cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MR of sarcoidosis in the head and spine: spectrum of manifestations and radiographic response to steroid therapy.

PURPOSE To evaluate the role of MR in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with neurosarcoidosis. METHODS The MR studies of 24 patients who satisfied stringent criteria for the diagnosis of sarcoid were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had signs and symptoms referable to the head and/or spine. The majority, 17 patients (71% of the total), were examined at least once with gadolinium enhancement. Fifteen of 24 patients (63%) underwent serial examinations during steroid therapy. RESULTS A wide spectrum of findings was noted: white matter and periventricular high signal intensity on long-repetition-time/long-echo-time sequences, mimicking multiple sclerosis (11 patients); leptomeningeal enhancement (11 patients); brain parenchymal mass (seven patients)--six demonstrated enhancement, one did not receive contrast; lacrimal gland mass (three patients); hydrocephalus (three patients); enlarged ventricles, apparently atrophic (one patient); periventricular enhancement (three patients); extraaxial mass, mimicking meningioma (two patients); chiasmal enhancement or swelling (one patient); enhancing nerve roots (two patients); enlarged pituitary stalk (two patients); pontine infarct (one patient); and enhancing parenchymal spinal cord mass (three patients). Partial or complete resolution of the radiographic abnormality occurred in 13 of 15 cases (87%), which paralleled clinical improvement. No response was detected in the remaining two. Abnormal enhancement was the finding that was most responsive to steroid therapy, with response seen in nine of 10 patients with leptomeningeal enhancement, in six of six patients with enhancing brain parenchymal masses, in three of three patients with enhancing cord masses, and in all three patients with periventricular enhancement. CONCLUSIONS 1) MR shows a spectrum of protean central nervous system abnormalities associated with neurosarcoidosis. 2) This high sensitivity for associated abnormalities aids in differentiating central nervous system sarcoid from the many diseases that it can mimic. In particular, enhancement was a useful clue to the diagnosis in 15 of 17 cases in which it was used (88%). 3) MR demonstrates regression of central nervous system abnormalities during steroid therapy, in particular abnormal meningeal, periventricular, and parenchymal enhancement.
The Sun’s magnetic field characterized by the evolution of its minimum magnetic flux with effects from the core

Based on the successful reconstruction of the global solar magnetic field by a number of investigators it seems clear that the field strength (used here as B(nT)) has increased significantly during the last ∼300 years. However, it has been demonstrated that a weak field strength has unexpected consequences for the near Earth environment relative to the high probability of the detection of large fluence proton events. For this reason emphasis has been placed on evaluating the minimum values (Bmin) of the total magnetic flux, which upon visual examination seems to resemble variations between sequential states of equilibrium of the quiet Sun termed group one to six, which extend over several Schwabe cycles. Whereas in general the magnetic field strength B(nT) increases with decreasing cycle length, an inverse relationship can be demonstrated for the field strength with decreasing cycle length if the magnetic flux Bmax is expressed as a fraction of Bmin and can be used as a diagnostic tool. In fact, two separate trends can be identified: (1) a two-step function between two consecutive groups, and (2) three non-consecutive groups showing the common characteristic of following the termination of an extended period of low solar activity. Furthermore, it can be shown that the approach of Bmax and Bmin to each other in their temporal evolution is in an oscillating fashion. The data such developed also indicate that there may be an optimum condition for the 300-year magnetic field variations centered on an intermediate period of the well-known approximate 11-years. A highly speculative attempt is made to show that this optimum condition based on the modulation of magnetic energy may have significant contributions from the self-sustained fusion processes in the energy generating region at the center of the Sun. Based on phenomenological observations it is further speculated that varying energy generated in the core is fed into the system on time scales indicative of pressure waves, global resonant acoustic oscillations, which by superposition of amplitudes will result in varying periodicities ranging from e.g. minutes to years.
Behavioural risk factors in the reproduction of inbred and outbred oldfield mice

Abstract The present study investigated two rarely measured aspects of inbreeding depression: the relationship between inbreeding and behaviour, and the possibility that inbred individuals that survive infancy may still suffer from inbreeding depression by failing to breed or failing to show appropriate mating or parental behaviours. Specifically, the relationship between (1) behaviour at pairing and reproductive success, (2) inbreeding and reproductive success and (3) inbreeding and pairing behaviour, was examined in two subspecies of the oldfield mouse, Peromyscus polionotus Effects of parental and offspring inbreeding were separated through experimental design and analysis. Activity level during the first 25 days after pairing predicted future reproductive success: pairs that remained less active during the nocturnal (active) period were significantly less likely to breed than pairs that remained more active. Inbred females took significantly longer to produce their first litters and were less likely to produce litters than were outbred females, independently of whether females were related to their mates (i.e. whether their offspring would be inbred). Inactive pairs averaged fewer surviving pups than did active pairs. Inbreeding coefficient of female was a significant predictor of activity level in one of the two subspecies, suggesting that inbreeding may affect behaviour. Inbred adult females showed inbreeding depression in the form of lower conception rates and fewer surviving offspring, although the specific traits affected differed for the two subspecies. The implications for captive breeding programs, and likely causes of the subspecific differences, are discussed.
Analyzing modern food retailing expansion drivers in developing countries

