cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Central stimulants as discriminative stimuli: asymmetric generalization between (-)ephedrine and S(+)methamphetamine

Central stimulants readily serve as training stimuli in drug discrimination studies and typically substitute for one another in tests of stimulus generalization regardless of which is used as training drug. We have previously found that, although substitution occurs between (+)amphetamine and (-)ephedrine, substitution did not occur upon administration of S(+)methamphetamine to (-)ephedrine-trained animals. In the present investigation, rats were trained to discriminate S(+)methamphetamine (1 mg/kg) from saline vehicle and tests of stimulus generalization were performed with several stimulants, including (-)ephedrine. The S(+)methamphetamine stimulus (ED(50)=0.06 mg/kg) generalized to R(-)methamphetamine (ED(50)=1.61 mg/kg), S(+)amphetamine (ED(50)=0.28 mg/kg), S(-)methcathinone (ED(50)=0.21 mg/kg), methylphenidate (ED(50)=0.28 mg/kg), cocaine (ED(50)=3.68 mg/kg) and (-)ephedrine (ED(50)=13.1 mg/kg). Hence, stimulus generalization between S(+)methamphetamine and (-)ephedrine is apparently asymmetrical. In a companion study, R(-)methamphetamine was administered to rats trained to discriminate (-)ephedrine (4 mg/kg); substitution occurred and R(-)methamphetamine (ED(50)=0.92 mg/kg) was found to be nearly equipotent with (-)ephedrine (ED(50)=0.8 mg/kg). Although the exact basis for the observed results are unclear, they are discussed in terms of the different effects of (-)ephedrine and the methamphetamine optical isomers on neurotransmitter release and reuptake.
On Total Least-Squares Adjustment with Constraints

For calibration purposes, oftentimes various datasets are compared in such a way that observations enter the coefficient matrix of a Linear Model ("errors-in-variables"). In such a case, the Total Least-Squares approach would be appropriate that was pioneered by G. Golub and C. van Loan in the early eighties. In essence, rather than solving the usual normal equations system for the estimated parameters, the smallest singular values of a slightly extended system is set to be zero, and its eigenvector is re-scaled to provide the estimated parameter vector. The authors have recently presented their studies that show the potential of this technique to provide improved variograms for geostatistical Kriging applications.
ADAMTS-13 in traumatic brain injury?

In this issue of Blood , Wu et al report that following traumatic brain injury (TBI) von Willebrand Factor (VWF) is released, binds to microvesicles, and results in vascular leakage and coagulopathy, findings that were reversed by a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin (ADAMTS-13). 1
How long do patients with advanced cancer survive after discharge to sub-acute rehabilitation?

67Background: Patients with advanced cancer inevitably experience a functional decline diminishing quality of life. Many are admitted to the hospital due to progression of disease and become further deconditioned. Discharge to sub-acute rehabilitation (SAR) to "gain strength" for future anti-cancer therapy is common as participation in more intensive rehab therapy is rarely possible. In this study, we wished to determine the length of survival after discharge to SAR and if factors such as pre-hospitalization ECOG correlated with increased length of survival. Methods: At our 926-bed urban academic center, we performed a retrospective chart review from June 2015 to January 2017 of hospitalized patients with solid cancers who were subsequently discharged to SAR. Patients were excluded if they had surgery, a cerebrovascular event during their hospitalization or no post-hospital oncology follow-up plan. The primary outcome was death. Results: Fifty-six patients were identified (median age 69, range 28-95; 87% ...
Persistent disparities in breast cancer surgical outcomes among hispanic and African American patients.

Abstract Background Racial disparities among patients who receive breast mastectomy and reconstruction have not been well characterized. Methods Records of patients undergoing breast extirpative and reconstructive surgery at a high-volume university-affiliated hospital over 5 consecutive years were reviewed. Patient demographics, breast cancer profiles, reconstructive modality, and outcomes were compared by race. Results A total of 1045 patients underwent 1678 breast reconstructions during the five-year period. Mean age and standard deviation was 49.8 ± 10.6 years with a BMI of 27.9 ± 6.5. Hispanic and African American patients had significantly higher BMIs (p Conclusions Compared to other patients, the present study identifies higher comorbidity burdens, higher rates of prior radiation and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and higher post-surgical complication rates among Hispanic and African American patients with breast cancer.
A holistic approach for predicting links in coevolving multiplex networks

Networks extracted from social media platforms frequently include multiple types of links that dynamically change over time; these links can be used to represent dyadic interactions such as economic transactions, communications, and shared activities. Organizing this data into a dynamic multiplex network, where each layer is composed of a single edge type linking the same underlying vertices, can reveal interesting cross-layer interaction patterns. In coevolving networks, links in one layer result in an increased probability of other types of links forming between the same node pair. Hence we believe that a holistic approach in which all the layers are simultaneously considered can outperform a factored approach in which link prediction is performed separately in each layer. This paper introduces a comprehensive framework, MLP (Multiplex Link Prediction), in which link existence likelihoods for the target layer are learned from the other network layers. These likelihoods are used to reweight the output of a single layer link prediction method that uses rank aggregation to combine a set of topological metrics. Our experiments show that our reweighting procedure outperforms other methods for fusing information across network layers.
Radiomics of 18F Fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT Images Predicts Severe Immune-related Adverse Events in Patients with NSCLC.

