cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Syndrome of Carcinoid and Acquired Valve Lesions of the Right Side of the Heart

Recent papers by Biorck and Rosenbaum have revived interest in the rare disease characterized pathologically by carcinoid of the small intestine, metastases to the liver, acquired nonrheumatic disease of the tricuspid and pulmonic valve, and angiomas in the skin. Clinically the condition is characterized by dramatic episodes of flushing, mottling of the skin, diarrhea, dyspnea and ultimately by congestive failure. Probably 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) liberated from the carcinoid tumors induces the vascular changes. The suggestion is set forth that an antagonist to this compound might reduce the symptoms and perhaps favorably affect the course of the disease. Two cases are reported.
Calculation of the Three-Dimensional Structures of Two Antigenic Sequences, Pro–Pro–Pro–Pro–Asn–Pro–Asn–Asp–Pro and Pro–Pro–Pro–Pro–Asn–Pro–Asn–Asp–Pro–Pro–Pro, of the Circumsporozoite Protein From a Malaria-Causing Plasmodium

Using the chain build-up procedure based on the program ECEPP, we have computed the lowest energy structures for two terminally blocked subsequences from the antigenic circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium berghei, that is known to cause malaria in animals. The full antigenic sequence is an octapeptide proline-rich tandem repeat, (Pro–Pro–Pro–Pro–Asn–Pro–Asn–Asp)2. We computed the structures for the first octapeptide plus one Pro from the second octapeptide, terminally blocked CH3CO–Pro–Pro–Pro–Pro–Asn–Pro–Asn–Asp–Pro–NHCH3 as well as the first octpeptide with an additional three Pro residues from the adjoining unit, i.e., CH3CO–Pro–Pro–Pro–Pro–Asn–Pro–Asn–Asp–Pro–Pro–Pro–NHCH3. We find that the first sequence adopts a number of different low energy structures, the most probable of which has a probability of occurrence of 56 %. Addition of two more Pro residues results in the adoption a single, unique lowest energy structure that has a probability of occurrence of over 95 % without solvation effects and 86 % when solvation effects are included in the calculations. We predict that this structure may be the one recognized as a major antigenic determinant.
Vibrational Local Modes in DNA Polymer

Where the translational symmetry of a long polymer chain is interrupted, characteristic vibrations of the molecule are possible in which only those atoms at or relatively near the defect site partake of the motion. This contrasts with the more common vibrational states in which the motion propagates along the chain as a sound wave. Examples of readily producible local defects include broken bonds, missing atoms or groups, and extra links as are found, e.g., in thymine dimers. For each different defect, the spectrum of local mode frequencies is characteristic of its structure. Hence the local modes give direct information about the nature of the defect and can serve as a diagnostic signature of the polymer chain lesion. We have developed and are using algorithms and fortran code to predict the existence and nature of local modes based on their atomic structures. We have studied examples of different defects and found their eigen-frequencies and eigenvectors. For the simplest case of a broken hydrogen bond in a single A-T unit in a long homopolymer dA.dT chain, we display stereo views of the vibrating unit side-by-side with the undisturbed molecule for the three local modes occurring below 300 cm-1 in frequency.
The rapid isolation of a regenerating rat liver DNA nucleotidyltransferase fraction which shows a preference for native DNA as primer.

Abstract Difficulties were encountered in the preparation of a regenerating rat liver DNA nucleotidyltransferase fraction which shows a preference for native DNA as primer, using the published methods. An alternative procedure is reported for the rapid isolation of a similar fraction. The crude enzyme extract was chromatographed on Sephadex G-200 in 1 M NaCl at pH 8.0, and two peaks of DNA nucleotidyltransferase activity were resolved. The second of these peaks showed a marked preference for native DNA as primer (three times more effective) and represented a recovery of 80–90 % of the activity with native DNA primer initially applied to the column. This fraction was essentially free of deoxyribonuclease activity and the optimum conditions for the DNA nucleotidyltransferase reaction were pH 9.1 and 16 mM Mg2+ concentration.
Segmental and propriospinal projection systems of frog lumbar interneurons