The recent rapid growth in modern food retailing can be either driven by price decreases associated with efficiency gains in the supply chain over time, or it can be driven by growing consumer demand for nonprice characteristics, such as added convenience and higher quality goods. However, the price decreases associated with efficiency gains are likely to have a much larger effect on food demand and welfare in developing countries. Despite the importance of the question, few studies have empirically analyzed which driver has been more important to the spread of modern food retailing. Using a newly constructed data set of 103 developing countries, we find suggestive evidence of the expansion being primarily driven by growth in demand for nonprice characteristics. Specifically, we find that variation in demographic characteristics, such as share of the population who would benefit most from the convenience offered by modern formats, are associated with large variations in supermarket growth over the past decade. On the other hand, growth in modern food retailing appears uncorrelated with variation in the ease of developing efficient supply chains. Thus, although having the possibility to deliver large welfare gains to developing countries, the expansion of modern supermarkets likely has had much more muted effects. [EconLit citations: O100; L100; Q130]. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Processing of Neodymium-Iron-Boron melt-spun ribbons to fully dense magnets

Over-quenched melt-spun ribbons of nominal composition Nd 0.14 (Fe 0.91 B 0.09 ) 0.86 can be compacted to fully dense permanent magnets by hot-pressing at 700-750°C to 100 kPa (-15 kpsi). The resulting material is only slightly magnetically aligned with room temperature magnetics: B_{r}/H_{ci}\simeq 8 kG/19 kOe. Die-upsetting to a thickness reduction of 50% produces B_{r}/H_{ci}\simeq 11 kG/12 kOe and is accompanied by a lateral plastic flow of the ribbons and a corresponding ribbon thickness reduction. The alignment arises from anisotropic grain growth and grain rotation which produces platelet shaped grains oriented perpendicular to the press direction. The temperature dependence of B r for both hot-pressed (MQ2) and die-upset (MQ3) ribbons corresponds to a temperature coefficient of -0.25%/°C. The H ci temperature coefficients are -0.35%/°C and -0.45%/°C, respectively. High temperature aging in air produces negligible loss.
The stability-time hypothesis as a predictor of diversity in deep-sea soft-bottom communities: a test

Abstract In a test of Sanders' stability-time hypothesis in the deep sea, I show that the hydrodynamic regime of the HEBBLE site (40°24.0′N, 63°07.4′W) is less stable than that of the San Diego Trough (32°35.75′N, 117°29.00′W) and that this instability is important to the harpacticoid copepod fauna. Contrary to the prediction of the stability-time hypothesis, the harpacticoid diversity of the stable site was not greater than that of the unstable site.
MICROCOMPUTER USAGE AS AN OPPORTUNITY: THE INFLUENCE OF CONTEXT IN EMPLOYEE TRAINING

This study presents a test of the influence of social context on training outcomes. Specifically, the effects of labeling microcomputer usage as an opportunity were examined on computer anxiety, computer efficacy beliefs, and learning. Nonacademic university employees enrolled in an introductory microcomputer training class were assigned to a session in which microcomputer usage was randomly established as an opportunity or neutral. Two studies were conducted. Study 1 (N= 84) identified the issue characteristics of opportunities and threats as a basis to establish context. Study 2 (N= 79) reported the results of the training. Results indicated that, after controlling for pretraining expectations about microcomputer usage, trainees in the opportunity condition exhibited higher computer efficacy and learning, as well as lower computer anxiety, than trainees in the neutral condition. These findings suggest that labeling the context can be a relatively powerful training intervention. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Distortion-free imaging through inhomogeneities by selective spatial filtering

Distortion-free imaging through a system with aberrations is possible for a certain class of input. The input spatial spectrum must be restricted to spatial frequencies which are equally affected by the aberrations (i.e., which experience identical phase shifts mod 2π). We demonstrate experimentally that if the aberrations can be localized in the pupil plane, an arbitrary input can be prefiltered to produce a distribution which is imaged without distortion by an aberrant system. Equivalently, the output of the system can be postfiltered to select the information which was imaged without distortion.
Proxy validation of patient self-reports of ADL and IADL function before and after electroconvulsive therapy.

