cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biosynthetic phage display: a novel protein engineering tool combining chemical and genetic diversity

Abstract Background: Molecular diversity in nature is developed through a combination of genetic and chemical elements. We have developed a method that permits selective manipulation of both these elements in one protein engineering tool. It combines the ability to introduce non-natural amino acids into a protein using native chemical ligation with exhaustive targeted mutagenesis of the protein via phage-display mutagenesis. Results: A fully functional biosynthetic version of the protease inhibitor eglin c was constructed. The amino-terminal fragment (residues 8–40) was chemically synthesized with a non-natural amino acid at position 25. The remaining carboxy-terminal fragment was expressed as a 30-residue peptide extension of gIIIp or gVIIIp on filamentous phage in a phage-display mutagenesis format. Native chemical ligation was used to couple the two fragments and produced a protein that refolded to its active form. To facilitate the packing of the introduced non-natural amino acid, residues 52 and 54 in the carboxy-terminal fragment were fully randomized by phage-display mutagenesis. Although the majority of the observed solutions for residues 52 and 54 were hydrophobic — complementing the stereochemistry of the introduced non-natural amino acid — a significant number of residues (unexpected because of stereochemical and charge criteria) were observed in these positions. Conclusions: Peptide synthesis and phage-display mutagenesis can be combined to produce a very powerful protein engineering tool. The physical properties of the environment surrounding the introduced non-natural residue can be selected for by evaluating all possible combinations of amino acid types at a targeted set of sites using phage-display mutagenesis.
Postprocessing For Edge Enhancement In Low Bit Rate Coded Images

Low bit rate image coding results in artifacts at reconstruction whose characteristics depend on the form of the coding/decoding algorithm used. A very common, and visually objectionable effect of most coding methods is distortion of edges. Classical spatially-invariant filtering techniques are of little use in removing this signal-dependent reconstruction error. This paper presents an algorithm for locating and tracing perceptually important edges, and for enhancement through nonstationary filtering. Edge detection and enhancement are reduced to a sequence of simple one-dimensional processes. The algorithm yields encouraging experimental results when applied to images coded by the block list transform and vector quantization.© (1988) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Rapid photochemical inactivation of Ca2+-antagonists shows that Ca2+ entry directly activates contraction in frog heart.

‘Calcium-antagonists’ are a group of pharmacological agents which are potent vasodilators and are clinically used for the treatment of angina. They are thought to block Ca2+ channels in vascular smooth muscle1,2 and myocardium3–5 but other sites of action have been proposed6. These agents bind tightly to heart muscle and suppress action potential and contraction. Nifedipine and nisoldipine (BAY K 5552) are Ca2+ antagonists which have o-nitrobenzyl groups and are photolabile7. We have found that short pulses of UV light rapidly inactivate these drugs in ventricular muscle. This observation allowed us to study the effect of Ca2+ antagonists on action potential, Ca2+ current and tension in conditions in which diffusion of those drugs from their site of action was not rate limiting. Our studies, described here, suggest that the primary mechanism of action of Ca2+ antagonists is the blockade of the Ca2+ channel and support the idea that extracellular space is the immediate source of contractile Ca2+ in the frog heart.
An Adaptive Learning Methodology for Intelligent Object Detection in Novel Imagery Data

Abstract The process of robustly identifying targets embedded in a cluttered image scene is a difficult task to accomplish. Such an application must deal with rotation, scaling, and lighting variants of the target as well as handle the varying degrees of unpredictability in the image scene itself. To assume that an object will always reside in the same background environment during the detection process as in the learning phase is an overgeneralization that is unrealistic. To address this problem, we present a technique that learns to identify targets embedded in a cluttered image scene and robustly re-trains when presented with novel imagery data. The algorithm utilizes a two-stage process in which a baseline clustering/neural network methodology is used to first recognize targets embedded in an original image data set and an adaptive clustering/neural network technique is subsequently applied as images are re-examined for novelty. We show that the algorithm developed achieves a 99% recognition rate with a 0.9% false alarm rate for previously unseen background images.
Nephrogenic adenoma of the urinary bladder: A comparison of its cytologic and histopathologic features in ten cases

We studied the cytologic features of ten cases of nephrogenic adenoma, a benign proliferative lesion of urothelium that is typically associated with prior trauma or urothelial irritation. The typical cytologic features consisted of numerous vacuolated polygonal cells, including signet-ring-like cells, that were isolated or formed papillae or loose groups. Columnar cells and occasional glandular structures were also seen. The cells typically exhibited no or only mild nuclear atypia. There was often a background of acute inflammation. The differential diagnosis of urinary cytologic specimens with these features includes degenerative changes, changes induced by instrumentation, and, most importantly, adenocarcinoma and low-grade papillary transitional-cell carcinoma.
Apparatus for low‐temperature inert atmosphere chemical reactions

An apparatus for carrying out chemical reactions at low temperature is presented. The apparatus is fully automatic and allows for large scale preparations.
Validating the Comparative Network Framework in a Canada/United States Context

