasian race ( P = 0.001), older age ( P = 0.017), inner 2/3 cervical wall invasion ( P = 0.045), and absence of lymph-vascular invasion ( P Conclusions . Radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy followed by tailored adjuvant therapy is a reasonable alternative to primary radiotherapy for stage IB2 cervical cancer. Patients with low- and intermediate-risk factors have satisfactory results after primary surgical management. A prospective randomized trial will clarify the optimal mode of initial therapy for patients with stage IB2 disease.
The politics of Indian identity

I have more questions than answers, questions that have been in play for Indian scholars since before Indian scholars (by white standards) existed. The answers— well, they will determine what it means to be an American Indian in the 21st century. We knew what it meant in the 19th; the 20th has been very confusing. European technology and numbers, and our own lack of unity, doomed our ability to wage a defensive war. Since then, we have been questioning how to wage a defensive peace.
Thermogravimetric analysis of silicon carbide-silicon nitride polycarbosilazane precursor during pyrolysis from ambient to 1000°C

Thermogravimetric analysis data are presented on the unmeltable polycarbosilazane precursor of silicon carbide-silicon nitride fibers, over the room temperature-1000 C range in a nitrogen atmosphere, in order to establish the weight loss at various temperatures during the precursor's pyrolysis to the fiber material. The fibers obtained by this method are excellent candidates for use in applications where the oxidation of carbon fibers (above 400 C) renders them unsuitable.
Treatment of Arrhythmias and Use of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators to Improve Survival in Elderly Patients with Cardiac Disease

Patients who have left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure (HF) are at high risk for ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that pharmacologic management with antiarrhythmic drugs has limited efficacy for the prevention of arrhythmic mortality in this high-risk population, whereas implantation of a defibrillator was shown to be associated with a significant survival benefit. Data on the efficacy of defibrillator therapy in elderly patients, in whom comorbidities are common, are limited. In this article we outline current information on therapeutic modalities for the prevention of arrhythmic mortality in elderly patients who have left ventricular dysfunction and HF, focusing mainly on data on the benefit of device therapy in the older age group.
Ghrelin induces feeding in the mesolimbic reward pathway between the ventral tegmental area and the nucleus accumbens

Ghrelin, a powerful orexigenic peptide released from the gut, stimulates feeding when injected centrally and has thus far been implicated in regulation of metabolic, rather than hedonic, feeding behavior. Although ghrelin's effects are partially mediated at the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, via activation of neurons that co-express neuropeptide Y and agouti-related protein (NPY/Agrp neurons), the ghrelin receptor is expressed also in other brain sites. One of these is the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a primary node of the mesolimbic reward pathway, which sends dopaminergic projections to the nucleus accumbens (Acb), among other sites. We injected saline or three doses of ghrelin (0, 0.003, 0.03, or 0.3 nmol) into the VTA or Acb of rats. We found a robust feeding response with VTA injection of ghrelin, and a more moderate response with Acb injection. Because opioids modulate feeding in the VTA and Acb, we hypothesized that ghrelin's effects in one site were dependent on opioid signaling in the opposite site. The general opioid antagonist, naltrexone (NTX), injected into the Acb did not affect feeding elicited by ghrelin injection into the VTA, and NTX in the VTA did not affect feeding elicited by ghrelin injected into the Acb. These results suggest interaction of a metabolic factor with the reward system in feeding behavior, indicating that hedonic responses can be modulated by homeostatic factors.
Relation among self-defeating personality, troubled eating patterns, and dissociation.

Summary.-Significant small correlations were found between scores on a measure of self-defeating persondty with scores on the Bulimia Test-Revised (r = .27) and also scores on the Dissociative Experiences Scale (r = .20) for a sample of 165 college women. The correlation between the Bulimia Test and the Dissociative Experiences Scale was .26. Although the research literature led us to expect stronger relationships on theoretical and empirical grounds, it appears these small relationships were more likely due to the fact that scoring higher on all these measures indicates greater psychopathology.
A «short list» of SETI candidates

Abstract A list is presented of 63 stars that may be especially suitable in the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence: stars that resemble the Sun as closely as possible with respect to mass and composition are single or well-separated doubles, and are at least 3 Gyears old.
Automatic identification of vehicle license plates