Spinal interneuronal networks have been implicated in the coordination of reflex behaviors and limb postures in the spinal frog. As a first step in defining these networks, retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was used to examine the anatomical organization of interneuronal circuitry in the lumbar spinal cord of the frog. Following neuronal degeneration induced by spinal transection and section of the dorsal and ventral roots, HRP was placed at different locations in the spinal cord and the positions of labeled neuronal cell bodies plotted using a Eutectics Neuron Tracing System. We describe four spinal interneuronal systems, three with cell bodies located in the lumbar cord and one with descending projections to the lumbar cord. Interneurons with cell bodies located in the lumbar cord include: (1) Lumbar neurons projecting rostrally. Those projecting to thoracic segments tended to be located in the lateral and ventrolateral gray and in the lower two-thirds of the dorsal horn, with projections that were predominantly uncrossed. Those projecting to the brachial plexus and beyond were located in the dorsal part of the dorsal horn (uncrossed) and in the lateral, ventrolateral, and ventromedial gray (crossed). (2) Lumbar neurons with segmental projections within the lumbar cord. These neurons, which were by far the most numerous, had both uncrossed and crossed projections and were distributed throughout the dorsal, lateral, ventrolateral, and ventromedial gray matter. (3) Lumbar neurons projecting to the sacral cord. This population, which arose mainly from the dorsal horn and lateral or ventrolateral gray, was much smaller than in the other systems. Neuronal density of some of these populations of lumbar interneurons appeared to vary with rostrocaudal level. Finally, a population of neurons with cell bodies in the brachial and thoracic segments that projects to the lumbar cord is described. The most rostral of these neurons were multipolar cells with uncrossed projections, while those with crossed projections were confined almost exclusively to the ventral half of the cord. The distribution of spinal interneurons reported here will provide guidance for future studies of the role of interneuronal networks in the control of movements using the spinal frog as a model system.
A far-field superposition method for 3D FDTD simulations of light scattering from multiple biological cells

A linear superposition method for estimating the plane wave farfield scattering pattern from multiple biological cells computed by the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method is presented. The method allows the FDTD simulation results of scattering from a small number of complex scatterers, such as biological cells, to be used to estimate the farfield pattern from a large group of those same scatterers. This method can be used to reduce the computational cost of FDTD simulations by allowing a single large scattering problem to be broken into smaller problems with more practical computational requirements. It has been found that the method works best in cases where there is little multiple scattering interaction between adjacent cells, so the farfield pattern of multicell geometry can simply be calculated as a phase-adjusted linear superposition of the scattering from individual cells. A strategy is also presented for choosing the minimum number of cells in cases with significant multiple scattering interactions between cells.
Kinetics of intracellular redistribution of phytochrome in Avena coleoptiles after its photoconversion to the active, far-red-absorbing form.

The kinetics of the intracellular redistribution of phytochrome (sequestering) in Avena sativa L. coleoptiles following a brief, saturating actinic pulse of red (R) light have been determined. Immunocytochemical labelling of phytochrome with monoclonal antibodies showed that at 22°C sequestering can occur within 1–2 s from the onset of R irradiation and is dependent upon the continued presence of the far-red-absorbing form of phytochrome (Pfr). The initial rate, but not the final extent, of sequestering is reduced by lowering the temperature of the tissue to 1°C. Sequestering at 22°C appears to involve two distinct stages: (1) a rapid association of Pfr with putative binding sites initiates the sequestered condition, following which (2) these sites of sequestered phytochrome appear to aggregate. Neither of these two processes was affected by the cytoskeletal inhibitors colchicine or cytochalasin B. Phytochrome sequestering therefore resembles R-light-induced phytochrome pelletability with respect to kinetics, temperature sensitivity, and dependence upon the continued presence of Pfr in the cell.
Similar Outcomes of Surgical and Medical Treatment of Intra-abdominal Abscesses in Patients With Crohn's Disease

Background & Aims It is not clear whether medical therapy, surgery, or both is the best approach for patients with Crohn's disease who develop an intra-abdominal abscess. Methods We evaluated data from patients with Crohn's disease who were diagnosed with a radiologically confirmed abdominal abscess (enhancing fluid collection, ≥1 cm) from 1999 to 2006 (n = 95; median age, 42.0 y; 50.5% female). Medical/nonsurgical methods (percutaneous aspiration ± drain placement) were used for 55 patients (mean abscess size, 6.9 ± 3.2 cm), and 40 patients underwent surgical interventions (laparotomy ± bowel resection; mean abscess size, 7.5 ± 3.7 cm). We investigated risk factors for abscess recurrence. Results The median length of hospitalization was 15.5 days for patients who underwent surgery and 5.0 days for patients who did not ( P P = .25). Histories of perianal or active ileal disease predicted abscess recurrence. Initiation of pharmacologic therapy after drainage reduced the risk for abscess recurrence ( P P = .001) in all patients, whereas immunosuppressive monotherapy, compared with no therapy, had a trend toward significant risk reduction ( P = .06). Conclusions Among patients with Crohn's disease who have intra-abdominal abscesses, nonsurgical and primary surgical management strategies result in similar rates of abscess recurrence and complications. Initiation of anti–tumor necrosis factor and/or immunosuppressive therapy when abscesses resolve might protect against intra-abdominal penetrating disease.
Acriflavin resistance in the hemoflagellate, Leishmania tarentolae.