The comparative network framework (CNF) has been proposed to move network theory from discussions based largely on understanding local and national systems toward discussions of increasingly common cross-border relationships. Cross-border forms of public organization, such as the Canada/United States Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC), are increasingly utilized to help manage complex regional policy and implementation issues. This article presents the results of survey research designed to test the validity of the CNF within the PSC network structure. The main suggestion is that knowledge of existing subnational, regional and/or national networks (i.e., subnets) can help nations design less contentious cross-border networks (i.e., supranets).
Platform-Motion Correction of Velocity Measured by Doppler Lidar

Abstract The NOAA/Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL) has two coherent Doppler lidar systems that have been deployed on board research vessels to obtain data during several experiments. The instruments measure the wind velocity relative to the motion of the lidar; therefore, correction for the motion of the platform is required. This article gives a thorough analysis of the correction for lidar velocity measurements. The analysis is general enough to be applied to Doppler velocity measurements from all monostatic ship- and aircraftborne lidars and radars, and generalization to bistatic systems is achievable. The correction is demonstrated using miniature master-oscillator power-amplifier (mini-MOPA) Doppler velocity data obtained during the Rain in Cumulus over the Ocean (RICO) experiment.
Thoughts on the help for working parents plan

The Bergmann/Hartmann proposal is a good starting point, but does not go far enough. It fails to address the issue of job availability and threatens to further stigmatize mothers receiving public assistance.
Optimal control of Discrete Event Systems with weakly hard real-time constraints

We consider Discrete Event Systems (DES) that can dynamically allocate resources in order to process tasks with real-time constraints. In the case of “weakly hard” constraints, a fraction of tasks is allowed to violate them, as long as m out of any k consecutive tasks meet their respective constraints. This is a generalization of a system with purely hard real-time constraints where m = k = 1. For non-preemptive and aperiodic tasks, we formulate an optimization problem where task processing times are controlled so as to minimize a cost function while guaranteeing that a “weakly hard” criterion is satisfied. We establish a number of structural properties of the solution to this problem which lead to an efficient algorithm that does not require any explicit nonlinear programming problem solver. The low complexity of this algorithm makes it suitable for on-line applications. Simulation examples illustrate the performance improvements in such optimally controlled systems compared to ad hoc schemes.
Basalts of unusual composition from the Chyulu Hills, Kenya

Abstract Five Ne-normative basalts are unusually rich in Cr, to a lesser degree in Co, and have very high La/Lu ratios and high contents of several excluded trace elements resembling kimberlites in these and other aspects. They seem to represent mantle-derived magmas, only slightly modified by shallow level crystal/liquid fractionation. Cr was apparently excluded from the crystalline phases in equilibrium with these magmas in the upper mantle. The Chyulu rocks differ in several respects from other Gregory Rift basalts, but closely resemble those from Jan Mayen Island near the Mid-Atlantic ridge. The generation of these unusual basalts is therefore not related simply to mantle composition or tectonic setting, but may reflect unusually high-T (1450°C), low-P (15–29 kbars) environments in the zones of last effective equilibration of these magmas with mantle rocks.
Peripheral edema associated with calcium channel blockers: incidence and withdrawal rate--a meta-analysis of randomized trials.

ObjectivePeripheral edema is considered to be a common and annoying adverse effect of calcium channel blockers (CCBs). It has been thought to occur secondary to arteriolar dilatation causing intracapillary hypertension and fluid extravasation. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and withdrawal rate o
Scanning Laser Vibrometry for Lamb Wave Evaluation of Composite Tubulars

Abstract This paper is concerned with the development of a technique for long-range ultrasonic nondestructive inspection of composite tubulars. A dry-contact piezoelectric transducer is used to excite Lamb waves in the axial direction. The field scattered by a defect and/or the mode shape distortion caused by the defect is measured by the use of a laser vibrometer. The presence of the defect is indicated by anomalies in the scattered field. The technique was tested on glass/epoxy composite tubes. It is shown that the presence of a defect (for example, a delamination of I ern diameter) can be remotely detected as far away as one meter from the transmitter, and its position can be located with an accuracy of a few centimeters.
Relating the sediment phase speciation of arsenic, cadmium, and chromium with their bioavailability for the deposit‐feeding polychaete Nereis succinea