A new algorithm for automatic identification of vehicle license plate is proposed in this paper. The proposed algorithm uses image segmentation and morphological operation to accurately identify the location of license plate with various background illuminations. The license plate is identified in two steps. At first the original image is segmented using edge detection and morphological operations. Then, the power spectrum (PS) is analyzed in horizontal and vertical directions to identify the license plate. The magnitude of the power frequency spectrum shows special characteristics corresponding to the license plate segment. The proposed algorithm is tested with different gray level car images from different angles of view and the results are all consistent. The proposed algorithm is fast and can effectively identify license plates under various illumination conditions with high accuracy.
CLINICAL IMPLEMENTATION OF ULTRASONIC QUANTITATIVE NONDESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION OF THE HEART: A REVIEW

Diagnostic ultrasonic characterization of the heart is designed to assess the state of the myocardium with ultrasonic parameters that relate to structural or functional components of cardiac muscle. The potential cross fertilization of ideas and methods between those borne out of research in quantitative nondestructive evaluation of materials and those borne out of research in diagnostic medical applications in the area of ultrasonics represents an attractive goal. In this paper we describe our approach to tissue characterization of the heart based on quantitative ultrasonic imaging. We discuss methods of ultrasonic tissue characterization applied in laboratory and clinical investigations. Specific examples of the application of clinical quantitative tissue characterization include measurements of the hearts of patients with remote myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, acute myocardial ischemia, and hearts of patients with diabetes. The role of anisotropy in quantitative tissue characterization a...
Degradation of cytosine-containing bacterial and bacteriophage DNA after infection of Escherichia coli B with bacteriophage T4D wild type and with mutants defective in genes 46, 47 and 56

Abstract The time-course of degradation of bacterial DNA after infection of Escherichia coli B with bacteriophage T4 has been followed by means of neutral and alkaline sucrose density-gradient centrifugation. This degradation is found to occur in two stages. The first stage involves limited endonucleolytic cleavage of the DNA molecule, causing a gradual decrease in average molecular weight to a minimum of about 10 6 . There are a few single-strand breaks per double-strand fragment early in this stage but not later, indicating that both strands are broken at or near the same time. This first stage of the degradation still proceeds normally when genes 46 and/or 47 are defective. A second nuclease system is necessary to degrade these large DNA fragments to acid-soluble form. This second stage of the degradation proceeds rapidly once a fragment is attacked; little or no acid-insoluble material below a molecular weight of about 10 6 is found. Mutations in either gene 46 or 47 completely block this stage, leaving all of the bacterial DNA as fragments with a molecular weight of about 10 6 . The implications of these findings are discussed with respect to known nucleases, the phage-directed inhibition of host nucleic acid synthesis, and genetic recombination. Evidence is presented that the degradation of newly synthesized T4 DNA which occurs in infected cells lacking the phage-directed dCTPase occurs in two similar stages; in such cells cytosine is substituted extensively for the hydroxymethylcytosine normally found in T4 phage DNA. We have not determined whether the first stage of the degradation utilizes the same enzymes or factors on both host and cytosine-containing phage DNA, nor whether these enzymes are primarily of bacterial origin or represent new, phage-direeted functions. However, our evidence does establish that T4 genes 46 and 47 are essential to the second stage of degradation of both types of DNA. Although the cytosine-containing DNA produced by a triple mutant defective in genes 56 (dCTPase), 46 and 47 is not rendered acid-soluble by the cell, it is fragmented to a molecular weight of about 10 7 ; this is a sufficient explanation, though not the only one, for the failure of this mutant to produce phage particles. Possible explanations for the apparent cytosine specificity in the degradation of DNA are discussed; an attractive possibility is that the first enzyme to act on both host and phage DNA may be an endonuclease that attacks only at cytosinerich clusters.
1096 TRANSPORT OF LIPOPROTEIN CHOLESTEROL BY THE OVARY IN VIVO