The accumulation, metabolism, and distribution of acriflavin (acr) in two culture strains of Leishmania tarentolae were studied. One strain, reported previously, was sensitive to the dye, i.e. became dyskinetoplastic and could not be subcultured in the presence of 470 ng/ml acr, and one was resistant. Accumulation was studied by fluorescence of the dye within cells and by uptake of acr-(3)H by cells. Metabolism was studied by paper chromatography of aqueous extracts from cells grown with acr-(3)H, and distribution was examined by fluorescence and quantitative electron microscope radioautography. Substances affecting the response to acr included hemin and an acr-sensitizing factor initially obtained from red cells but here shown to be distinct from hemoglobin. In the presence of the sensitizing factor or in the absence of hemin, the resistant strain became dyskinetoplastic and could not be subcultured. Acr fluorescence appeared in the nucleus of the resistant strain, and the percentage of radioautography grains appearing in the nucleus increased. Under these conditions the distribution of radioactivity from chromatographed extracts was altered from the normal in a similar fashion. Because sensitization of the resistant strain is associated with increased amounts of acr in the nucleus, that organelle may be implicated in the mode of action of acr. In general, the two strains behaved alike except for (a) the response to acr, (b) the arginine requirement for optimal growth, and (c) the sensitivity to cycloheximide. Thus, one cannot exclude the wider possibility that acr may act on the cytoplasm and the nucleus as well as on the mitochondrion.
Compositional patterning in immiscible alloys driven by irradiation

Ion-beam mixing of immiscible alloys is viewed as a competing dynamic process, where irradiation-induced mixing opposes thermal decomposition. The external perturbation drives the system away from equilibrium, and in the long-time regime the system can exhibit phase and microstructural modifications. Due to the nonequilibrium nature of the process, the steady state depends explicitly on the details of the interplay between irradiation and the internal kinetics of the alloy. In particular, we have recently developed a continuum model that takes into account the finite range of atomic relocations during collision cascades [R. A. Enrique and P. Bellon, Phys. Rev. Lett. 84, 2885 (2000)]. Using this model, we have shown that self-organized compositional patterns can spontaneously appear if the range of atomic relocations is large enough, and we have introduced a dynamical phase diagram describing the steady state regimes as a function of the forcing and material parameters. In this paper we follow up with the analysis of the continuum model, and we consider the problem of fluctuations. In order to study the phenomenology and test the predictions, we perform kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of an immiscible binary alloy undergoing finite-range atomic relocations. The simulations show that compositional patterns at the nanometermore » scale can indeed be stabilized, and that the behavior of those patterns as a function of the control parameters can be suitably described by our continuum model, and previous theory of fluctuations in driven alloys. The results corroborate the idea that irradiation can be used as a processing tool to synthesize nanostructures.« less
Abstract 5354: Neuropeptide Y as a prognostic marker of colorectal cancer

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Introduction: Colorectal cancer affects a large population not only in the United States but worldwide and is one of the major causes of mortality due to cancer. Among the numerous risk factors that might lead to the incidence and development of this disease, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have been identified as a very prominent factor and patients are at much higher risk of developing colorectal cancer in their lifetime. Objective/Hypothesis: As chronic inflammation leads to colorectal cancer and among the various neuromediators, the neuropeptides, particularly neuropeptide Y (NPY) is associated with the development and progression of IBD and as NPY has the potential to augment inflammation and angiogenesis through its Y2 receptor we hypothesize that NPY is an important regulator of the process of development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Results: Our results show that the expression of both NPY its Y2 receptor is upregulated in an axozymethane / dextran sodium sulphate (AOM/DSS) induced mouse model of inflammatory CRC. Upregulation of NPY in AOM/DSS induced CRC in mice is associated with increased angiogenesis. NPY Y2 receptors are expressed in these angiogenic vessels. Furthermore, this upregulation of NPY and Y2 receptor is also related to higher expression of the inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, that has been shown to promote progression of carcinogenesis in AOM/DSS induced CRC mouse models. Our in vitro studies show that NPY can promote angiogenic potential of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (migration and permeability) through Y2 receptors present in these cells. Conclusion: We here show for the first time that NPY might be associated with the progression of inflammatory colorectal cancer and hence may serve as a prognostic marker of the disease. Citation Format: Chandrani Sarkar, Debanjan Chakroborty. Neuropeptide Y as a prognostic marker of colorectal cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5354. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5354
Modeling Dipeptides as ACE Inhibitors and Bitter‐Tasting Compounds by Means of E‐State Structure‐Information Representation