We studied the influence of sediment geochemistry on bioavailability of As, Cd, and Cr in deposit-feeding polychaetes. Metal phase speciation in sediments was determined with a sequential extraction scheme, and assimilation efficiencies (AEs) of ingested metals were determined by pulse-chase feeding experiments using γ-emitting isotopes. Worms were fed sediments collected from geochemically diverse estuaries that were labeled by sorbing dissolved radiotracers or mixing with radiolabeled algae. Uptake of sediment-bound metals was compared with that from labeled algae or goethite. Metal AEs showed a positive relationship with the exchangeable and carbonate sedimentary fractions, whereas metals in iron and manganese oxides and acid-volatile sulfides, or in pyrite and other refractory material, were inversely correlated with AEs. Arsenic was most bioavailable from algae (72%), less from sediments mixed with algae (24–70%) and least from sediments labeled directly (1–12%). Arsenic AEs in sediments labeled directly showed a positive correlation with sedimentary Mn and Al and negative correlation with Fe. Cadmium AEs were positively correlated with salinity and negatively correlated with sedimentary organic C. The AEs of Cr from sediments or algae were less than 5%, but they were 34% from pure goethite. By quantifying the relationship of metal speciation in sediments with their bioavailability for deposit-feeding polychaetes, the present study provides new insight into understanding metal bioaccumulation in benthic invertebrates. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:747–756. © 2011 SETAC
The Hospitalist Model: Perspectives of the Patient, the Internist, and Internal Medicine

The use of hospitalists has implications for patients, for internists, and for the specialty of internal medicine. For patients, the greatest concern is interrupting the continuity of a supportive relationship with their regular physican. For many internists, the hospitalist model is attractive, but they are concerned that health plans will compel physicians to transfer their patients to a hospitalist at the time of admission to the hospital (mandatory hand-off). Thus, the hospitalist could become the means to exclude internists from hospital care and deprive them of an important source of professional satisfaction. The specialty of internal medicine is very concerned about the mandatory hand-off because it threatens the internist's identity as the physician who can care for the sickest patients in any venue, making it harder for patients and health plans to distinguish the internist from family physicians and nurse practitioners. The hospitalist movement has much to offer internal medicine. To enjoy the benefits and avoid the harms associated with the hospitalist model, internal medicine must resist the imposition of the mandatory hand-off and use the hospitalist's focus on excellent inpatient care to improve the practice of medicine by all internists.
Genetic algorithms for a single-track vehicle autonomous pilot

In this paper we present an application of genetic algorithms to an autonomous pilot designed for motorized single-track vehicles (motorcycles). The pilot is implemented as a multi-agent application using a physical model of the motorcycle and is embedded in an interactive application. We compare the performance of the configuration obtained by genetic algorithms with the manual configuration of the pilot and with the performance of human players. The main contribution of the paper is proposing a model for piloting a single-track vehicle based only on perceptual information such as it would be observed by a human in the case of a real vehicle, and showing how the genetic algorithms can contribute efficiently to configuring the autonomous pilot.
Facile preparation of transition metal nanoparticles stabilized by well-defined (co)polymers synthesized via aqueous reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization.

Herein we disclose a facile method for the preparation of (co)polymer-stabilized transition metal colloids, via the “grafting-to” approach. The method takes advantage of the fact that (co)polymers synthesized in aqueous media, in a controlled fashion, via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer bear thiocarbonylthio end groups. These are readily reduced to yield (co)polymers with thiol end groups. When the reduction is performed, with NaBH4, for example, in aqueous media in the presence of an appropriate transition metal species, (co)polymer-stabilized metal nanoparticles are formed in which the size and size distribution are dependent upon the individual transition metals. Colloid formation is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and UV−vis spectroscopy.
Generalised partial linear single-index mixed models for repeated measures data

In this paper, we propose generalised partial linear single-index mixed models for analysing repeated measures data. A penalised quasi-likelihood approach using P-spline is used to estimate the nonparametric function, linear parameters, and single-index coefficients. Asymptotic properties of the estimators are developed when the dimension of spline basis grows with increasing sample size. Simulation examples and two applications: the study of health effects of air pollution in North Carolina, and treatment effect of naltrexone on health costs for alcohol-dependent individuals, illustrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Relationship assessment in infant mental health

Les relations bebe-mode de soin constituent le contexte crucial pour le developpement et la psychopathologie du bebe. De nombreuses preuves suggerent que les bebes pourraient construire des relations qualitativement differentes avec des modes de soin differents. Pour ces raisons, les relations bebe-mode de soin devraient etre la piece centrale dans l'evaluation en sante mentale infantile. Nous preconisons l'evaluation des relations du bebe avec tous les modes de soin importants a la fois dans des contextes naturels et cliniques. Dans cet article, nous decrivons notre approche, qui est attentive a la fois a la composante externe de la relation, a l'interaction comportementale, ainsi qu'a la composante interne de la relation, l'experience subjective. En integrant les resultats d'evaluations de ces deux composantes, nous determinons les deux niveaux d'adaptation de la relation et les domaines specifiques de forces et faiblesses.
Levirate Practices of the Shangana-Tsonga, Seen through Widows' Ritual Songs