High density lipoproteins (HDL) regulate cholesterol synthesis in the ovary of the rat. This study was done to characterize the cholesterol transport process responsible for the regulatory events. Rats were treated with 4-aminopyrazolopyrimidine to decrease the plasma cholesterol level from 56 to 4 mg/dl and decrease the ovarian cholesterol content from 7.70 to 4.20 mg/g. One h prior to the transport studies the rats were given aminoglutethimide. Specific lipoproteins were infused to maintain a steady-state plasma cholesterol level. The uptake of both HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C) was linear with respect to time for 4 h. The uptake of HDL-C and LDL-C was concentration dependent and demonstrated high affinity, saturable processes with Km values of 72 and 68 mg/dl and Vmax values of 0.97 and 0.74 mg/g/h for HDL-C and LDL-C respectively. hCG administration decreased the Km for HDL-C to 22 mg/dl, but did not alter the HDL-C Vmax or any of the transport parameters for LDL-C. The maintenance of normal plasma LDL levels for 24 h prior to the transport study completely blocked LDL-C uptake, but did not diminish HDL-C transport. Comparable pre-infusion studies using HDL did not alter LDL-C or HDL-C uptake. These studies show that LDL-C and HDL-C are taken up by the ovary by separate processes with different characteristics. The results suggest that HDL-C very likely provides much of the cholesterol substrate for steroid hormone synthesis in the ovary.
An interconnect model for arbitrary terminations based on scattering parameters

An interconnect model, using the equivalent circuits derived from either the recursive or the nonrecursive evaluations of the convolution integral, is presented to show how arbitrary terminations can be efficiently handled in the high-frequency simulation environment. To achieve robustness in the recursive case, the impulse response is partitioned and Prony's method is applied to extract the exponentials. With the experimental data provided by scattering parameters, the model can be formulated for nonuniform lines, MCM connectors, etc. The equivalent circuit comprises of physically realizable elements available in general-purpose circuit simulators such as SPICE, and simulation performance for several case studies shows the applicability of this model to high-frequency circuit simulation and design.
An ultra-sensitive method for quantifying magnetic media corrosion

We propose a new method for quantifying cobalt oxide on the magnetic recording media using the time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) technique. Quantification of cobalt oxide using TOF-SIMS can be achieved by the selection of a specific ratio of the mass species Co(OH) to Cr, which is found to represent the characteristics of the corrosive cobalt oxide on the media surface. By setting an appropriate threshold of this ratio at 0.1, the new method correlates very well (correlation coefficient, R2 > 90%) with the method using electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), a widely employed surface quantitative tool used to detect magnetic media corrosion. Compared with the ESCA detection limit (at 10% CoxOy), it is found that the sensitivity of the new method in detecting the cobalt oxide is much higher with an ability to detect disk media corrosion as low as a ratio of 0.02. This is in stark contrast to the ESCA method which can only detect a change in the disk media corrosion at a much higher limiting threshold at a ratio of 0.1.
Developmental changes in the sensitivity of the neonatal rat brain to hypoxic/ischemic injury.

Abstract Developmental changes in the response of the neonatal rat brain to hypoxic/ischemic injury were examined. Hypoxic/ischemic injury was produced by unilateral carotid ligation followed by exposure to hypoxia in 1-(D1), 3-(D3), 5-(D5) and 7-day-old (D7) rats. Injury was produced in most D7 animals exposed to ≥ 120 min of 7.6 or 8% oxygen after carotid ligation. The extent of neuronal injury was variable, ranging from focal neuronal death to massive infarction. In D5 and D3 animals, there was a progressive decline in the extent of neuronal injury in response to hypoxia/ischemia. In the younger animals, bilateral injury was occasionally seen. Sham-operated animals exposed to hypoxia alone had numbers of karyorrhectic neurons similar to normal control animals in all age groups. The underlying developmental changes which account for these differences are not yet known but are likely to be multiple.
Neonatal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) suppurative head and neck infections☆

Abstract We describe two cases at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia of neonates requiring surgical drainage of head and neck infections. The patients consisted of 2 males, presenting 9 and 13 days of life, respectively. Both were born via Caesarean section and were full-term deliveries without any identifiable, high-risk obstetrical issues. The infection sites were submandibular and orbital. Both of the patients grew wound cultures positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which were both sensitive to bactrim (trimetroprim-sulfamethoxazole) and in one case, resistant to clindamycin. Fevers in the neonatal period (age
Comparing Varieties of Agency Theory in Economics, Political Science, and Sociology: An Illustration from State Policy Implementation*

As rational choice theory has moved from economics into political science and sociology, it has been dramatically transformed. The intellectual diffusion of agency theory illustrates this process. Agency theory is a general model of social relations involving the delegation of authority, and generally resulting in problems of control, which has been applied to a broad range of substantive contexts. This paper analyzes applications of agency theory to state policy implementation in economics, political science, and sociology. After documenting variations in the theory across disciplinary contexts, the strengths and weaknesses of these different varieties of agency theory are assessed. Sociological versions of agency theory, incorporating both broader microfoundations and richer models of social structure, are in many respects the most promising. This type of agency theory illustrates the potential of an emerging sociological version of rational choice theory.
Improving web availability for clients with MONET