Topological Structure-Information Representation (SIR) serves as the basis for QSAR model development on two data sets of dipeptides. Data sets of both bitter-taste (48 compounds) and angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibition (58 compounds) were analyzed by means of multiple linear-regression methods to produce QSAR models that relate structure to property. For the bitter-taste data set, two variables describe the data well, both being whole-molecule descriptors: (1)chi(v) (molecular connectivity first-order valence index) and SHBa (sum of E-State indices for H-bond acceptors) yield r(2)=0.88, s=0.22. External validation and cross-validation indicate that the model may be predictive. For the ACE-inhibition data set, five variables produced a satisfactory model. Four of the descriptors relate to amino acid side chains: the E-State polarity/non-polarity index Q(v) (for position A adjacent to the N-terminus; Fig. 1) and the E-State index s(2) (for the backbone position of substitution), along with the square of the molecular connectivity path-four valence index ((4)chi(PC); for side chain B adjacent to C-terminus) and the E-State index s(5) (for the attachment point of the side chain B (Fig. 1)). Together with the E-State whole-molecule descriptor for internal H-bonding (five skeletal bonds; SHBint5), the five variables form a predictive model (r(2)=0.88, s=0.36). Both external-test and cross-validation-test statistics indicate that the model may be predictive. This study is the first investigation in which E-State descriptors are developed for amino acid side chains.
Inhibition of the production of a soluble helper mediator by cyclosporin A results in the failure to generate alloreactive cytolytic cells in mixed-lymphocyte culture☆

Abstract The mechanism of action of cyclosporin A (CsA) in inhibiting the induction of alloreactive cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) in mixed-lymphocyte culture (MLC) was investigated. CsA at concentrations of 10 −3 to 10 −1 μg/ml completely prevented the generation of CTL. However, the addition of culture supernatants from mitogen-activated lymphocytes to MLC not only significantly reversed the suppressive effect of CsA but also fully restored the reactivity of lymphocytes already treated with CsA. By measuring the presence of a soluble helper mediator (SHF) in MLC supernatants, we found that CsA-treated lymphocytes produced no SHF, possibly interleukin 2 (IL-2). The effect of CsA on receptors for IL-2 was subsequently studied and it was found that the binding capacity of 125 I-labeled IL-2 to lymphocytes was not altered by the presence of CsA. These findings suggest that the prevention of helper cells from producing SHF, rather than the inhibition of the response of effector cells to SHF, is a possible explanation for the immunosuppression mediated by CsA.
Role Analysis of Teachers Certified in Teaching Students Who Are Deaf/Hard of Hearing Who Team-Teach in Co-Enrollment Classrooms:

A descriptive study was conducted to determine which of six teaching roles teachers of students who are deaf or hard of hearing used most often in co-enrollment classrooms with students who were deafl hard of hearing. The roles were (a) teaching students who are deaf or hard of hearing only, (b) teaching whole class, (c) interpreting, (d) teaching mixed groups of deaf and hearing, (e) teaching only hearing students, and (e) other teaching duties. Four teachers of students who are deaf or hard of hearing in primary co-enrollment classrooms were participants. Pre-service teachers enrolled in deaf education practica experiences observed the teachers and tabulated the frequency of each role. The results indicated that teachers engaged in teaching deaf students only most often, followed by teaching whole class, and interpreting. When teachers were grouped by grade level, teachers in the older grade classrooms functioned primarily as teachers of students who are deaf/heard of hearing and teachers in the younger...
Th1 genetic adjuvants modulate immune responses in neonates.

Abstract In these studies, we address the ability of DNA encoding Th1 cytokines to bias the isotype of antibody raised by neonatal or adult immunization with an influenza hemagglutinin expressing DNA (HA-DNA). Neonatal mice coimmunized with HA-DNA and either IL-12 or IFN-γ-expressing DNA developed IgG2a-biased immune responses, regardless of inoculation method. In contrast, the Th1 genetic adjuvants had no effect on IgG subtype patterns in adults. In neonatal mice, the Th1 genetic adjuvants also shifted the pattern of lymphokine production by recall splenocytes from a mixed response of IFN-γ and IL-5 to exclusively IFN-γ. In adults, despite the failure to change the isotype pattern of the antibody response, a shift towards IFN-γ production also occurred for recall splenocytes following coimmunzation with IL-12. Thus, coinoculation of Th1 genetic adjuvants had greater effects on the nature of the immune response in the neonate than in adults.
Standardized videotaped procedure for evaluating withdrawal-emergent tardive dyskinesia in a public residential facility

Two videotaping procedures (one-camera and two-camera) for assessing tardive dyskinesia (TD) and stereotypies were contrasted. Videotapes were subsequently rated utilizing the Dyskinesia Identification System—Condensed User Scale, which was developed in the context of a neuroleptic drug withdrawal regimen to assess abnormal involuntary movements in a developmentally disabled population. Results suggest that both videotaping procedures are able to detect TD-like movements, but that more movements are detected with the two-camera procedure, (full-view and close-up) than with the one-camera (full-view only) procedure. These procedures are applicable to clinical settings for TD monitoring.
A homopolymer of the potent antitumor drug 2′-deoxy-5-fluorouridylate