THE approximately 2,000,000 Shangana-Tsonga are a Bantu-speaking people of Mozambique and the Northern Transvaal, who keep cattle, grow maize, worship ancestor spirits, and practice polygamy. The region of habitation is somewhat arid; nutrition is poor and subtropical diseases are common. Average age at death for males is considerably lower than that for females. A contributing factor to this is the system of migrant labour which, to all intents and purposes, is forced upon males in the rural locations. Men are often coerced (the alternative in Mozambique used to be unpaid road-gang work) into signing up for the Johannesburg goldmines, where work is dangerous and the accident rate high. The Shangana-Tsonga inductees have a reputation for spending longer periods underground than other tribal groups. Other Shangana-Tsonga males seeking cash to pay taxes and to cope with changing economic conditions move to sprawling urban ghettos without government passbook endorsement, where underworld homicide rates are among the highest in the world, and where white men's diseases such as tuberculosis and syphilis abound. In the rural communities, Shangana-Tsonga widows constitute almost a social class. In some areas they form ngoma secret societies and mancomane possession cults, weapons against exploitation by men. Men fear the 'alien' spirits in their midst and must placate them, a prolonged, expensive process. Music provides a particularly useful window for viewing Shangana-Tsonga practices surrounding widowhood: widows utilize a group of traditional songs for their purification and other rites. Widows' songs are considered to have supernatural power in life-cycle crises, transporting women from one social state (wife) to another (widow), and to yet another (remarriage), affirming and validating redefinition of status at each level. Widows may voice complaints in song that would otherwise have to be repressed, for fear of the social conflict and interpersonal hostility they would generate. In song, widows may vociferously deny charges of having brought about their husband's death through witchcraft. The following song-texts were recorded during a two-year stay with the ShanganaTsonga, under a grant from the Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research. The translations and explanations were arrived at during conferences with the singers, in situ, and with the help of university linguists.
A nested decomposition approach for solving the paratransit vehicle scheduling problem

The paratransit vehicle scheduling problem involves scheduling a fleet of specially equipped vehicles for serving transportation needs of disabled and elderly people. It is also referred to as a dial-a-ride problem, and it can be classified as a multi-depot pickup and delivery problem with time windows and side constraints. The column generation approach constitutes one of the effective methodologies to solve this problem. However, in order to cope with the complexity of the problem, it is commonly applied in two consecutive stages: clustering and routing. First, clusters of customers are formed who will receive service together; next, vehicle routing decisions are made subject to the clustering decisions. This paper develops a nested column generation method, which integrates clustering and routing decisions, thus extending the applicability of the column generation approach in the context of the subject problem. The proposed method is implemented and applied to solve a problem faced by the transit authority of a mid size US city. A detailed account of implementation experience is provided. The computational results, based on actual data, indicate that problem instances with up to 680 requests and 48 vehicles can be solved within 2% of optimality under mild assumptions, and a 12% performance improvement over a well-established manual planning system can be achieved.
THE EFFECT OF MUCOSAL AND SEROSAL SOLUTION CATIONS ON BIOELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF THE ISOLATED TOAD BLADDER.

The spontaneous transtissue potential and the DC conductance of the isolated toad bladder were measured when the tissue was exposed to sulfate Ringer's solutions of modified ionic composition. Na+ was replaced to varying extents by (C2H5)3NH+, (C2H5)4N+, Li+, Cs+, K+, or Rb+. Reversible and irreversible changes were observed. The reversible changes were consistent with equations derived from the Nernst-Planck diffusion equation, and gave the following functional description of the bladder: (a) the potential measurements were compatible with two membranes in series; (b) the mucosal surface was more permeable to Na+ than to other monovalent cations; (c) the serosal surface was permeable to both K+ and Na+ but preferentially to K+; (d) the rate of Na+ diffusion across the mucosal membrane appeared to approach a maximum but two alternative interpretations are discussed; (e) the conductance data were consistent with the assumption of a constant concentration gradient for the penetrating ions within the membrane (Henderson's assumption) provided suitable hypotheses are made concerning the Na+ distribution between the membrane surfaces and the bulk phases of the adjacent solutions; (f) the conductance and spontaneous potential data suggested that the mucosal membranes of a small fraction of the epithelial cells were more permeable than the mucosal membranes of the majority of these cells. The irreversible changes were almost entirely associated with cation substitution in the serosal solution. However, Li+ produced an irreversible fall in voltage when added to either side of the tissue.
A Circular Dichroism and Fluorescence Spectrometric Assessment of Effects of Selected Chemical Denaturants on Soybean (Glycine max L.) Storage Proteins Glycinin (11S) and β-Conglycinin (7S)

Soybean glycinin (11S) and β-conglycinin (7S) were subjected to select chemical treatments at various concentrations and resulting changes in protein structures were investigated by circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectrometry. Fluorescence quenching results indicated that urea ≥3 M caused significant unfolding of 11S, but not that of 7S. GuHCl was more effective than urea in denaturation of 11S. A two-step transition in 11S structure was observed with a possible existence of a folding intermediate at 2.5 M GuHCl. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) measurably altered secondary and tertiary structures of 11S and 7S below SDS critical micellar concentration (CMC), possibly due to formation of mixed peptide-SDS micelles. SDS treatment increased α-helical and unordered structures of both proteins at the expense of β-sheet structure. NaCl and CaCl2 caused a significant decrease in fluorescence intensity without shifting emission λmax. Exposure of 7S and 11S to NaSCN respectively at ≥0.3 and ≥0.6 M NaSCN cau...
Interplanetary weathering: Surface erosion in outer space