Despite the increasing degree of multi-homing, path and data redundancy, and capacity available in the Internet, today's clients experience outage rates of a few percent when accessing Web sites. MONET ("Multi-homed Overlay NETwork), is a new system that improves client availability to Web sites using a combination of link multi-homing and a cooperative overlay network of peer proxies to obtain a diverse collection of paths between clients and Web sites. This approach creates many potential paths between clients and Web sites, requiring a scalable way to selecting a good path. MONET solves this problem using a waypoint selection algorithm, which picks a good small subset of all available paths to actively probe.MONET runs on FreeBSD, Linux, and Mac OS X, and is deployed at six different sites. These installations have been running MONET for over one year, serving about fifty users on a daily basis. Our analysis of proxy traces shows that the proxy network avoids between 60% and 94% of observed failures, including access link failures, Internet routing problems, persistent path congestion, and DNS failures. The proxy avoids nearly 100% of failures due to client and wide-area network failures, with negligible overhead.
Spatial patterns of ecohydrologic properties on a hillslope-alluvial fan transect, central New Mexico

Abstract Spatial patterns of soil properties are linked to patchy vegetation in arid and semi-arid landscapes. The patterns of soil properties are generally assumed to be linked to the ecohydrological functioning of patchy dryland vegetation ecosystems. We studied the effects of vegetation canopy, its spatial pattern, and landforms on soil properties affecting overland flow and infiltration in shrublands at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge/LTER in central New Mexico, USA. We studied the patterns of microtopography and saturated conductivity (Ksat), and generally found it to be affected by vegetation canopy and pattern, as well as landform type. On gently sloping alluvial fans, both microtopography and Ksat are high under vegetation canopy and decay with distance from plant center. On steeper hillslope landforms, only microtopography was significantly higher under vegetation canopy, while there was no significant difference in Ksat between vegetation and interspaces. Using geostatistics, we found that the spatial pattern of soil properties was determined by the spatial pattern of vegetation. Most importantly, the effects of vegetation were present in the unvegetated interspaces 2–4 times the extent of vegetation canopy, on the order of 2–3 m. Our results have implications for the understanding the ecohydrologic function of semi-arid ecosystems as well as the parameterization of hydrologic models.
Philosophical Investigations Remark 43 Revisited

In the first paragraph of 43 Wittgenstein is saying that in many cases, the term 'meaning', where the concern is with the definition (= explanation) of a word, can be defined as the use of the word in the language. One can say this if one is concerned with definition, if one needs or wants to define the word 'meaning'. There is an ambiguity about whether Wittgenstein is concerned with a large class of cases of meaning or a large class of cases of word meaning. D. Gustafson argues that Wittgenstein is concerned with the former, contrasting a large class of cases of word meaning with another class of cases including the meaning of life ('On Pitcher's Account of Investigations ?43,' Philos. and Phen. Research, I967). I think that the latter reading is more plausible. Wittgenstein is concerned with a large class of cases of word meaning which is explainable by use, contrasting it with a smaller class of cases of word meaning which is not explainable in this way. Wittgenstein is not concerned enough with non-linguistic meaning such as the meaning of life or clouds meaning rain to want to set it aside here. MIore important, this reading fits in nicely with the second paragraph of 43 which most commentators simply ignore. The meaning of some words, namely some names, is explained not by use but by pointing to the bearer of the name. There are at least two reasons why Wittgenstein does not write of all word meaning in 43. First, one of Wittgenstein's main themes in the Investigations is that language is diverse and multiform. There are countless kinds of words and sentences (I I, 23). They are not countless because there is an infinite number of them but rather because there are many different ways of grouping kinds of words (17). Language does not have an essence if an essence is something present in all language which makes us
W(CO)3(PMTA = MeN (CH2CH2NME2)2) as a starting material for syntheses of W(CO)3(PR3)3, W(CO)3(η6-arene,) and the protonated W(H)(CO)3(PR3)+3 complexes