A nomogram model consisting of a radiomics score obtained from pretreatment PET/CT images, immunotherapy type, and dosage has the potential to identify patients at higher risk of having severe immu...
Maldigestion Versus Malabsorption in the Elderly

To evaluate recently published information about the frequency of maldigestion and malabsorption in older individuals, likely diagnoses causing these problems, and the diagnostic scheme when these diagnoses are being considered. Although the prevalence of malnourishment and frank malnutrition may be increasing among older adults admitted to the hospital, this appears to be due to reduced food intake rather than maldigestion or malabsorption. The mechanisms of food digestion and absorption seem to be resilient, even in old age, but concurrent illness may produce malabsorption in older individuals. Illnesses that may be more common among the elderly include small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, enteropathies, vascular disease, diabetes, and certain infections, such as Whipple’s disease. In addition, older adults may have had previous surgeries or exposure to medicines which may induce malabsorption. The presentation of maldigestion and malabsorption in the elderly may be different than in younger individuals, and this may contribute to delayed recognition, diagnosis, and treatment. Diagnostic testing for maldigestion and malabsorption generally is similar to that used in younger patients. Maldigestion and malabsorption occur in older individuals and require a high level of suspicion, especially when weight loss, sarcopenia, or nutrient deficiencies are present.
Inguinal Hernia Repair – Open Tissue Repair (Bassini)

An asymptomatic inguinal hernia may be observed. Symptomatic hernias should be repaired. There is a wide variety of techniques for repairing an inguinal hernia. When performing an open hernia repair, the standard of care involves placement of a mesh to avoid recurrence. When the field is infected, a tissue only repair should be performed. The present chapter describes a Bassini repair of an inguinal hernia.
Patient-Perceived Nasal Appearance After Septorhinoplasty With Spreader Versus Extended Spreader Graft.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Standard spreader grafts (SSGs) are commonly used in septorhinoplasty to treat internal nasal valve narrowing and have been shown to improve nasal airway obstruction. Extended spreader grafts (ESGs) have also been proven effective for correcting nasal deviation. To date, the effectiveness of ESGs using patient-reported outcome measures has not been demonstrated, and results of ESGs have not been compared to SSGs. This study aims to assess satisfaction and nasal appearance in patients who have undergone septorhinoplasty with SSG versus ESG. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHODS Five hundred sixty-eight patients who underwent septorhinoplasty with SSGs and 126 patients who underwent septorhinoplasty with ESGs between 2012 and 2018 were administered the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and FACE-Q Satisfaction With Nose, FACE-Q Satisfaction With Nostrils, and FACE-Q Social Functioning scales pre- and postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative NOSE and FACE-Q scores, negative inspiratory force (NIF), and changes in these values were compared between groups. RESULTS Results demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvement at follow-up for both groups. There was no significant difference between the SSG and ESG groups in mean improvement of NOSE scores, FACE-Q scores, and NIF at follow-up of 6 months and at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that SSGs and ESGs both provide clinically and statistically significant improvement, and no significant difference in functional outcome. Both techniques can be effective. The etiology of the nasal obstruction and/or deformity should be considered when deciding which type of spreader graft to use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Laryngoscope, 131:765-772, 2021.
107. GETTING TO THE ROOT CAUSE: RESIDENT ENGAGEMENT IN A MORBIDITY, MORTALITY, & IMPROVEMENT CURRICULUM WITHIN A LARGE PEDIATRIC TRAINING PROGRAM

Residents are exposed to medical errors during their training. The ACGME emphasizes the importance of patient safety and medical error analysis in a residency curriculum. Understanding root cause analysis (RCA) is an important component of a morbidity, mortality, and improvement (MMI) curriculum, enriching patient safety education. The objectives are to (1) engage residents in a mock RCA, (2) increase resident comfort in reporting medical errors, and (3) increase resident awareness of patient safety opportunities. Our MMI curriculum incorporated a mock-RCA workshop which highlighted a medical error that occurred due to poor patient hand-off. Residents assumed multiple roles (including that of chief quality officer) and were guided through an RCA. They identified the safety event, deviations from standard of care, and corrective actions to mitigate recurrence. Using a 5-point Likert scale survey, we assessed residents on their understanding of the RCA process, confidence in identifying safety events and deviations in care, willingness to report a medical error, and perceived ability to identify QI opportunities in the workplace. 100% strongly agreed or agreed that they had a better understanding of the RCA process (n = 20). 95% either strongly agreed or agreed that they felt confident in identifying safety events and deviations in care. Regarding likelihood to self-report a medical error or one made by a colleague, 95% strongly agreed or agreed with both statements. All residents strongly agreed or agreed with their ability to identify QI opportunities in day-to-day patient care. Lastly, 85% either strongly agreed or agreed that they had become more actively interested in participating in a QI project involving patient safety. Medical errors provide opportunities for residents to learn and take corrective actions. An MMI curriculum, focused through the lens of an RCA, is an opportunity for residents to gain a better understanding of how medical errors are identified and engage residents in QI science on a hospital-wide level.
Learning about Internal Capital Markets from Corporate Spin-offs