Abstract Poly(5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridylic acid) was synthesized and its properties were compared with those of poly(dT) and poly(dU). It readily complexed with poly(dA). The 1:1 complex melted at about 20°C lower than poly(dA) · poly(dT). A triple-stranded helix, poly(dA)·2 poly(dF 5 U) was formed only in high salt (2.0 M NaCl).
Managing buyer-seller system cooperation with quantity discount considerations

In this paper we explore cooperative relationships between two members in a simple buyer-seller system where the buyer is in a monopolistic position. We begin with a situation where the seller, as the leader, has the power to enforce his strategies on the buyer, but vice versa is not true. We then extend our analysis to a situation wherein the buyer can also influence the seller's decisions and address the issue of system cooperation. We illustrate the mutual incentives for cooperation and individual disincentives for cooperation. A quantity discount scheme is developed to implement a profit sharing mechanism for achieving equal division of additional cooperative system profits.
Afro-American Scholars in the University Roles and Conflicts

Afro-American scholars recruited by historically white universities during the past two decades faced a number of complex issues about their role and function within the institutions. In addition to expectations concerning research and teaching, various institutional interests sought to appropriate the energies of new arrivals. The conflicting role expectations often influenced the work and position of Afro-American intellectuals in academe.
Plasma Free, Phospholipid-Bound and Urinary Free Choline All Decrease During a Marathon Run and May Be Associated with Impaired Performance

Background: Previous investigations have shown that plasma free choline decreases during long distance running.Objective: This study was undertaken to determine if body choline status changes during a marathon run and whether performance is thereby adversely affected.Design: Twenty-three accomplished marathon runners 25 to 49 years of age were studied before and after the 1997 Houston-Methodist Marathon. Fasting blood and five-hour urine samples were obtained in the morning, 14 days prior to the race, immediately after the race and approximately 48 hours after completion of the race. Runners were asked to predict their finish times two weeks prior to the race. Performance was indicated by the ratio of predicted to actual time.Results: Both plasma free and phospholipid-bound choline concentrations as well as urinary free choline concentration decreased immediately following the race (19.2±4.5 to 14.6±4.2 nmol/mL, p=0.005, and 2565.2±516.4 to 2403.4±643.0 nmol/mL, p=0.068, respectively) and, except for the ...
The Personal is Political: Developing new subjectivities through participatory action research

Participatory action research (PAR) is gaining critical attention from scholars across the social sciences, and in the field of geography more specifically, as it promises a viable alternative for researchers concerned with social justice. If most of the benefits of PAR are identified in terms of its potential as a vehicle for social change and action, PAR's role in personal change is less understood. This paper considers the development of new subjectivities in a PAR process from a post-structural perspective. My objective is to reframe and connect the social justice orientation of PAR to a feminist post-structural project which emphasizes the fluidity and multiplicity of subject positions as the basis for personal (and social) transformation. Analysis draws upon collaborative research conducted with six young women in New York City and their project Makes Me Mad: Stereotypes of young urban womyn of color. Discussion addresses the role of critical reflection, dialogue, emotion, and narrative in the parti...
Postcholecystectomy Syndrome in the Laparoscopic Era

sWe describe the management of a cystic duct remnant calculus in a 45-year-old male patient who had undergone a laparoscopic cholecystectomy and re-presented with abdominal pain and jaundice. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was utilized to confirm the diagnosis of an impacted calculus within the remnant cystic duct along with several small retained common bile duct stones. Four sequential endoscopic procedures successfully removed all retained common bile duct calculi to alleviate the biliary obstruction; however, we were unable to treat the cystic duct remnant calculus endoscopically. The patient finally underwent successful laparoscopic excision of a 2.5-cm cystic duct remnant containing its impacted calculus. It remains unclear if cystic duct remnant calculi may become more prevalent as a cause of postcholecystectomy syndrome in future due to the large numbers of laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed in the past 2 decades.
Skill-set, success outcome, and mania as determinants of the illusion of control

Abstract The illusion of control, the tendency for individuals to approach chance tasks with skill-appropriate strategies, was studied. Subjects premeasured on a mania scale were classified as either high (HM) or low (LM) in mania. In the first phase of the study, HM and LM subjects performed 30 trials on either a skill (verbal associates) or chance (coin-toss) task and were given either 20, 50, or 80% success feedback. After Task 1 was completed, subjects filled out an attribution questionnaire. In the final phase of the study, subjects anticipated 30 more trials either on a skill or chance task. Subjects' predicted successes were measured. It was hypothesized that predicted successes on anticipated skill and chance tasks would be affected more by outcomes on a previous skill task than by outcomes on a previous chance task. The results for the anticipated skill task directly supported the hypothesis. On the anticipated chance task, the hypothesis was confirmed for HM subjects only. The results are discussed in terms of how previous skill experiences may induce a set to control ungovernable situations for individuals with manic reactions.
A study of antenatal cocaine use-chaos in action.