A new and improved method for the synthesis of M(CO)3(PMTA) (M = W, Mo)from M(CO)6 and PMTA (MeN(CH2Ch2NMe2)2) is described. The tridentate nitrogen ligand in W(CO)3(PMTA) is replaced, under relatively mild conditions, by tertiary phosphines (PME3, PEt3, PMe2Ph, PMePh2, PhP(CH2CH2PPh2)2, CH3C(CH2PPh2)3, and Ph2P(CH2)nPPh2 where n = 1, 2) and arenes (C6H6, MeC6H5, p-Me2C6H4,C6Me6,C6H5C1), which provides a general synthetic method for the preparation of W(CO)3(PR3)3 and (CO3(η6-arene) complexes. The reactions W(CO)3(L)3 [L = PMe3, PEt3, PMe2Ph, PMePh2, PhP(CH2Ch2PPh2)2, and CH3C(Ch2PPh2)3]with CF3SO3H in CH2Cl2 solution yield the hydrido derivaties W (H)(CO)3(L)+3 which were characterized by their 1H and 31 P NMR spectra at different temperatures. These studies show the W(H)(CO)3(L)+3 complexes to be fluxional as a result of both hydride and phosphine ligand migration.
Side by side comparison between dynamic versus static models of blood–brain barrier in vitro: A permeability study

Endothelial cells in vivo are continuously exposed to shear stress, a tangential force generated by the flow of blood across their apical surfaces that affects endothelial cell structure and function. By contrast, the Transwell apparatus cannot reproduce the presence of intraluminal blood flow that is essential for the formation and differentiation of the BBB. In contrast, the dynamic in vitro model of the BBB (DIV-BBB) mimics both functionally and anatomically the brain microvasculature, creating quasi-physiological conditions for co-culturing human and non-human endothelial cells and astrocytes in a capillary-like structure. We used intraluminal bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) co-cultured with extraluminal glial cells (C6) to obtain elevated trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and selective permeability to sucrose and phenytoin. The experiments were performed in parallel using Transwell systems DIV-BBB models and data were then cross compared. By contrast with Transwell, C6 and BAEC co-cultured in the DIV-BBB demonstrated predominantly aerobic metabolism evidenced by a robust increase in glucose consumption that was paralleled by a similar change in lactate production. BAEC exposed to glia under dynamic conditions grow in a monolayer fashion and developed a more stringent barrier as demonstrated by high TEER values and a selective permeability to [14C] phenytoin and the well-known paracellular marker [3H] sucrose. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that the exposure to intraluminal flow plays an essential role in promoting endothelial cell differentiation and increasing BBB tightness, thus making the use of the DIV-BBB well suited for pharmacological studies.
Helium-neon laser irradiation enhances DNA synthesis in a human neuroblastoma cell line

To gain further insight into the mechanism of cell photostimulation by laser light ((lambda) equals 632.8 nm), DNA synthesis was measured in the human neuroblastoma cell line BE(2)-C. Cells were irradiated at high density to establish the characteristics of cellular energy into S- phase in response to laser stimulation. BE(2)-C cells after release from a quiescent, growth arrested state exhibited increased incorporation of isotope 12 hours after replating at subconfluent density in the presence of 2.5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and [3H] thymidine. In contrast, cells replated under the same conditions, but stimulated with 15% FBS exhibited a time lag of approximately 16 hours in apparent DNA synthesis. These results were not corroborated by flow cytometry. Laser irradiation did not affect the fraction of cells entering S-phase. It therefore appears that the stimulatory effect of He-Ne laser irradiation on BE(2)-C cells is to enhance DNA synthesis while not altering the G1-S transition rate.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Betel chewing increases the skin temperature: effects of atropine and propranolol.

Although betel chewing produces sweating, facial flush and a warm sensation of the body, objective documentation of the temperature effect has not been available. In this report, the skin temperature of the ear and forehead was recorded before and during betel chewing in healthy betel chewers. Betel chewing produced a mean temperature increase of 2°C and 0.5°C, respectively, for the ear and forehead. This hyperthermic response was almost completely abolished by atropine and partially inhibited by propranolol. The present data suggest that both sympathetic and parasympathetic mechanisms are involved in the skin thermal response to betel chewing.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infectious Keratitis in a High Oxygen Transmissible Rigid Contact Lens Rabbit Model