Objective To determine whether electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) patients' self-reported functional status is similar to that reported by a proxy. Background Increasing levels of depression are associated with deteriorating functional status as reflected in the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale. Depressed patients referred for ECT have poorer IADL status compared with depressed patients receiving medications, suggesting that IADL status may shape physicians' decision to recommend ECT ( 1). Further, IADL status improves with treatment of depression, both in ECT-and medication-treated patients. Given the potential importance of IADL status for ECT patients, we examined whether IADL status as reported by patients prior to ECT was comparable to IADL status as described by a proxy. Design/methods Forty depressed patients (23 men and 17 women, mean age 58.1 +/- 17.5) were each interviewed alone with the 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), an Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale, and an IADL scale. We then privately interviewed a first-degree relative who lived with each patient and recorded their impression of the patient's ADL and IADL function before ECT, and at 2 and 4 weeks after ECT. Results baseline scores for HDRS and MMSE were consistent with a severe level of depressive symptoms and intact global cognitive function. Patients' and proxies' IADL scores were highly correlated before ECT, 2 weeks after ECT, and 4 weeks after ECT. Significant, but slightly weaker correlations were seen for ADL scores. Conclusions Ideally, ADL and IADL function would be measured by direct observation rather than either patient or proxy report. At this time it is unknown whether the patient or the proxy report should be considered the "gold standard." In this study, the patients' self-reported functional scores were highly correlated with the proxies' scores. We conclude that patients' reports of their function are roughly comparable to proxies' impressions before and after ECT.
Incidence and risk factors for reoperation of surgically treated pelvic organ prolapse

The objective of our study was to estimate the incidence and to identify the risk factors for reoperation of surgically treated pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We conducted a nested case–control study among 1,811 women who underwent POP surgery from January 1988 to June 2007. Cases (n = 102) were women who required reoperation for POP following the first intervention through December 2008. Controls (n = 226) were women randomly selected from the same cohort who did not require reoperation. The incidence of POP reoperation was 5.1 per 1,000 women-years. The cumulative incidence was 5.6%. Risk factors included preoperative prolapse in more than two vaginal compartments (adjusted OR 5.2; 95% CI 2.8–9.7), history of surgery for POP and/or urinary incontinence (adjusted OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.5–7.1), and sexual activity (adjusted OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.0–3.7). The risk of POP reoperation is relatively low and is associated with preexisting weakness of pelvic tissues.
Antral follicle count: absence of significant midlife decline

Objective To examine the conventional wisdom that declines in antral follicle count accelerate after approximately 37 years of age, which has influenced clinical decision making. We critically examine evidence for this sudden acceleration. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Academic setting. Patient(s) Two hundred fifty-two white women aged 25 to 45 years with regular cycles, a community-based study. Intervention(s) Antral follicle counts were measured by transvaginal ultrasound in early follicular phase. Main Outcome Measure(s) Determination of the rate of antral follicle count decline with age. Result(s) The relationship of antral follicle count with age was determined by comparing a linear model with four nonlinear models (biphasic, quadratic, spline, and power). The linear model estimates the follicle decline as 0.97 follicles per year. The biphasic model had estimates of 0.76 follicles per year before 39.6 years of age and 1.92 follicles per year thereafter. At age 35 years the linear, quadratic, broken line, spline, and power models gave estimated declines (respectively) of 0.97, 0.94, 0.76, 0.17, and 0.90 follicles per year. At age 43 years the values were 0.97, 1.51, 1.92, 1.78, and 1.64 follicles per year. The quality of model fit was comparable for all models. Conclusion(s) Antral follicle count decline with age in a white population is best described as a gradual acceleration in decline with age. Therefore antral follicle count alone should not be used to determine aggressive treatment because of fear of rapid loss of follicles.
Human pituitary phenol sulfotransferase: biochemical properties and activities of the thermostable and thermolabile forms.

Pituitary tissue contains phenol sulfotransferase (PST), the enzyme that catalyzes the sulfate conjugation of monoamine neurotransmitters. We carried out these studies with pituitaries obtained 21.3 ±
A predicate-driven document filing system

This paper presents a predicate-driven document filing system for organizing and automatically filing documents. A document model consists of two basic elements: frame templates representing document classes, and folders which are repositories of frame instances. The frame templates can be organized to form a document type hierarchy, which helps classify and file documents. Frame instances are grouped into a folder on the basis of user-defined criteria, specified as predicates which determine whether a frame instance belongs to a folder. Folders can naturally organized into a folder organization which represents the user's real world document filing system. The predicate consistency problem is discussed to eliminate two abnormalities from a folder organization: inapplicable edges (filing paths) and redundant folders. An evaluating net (including an association dictionary, an instantiation component and a production system) is then proposed for evaluating whether a frame instance satisfies the predicate of a folder during document filing. And the concept of consistency a rule base is also discussed.
Diurnal Salivary Cortisol and Urinary Catecholamines Are Associated With Diabetes Mellitus: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

The objective was to examine the cross-sectional association of diurnal salivary cortisol curve components and urinary catecholamines with diabetes status. Up to 18 salivary cortisol samples over 3 days and overnight urinary catecholamines were collected from 1002 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Diabetes was defined as a fasting blood glucose of at least 126 mg/dL or medication use. Cortisol curve measures included awakening cortisol, cortisol awakening response, early decline, late decline, and cortisol area under the curve (AUC). Urinary catecholamines included epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Participants with diabetes had significantly lower cortisol awakening response (β = -0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.34 to -0.04) than those without diabetes in multivariable models. Whereas men with diabetes had a nonsignificant trend toward lower total AUC (β = -1.56; 95% CI, -3.93 to 0.80), women with diabetes had significantly higher total AUC (β = 2.62; 95% CI, 0.72 to 4.51) (P = .02 for interaction) compared with those without diabetes. Men but not women with diabetes had significantly lower urinary catecholamines compared with those without diabetes (P < .05). Diabetes is associated with neuroendocrine dysregulation, which may differ by sex. Further studies are needed to determine the role of the neuroendocrine system in the pathophysiology of diabetes.
DuPont multicolor holographic recording films