We examine the investment behavior of firms before and after being spun off from their parent companies. Their investment after the spin-off is significantly more sensitive to measures of investment opportunities ~e.g., industry Tobin’s Q or industry investment! than it is before the spin-off. Spin-offs tend to cut investment in low Q industries and increase investment in high Q industries. These changes are observed primarily in spin-offs of firms in industries unrelated to the parents’ industries and in spin-offs where the stock market reacts favorably to the spin-off announcement. Our findings suggest that spin-offs may improve the allocation of capital. THE PREVAILING MODEL OF THE F IRM in corporate finance envisions money f lowing in from the capital and product markets and f lowing out as investment spending, dividends, and debt payments. A recent line of research has been examining what actually happens when the money is inside the firm ~Lamont ~1997!, Shin and Stulz ~1998!, Scharfstein ~1998!, Rajan et al. ~2000!!. How, for example, does corporate headquarters allocate funds across business and geographic units? If information and agency problems exist between headquarters and the external capital market—a theme that runs through a good deal of the corporate finance literature—does it also exist between headquarters and business units in the internal capital market? If so, do such problems distort investment allocations within the firm? Understanding how internal capital markets work is important for two reasons. First, the relative efficiency of internal and external capital market transactions is a critical element in defining the boundaries of the firm, much in the same way that the relative efficiency of internal and external product-market transactions is important ~Coase ~1937!!. Second, internal capital markets are an empirically important mechanism by which capital is
Online Ratings and Perceptions of Pediatric Otolaryngologists.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS To assess and characterize online ratings and comments on pediatric otolaryngologists and determine factors that correlate with higher ratings. STUDY DESIGN Online database analysis. METHODS All American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) members were queried on Healthgrades, Vitals, RateMDs, and Yelp for their online ratings and comments as of June 2020. Ratings were normalized for comparison on a five-point Likert scale. All comments were categorized based on context and positive or negative quality. RESULTS Of the 561 ASPO members, 489 (87%) were rated on at least one online platform. Of those rated, 410 (84%) were on Healthgrades, 429 (88%) on Vitals, 236 (48%) on RateMDs, and 72 (15%) on Yelp. Across all platforms, the average overall rating was 4.13 ± 0.03 (range, 1.00-5.00). We found significant positive correlations between overall ratings and specific ratings (P < .001) on all individual topics. In addition, the majority of all narrative comments were related to perceived physician bedside manner and clinical outcome, with negative comments correlating negatively with overall score (P < .05). Time spent with the physician was the only category in which both positive and negative comments showed significant correlation with the overall physician rating (P = .016 and P = .017, respectively). Attending a top-ranked medical school or residency program did not correlate with higher or lower ratings. CONCLUSIONS Online ratings and comments for pediatric otolaryngologists are largely influenced by patient and parent perceptions of physician competence, comforting bedside manner, and office and time management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 131:2356-2360, 2021.
Development of Aerospace Power System Laboratory for Advanced Research and Undergraduate Education

This paper presents the theory, implementation, and assessment of a laboratory course designed to teach aircraft electrical power system and Multi-energy to engineering students. A key element of the course is the use of electrical power generation and distribution systems in the laboratory setting. The Aerospace Electrical power system course (AEPS) is the core topics for today’s electrical engineering students in the aerospace background University. With the rapid development of More Electrical Aircraft /All Electrical Aircraft, today's electrical engineers need the ability to design multi-energy integrated electrical systems. In order to train such engineers, this course is needed to highlight the unique engineering challenges of more-electrical energy systems. It is hoped that after paying attention to the use of power generation and distribution systems in the laboratory environment, the students' grades in this course will be improved to a certain extent. Students design, test, and analyze electrical power system with tools used widely in industry (such as MATLAB/Simulink and RT-LAB 5700 Hard-In-Loop platform). Several typical electrical power system experiments are presented, as well as detailed descriptions of several open-ended design projects: a digital controller for aerospace synchronized generator and a full PWM converter for HVDC power system, solid state power distribution, electrical power system testing and power quality analyzing or assessing. The experimental project has a positive impact on the student’s course learning, and to some extent improves their academic performance, and makes the distribution of their performance more reasonable.
Perspectives in Avoidance-Preference Bioassays

Although behavioral endpoints are used in hazard assessment, establishment of water quality criteria and assessment of a contaminant`s hazard to aquatic life rely primarily on standard acute and chronic toxicity tests. Sublethal effects of pollutants should, however, be of major concern because more organisms experience sublethal rather than acutely or chronically lethal exposures of contaminants. The avoidance-preference approach to behavioral bioassays is very useful in screening pollutants for which the mechanisms of perception or response are largely unknown. The underlying philosophy of these studies is that an animal which perceives a chemical can be attracted or repulsed by it. No response is frequently assumed to indicate lack of perception. All three responses have broad ecological implications. The authors discuss the conditions required for performing avoidance-preference bioassays, as well as their sensitivities, advantages, and limitations. In this regard, a comparative approach is used in examining the results of avoidance-preference bioassays with zebrafish in two different apparatuses. Finally, they compare the results of avoidance-preference studies with other measures of the behavioral toxicity of lead to tadpoles.
Comparative study on the management of sustainable touristic development in Brasov and Brussels counties.