Purpose To establish a rabbit model of infectious Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis using ultrahigh oxygen transmissible rigid lenses and characterize the frequency and severity of infection when compared to a non-oxygen transmissible lens material. Methods Rabbits were fit with rigid lenses composed of ultrahigh and non-oxygen transmissible materials. Prior to wear, lenses were inoculated with an invasive corneal isolate of P. aeruginosa stably conjugated to green fluorescent protein (GFP). Corneas were examined before and after lens wear using a modified Heidelberg Rostock Tomograph in vivo confocal microscope. Viable bacteria adherent to unworn and worn lenses were assessed by standard plate counts. The presence of P. aeruginosa-GFP and myeloperoxidase-labeled neutrophils in infected corneal tissue was evaluated using laser scanning confocal microscopy. Results The frequency and severity of infectious keratitis was significantly greater with inoculated ultrahigh oxygen transmissible lenses. Infection severity was associated with increasing neutrophil infiltration and in severe cases, corneal melting. In vivo confocal microscopic analysis of control corneas following lens wear confirmed that hypoxic lens wear was associated with mechanical surface damage, whereas no ocular surface damage was evident in the high-oxygen lens group. Conclusions These data indicate that in the absence of adequate tear clearance, the presence of P. aeruginosa trapped under the lens overrides the protective effects of oxygen on surface epithelial cells. These findings also suggest that alternative pathophysiological mechanisms exist whereby changes under the lens in the absence of frank hypoxic damage result in P. aeruginosa infection in the otherwise healthy corneal epithelium.
Predominant Clonal Accumulation of CD8+ T Cells with Moderate Avidity in the Central Nervous Systems of Theiler's Virus-Infected C57BL/6 Mice

Induction of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells bearing a high-avidity T-cell receptor (TCR) is thought to be an important factor in antiviral and antitumor immune responses. However, the relationship between TCR diversity and functional avidity of epitope-specific CD8+ T cells accumulating in the central nervous system (CNS) during viral infection is unknown. Hence, analysis of T-cell diversity at the clonal level is important to understand the fate and function of virus-specific CD8+ T cells. In this study, we examined the Vβ diversity and avidity of CD8+ T cells specific to the predominant epitope (VP2121-130) of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus. We found that Vβ6+ CD8+ T cells, associated with epitope specificity, predominantly expanded in the CNS during viral infection. Further investigations of antigen-specific Vβ6+ CD8+ T cells by CDR3 spectratyping and sequencing indicated that distinct T-cell clonotypes are preferentially increased in the CNS compared to the periphery. Among the epitope-specific Vβ6+ CD8+ T cells, MGX-Jβ1.1 motif-bearing cells, which could be found at a high precursor frequency in naive mice, were expanded in the CNS and tightly associated with gamma interferon production. These T cells displayed moderate avidity for the cognate epitope rather than the high avidity normally observed in memory/effector T cells. Therefore, our findings provide new insights into the CD8+ T-cell repertoire during immune responses to viral infection in the CNS.
Characterization of the Ustilago maydis sid2 Gene, Encoding a Multidomain Peptide Synthetase in the Ferrichrome Biosynthetic Gene Cluster

Ustilago maydis, the causal agent of corn smut disease, acquires and transports ferric ion by producing the extracellular, cyclic peptide, hydroxamate siderophores ferrichrome and ferrichrome A. Ferrichrome biosynthesis likely proceeds by hydroxylation and acetylation of L-ornithine, and later steps likely involve covalently bound thioester intermediates on a multimodular, nonribosomal peptide synthetase. sid1 encodes L-ornithine N5-oxygenase, which catalyzes hydroxylation of L-ornithine, the first committed step of ferrichrome and ferrichrome A biosynthesis in U. maydis. In this report we characterize sid2, another biosynthetic gene in the pathway, by gene complementation, gene replacement, DNA sequence, and Northern hybridization analysis. Nucleotide sequencing has revealed that sid2 is located 3.7 kb upstream of sid1 and encodes an intronless polypeptide of 3,947 amino acids with three iterated modules of an approximate length of 1,000 amino acids each. Multiple motifs characteristic of the nonribosomal peptide synthetase protein family were identified in each module. A corresponding iron-regulated sid2 transcript of 11 kb was detected by Northern hybridization analysis. By contrast, constitutive accumulation of this large transcript was observed in a mutant carrying a disruption of urbs1, a zinc finger, GATA family transcription factor previously shown to regulate siderophore biosynthesis in Ustilago. Multiple GATA motifs are present in the intergenic region between sid1 and sid2, suggesting bidirectional transcription regulation by urbs1 of this pathway. Indeed, mutation of two of these motifs, known to be important to regulation of sid1, altered the differential regulation of sid2 by iron.
Optimal PNNI complex node representations for restrictive costs and minimal path computation time