Abstract Objective: This study identified behaviors or conditions associated with cocaine use among prenatal patients and evaluated pregnancy outcomes. Study Design: A case-control study of patients attending a neighborhood-based prenatal program was conducted. For each patient who used cocaine, the next prenatal registrant with both a negative history of cocaine use and a negative urine screen for cocaine served as the control. Results: Cocaine use was associated with older, multiparous women who had a history of prior low birth weight infants. Prenatal care was obtained later and less frequently. Other substances, including tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana, were more commonly used. A history of physical abuse and violence, as well as incarceration, was identified more often. The prevalence of syphilis was higher. Women who used cocaine were delivered of their infants earlier; prematurity occurred more often. Their infants were smaller. Regression analysis identified factors other than cocaine as important in either low birth weight or preterm delivery. Attainment of a greater number of prenatal care visits was associated with improved outcome. Conclusion: Women who use cocaine have numerous significant life disturbances, which may collectively influence pregnancy outcome. Cocaine use itself is a marker and did not appear to influence the prevalence of low birth weight or preterm delivery. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:1427-31.)
Mesenteric chylous (lymph-containing) cyst.

Mesenteric cysts are uncommon entities and chyle (lymph)-containing cysts are the rarest of this group. A case report of a chylous cyst with CT demonstrating unique fat and soft tissue fluidfluid levels is presented.
Tyrosine administration enhances dopamine synthesis and release in light-activated rat retina.

Exposure of dark-adapted albino rats to light (350 lux) significantly elevated retinal levels of the dopamine metabolite dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid during the next hour; their return to a dark environment caused dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid levels to fall. Retinal dopamine levels were increased slightly by light exposure, suggesting that the increase in dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid reflected accelerated dopamine synthesis. Administration of tyrosine (100 mg/kg, i. p.) further elevated retinal dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid among light-exposed animals, but failed to affect dopamine release among animals in the dark. These observations show that a physiological stimulus-light exposure-can cause catecholaminergic neurons to become tyrosine-dependent; they also suggest that food consumption may affect neurotransmitter release within the retina.
Heat transfer in all pipe flow regimes: laminar, transitional/intermittent, and turbulent

Abstract A predictive theory is presented which is capable of providing quantitative results for the heat transfer coefficients in round pipes for the three possible flow regimes: laminar, transitional, and turbulent. The theory is based on a model of laminar-to-turbulent transition which is also viable for purely laminar and purely turbulent flow. Fully developed heat transfer coefficients were predicted for the three regimes. The present predictions were brought together with the most accurate experimental data known to the authors as well as with several algebraic formulas which are purported to be able to provide fully developed heat transfer coefficients in the so-called transition regime between Re = 2300 and 10,000. It was found that over the range Re > 4800, both the present predictions and those of the Gnielinski formula [V. Gnielinski, New equations for heat and mass transfer in turbulent pipe and channel flow, Int. Chem. Eng. 16 (1976) 359–367] are very well supported by the experimental data. However, the Gnielinski model is less successful in the range from 2300 to 3100. In that range, the present predictions and those of Churchill [S. Churchill, Comprehensive correlating equations for heat, mass, and momentum transfer in fully developed flow in smooth tubes, Ind. Eng. Chem. Fundam. 16 (1977) 109–116] are mutually reinforcing. Heat transfer results in the development region have also been obtained. Typically, regardless of the Reynolds number, the region immediately downstream of the inlet is characterized by laminar heat transfer. After the breakdown of laminar flow, a region characterized by intermittent heat transfer occurs. Subsequently, the flow may become turbulent and fully developed or the intermittent state may persist as a fully developed regime. The investigation covered both of the basic thermal boundary conditions of uniform heat flux (UHF) and uniform wall temperature (UWT). In the development region, the difference between the respective heat transfer coefficients for the two cases was approximately 25% (UHF > UWT). For the fully developed case, the respective heat transfer coefficients are essentially equal in the turbulent regime but differ by about 25% in the intermittent regime. The reported results are for a turbulence intensity of 5% and flat velocity and temperature profiles at the inlet.
On the estimation and correction of discretization error in molecular dynamics averages

The computation of statistical averages is one of the most important applications of molecular dynamics simulation, allowing for the estimation of macroscopic physical quantities through averages of observables sampled along microscopic trajectories. In this article, we investigate the impact of discretization error on the accuracy of molecular dynamics averages. Given a Hamiltonian system and a symplectic integrator, new weighting methods are derived to better approximate averages of certain observables, without changing the system or integrator. These new methods are shown to reduce discretization error and enhance the order of accuracy without high-overhead calculations.
A QUALITY CONFIDENCE PROCEDURE FOR GDSS APPLICATION IN MULTICRITERIA DECISION MAKING