DuPont has developed photopolymer materials for recording volume phase holograms. These unique materials record the complete wavefront of light from an object as a periodic refractive index modulation throughout the thickness of the film. Materials have been designed and developed for reflection and transmission holograms for a variety of applications. Recently, new materials with panchromatic sensitivity, designed specifically for color display holography, have been developed. This paper presents DuPont's new color material designed for reflection display holography. An overview of the recording mechanism, holographic performance, and process of use is given. Experimental color balancing results are discussed, and performance is compared to that of a film with different color balancing characteristics.
Study abroad: A competitive edge for women?

Much attention has been given in West European societies to a high degree of segmentation in the labor market based on gender. Strong causal factors are identified in pressures upon women to conform to socially prescribed female-typed roles in the initial choice of academic subjects and as personal work-related aspirations evolve. Women do not obtain primary labor market positions due to lack of training, commitment, concern with financial remuneration, and failure to defend their positions with trade union action (Barron and Norris, 1986). Only a minority of practicing professionals are female. Women who do enter professional life are subject to role encapsulation. They are frequently relegated to ancillary positions, as distinct from managerial leadership posts which carry better prospects for career development and pay; and women pursuing careers are largely encouraged to do so within the ‘female domain’ of cultural and humanitarian concerns.
Clean Sweep: Informed Trading Through Intermarket Sweep Orders

An ISO is a limit order designated for automatic execution in a specific market center even when another market center is publishing a better quotation, as long as the trader submits concurrent orders to the other market. We find that ISOs represent 46% of trades and 41% of volume in our sample. ISO trades have significantly larger information share despite their small trade size relative to non-ISO trades. Post trade return analysis suggests that informed institutions are the main users of ISO trades.
Iterative rank estimation for generalized linear models

Abstract In this paper, the estimation of parameters of a generalized linear regression model is considered. The proposed estimator is defined iteratively starting from an initial obtained by minimizing the Wilcoxon dispersion function for independent errors. It is shown that the iterative estimator converges to the rank version of the maximum quasi-likelihood estimator as the number of iterations increases. The consistency and the asymptotic normality of the rank version of the maximum quasi-likelihood estimator are given. As in the linear model, the procedure results in estimators that are robust in the response space. This is proven theoretically via the influence function. A simulation study and a real world data example illustrate the robustness in the response space and efficiency of the estimator.
Structural Transitions Mediating Transcription Initiation by T7 RNA Polymerase

During transcription initiation, RNA polymerases appear to retain promoter interactions while transcribing short RNAs that are frequently released from the complex. Upon transition to elongation, the polymerase releases promoter and forms a stable elongation complex. Little is known about the changes in polymerase conformation or polymerase:DNA interactions that occur during this process. To characterize the transitions that occur in the T7 RNA polymerase transcription complex during initiation, we prepared enzymes with Fe-BABE conjugated at 11 different positions. Addition of H(2)O(2) to transcription complexes prepared with these enzymes led to nucleic acid strand scission near the conjugate. Changes in the cleavage sites revealed a series of conformational changes and rearrangements of protein:nucleic acid contacts that mediate progression through the initiation reaction.
Visual and auditory stores in short-term memory

If retrieval in short-term memory can be either from a pre-perceptual sensory store or from a post-perceptual memory then recall should vary as a function of input into sensory store. To test this possibility two experiments with paired associates compared visual and auditory presentation under conditions as comparable as possible. In both experiments modality interacted with retention interval: more recency with auditory but, in Experiment I, more primacy with visual. The interaction was taken as support for the hypothesis. An alternative hypothesis (that storage is post-perceptual but not a-historical) was discussed and weak negative evidence presented.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in commercial solvents.

Abstract Samples of benzene, hexane, isooctane, and toluene were examined by adsorption and partition chromatography, followed by spectroscopic analysis of the fractions. Several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were identified in all the samples. One sample of hexane contained significant concentrations of benzo[ a ]pyrene and benz[ a ]anthracene, in addition to other compounds.
Co-occurrence of disturbed sleep and appetite loss differentiates between unipolar and bipolar depressive episodes