What happens to bare rock and icy surfaces when they lie exposed to the interplanetary space environment for millions of years? This fundamental question has important implications for the interpretation of remotely sensed data, whether obtained by telescope or spacecraft. It is also, of course, very difficult to answer, but planetary geologists and field and particle physicists are working together to do so.
The shaping of institutional research and planning

This paper reviews the origins of institutional research and its more recent association with a separately identifiable planning function. It examines in depth the issues involved in institutional research and planning and particularly emphasizes the role of values, politics, and social pressures in regard to the planning function. Planning by single institutions is likely to be more directed to attaining administrative and faculty aspirations than to meeting educational and social needs. As a result, there is considerable doubt that the institutional research and the planning function can be successfully conjoined. To prevent one dominating the other, the best resolution is that of interacting but independent units whose analyses and recommendations are brought into accord with reality (both needs and resources) by the administrations and boards in which responsibility for institutional operations is vested.
A near-regional explosion source model for tuff

Summary. A variety of near-regional (300 km) data, including spectral amplitudes of Pg, surface-wave forms, and close-in (5–10 km) accelerograms have been used to build an elastic seismic source model for a 1-Mton explosion in tuff at near-regional distances. The model consists of: (1) a pressure pulse which injects 3 × 1012 cm3 of volume into the medium, (2) a vertical, upward force impulse that imparts 1018 dyn-s of momentum to the medium, each source component having a time duration of 0.6 s and a depth of 1.3 km. The force impulse appears to be required by two considerations: (a) the striking similarity, apart from sign, of explosion surface waves with those of their cavity collapses, (b) the observation of considerable SV energy leaving the source of the 1-Mton explosions JORUM and HANDLEY. Scaling curves have been constructed which fit the proposed source model. These scaling curves employ: very slow decrease, as (yield)−0.10 of the primary corner frequency; decay as (frequency)4 or (frequency)3 to high frequency. While these scaling curves are unconventional, they appear to be the only ones which can satisfy the near-regional data. The slow scaling with yield of the spectral carner frequency suggests that it is caused by something other than the equivalent elastic radius, e.g. the time duration of motion at the source. The results, at odds with similar studies at teleseismic distances, suggest that significantly different equivalent elastic sources are required at near-regional (as compared with teleseismic) distances; therefore, the effect of the upward impulse might not be seen at teleseismic distances. Consequently, these results probably do not pertain to the seismic discrimination problem at teleseismic distances.
Outcomes of early delivery in pregnant patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Critical illnesses in pregnancy account for 0.11 to 0.89% of deliveries resulting in ICU admissions. The high rate of perinatal asphyxia in infants and high mortality rate in gravid patients supported a strategy of early delivery during the third trimester. The mortality rate of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is high and varied from 15 to 72% among the studies. The present study reports the outcomes of early delivery within 48 hours after ICU admission in pregnant patients with ARDS.
Structure-activity relationships of an aminosugar cardiac glycoside, ASI-222 HCl, in the heart-lung preparation of the dog.

Synopsis: ASI-222 [3-β-O-(4-amino-4, 6-dideoxy-β-D-galactopyranosyl) digitoxigenin HCl] is a semisynthetic aminosugar cardiac glycoside that has been shown to have a greater therapeutic index than ouabain or digoxin in dogs. We have compared the effects of ASI, digitoxigenin, digitoxigenin-β-D-galactose, and digoxin in the dog heart-lung preparation. Minute work and stroke work were calculated. Controls were obtained before and after the hearts were failed with sodium pentobarbital. ASI-222 is about three times more potent than digitoxigenin and about twice as potent as digitoxigenin-β-D-galactose in producing similar increases in the left ventricular stroke work. ASI-222 is about three times more potent than digoxin in increasing left ventricular stroke work. Our results indicate that the addition of an aminosugar group to the genin further increased potency over that observed with the addition of a single neutral sugar and prolonged the duration of activity in failing myocardial tissue.
Electrophoresis andimmunoelectrophoresis of neonatal tears

Tears which occurred during the neonatal period were examined by cellulose acetate electrophoresis and immunoelectrophoresis. All neonatal tears contained lysozyme. The infants who wept within 36 hours of birth cried with tears which showed, in addition to the enzyme, proteins similar to those of serum, particularly alpha-1 globulin. Full-term infants, 1 1/2 to 7 days of age, and premature infants, 1 1/2 to 30 days of age, showed an intermediate pattern. Older full-term infants, children, and adults produced tears characterized by the absence of alpha-1 globulin, a paucity of alpha-2 globulins, and a marked diminution of other globulins. Immunoelectrophoretic studies, carried out with antiserum antibodies, confirmed the complexity of protein fractions in the very young by the presence of multiple precipitin arcs.
Reliability and validity of neuropsychological screening and assessment strategies in MS