This paper introduces a procedure for improving the quality of group decision making. Emphasis is placed on the identification of outliers and on the establishment of confidence limits in group decision making. Participants in group decision making whose opinions fall outside the group's tolerance level are further studied to annex the source of this variation. The study presents 30 stakeholders with the task of deciding whether or not to adopt a new manufacturing technology (computer integrated manufacturing). The goal in either choice is the improvement of the total productivity of the organization. The decision made by this group is based on a pairwise comparison of seven manufacturing dimensions. Priorities for these criteria are generated using me analytic hierarchy process (AHP). These priorities are analyzed to identify potential outliers. Procedures on how to manage these outliers in order to improve the quality of decisions arrived at by the group are provided.
Polymer monolayer dynamics by surface light scattering: comparison of long and short side chain polymers

Abstract The surface viscoelastic properties of spread monolayers at the air/water interface of poly (1-octadecylene-co-maleic anhydride), which was fully hydrolyzed to give two carboxylic acid groups per repeating unit, and poly(vinyl acetate) were examined by the surface light scattering technique in conjunction with the Wilhelmy plate method. The first polymer was selected as an example of a polymeric amphiphile with a long hydrophobic side chain per repeating unit, while the second one was chosen as a representative of short side chain vinyl polymers. The two polymers were expected to form spread monolayers serving as prime examples of the condensed and expanded type, respectively. Thus, the viscoelastic parameters of the two monolayers deduced from the surface light scattering method, i.e. the surface longitudinal elasticity ϵd and the corresponding viscosity κ, reflect pivotal contrasts between the two types, while their surface packing dynamics appears to be similar by virtue of the same hydrocarbon backbones. Thus, we have shown here that the longitudinal storage and loss moduli constitute sensitive probes for the lateral packing dynamics of hydrophobic side chains of polymer monolayers, which is not accessible through static surface pressure measurements alone.
How might stress contribute to increased risk for schizophrenia in children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

The most common human microdeletion occurs at chromosome 22q11.2. The associated syndrome (22q11.2DS) has a complex and variable phenotype with a high risk of schizophrenia. While the role of stress in the etiopathology of schizophrenia has been under investigation for over 30 years (Walker et al. 2008), the stress–diathesis model has yet to be investigated in children with 22q11.2DS. Children with 22q11.2DS face serious medical, behavioral, and socioemotional challenges from infancy into adulthood. Chronic stress elevates glucocorticoids, decreases immunocompetence, negatively impacts brain development and function, and is associated with psychiatric illness in adulthood. Drawing knowledge from the extant and well-developed anxiety and stress literature will provide invaluable insight into the complex etiopathology of schizophrenia in people with 22q11.2DS while suggesting possible early interventions. Childhood anxiety is treatable and stress coping skills can be developed thereby improving quality of life in the short-term and potentially mitigating the risk of developing psychosis.
Who Sees Human?: The Stability and Importance of Individual Differences in Anthropomorphism

Anthropomorphism is a far-reaching phenomenon that incorporates ideas from social psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and the neurosciences. Although commonly considered to be a relatively universal phenomenon with only limited importance in modern industrialized societies—more cute than critical—our research suggests precisely the opposite. In particular, we provide a measure of stable individual differences in anthropomorphism that predicts three important consequences for everyday life. This research demonstrates that individual differences in anthropomorphism predict the degree of moral care and concern afforded to an agent, the amount of responsibility and trust placed on an agent, and the extent to which an agent serves as a source of social influence on the self. These consequences have implications for disciplines outside of psychology including human–computer interaction, business (marketing and finance), and law. Concluding discussion addresses how understanding anthropom...
Jointly optimal congestion control and power control in wireless multihop networks

Power control can significantly enhance the performance of congestion control mechanisms, such as TCP, in wireless networks. We present a distributed power control algorithm that works together with the original TCP protocol to increase end- to-end throughput and energy efficiency of multihop data transmissions in CDMA wireless ad hoc networks. We prove that the resulted nonlinear coupled system converges to the global optimality of network utility maximization with elastic link capacities. This cross-layer algorithm can be interpreted as using link queuing delays as shadow prices to coordinate bandwidth demand and supply. Various simulations show desirable properties of the algorithms, including robustness to channel variations and fading estimation errors, and flexibility in the tradeoff between performance optimally and algorithmic simplicity.
A retrospective study of pregnancy in bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a common medical problem among young women of childbearing potential. Although many bulimic women improve their eating while pregnant, some do not and continue to binge eat, vomit, and/or use laxatives. This study is a retrospective comparison of the outcome of 38 pregnancies in 20 actively bulimic women and 50 pregnancies in 31 control women. The results indicate that the risk of fetal loss, primarily through miscarriages, was approximately twice as high in first bulimic pregnancies. However, this difference was not statistically significant.
Automated target segmentation and real space fast alignment methods for high-throughput classification and averaging of crowded cryo-electron subtomograms