The aim of this study was to examine whether the co-occurrence of disturbed sleep and appetite loss, two commonly encountered somatic symptoms of depression, can differentiate the clinical expression of depressive episodes between bipolar (BP) and unipolar patients (UP). Forty BP and 40 UP outpatients were interviewed through the Schedules for the Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) and the presence of sleep disturbance and appetite loss during their most severe depressive episode was determined. Other variables studied were patients' gender and age, clinical characteristics related to the course of the disease (age at onset, duration of illness, and number and frequency of depressive and manic episodes), severity of the worst major depressive episode, and presence or absence of certain associated symptoms during that episode (loss of energy, low interest, feelings of guilt and/or self-reproach, impaired concentration, suicidal ideation, and agitation or retardation). Appetite loss was found to be more frequently present in UP (78%) than BP patients (55%, P<.05). No significant difference in the occurrence of sleep disturbance was found between the two groups. Among BP patients, appetite loss was present in 73% of those with sleep disturbance vs. 33% of those without (P<.02), while no such difference in co-occurrence of sleep disturbance and appetite loss was noticed among UP patients (74% vs. 85%, respectively, n.s.); this finding did not seem to be related to differences in severity of depression among UP and BP patients. Furthermore, those BP patients with co-occurrence of the two somatic symptoms complained also of loss of energy and low interest more often than those without (P<.01 and P<.05, respectively). No similar differences were observed among UP patients. The results of the present study suggest that the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying depressive episodes may differ between BP and UP affective disorder, and that those BP patients with simultaneous occurrence of sleep disturbance and appetite loss can be considered to belong to a particular nosologic subgroup with potential therapeutic and prognostic implications.
Targeting Glutamine Metabolism in Breast Cancer with Aminooxyacetate

Purpose: Glutamine addiction in c-MYC-overexpressing breast cancer is targeted by the aminotransferase inhibitor, aminooxyacetate (AOA). However the mechanism of ensuing cell death remains unresolved. Experimental Design: A correlation between glutamine dependence for growth and c-MYC expression was studied in breast cancer cell lines. The cytotoxic effects of AOA, its correlation with high c-MYC expression, and effects on enzymes in the glutaminolytic pathway were investigated. AOA-induced cell death was assessed by measuring changes in metabolite levels by Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), the effects of amino acid depletion on nucleotide synthesis by cell cycle and BrdU uptake analysis, and activation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress mediated pathway. Antitumor effects of AOA with or without common chemotherapies were determined in breast cancer xenografts in immunodeficient mice and in a transgenic MMTV-rTtA-TetO-myc mouse mammary tumor model. Results: We established a direct correlation between c-MYC overexpression, suppression of glutaminolysis and AOA sensitivity in most breast cancer cells. MRS, cell cycle analysis and BrdU uptake measurements indicated depletion of aspartic acid and alanine leading to cell cycle arrest at S-phase by AOA. Activation of components of the ER stress-mediated pathway, initiated through GRP78, led to apoptotic cell death. AOA inhibited growth of SUM159, SUM149, and MCF-7 xenografts and c-myc overexpressing transgenic mouse mammary tumors. In MDA-MB-231, AOA was effective only in combination with chemotherapy. Conclusions: AOA mediates its cytotoxic effects largely through the stress response pathway. The preclinical data of AOA9s effectiveness provides a strong rationale for further clinical development, particularly for c-MYC overexpressing breast cancers.
Modulation of transmission at an electrical synapse in the locust movement detector system

1. Depolarising and hyperpolarising postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) can be recorded from the soma and integrating segment of the descending contralateral movement detector neuron (DCMD) of the locust,Schistocerca nitens (Fig. 1). 2. These PSPs appear to be chemically mediated and are associated with increases in membrane conductance. The threshold depolarisation of the integrating segment for spike initiation in DCMD is approximately 30 mV; the largest depolarising chemical PSP observed is less than 10 mV. None have ever been seen to give rise to spikes. 3. Spikes are initiated in DCMD by a 40 mV electrical PSP derived from a presynaptic cell, LGMD (O'Shea and Rowell, 1975). When the electrical and chemical PSPs coincide, the former are reduced in amplitude, and can fail to initiate spikes (Figs. 2, 5, 7). 4. One class of the chemical PSPs is associated with an increase in Cl− conductance and is sensitive to picrotoxin. It is elicited by visual stimulation of the opposite eye, and is probably, but not certainly, derived from the activity of the contralateral homologue of DCMD. This class of PSP is thought to contribute to the preference of DCMD for monocular, as opposed to binocular, stimuli (Figs. 2, 3, and 4). 5. Tactile stimulation of antennae or other parts of the body, or stimulation of the ventral nerve cord, produces a variety of chemical PSPs in DCMD different from those mediated principally by Cl− ions (Figs. 5, 6). These PSPs may contribute to the periodic non-responsiveness of DCMD occasionally observed in intact animals.
Preparation of 1-p-Halophenyl and 1-p-Biphenylyl Substituted Monocarbadodecaborate Anions [closo-1-Ar−CB11H11]- by Insertion of Arylhalocarbenes into [nido-B11H14]-

In the presence of a strong base, benzal chloride (C(6)H(5)CHCl(2)) and its p-substituted derivatives react with [nido-B(11)H(14)](-) to yield [closo-1-p-X-C(6)H(4)-CB(11)H(11)](-) (X = H, F, Cl, Br, I, Ph), presumably by insertion of an arylhalocarbene and oxidation. On a 1-g scale, the yields are 30-40%, except in the case of p-iodobenzal chloride, which yields only 12% of the insertion product.
Numerical accuracy of statistical algorithms for microcomputers