For decades, tourism has experienced steady growth and has strengthened its role in the economy, turning into a real industry that generates annual revenues exceeding 1.3 billion $ and created more than 260 million employments. With such performance, there is a pressing need to turn our attention to all the advantages and disadvantages that such development brings. Specifically, we must consider the impact of the tourism industry upon the socio-cultural, economic and environmental levels, in order to generate solutions that will ensure a healthy and responsible growth, ensuring the future of touristic destinations. To find a balance between the needs of tourists, host communities and the environment, reducing conflict and acknowledging mutual dependence, it takes a special approach in the management of destinations. This study aims to bring light to the need for sustainable development which appeared in today's society and continues the practice of a proper management of destinations, based on a comparison of documented scientific research methods between the two counties, Brussels and Brasov.
Cigarette Smoking Prevention Effects of Mass Media and School Interventions Targeted to Gender and Age Groups

Abstract This study showed that a combination of school and mass media interventions can significantly reduce cigarette smoking prevalence throughout adolescence. The school smoking prevention program included a four-year curriculum taught by usual classroom teachers to students beginning in grades five, six, and seven. These activities were complemented by a mass media campaign conducted over the same four years. The media campaign included brief messages especially developed for six age- and gender-defined subgroups of young people using diagnostic and formative research methods. These messages were broadcast with purchased time in radio and television programs preferred by these target audiences. To assess the additional impact obtained by combining the media campaign with the school program, these interventions were provided to young people in two communities while those in two similar communities received only the school program. Results from in-school surveys conducted beginning in grades four, five...
Phenylhydrazono-phenylazo tautomerism : Part I. xylo-4,5,6-trihydroxy 2-oxo-1,3-bis(phenylhydrazono)cyclohexane and 4-oxo-1-phenyl-5-phenylazo-3-pyridazine derivatives☆

Abstract The positions of the phenylhydrazono groups in xylo -4,5,6-trihydroxy-2-oxo-1,3-bis(phenylhydrazono)cyclohexane were established by degradation of the compound with sodium metaperiodate and identification of the reaction product. The dialdehyde initially formed by periodate oxidation (but not isolated) cyclized to 4-oxo-1-phenyl-5-phenylazo-3-pyridazinecarboxaldehyde, which gave a crystalline methyl hemiacetal, an oxime, a semicarbazone, and, by oxidation, the corresponding monocarboxylic acid and sodium salt. Upon treatment with phenylhydrazine at 50°, the carboxaldehyde gave a red, crystalline phenylhydrazone which, with phenylhydrazine at 130°, gave a product that appears to be 4-oxo-1-phenyl-5-phenylhydrazo-3-pyridazinecarboxaldehyde phenylhydrazone. The reactions provide a route to a series of pyridazine derivatives which may prove valuable for the synthesis of unusual compounds for biological and medical research. xylo -4,5,6-Trihydroxy-2-oxo-1,3-bis(phenylhydrazono)cyclohexane exists in a yellow keto form and in a red enolic form. On warming in toluene, the yellow form gives the red form, which has an enolic phenylhydrazono-phenylazo structure.
Use of Domain Knowledge for Requirements Validation

This paper reports reuse of generic domain knowledge in the form of templates, patterns or cliches to aid requirements capture and validation. These templates are retrieved through machine-based analogical matching. A cooperative paradigm for domain knowledge reuse is proposed. Human interpretation of templates is needed to maximise benefits from knowledge reuse, necessitating explanation and exploration of domain templates.
Secretin tests with bilumen gastroduodenal drainage in infants and children.

Construction and use of a bilumen gastroduodenal tube for infants are illustrated and discussed. Secretin tests are recorded in 12 normal infants and children, 11 with cystic fibrosis of the pancreas, two with celiac disease and one each with lipoid pneumonia and salmonella enteritis. In control patients, secretin produced an approximately 4-fold increase of the 20 minute volume of flow and an increase of the pH and titrable alkalinity. Amylase and trypsin decreased in concentration but increased in total quantity per unit time. Bilumen gastroduodenal drainage is practical in the small infant. Employment of this and secretin together is believed to increase the reliability of duodenal drainage without adding significantly to the difficulty of the procedure.
Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Posttranslationally Modified Proteins