Motivation: Cryo-electron tomography allows the imaging of macromolecular complexes in near living conditions. To enhance the nominal resolution of a structure it is necessary to align and average individual subtomograms each containing identical complexes. However, if the sample of complexes is heterogeneous, it is necessary to first classify subtomograms into groups of identical complexes. This task becomes challenging when tomograms contain mixtures of unknown complexes extracted from a crowded environment. Two main challenges must be overcomed: First, classification of subtomograms must be performed without knowledge of template structures. However, most alignment methods are too slow to perform reference-free classification of a large number of (e.g. tens of thousands) of subtomograms. Second, subtomograms extracted from crowded cellular environments, contain often fragments of other structures besides the target complex. However, alignment methods generally assume that each subtomogram only contains one complex. Automatic methods are needed to identify the target complexes in a subtomogram even when its shape is unknown. Results: In this article, we propose an automatic and systematic method for the isolation and masking of target complexes in subtomograms extracted from crowded environments. Moreover, we also propose a fast alignment method using fast rotational matching in real space. Our experiments show that, compared with our previously proposed fast alignment method in reciprocal space, our new method significantly improves the alignment accuracy for highly distorted and especially crowded subtomograms. Such improvements are important for achieving successful and unbiased high-throughput reference-free structural classification of complexes inside whole-cell tomograms.
Hypotensive action of influenza A virus on rats.

ConclusionThese observations indicate that a fraction of the PR8 strain of influenza virus possesses the toxic property of lowering arterial blood pressure in rats.
Prevalence of smoking in movies as perceived by teenagers: Longitudinal trends and predictors

Background Smoking in movies is prevalent. However, use of content analysis to describe trends in smoking in movies has provided mixed results and has not tapped what adolescents actually perceive. Purpose To assess the prospective trends in the prevalence of smoking in movies as perceived by teenagers and identify predictors associated with these trends. Methods Using data from the Minnesota Adolescent Community Cohort Study collected during 2000–2006 when participants were aged between 12 and 18 years (N=4735), latent variable growth models were employed to describe the longitudinal trends in the perceived prevalence of smoking in movies using a four-level scale ( never to most of the time ) measured every 6 months, and examined associations between these trends and demographic, smoking-related attitudinal and socio-environmental predictors. Analysis was conducted in 2009. Results At baseline, about 50% of participants reported seeing smoking in movies some of the time , and another 36% reported most of the time . The prevalence of smoking in movies as perceived by teenagers declined over time, and the decline was steeper in those who were aged 14–16 years than those who were younger at baseline ( p ≤0.05). Despite the decline, teenagers still reported seeing smoking in movies some of the time. Teenagers who reported more close friends who smoked also reported a higher prevalence of smoking in movies at baseline (regression coefficients=0.04–0.18, p Conclusions Teenagers' perception of the prevalence of smoking in movies declined over time, which may be attributable to changes made by the movie industry. Despite the decline, teenagers were still exposed to a moderate amount of smoking imagery. Interventions that further reduce teenage exposure to smoking in movies may be needed to have an effect on adolescent smoking.
Activity-dependent patterning of retinogeniculate axons proceeds with a constant contribution from AMPA and NMDA receptors.

Neural activity is critical for the refinement of neural circuitry during development, although the mechanisms involved in stabilizing appropriate connectivity remain unclear. It has been proposed that the insertion of AMPA receptors at synapses with only NMDA receptors (“silent synapses”) mediates this stabilization, leading to an increasing contribution from AMPA receptors as development proceeds. Here we show in a mammalian system known to undergo activity-dependent development [the segregation of retinal afferents into ON/OFF sublaminae in the ferret lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN)] that the refinement of the neural circuitry occurs in the presence of a constant functional contribution from AMPA and NMDA receptors. Although we detected a small number of silent synapses on LGN cells, their proportion did not decrease with age. The size and kinetics of NMDA-mediated spontaneous EPSCs (sEPSCs) were also stable over this period. Together with previous results reporting the stability of unitary AMPA-mediated EPSCs, the constancy of NMDA-mediated sEPSCs indicates an unchanging AMPA/NMDA contribution. Additionally, the CNQX-sensitivity did not increase for either sEPSCs or optic tract-evoked EPSCs. Likewise, the anatomical AMPA/NMDA ratio, as assayed by quantifying the colocalized expression of AMPA and NMDA receptor subunits, was fixed throughout ON/OFF sublamination. In particular, the colocalization of AMPA receptor subunits (GluR1 or GluR4) and NMDA receptor subunit NR1 opposite identified retinogeniculate terminals was stable during this period. These results add to the view of the population of retinogeniculate synapses as robustly stable or normalized during a period when retinogeniculate axons are undergoing dramatic activity-dependent refinement.