Neuropsychological impairment is common in MS but routine evaluation is cumbersome. Many proposed avenues to more cost effective evaluation of cognition in MS have appeared in the literature. In this article, we summarize work conducted at our center over the past five years involving two specific evaluation methods, the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire (MSNQ) designed to screen for neuropsychological impairment in MS and the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS) designed to quantify cognitive function with psychometric testing. Our research shows that these methods are reliable and valid. Data show strong relationships with neuropsychiatric features of the disease, brain imaging and vocational outcomes. Work with new non-conventional brain imaging techniques and finer analysis of reliability during serial testing protocols is underway.
The site-specific delivery of ursodeoxycholic acid to the rat colon by sulfate conjugation

Abstract Background & Aims: Because ursodeoxycholate has been shown to act as a tumor-suppressive agent in the colon, the absorption and metabolism of its sulfate conjugates were examined in rats to show that sulfation would facilitate the site-specific delivery of ursodeoxycholate to the colon. Methods: Bile acids were measured in intestinal contents, feces, urine, plasma, and liver tissue after oral administration of ursodeoxycholate and its C-3, C-7, and C-3,7 sulfate derivatives. Results: Ursodeoxycholate was found in the jejunum after administration of all bile acids, but the mass was greatest for ursodeoxycholic acid administration. In the colon, lithocholic acid, normally found in negligible amounts, became the major bile acid after ursodeoxycholate administration. In contrast, reductions in mass and proportions of lithocholate and deoxycholate occurred after administering the C-7 sulfates. The fecal lithocholate/deoxycholate ratio, a risk marker for colon cancer, increased markedly after administration of ursodeoxycholate and its C-3 sulfate, but did not change after administering the C-7 sulfates. Unlike ursodeoxycholate or its C-3 sulfate, which increased liver concentrations of lithocholate and ursodeoxycholate, the C-7 sulfates had the opposite effect, which was consistent with poor absorption. Conclusions: Sulfation of ursodeoxycholate, specifically at the C-7 position, protects the molecule from bacterial degradation and inhibits its intestinal absorption, thereby facilitating delivery to the colon.
Angina: Ivabradine for treatment of stable angina pectoris.

The ASSOCIATE study investigators have reported that the If current inhibitor, ivabradine, is safe, improves exercise performance, and delays the development of ischemia in patients with chronic stable angina being treated with atenolol. Ivabradine should be considered in the medical management of symptom-limited patients with angina, when heart rate is suboptimally controlled.
The effect of aromatic solvents on the NMR parameters of α-chloroacrylonitrile

Abstract The chemical shift of α-chloroacrylonitrile (α-CAN) exhibits a large displacement to higher field in a number of aromatic solvents. The magnitude of this effect is inversely proportional to the dielectric constant function Z(ϵ) = (ϵ − 1) (2ϵ + 2.209) of the solvents. These results have been accounted for quantitatively in terms of a specific model for solvent-solute interaction. The aromatic effect on the HH coupling is not as systematic as that observed in nonaromatic solvents and is discussed briefly.
“Red man syndrome” with vancomycin: report of case

Vancomycin is a recommended alternative prophylactic antibiotic for penicillin-allergic patients with prosthetic mitral valves. During the course of recommended treatment, a drug reaction known as "red man syndrome" was encountered. Because vancomycin is appropriate for some dental situations, the general practitioner should be acquainted with its use and possible side effects.
A significant decrease in rectal volume and diameter during prostate IMRT.

Abstract Purpose To record changes in rectal volume (RV) and diameter (RD) of patients with prostate adenocarcinoma prior to and at an interim period during radiotherapy, which could potentially affect treatment toxicity and tumor control. Methods Three hundred and fifteen patients treated with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) underwent planning CT scans before radiation and after 45Gy. For each scan, RV and RD were recorded and compared using a two-tailed paired t -test. Robust linear regression analysis assessed correlation between initial RV and percent RV change. Results The mean change in RV was −8.62cm 3 and in RD was −0.19cm 3 , ( p 3 , p Conclusions A significant decrease in RV and RD occurs during prostate IMRT delivery. More than half of patients had decreased RV and over a third had decreased RD. This observation is pertinent to prostate localization, planning margins, and implies that dose–volume histogram (DVH) analysis of rectal irradiation based on pre-treatment CT scanning may inaccurately estimate the risk of rectal toxicity when the initial RV is larger than 70cm 3 .
Anisotropic surface tension and the liquid drop model

Abstract The liquid drop model assumes that the surface tension of all nuclei is isotropic. The consequences of relaxing this assumption are studied. First a macroscopic theory of anisotropic surface tension is presented. Then with a particular choice for the functional form of the surface tension tensor, this theory is applied to a charged liquid drop. A small anisotropy in the surface tension can significantly distort a highly charged drop and lower its fission barrier.
Female Adolescent Sexual Coercion: Implications for Health Educators