The private network-to-network interface (PNNI) protocol, which specifies how topology information is to be distributed in an ATM network, allows ATM switches to be aggregated into clusters called peer groups. Outside of a peer group its topology is aggregated into a single logical node. This method can be applied recursively so that PNNI can hierarchically aggregate network topology state information. To provide good accuracy in choosing optimal paths in a PNNI network, the PNNI standard provides a way to represent a peer group with a structure called the complex node representation. It allows the cost of traversing the peer group between any ingress and egress to be advertised in a compact form. Complex node representations using a small number of links result in a correspondingly short path computation time and therefore in good performance. It is, therefore, desirable that the complex node representation contains as few links as possible. This paper considers the class of complex node representations for which the path computation time is minimal. It assumes that the path selection is based on restrictive costs, such as bandwidth, and considers the symmetric case. It presents a method for constructing the set of the optimal complex node representations in the sense that they use the minimum possible number of links. Central to the development of this method is the establishment of the optimal substructure property of the optimal complex node representations.
Meaning of illness and self-care in patients with type 2 diabetes.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between meaning of illness, diabetes knowledge, self-care understanding, and behaviors in a group of individuals with type 2 diabetes.MethodsPatients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes completed questionnaires with measures for diabetes knowledge, self-care understanding, diet adherence, and control problems based on the validated Diabetes Care Profile, as well as a 5-factor Meaning of Illness Questionnaire (MIQ) measure. Linear regression investigated the associations between self-care outcomes and the 5 MIQ factors.ResultsAfter adjustment for possible confounders, both diabetes self-care understanding and diet adherence were negatively and significantly associated with little effect of illness. Control problems were negatively associated with degree of stress/change in commitments. Diabetes knowledge was not significantly associated with meaning of illness.ConclusionAspects of the meaning attributed to illness were significantly associated with...
Predictors of Loneliness in the Gifted Adolescent

Gifted adolescents reported degree of loneliness to be a function of anger, depression, and stressful life changes. Furthermore, the most salient aspects of depression for predicting loneliness were helplessness, social introversion, and low self-esteem. The relationship between loneliness and depression suggests further evidence of a possible success depression in certain gifted adolescents. The results help to clarify the complex relationship between loneliness and other dysphoric states in these youths.
Acid Base Disorders—Computer-Aided Learning Software on CD-ROM. James Hooper, ed. London: Association of Clinical Biochemists, 1996, $72. ISBN 1-899938-00-1.

Acid base disorders—computer-aided learning software on CD-ROM consists of two clinical cases illustrating the use of acid-base analysis in clinical decision making. In an active form of learning, the student must make choices to confirm diagnoses and make management decisions. Tutoring and “consultation” with an expert are available throughout the entire process. Incorrect diagnoses are critiqued, and the user is directed to the “library” for additional study. Multiple-choice questions are presented throughout each scenario, and a record of student performance is displayed. Each case consists of five parts: brief history, clinical assessment, chemical assessment, diagnosis and treatment, and resolution–summary. Following the case, the student is presented with several brief cases and questions. A set of essay questions are …
International financial equilibrium with risk sharing and private information

There are two economies. Within each economy individuals undergo idiosyncratic and common shocks to their endowments. The idiosyncratic shocks are independent across individuals and as such can be pooled, providing perfect mutual insurance. The common shocks are not internally insurable. The two countries can trade risk in the conmnon shocks however, and standard ideas about trade in goods apply: there is a price of foreign risk in terms of domestic risk, and beneficial trade occurs at this price. The standard idea that small countries benefit from trade goes through in the risk domain as well.
Microtubules are the only structural constituent of the spindle apparatus required for induction of cell cleavage