The majority of proteins are posttranslationally modified. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) have been found to modify a wide variety of biological and biophysical properties, including structure, biophysical stability and dynamics, enzymatic activity, protein-protein interactions, protein-ligand interactions, and protein half-life within the cell. Virtually every analytical technique that can be used to analyze proteins in general can and has been used to analyze posttranslationally modified proteins. A vast array of both enzymatic and nonenzymatic protein modifications have been identified and characterized, which can make comprehensive analyses of all possible modifications difficult. Owing to the enormous scope of this topic, this article focuses on the analytical techniques that are probably most broadly applicable and widely used for wide-scale analyses of posttranslationally modified proteins, namely mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to various separations technologies. Some technical and experimental details on the analyses of three heavily studied classes of PTM have been provided — phosphorylation, N-linked glycosylation, and nonenzymatic oxidation. While we will be using these three classes of modifications in order to provide focus to our discussion, we will attempt to use these specific examples to illustrate broadly applicable techniques, as well as issues that often lead to difficulties and conflict between the experimental designs required for thorough quantitative and qualitative analyses of posttranslationally modified proteins.
Plant evolutionary ecology.

The concept of plant venereal disease is examined from definitional, operational and axiomatic viewpoints. The transmission of many plant pathogens occurs during the flowering phase and is effected either by pollinators or by wind dispersal of spores from inflorescences. Attraction of insects by pseudo-flowers or sugary secretions also serves to spread many diseases. Given the diversity of processes involved, a simple all-encompassing parallel with animal venereal diseases is not possible. Operationally establishing the routes of disease transmission, as well as quantifying the relative magnitudes of these different routes, remains critical for understanding disease dynamics and controlling spread in agricultural contexts. From an axiomatic viewpoint, sexually transmitted diseases are characterized by frequency-dependent transmission, transmission in the adult stage, and by virulence effects involving sterility rather than mortality. These characteristics serve to differentiate the dynamics and evolution of sexually transmitted diseases from that of other diseases and are features that are also shared by many pollinator-transmitted diseases. However, the majority of plant diseases that involve the reproductive structures show a rich biology that defies easy categorization. The experimental convenience of plants and their pathogens is likely to play an important role in understanding the evolution of disease traits, irrespective of what descriptive terms are applied to the natural history of the transmission process.
Clinical Interviewing Techniques and Sexuality Questionnaires for Male and Female Cancer Patients

Abstract Introduction Sexuality is an important aspect of quality of life; however, cancer and its treatments may impact the sexual function of men and women. Both cancer survivors and healthcare providers have barriers to addressing sexual problems in the clinical encounter. Aim To summarize the key points from the two authors' oral presentations at the Cancer Survivorship and Sexual Health Symposium, International Society for Sexual Medicine‐Sexual Medicine Society of North America (ISSM‐SMSNA) Joint Meeting, Washington, DC, June 2011. Methods To describe patient‐centered communication skills that can improve communication without excessively increasing the length of the visit. To review the validated sexuality measures that can assist clinicians in gathering sexual health information and assessing the response to therapeutic interventions for sexual problems. Main Outcome Measures Sexual health interviewing skills including screening, assessment, open‐ended questions, empathic delineation, and counseling are discussed. Key sexuality scales including the rationale for their use, psychometric properties, and patient‐reported outcomes are summarized. Results Optimal approaches to the spectrum of communication challenges in the male and female sexual health encounter are exemplified. Advantages and limitations of the array of measures, including structured interviews, self‐administered questionnaires, daily diaries, and event logs, are explained. Conclusions Practitioners can improve their detection and management of sexual concerns in cancer survivors by employing efficient patient‐centered communication skills in conjunction with validated sexuality scales.
Rapid inpatient/outpatient desensitization for chemotherapy hypersensitivity: Standard protocol effective in 57 patients for 255 courses

Abstract Objectives. Hypersensitivity reactions (HR) to chemotherapy often prompt permanent discontinuation and deprive the patient of the most active regimen. We investigated the safety and effectiveness of a rapid desensitization protocol used in inpatient and outpatient settings for patients with HR to various chemotherapy and related agents. Methods. A 3-solution, 12-step protocol delivered doubling drug doses by step, infusing the target dose over 5.8 h for inpatient and 3.8 h for outpatient administration. Results. 57 consecutive patients who had moderate to severe HR to chemotherapy were evaluated for desensitization. All 57 patients successfully completed 255 courses of desensitization (127 to carboplatin, 114 to paclitaxel, and 14 to four other agents) where 16 patients received 51 courses in the outpatient setting (34 to carboplatin and 17 to paclitaxel). 225 courses (88.2%) were completed without any HR. 18 patients had breakthrough symptoms (BS) over 30 courses (11.8%) that were less severe than their initial HR. After management of breakthrough symptoms, these patients finished all 30 courses and tolerated subsequent desensitizations on a modified protocol. 21 of 26 patients (81%) with HR to carboplatin had positive skin tests to carboplatin. Cancer response to chemotherapy administered by desensitization was within the expected range after 1–3 years of follow-up. Conclusion. The rapid desensitization protocol was safe and effective in both the inpatient and outpatient settings and allowed appropriate patients with moderate to severe HR to continue chemotherapy. This study warrants the incorporation of the protocol into standard clinical practice.
The Use of Daily Fetal Movement Records in a Clinical Setting