Abstract There is empirical evidence indicating that a large number of adolescents are at risk of sexual coercion, either as victims or as perpetrators. However, lack of consistency in use of terms to describe sexual coercion has made it difficult to compare studies and accurately determine its prevalence. This article reviews the literature that addresses the problem of sexual coercion of adolescent females. Sexual coercion is defined and studies are cited which report its prevalence in the adolescent population. Literature relating to the negative impact sexual coercion experience may have on adolescent females is examined. Possible causes, from a sociological perspective, and the models that are available to explain the phenomenon are discussed in this article. In addition, the roles that school and community health education can play in alleviating the problem of sexual coercion are discussed.
The 4.5 S RNA gene of Escherichia coli is essential for cell growth.

The Escherichia coli gene coding for the metabolically stable 4.5 S RNA (ƒƒs) has been shown to be required for cell viability. Essentiality was demonstrated by examining the recombination behavior of substitution mutations of ƒƒs generated in vitro. Substitution mutants of ƒƒs are able to replace the chromosomal allele only in the presence of a second, intact copy of ƒƒs. Independent evidence of essentiality and the finding that 4.5 S RNA is important for protein synthetic activity came from characterization of cells dependent on the lac operon inducer isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactoside for ƒƒs gene expression. Here, a strain dependent on isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactoside for 4.5 S RNA synthesis was developed by inactivation of the chromosomal ƒƒs allele and lysogenization by a λ phage containing 4.5 S DNA fused to a hybrid trp-lac promoter. Withdrawal of the thiogalactoside leads to a deficiency in 4.5 S RNA, a dramatic loss in protein synthesis activity, and eventual cell death. Tagging of the chromosomal ƒƒs region with a kanamycin-resistance gene allowed mapping of the 4.5 S RNA gene. Results from this analysis place ƒƒs near lon at approximately ten minutes on the E. coli linkage map.
Diagnosing attention deficit disorders with the behavioral assessment system for children and the child behavior checklist: Test and construct validity analyses using optimal discriminant classification trees

The usefulness of the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) Parent scales was examined with respect to (a) differentiating students with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from non-ADHD students and (b) discriminating between the predominantly inattentive-type and combined-type ADHD-afflicted students. For both the BASC and the CBCL, a different optimal discriminant classification tree analysis (CTA) model was developed for each of the 2 diagnostic predictions. For distinguishing ADHD students from non-ADHD students, the BASC model was more parsimonious and accurate than the CBCL model. Toward the goal of differentiating between primarily inattentive and combined types, the CBCL's model was superior for predicting primarily inattentive students. The results demonstrate the diagnostic utility of the BASC and CBCL and describe salient behavioral dimensions associated with subtypes of ADHD.
Gravitational spin interaction

The gravitational spin interaction is investigated by studying the deviation from geodesic motion of spinning test bodies. The force on a spinning test body at rest in the exterior field of an arbitrary stationary, rotating source is evaluated and found to be given by$\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{F}}=\ensuremath{-}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\ensuremath{\nabla}}\left(\frac{\ensuremath{-}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{S}}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{J}}+3(\stackrel{^}{r}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{J}})(\stackrel{^}{r}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{S}})}{{r}^{3}}\right)+O(\frac{1}{{r}^{5}})$ where $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{S}}$ is the spin of the test body, $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{J}}$ is the angular momentum of the source of the gravitational field, and geometrized units $G=c=1$ are used. Thus, the gravitational spin-spin force has the same form as the force between two dipoles in electromagnetism except that its sign is opposite, i.e., "north pole" attracts "north pole" in gravitational spin-spin interaction. The gravitational spin-spin torque, previously investigated by Schiff, Mashhoon, and Wilkins, also has opposite sign to the corresponding electromagnetic dipole-dipole torque. The sign of the spin-spin force agrees with that predicted by Hawking on the basis of the fact that less energy can be extracted from colliding black holes if their spins are parallel rather than antiparallel. Furthermore, it is shown that the spin-interaction energy quantitatively accounts for the angular momentum dependence in Hawking's formula for the upper limit for energy released from colliding black holes. The gravitational spin-orbit force is also investigated, and it is found to differ in form from the corresponding electromagnetic spin-orbit force.
Erasing characteristics of a thin-film electroluminescent ZnS:Mn faceplate

Experimental results show that it is not possible to erase completely electroluminescent ZnS:Mn memory device biased near the threshold voltage, for erase time pause of the order of tens of milliseconds, by either the "bulk" erase or the "selective electron beam" erase method. The selective erase requires a time delay before reimposition of the normal sustain voltage to allow a significant decay of persistent beam-induced conductivity. The process of bulk erasure can be explained satisfactorily by a theoretical model which treats the macroscopic electroluminescent region as an ensemble of bistable microscopic filaments, with each filament having a field-dependent coefficient for the recombination of the deep hole traps with the electron flux. The simple assumption of a Gaussian distribution of extinction voltages for the ensemble of microscopic filaments is sufficient to explain the experimental results, except near the threshold voltage where the measured curves show oscillatory features which remain unexplained.
Characterization of nylon 66 by gel permeation chromatography