This paper compares the accuracy of well known matrix decomposition algorithms for solving the least squares problem to the regression procedures in several microcomputer statistical packages. A benchmark data set is employed which can be made increasingly ill-conditioned, allowing the numerical accuracy issue to be examined in the context of a continuum. The majority of packaged regression procedures are found to be less accurate than traditional mainframe algorithms implemented on the same microcomputers. None of the fifteen packages studied comes close to the accuracy of a Modified Gram-Schmidt implementation of the Householder algorithm, suggesting that there is substantial room for improvement.
Sex-Ratio Estimation, Sequential Sampling, and the Programmable Pocket Calculator

Determination of sex-ratios associated with large numbers of insects (trap catch, quadrat samples, etc.) is a recurrent problem in entomological research, frequently involving tedious microscopic examination of individuals. Considerable savings in time and money may result from use of an appropriately designed sequential sampling procedure for estimating sex-ratio. Sequential sampling has enjoyed a deserved popularity in recent years (e.g., see Gonzalez 1970), a3 an efficient means of estimating infestation levels of pest populations with regard to their location above or below a critical value (usually the economic threshold). The basic techniques for this type of sequential sampling (reviewed by Waters 1955) are, however, inappropriate for sex-ratio estimation.
Transfer between nonreward and delay of reward following minimal acquisition training

Four groups of rats were given six acquisition trials under continuous reward, continuous delay of reward, partial reward, or partial delay of reward, following which all Ss received continuous delay. It was found that the partial reward and the partial delay of reward groups were significantly more persistent during the shift phase than the continuous reward group. No differences were found over trials between either the two partial groups or between each one and the continuous delay group.
Response to Deficiency of Bradykinin Receptor B2 Is not Detrimental in Experimental Stroke

Our response was solicited by the editor based on the article by Kleinschnitz et al.1 We stand by our results that deficiency in the kinin B2 receptor exacerbates ischemic stroke deficits.2 Kleinschnitz et al1 doubt the possibility of dissecting 8 coronal sections from the mouse brain. In fact, it is easy to dissect each mouse brain into 8 serial sections using a 1-mm mouse brain matrix (RBM-2000C, ASI Instruments). We incorrectly identified the thickness as ≈2 mm instead of 1 mm per section (page 753), and cubic millimeters per rat instead of cubic millimeters per mouse (page 754).2 …
Gastrointestinal Reactions to Drugs

Truly adverse reactions to drugs, as distinguished from troublesome but acceptable side effects, often affect the gastrointestinal tract, in Cluff's series (1) of 714 patients on the Johns Hopkins medical wards during 3 months of 1964, one-third of the total reactions were gastrointestinal. He confirmed earlier studies by Barr (2), indicating that of patients admitted to his university service, 5% suffered from drug reactions, and of those, 30 R developed another drug reaction during hospitalization. About 14% of all patients developed an adverse reaction during hospitalization. Since the average patient receives 10-14 drugs during a hospitalization, and since only about 10% of significant, adverse reactions are vohmtarily reported, the potential scope of this hazard is enormous. Several factors predispose a patient to an adverse reaction to drugs. Three-quarters of the patients with allergic reactions to drugs had ulcer, ulcerative colitis or gastrointestinal neoplasms (3). These reactions occur more often in females, in patients who are given the drugs orally, in patients who receive a greater number of drugs (eleven as opposed to six drugs in those without drug reactions), and in patients with a history of drug allergy or systemic lupus erythematosus. There is a lack of epidemiologic data on other populations which are specifically at risk. When more than six
Parameterized Total Cross Sections for Pion Production in Nuclear Collisions

Abstract Total inclusive cross sections for neutral and charged pion production in proton–nucleus and nucleus–nucleus reactions have been calculated and compared to experiment. Nucleon–nucleon theoretical cross sections have been scaled up to nuclear collisions using a scaling factor similar to (APAT)2/3, where AP and AT are the nucleon numbers of the projectile and target nuclei. Variations in the power of this scaling factor have been studied and a good fit to experiment is obtained with a small modification of the power. Theoretical cross sections are written in a form that is very suitable for immediate input into transport codes.
Fundoplication After Lung Transplantation Prevents the Allograft Dysfunction Associated With Reflux

Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in lung recipients is associated with decreased survival and attenuated allograft function. This study evaluates fundoplication in preventing GERD-related allograft dysfunction. Methods Prospectively collected data on patients who underwent transplantation between January 2001 and August 2009 were included. Lung transplant candidates underwent esophageal pH probe testing before transplantation and surveillance spirometry evaluation after transplantation. Bilateral lung transplant recipients who had pretransplant pH probe testing and posttransplant 1-year forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration (FEV 1) data were included for analysis. Results Of 297 patients who met study criteria, 222 (75%) had an abnormal pH probe study before or early after transplantation and 157 (53%) had a fundoplication performed within the first year after transplantation. Patients with total proximal acid contact times greater than 1.2% or total distal acid contact times greater than 7.0% demonstrated an absolute decrease of 9.4% (± 4.6) or 12.0% (± 5.4) in their respective mean 1-year FEV 1 values. Patients with abnormal acid contact times who did not undergo fundoplication had considerably worse predicted peak and 1-year FEV 1 results compared with recipients receiving fundoplication (peak percent predicted=75% vs. 84%; p = 0.004 and 1-year percent predicted=68% vs. 77%; p = 0.003, respectively). Conclusions Lung transplant recipients with abnormal esophageal pH studies attain a lower peak allograft function as well as a diminished 1-year FEV 1 after transplantation. However a strategy of early fundoplication in these recipients appears to preserve lung allograft function.
Emotional modulation of cognitive control: Approach–withdrawal states double-dissociate spatial from verbal two-back task performance.

Emotional states might selectively modulate components of cognitive control. To test this hypothesis, the author randomly assigned 152 undergraduates (equal numbers of men and women) to watch short videos intended to induce emotional states (approach, neutral, or withdrawal). Each video was followed by a computerized 2-back working memory task (spatial or verbal, equated for difficulty and appearance). Spatial 2-back performance was enhanced by a withdrawal state and impaired by an approach state; the opposite pattern held for verbal performance. The double dissociation held more strongly for participants who made more errors than average across conditions. The results suggest that approach-withdrawal states can have selective influences on components of cognitive control, possibly on a hemispheric basis. They support and extend several frameworks for conceptualizing emotion-cognition interactions.
Substrate Dependence of Conformational Changes in the RNA-Binding Domain of Tristetraprolin Assessed by Fluorescence Spectroscopy of Tryptophan Mutants

Association of tristetraprolin (TTP) with mRNAs containing selected AU-rich mRNA-destabilizing elements (AREs) initiates rapid cytoplasmic degradation of these transcripts. The RNA-binding activity of TTP is mediated by an internal tandem zinc finger domain that preferentially recognizes U-rich RNA ligands containing adjacent UUAU half-sites and is accompanied by conformational changes within the peptide. Here, we have used analogues of the TTP RNA-binding domain containing specific tryptophan substitutions to probe the Zn2+ and RNA substrate dependence of conformational events within individual zinc fingers. Fluorescence methods demonstrate that the N-terminal, but not C-terminal, zinc finger domain adopts a stably folded conformation in the presence of Zn2+. Denaturant titrations suggest that both the N- and C-terminal zinc fingers exhibit limited structural heterogeneity in the absence of RNA substrates, although this is more pronounced for the C-terminal finger. Binding to a cognate ARE substrate indu...
Evaluation, Grading, and Use of the RIME Vocabulary on Internal Medicine Clerkships: Results of a National Survey and Comparison to Other Clinical Clerkships

Background: Evaluation methods within and across clerkships are rapidly evolving, including greater emphasis or frameworks for descriptive evaluation and direct observation of competence. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe current evaluation methods, use of the Reporter-Interpreter-Manager/Educator (RIME) framework, and grade assignment by internal medicine clerkship directors. Methods: In 2005, the Clerkship Directors in Internal Medicine surveyed its 109 institutional members. Topics included evaluation methods and grade contribution, use of evaluation sessions and/or RIME, and grade assignment (criterion referenced or normative). Results: Response rate was 81% (88/109). The evaluation methods were as follows: teachers' evaluations, 93% (64% of grade); National Board of Medical Examiners subject examination, 81% (25% of grade); faculty written exam, 34% (14% of grade); objective structured clinical examinations, 32% (12% of grade); direct observation, 22% (7% of grade). RIME is used by 42...
Prospective evaluation of the updated 2010 ACCF Cardiac CT Appropriate Use Criteria.

Background The cardiac CT Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) were updated in 2010 to reflect technical advances, evolving expert consensus, and rapidly expanding clinical evidence. Objective We evaluated the effect of the AUC update on their clinical performance, including the completeness and distribution of appropriateness ratings and test outcomes among a consecutive series of patients referred for CT angiography (CTA). Methods The 2006 and 2010 criteria were prospectively applied at the point of service to a consecutive series of patients referred for CTA at a single center (n = 1216). Patient interview and review of available health records were used to determine the CTA indication. The proportions of patients within categories of appropriate (A), uncertain (U), inappropriate (I), and not covered were described and compared between the 2006 and 2010 criteria. Results The 2010 criteria significantly reduced the proportion of uncertain (30.5%–11.4%), inappropriate (16.0%–12.9%), and no covered (12.1%–4.7%; P P = 0.03) and complete examinations (95.0% vs 90.8%; P = 0.03). Conclusion The 2010 cardiac CT AUC update lead to more complete classification and to large shifts in the appropriateness ratings, underscoring the importance of ensuring the periodic revision of AUCs for evolving imaging technologies such that they perform optimally as quality measurement and reimbursement tools.
Parity nonconservation in light hadronic systems