A variety of biochemical and biophysical techniques are used for the assessment of fetal well-being in high-risk pregnancy. Based on clinical experience, the daily fetal movement record has been found to be an inexpensive, noninvasive, simple tool that may be used for the continuous assessment of the fetus by the mother. The daily fetal movement record may predict fetal distress occurring in the interim between other assessments. Patients are instructed to count the number of fetal movements perceived in a 30-minute period, three times per day. The daily fetal movement record is a screening tool that may signal the need for further fetal well-being assessment. The tool promotes the mother's active participation in assessment of her high-risk fetus and may encourage maternal-fetal attachment.
Comparative changes in hepatic DNA, RNA, protein, lipid, and glycogen induced by a subtoxic dose of CCl4 in chlordecone, mirex, and phenobarbital pretreated rats.

Abstract Male Sprague-Dawley rats (200–250 g) were maintained on a normal powdered diet or on a similar diet containing 10 ppm chlordecone (CD), 10 ppm mirex (M) or 225 ppm phenobarbital (PB) for 15 days. On day 15, the animals received a single i.p. administration of CCl 4 (100 μ kg ). Hepatic DNA, RNA, protein, lipid and glycogen were determined 1, 4, 6, 12, 24 and 36 h after CCl 4 administration. A significant decrease (18 %) in hepatic protein was observed 24 h after CCl 4 challenge in the CD-pretreated rats; significant changes were not observed in the other treatment groups. Hepatic RNA was decreased (37%) in CD-pretreated rats at 36 h; no changes were observed in the DNA content. Hepatic RNA and DNA were increased (20% and 16%, respectively) 6 h after exposure to CC1 4 alone. Lipid content was increased at all time points starting at 4 h in response to CCl 4 challenge in the CD-pretreated rats. In the M- and PB-pretreated rats increases in hepatic lipid (22 and 28%, respectively) were observed only at the 6-h time point. Only a transient increase occurred after CCl 4 alone at 4 h. While depletion of hepatic glycogen was manifested in all groups at all time points following CCl 4 , that in the CD + CCl 4 group was the greatest. A recovery of glycogen beginning at 12 h was observed in the rats receiving CCl 4 alone and in the M and PB pretreated animals. No such recovery was evident in CD + CCl 4 group. These studies indicate that biochemical changes compatible with cellular death are more pronounced in the CD-pretreated rats than in those receiving CCl 4 alone, suggesting that the metabolic and supportive biochemical mechanisms for hepatocellular repair are suppressed in rats receiving CD + CCl 4 .
Foreign Competition for the U.S. banking world

Abstract A study of 66 New York branches, agencies and subsidiaries of foreign banks was undertaken to evaluate marketing planning strategies. Opinions and perceptions towards planning and promotional options of key officials of foreign banks were examined. Using canonical statistical techniques the analysis differentiated between the various types of strategies by organizational form as well as by regional affiliation. The survey concluded that while promotional philosophies may be somewhat similar, the planning process differs significantly between branches and agencies.
Persistent effects of wildfire and debris flows on the invertebrate prey base of rainbow trout in Idaho streams

Wildfire and debris flows are important physical and ecological drivers in headwater streams of western North America. Past research has primarily examined short-term effects of these disturbances; less is known about longer-term impacts. We investigated wildfire effects on the invertebrate prey base for drift-feeding rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum) in Idaho headwater streams a decade after wildfire. Three stream types with different disturbance histories were examined: 1) unburned, 2) burned, and 3) burned followed by debris flows that reset channel morphology and riparian vegetation. The quantity of macroinvertebrate drift (biomass density) was more variable within than among disturbance categories. Average body weight and taxonomic richness of drift were significantly related to water temperature and influenced by disturbance history. During the autumn sampling period, the amount of terrestrial insects in rainbow trout diets varied with disturbance history and the amount of overhead canopy along the stream banks. Results indicate that there are detectable changes to macroinvertebrate drift and trout diet a decade after wildfire, and that these responses are better correlated with specific characteristics of the stream (water temperature, canopy cover) than with broad disturbance classes.
Population dynamics of splitnose rockfish (Sebastes diploproa) in the Northeast Pacific Ocean