The quantitative characterization of nylon 66 of various polydispersities has been carried out by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), using m-cresol solvent at 130°C. A Q-factor value of 13.9 for nylon 66 has been validated, by limiting viscosity-number determinations for the particular solvent/temperature combination described above. Using this value together with a simple correction technique for viscous fingering and unsymmetrical dispersion, the practical quantitative characterization of linear nylon 66 has been achieved. Construction of a universal calibration curve, based on hydrodynamic volume, gave a straight-line relationship for polystyrene fractions and nylon 66 samples covering a broad range of polydispersity values.
A new use of the elastodynamic reciprocity theorem

For an isotropic linearly elastic half-space whose elastic moduli and mass density depend on the distance from the free surface, the surface wave motion radiating from a time-harmonic point load applied normal to the surface of the half-space is considered in this paper. The surface wave velocity, which depends on the wave number, together with expressions for the displacements and stresses of free surface waves, are obtained in a high-frequency approximation. Application of the reciprocity theorem using general expressions for the surface wave radiated by the oscillating point load, together with a virtual free surface wave, yields relatively simple expressions for the amplitude factor of the radiated surface wave. For a few examples, results show the velocity of surface waves and the amplitude factor of the surface waves as a function of the wave number.
Stone clustering of patients with cystine urinary stone formation.

Abstract Objectives To explore the history of symptomatic cystine stone formation. Cystinuria is a genetic defect that may result in the formation of recurrent cystine calculi. Methods Thirty-four patients with cystinuria were retrospectively evaluated for treatment patterns, medical prophylaxis, and renal outcome. Patients were offered a conservative surgical regimen and routine radiographic and laboratory follow-up and were encouraged to use medical prophylaxis. A Poisson regression model was used to analyze the patterns of stone formation. Results The mean age at presentation and at last follow-up was 18 and 38 years, respectively. Patients underwent a total of 249 procedures, with an average of 7.3 procedures per patient, including 37% percutaneous nephrolithotomies; 25.7% shock wave lithotripsy procedures; 22.1% ureteroscopies; 12.9% open lithotomies; and 1.6% nephrectomies. In 29% of patients, unilateral surgery only was required. With a conservative treatment regimen, no patient developed renal insufficiency or failure. The overdispersion estimated from the Poisson model was 5.03 ( P P Conclusions The results of our study showed that patients with cystinuria develop symptomatic calculi in clusters, with a slight predominance of stone formation after the age of 34. The cause of the stone clustering is unclear. Renal function can be preserved with a conservative surgical treatment protocol. Contemporary medical prophylaxis may be ineffective.
Current Concepts of Toe-To-Hand Transfer: Surgery and Rehabilitation

Optimal functional recovery after toe-to-hand transfer depends on skillful surgery as well as aggressive motor and sensory rehabilitation. The patient should be well motivated and willing to incorporate the involved hand in daily living and carry out the rehabilitation program on a daily basis. This article presents the current recommendations for the different toe-to-hand transfers and their postoperative rehabilitation programs.
Case Report Discrepancy between early and late electrocardiographic indices of myocardial ischemic involvement in a patient with acute myocardial infarction

Abstract A patient with acute myocardial infarction is described who showed marked ST-segment elevation in the ECG early in the course of his illness. Electrocardiograms at discharge, clinical course, myocardial scintigraphy and enzyme levels were suggestive of myocardial necrosis less extensive than expected from the magnitude and extent of initial ischemic injury by ECG. The factors which could have contributed to the modification of natural course of ECG evolution in this case are discussed.
Surgical management of acute variceal hemorrhage

The advent of more effective nonoperative therapies, mainly endoscopic variceal sclerosis, has decreased the need for emergency surgery for control of acute variceal hemorrhage. In centers where it is available, nonoperative portal decompression by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPS) is likely to have a further impact. When acute or chronic sclerotherapy fails or when bleeding is secondary to gastric varices or portal hypertensive gastropathy, emergency surgery may be life-saving and should be done promptly before worsening hepatic functional decompensation develops. Child's class C liver disease is not a contraindication to emergency surgery; many patients who fail nonoperative attempts at control of bleeding are of this risk status. The most commonly utilized emergency procedures are portacaval and interposition mesocaval shunts, both of which are effective, and esophageal transection, which is associated with a higher incidence of late rebleeding. An emergency distal splenorenal shunt is appropriate for selected patients who are not actively bleeding at the time of surgery. TIPS is the preferred alternative for acute or chronic endoscopic sclerotherapy failures who are candidates for liver transplantation within the succeeding 6 to 12 months.