Structural constituents of the spindle apparatus essential for cleavage induction remain undefined. Findings from various cell types using different approaches suggest the importance of all structural constituents, including asters, the central spindle, and chromosomes. In this study, we systematically dissected the role of each constituent in cleavage induction in grasshopper spermatocytes and narrowed the essential one down to bundled microtubules. Using micromanipulation, we produced "cells" containing only asters, a truncated central spindle lacking both asters and chromosomes, or microtubules alone. We show that furrow induction occurs under all circumstances, so long as sufficient microtubules are present. Microtubules, as the only spindle structural constituent, undergo dramatic, stage-specific reorganizations, radiating toward cell cortex in "metaphase," disassembling in "anaphase," and bundling into arrays in "telophase." Furrow induction usually occurs at multisites around microtubule bundles, but only those induced by sustained bundles ingress. We suggest that microtubules, regardless of source, are the only structural constituent of the spindle apparatus essential for cleavage furrow induction.
Proton Craniospinal Radiation Therapy: Rationale and Clinical Evidence

Abstract Purpose: To review the existing evidence that supports the use of proton craniospinal irradiation (p-CSI) in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: A literature review was performed ex...
Theories of Social Conflict

Conflict results from purposeful interaction among two or more parties in a competitive setting. It refers to overt behavior rather than to potential for action and to subjective states. According to Deutsch (1973:10), "competi­ tion implies an opposition in the goals of . . . interdependent parties such that the probability of goal attainment for one decreases as the probability for the other increases." Whereas a competitive situation might exist with­ out any awareness of it by the parties concerned, according to Boulding (1963:5) conflict "is a situation of competition in which the parties are aware of the incompatibility of potential future positions and in which each party wishes to occupy a position that is incompatible with the wishes of the other." "Social" conflict refers to conflict in which the parties are an aggregate of individuals, such as groups, organizations, communities, and crowds, rather than single individuals, as in role conflict. Group conflict is used as a synonym of social conflict in this essay. Finally, social conflict refers in common usage to interaction in which the means chosen by the parties in pursuit of their goals are likely to inflict damage, harm or injury, but not necessarily in every case. With this small proviso, Coser's definition of social conflict conveys its meaning very well (1967:232): "social conflict [is] a struggle over values or claims to status, power, and scarce resources, in which the aims of the conflict groups are not only to gain the desired values, but also to neutralize. injure, or eliminate rivals. " Social conflict encom­ passes a broad range of social phenomena: class, racial, religious, and communal conflicts; riots, rebellions, revolutions; strikes and civil disorders; marches, demonstrations, protest gatherings, and the like.
The Functional Morphology and Geographical Distribution of Planktomya Henseni, a Supposed Neotenous Pelagic Bivalve11

Planktomya henseni Simroth 1896 is a pelagic bivalve widely distributed throughout the warm-temperate and tropical North and South Atlantic Ocean. It is also known from a single collection in the tropical Pacific Ocean. The geographical distribution of Planktomya is probably circumtropical.
Pulmonary function in survivors of Wilms' tumor. Patterns of impairment

Whole-lung irradiation in Wilms' Tumor patients has been given prophylactically and for treatment of metastasis. Thirty-three children with Wilm's tumor who have survived for 4 to 20 years from the time of diagnosis were avaiable for study. Whole-lung irradiation was given in doses from 1163 to 1370 rads (orthovoltage). Eighteen patients (Group N) received no irradiation to the lungs. The remaining 15 patients were divided according to whether pulmonary irradiation was given for metastatic disease (Group M--10 patients) or for prophylactic treatment (Group P--five patients). All but five patients in Group N received at least one course of actinomycin D. A routine set of pulmonary function tests was done to assess possible abnormalities of lung volume and the mechanics of breathing. Group N was normal. The findings in Group M suggested moderately reduced lung volumes and may have also reflected obstruction of the large airways and/or a limited expiratory effort. Group P had essentially normal lung volumes but also appeared to have obstruction of the larger airways. Abnormalities were generally not severe; only two patients, in Group M, were symptomatic. Excess irradiation, presence of metastatsis, additional lung irradiation, and pneumonitis may have contributed to morbidity.
Qualitative Assessment of Cognitive Skills

The author reviews issues and studies related to the nature of quantitative versus qualitative assessment of cognitive skills. It is noted that quantitative assessment has been based on the nomothetic theory of test construction. Currently, we are witnessing the emergence of a variety of modified approaches toward assessing cognitive skills; some focus more on process than product, while others emphasize detailed behavioral observations. For such approaches, the generic term "qualitative assessment" is suggested to sharpen the distinction between the new approaches and the traditional assessment techniques based on norm-referenced tests. The paper briefly reviews relevant studies published both in the United States and in the Soviet Union.