We developed an age-structured population model of splitnose rockfish, Sebastes diploproa, in the Northeast Pacific Ocean. Splitnose rockfish is a bycatch species that co-occurs with several commercially important species that are currently declared overfished. Bycatch species are typically not the focus of stock assessment efforts because of their limited economic importance, but they may suffer the same population declines as species with which they co-occur. To examine the dynamics of splitnose rockfish for the first time, we analyzed data from three groundfish fisheries and four research surveys conducted in the Northeast Pacific Ocean. To develop a model, we used Stock Synthesis, a statistical framework for the construction of a population dynamics models utilizing both fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data. In the model, we reconstructed the total catch of the species back to 1900, estimated the dynamics of the stock spawning output and recruitment and evaluated biomass depletion relative to the stock's unfished state, as well as sources of uncertainty in model outputs. The results indicate that the splitnose rockfish is currently not overfished even though it has experienced several periods of abrupt decline in its biomass. Revisiting age data from earlier years, monitoring fishery discard, and investigating the spatial dynamics of splitnose rockfish is important to further improve the understanding of this species’ population dynamics, and decrease uncertainty in model results.
The importance of surgical staging in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Abstract Objectives: Progress in the therapy of malignant pleural mesothelioma is limited by the lack of an adequate staging system and controversy about prognostic factors. This surgical series was analyzed to determine whether a new TNM staging system proposed by the International Mesothelioma Interest Group and certain prognostic factors could stratify patients in future clinical trials. Methods: Thoracotomy was performed if computed tomographic scans showed resectable tumor confined to one hemithorax. Pleurectomy/decortication was done if visceral pleural tumor was minimal, and extrapleural pneumonectomy was done for more locally advanced disease. Complete resection was defined as no gross residual tumor. Adjuvant therapy was given as required by serial clinical trials. Patients had computed tomographic scans every 3 months until death. Prognostic factors were examined by log-rank and Cox regression analyses. Results: From October 1983 to July 1994, a total of 131 thoracotomies were performed, resulting in 101 resections, 72 of which were complete. Extrapleural pneumonectomy was done in 50 patients and pleurectomy/decortication in 51. The ratio of men to women was 108:23. Median age was 63 years (range 32 to 80 years). Operative mortality was five of 131 patients (3.8%), three of 50 in the group having extrapleural pneumonectomy (6%). Ninety-five of the 131 tumors were epithelial. Fifty-one of 89 patients (57%) having node dissections had diseased nodes, 45 (50%) N2. By univariate analysis, type of resection, T and N status, stage, histologic type, and adjuvant therapy, but not gender or age, significantly affected survival. Type of resection, stage, and histologic type were significant in a multivariate analysis. Local recurrence occurred mainly after pleurectomy/decortication, and distant metastases developed after extrapleural pneumonectomy. Conclusions: (1) N2 nodal disease is more frequent than previously reported; (2) the prognostic importance of histologic type is confirmed; (3) both T and N status influence outcome, and the International Mesothelioma Interest Group staging system successfully identifies patients whose prognosis is poor; (4) despite more locally advanced disease in most patients with extrapleural pneumonectomy, that approach provided better local control than pleurectomy/decortication but failed to improve survival because of distant metastatic disease. Contrary to past practice, future clinical trials should stratify for histologic type, must control for TNM stage, and must consider the impact of type of surgical resection on the pattern of relapse. (J THORAC CARDIOVASC SURG1996;111:815-26)
Analysis of fretting conditions in pinned connections

A 2-dimensional, finite element model of a pinned connection, involving AA7075-T6 aluminum alloy sheet and aluminum and steel pins, is used to evaluate the local mechanical parameters that control fretting wear damage. These include the contact pressure, the slip amplitude, the tensile stress parallel to the hole interface and a fretting wear (F1) and fretting fatigue (F2) parameter. The connection is subjected to cyclic loading with a peak nominal stress of σ = 125 MPa and R = 0.1. The dimensions and constraints of the model approximate those of multi-riveted panels. Values of interference in the range 0–2% interference, and 2 values of the coefficient of friction, μ=0.2 and μ = 0.5, are examined. The variations of the mechanical parameters with angular position about the hole are defined. Peak contact pressures in the range p = 500–600 MPa are obtained at the pin-bore interface. The slip amplitudes in the range 2 μm < δ < 20 μm, and circumferential tensile stresses as high as σ ≈100 MPa, are produced in regions where the contact pressure is generally above p = 400 MPa. The peak values of the fretting wear parameter, 0.3 kPa m < F1 < 3 kPa m, coupled with small slip amplitudes and specific wear rates cannot account for significant material loss in the stiff model connection examined here. However, the relatively large fretting fatigue parameter values, 6 × 1010 Pa m < F2 < 70 × 1010 Pa m, could promote early fretting fatigue failure in the absence of interference.
Estimating the Welfare Cost of Tax Preferences

This paper develops an estimate of the welfare cost of tax preferenees, or "loop-holes," in the federal individual income tax. Items given preferential treatment are considered as a composite good with a distortion in its relative price due to exclusion from taxation. In 1974, the welfare cost is estimated to be $7.9 billion, or 6.7% of tax revenue. Most of this welfare cost is borne by the higher income classes; and when this cost is considered to be part of the tax burden, the degree of progressivity of the tax is increased. An estimate of the marginal welfare cost of tax preferences is also developed.
Histological techniques for preservation of alginate bead structural integrity using glycolmethacrylate