Abstract Parity-nonconservation experiments in light hadronic systems now provide a relatively consistent picture of the important weak coupling constants. One cause for concern is the 18 F system, which gives a limit that is becoming significantly small compared to the prediction. New results and some details of the experiments using 800 MeV polarized protons are given.
Depositional Systems of Lower Wilcox Group, North-Central Gulf Coast Basin: ABSTRACT

The lower Wilcox Group (Eocene) of Louisiana, End_Page 1826------------------------------ Mississippi, and Alabama consists of deposits of four principal depositional systems: (1) the Holly Springs delta system which is volumetrically the largest system; (2) the Pendleton bay-lagoon system which extends into eastern Texas; (3) a restricted shelf system east of the delta system; and (4) an unnamed fluvial system which crops out along the flanks of the northward-trending Mississippi trough. Sandstone isolith maps outline the geometry of the delta mass and show at least three lobe complexes separated by mud-rich interdeltaic subembayments. Detailed facies maps, on which information derived primarily from electric logs is used, allows recognition of seven principal component facies of the delta system: (1) bar-finger sand facies; (2) interdistributary bay mud-salt facies; (3) distributary channel sand facies; (4) prodelta mud facies; (5) distributary mouth bar-delta front sand facies; (6) interdistributary deltaic plain sand-mud-lignite facies; and (7) destructional phase sand-mud-lignite facies. Two principal types of delta lobes differentiated by their areal geometry, internal facies relations, and distributary channel development, can be recognized in the Holly Springs delta system. Bird-foot lobes were constructed where distributaries prograded over thick prodelta mud sequences; thinner, more lobate shoal-water delta lobes formed on shallow, sandy shelves or on foundered plains of older deltas. A distinct correlation between depositional environment and the production of oil exists in the Holly Springs and Rockdale delta systems, which comprise the lower Wilcox of southeast Texas. Sand units associated with facies of the distal margins of individual delta lobes or with the destructional units are the most prolific reservoirs, and production is therefore centered along the flanks of the major lobe complexes where maximum delta destruction and interfingering with marine mud occurred. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1827------------
Electron Transfer Ion/Ion Reactions in a Three-Dimensional Quadrupole Ion Trap: Reactions of Doubly and Triply Protonated Peptides with SO2·−

Ion−ion reactions between a variety of peptide cations (doubly and triply charged) and SO2 anions have been studied in a 3-D quadrupole ion trap, resulting in proton and electron transfer. Electron transfer dissociation (ETD) gives many c- and z-type fragments, resulting in extensive sequence coverage in the case of triply protonated peptides with SO2•-. For triply charged neurotensin, in which a direct comparison can be made between 3-D and linear ion trap results, abundances of ETD fragments relative to one another appear to be similar. Reactions of doubly protonated peptides with SO2•- give much less structural information from ETD than triply protonated peptides. Collision-induced dissociation (CID) of singly charged ions formed in reactions with SO2•- shows a combination of proton and electron transfer products. CID of the singly charged species gives more structural information than ETD of the doubly protonated peptide, but not as much information as ETD of the triply protonated peptide.
Learning a Potential Function From a Trajectory

This letter concerns the use of stochastic gradient systems in the modeling of the paths of moving particles and the consequent estimation of a potential function. The work proceeds by setting down a parametric or nonparametric model for the potential function. The method is simple, direct, and flexible, being based on a linear model and the least squares. Explanatories, attractors, and repellors may be included directly. The large sample distribution of the estimated potential function is provided, under specific assumptions. There are direct extensions to updating, sliding window, adaptive, robust, and real-time variants. An example analyzing the path of an elk is presented.
Ovarian Cancer Development and Metastasis

The biology of ovarian carcinoma differs from that of hematogenously metastasizing tumors because ovarian cancer cells primarily disseminate within the peritoneal cavity and are only superficially invasive. However, since the rapidly proliferating tumors compress visceral organs and are only temporarily chemosensitive, ovarian carcinoma is a deadly disease, with a cure rate of only 30%. There are a number of genetic and epigenetic changes that lead to ovarian carcinoma cell transformation. Ovarian carcinoma could originate from any of three potential sites: the surfaces of the ovary, the fallopian tube, or the mesothelium-lined peritoneal cavity. Ovarian cacinoma tumorigenesis then either progresses along a stepwise mutation process from a slow growing borderline tumor to a well-differentiated carcinoma (type I) or involves a genetically unstable high-grade serous carcinoma that metastasizes rapidly (type II). During initial tumorigenesis, ovarian carcinoma cells undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, which involves a change in cadherin and integrin expression and up-regulation of proteolytic pathways. Carried by the peritoneal fluid, cancer cell spheroids overcome anoikis and attach preferentially on the abdominal peritoneum or omentum, where the cancer cells revert to their epithelial phenotype. The initial steps of metastasis are regulated by a controlled interaction of adhesion receptors and proteases, and late metastasis is characterized by the oncogene-driven fast growth of tumor nodules on mesothelium covered surfaces, causing ascites, bowel obstruction, and tumor cachexia.