AbstractThe applications of alginate as a drug delivery vehicle and 3D cell culture scaffold have become increasingly popular in the fields of biomaterials and tissue engineering. Although histological analysis of intact alginate scaffold and cells is a critical aspect of investigations, the existing methods of histological processing often lead to distortions in the scaffold shape, resulting in poor image quality and misrepresentation of the cellular environment. For this reason, the use of glycol methacrylate (GMA) has been explored as an embedding material of alginate scaffolds for histological analysis of embedded cells. The results of the present study demonstrated that soaking alginate scaffolds in a barium chloride solution prior to fixation in neutral buffered formalin (NBF) was a critical step for maintenance of the structure. By slowly infiltrating the hydrogel matrix with GMA using a commercially available embedding kit, the techniques developed in the present study allowed preservation of algi...
Use of protein kinase C inhibitors results in rapid [Mg2+]i mobilization in primary cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells : are certain protein kinase C isoforms natural homeostatic regulators of cytosolic free Mg2+

Abstract The effects of five different protein kinase C inhibitors—calphostin C, chelerythrine, bisindolylmaleimide I, staurosporine and Go6979—on intracellular free magnesium ([Mg 2+ ] i ) content and mobilization were investigated in primary, cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells. All these protein kinase C inhibitors significantly and rapidly increased [Mg 2+ ] i both in normal media (1.2 mM Mg 2+ ) and in Mg 2+ free media. These data suggest that the increments of [Mg 2+ ] i , induced by the diverse protein kinase C inhibitors, are derived from the release of bound intracellular Mg 2+ and that activation of protein kinase C isozymes are normally responsible for helping to maintain basal levels of [Mg 2+ ] i in rat aortic smooth muscle cells.
Froment's paper sign and Jeanne's sign—Unusual etiology

Positive Froment's paper sign and Jeanne's sign are an indication of ulnas nerve palsy. However, these signs are not always present in ulnas nerve palsy. Described below is a case in which both of these signs were present secondary to a shortened thumb metacarpal in the absence of an ulnas palsy. Other causes of these signs are also reported.
Servo System For Phase Control Of HF Chemical Lasers

For the coherent optical recombination of high power HF chemical laser beams such as master and slave oscillator array (MASOA) or coherent optical adaptive technique (COAT), a wide bandwidth servo system is required to control the phases of the laser beams. A phase-control servo system using a rate feedback and a laser Doppler sensor was designed. Its performance was simulated on a CDC7600 computer. Laser frequency drift was modeled by a Gaussian Markov random process and the mechanical response of the PZT mirror-driver was modeled by a transfer function. The result indicated that a rms steady-state phase error of less than 3 deg. can be achieved. More detailed discussion on the servo system design and simulation will be given.© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Remyelination of central nervous system lesions in experimental genital herpes simplex virus infection.

Abstract To study spinal cord remyelination in a model of genital herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection, adult female mice were inoculated by a vaginal route. At intervals up to 6 months after infection, cord tissues were removed and examined by light and electron microscopy and by immunohistochemical methods. As a consequence of acute infection, 60% of mice developed multifocal central nervous system (CNS) demyelinative lesions in the lower thoracic, lumbar, or upper sacral cord. These lesions, already present 10 days after infection, contained naked axons and mononuclear cells, including macrophages. At 2 weeks, while active myelin breakdown was still ongoing, numerous Schwann cells were present in lesions and surrounded denuded axons. At 3 weeks, the earliest remyelination was seen, and was carried out by Schwann cells and to a lesser extent by oligodendrocytes. Remyelination was extensive by 6–10 weeks and was apparently completed after 3 months. Immunocytochemical studies using antisera to myelin proteins showed relatively distinct zones of central and peripheral remyelination in some lesions, whereas remyelination was of mixed type in others. Thus the remyelinative response following experimental HSV-2-induced CNS demyelination begins promptly, proceeds briskly and goes to completion. With a natural route of inoculation and a relatively avirulent strain of this human pathogen, we have produced a model of CNS white matter injury and repair in a high proportion of infected mice that may be useful in understanding mechanisms of human demyelinative disease.
Structures of the SUMO E1 provide mechanistic insights into SUMO activation and E2 recruitment to E1

E1 enzymes facilitate conjugation of ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins through adenylation, thioester transfer within E1, and thioester transfer from E1 to E2 conjugating proteins. Structures of human heterodimeric Sae1/Sae2-Mg·ATP and Sae1/Sae2-SUMO-1-Mg·ATP complexes were determined at 2.2 and 2.75 A resolution, respectively. Despite the presence of Mg·ATP, the Sae1/Sae2-SUMO-1-Mg·ATP structure reveals a substrate complex insomuch as the SUMO C-terminus remains unmodified within the adenylation site and 35 A from the catalytic cysteine, suggesting that additional changes within the adenylation site may be required to facilitate chemistry prior to adenylation and thioester transfer. A mechanism for E2 recruitment to E1 is suggested by biochemical and genetic data, each of which supports a direct role for the E1 C-terminal ubiquitin-like domain for E2 recruitment during conjugation.