cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in patients with compromised renal function.

Objectives To present outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) in patients with compromised baseline renal function. Methods Of 485 patients undergoing LPN between September 1999 and August 2005 at our institution, 48 (10%) had compromised baseline renal function, defined as serum creatinine 1.5mg/dL or greater (group I). Outcomes were compared with 437 patients undergoing LPN with normal baseline renal function (serum creatinine less than 1.5 mg/dL, group II). Both groups were compared regarding perioperative data, complications, and renal functional and oncologic outcomes. Results Group i patients were older (67.6 versus 58.6 years, P <0.001) and had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (2.8 versus 2.4, P <0.001), higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (1.9 versus 0.7, P <0.001), and larger tumors (3.3 versus 2.7 cm, P = 0.01). Intraoperative data, postoperative outcomes, overall complications, and pathologic data were similar between groups. At a mean follow-up of 21 months, the deterioration in serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate was similar between groups (P = 0.99 and 0.89, respectively). Dialysis was required in 5 patients (10%) in group I and 3 patients (0.6%) in group II (P <0.001). Within group I, older patients (older than 70 years) with prolonged warm ischemia (greater than 30 minutes) had significantly worse renal functional outcomes. Comparing groups I and II, estimated 5-year overall survival was 78% versus 90% (log rank = 0.01) and cancer-specific survival was 100% versus 98% (log rank = 0.65). Conclusions Older patients with compromised renal function and warm ischemia time greater than 30 minutes are at high risk for renal dysfunction after LPN. Alternate nephron-sparing methods including hypothermia or probe-ablation should be considered in these patients.
Effects of sodium selenite and selenate on DNA and RNA synthesis in vitro.

The effects of sodium selenite and sodium selenate on DNA and RNA synthesis have been examined using intact HeLa cells, isolated nuclei and extracted polymerases. Selenate had no effect on any of the systems examined. Selenite inhibited DNA synthesis in intact cells and in isolated nuclei, and to a limited extent also inhibited DNA polymerase alpha. Selenite also inhibited RNA synthesis in intact cells and alpha-amanitin resistant RNA synthesis in isolated nuclei (i.e., synthesis catalyzed by RNA polymerase I and III). It had no effect on alpha-amanitin sensitive synthesis (catalyzed by RNA polymerase II) at concentrations up to 500 microM. However, transcription of exogenous DNA by extracted RNA polymerase II (as well as by polymerase I and III) was inhibited by selenite.
Suppression of Quantization-Induced Convergence Error in Pipelined ADCs With Harmonic Distortion Correction

Harmonic Distortion Correction (HDC) is one of two published digital background calibration techniques that compensate for residue amplifier nonlinearity in pipelined ADCs. The techniques make it possible to reduce the gains and bandwidths, and therefore the power dissipations, of the op-amps that make up the residue amplifiers without sacrificing pipelined ADC accuracy. Unfortunately, the previously published techniques fail to operate properly when they measure residue amplifier distortion for certain pipelined ADC input signals, most notably input signals with small peak-to-peak variations about certain constant values. This paper identifies the cause of the problem, quantifies its effects, and provides an all-digital solution applicable to the HDC technique.
MICROSPECTROPHOTOMETRIC INVESTIGATIONS OF FREE SPACE IN PLANT CELL WALLS

A B S T R A C T Two equations were proposed for the determination of free space in plant cell walls. Solution of the equations required microspectrophotometric measurements of cell walls after introduction of a chromophore. A periodic acid-Schiff test was developed for this purpose and a statistical analysis of the error terms was used to evaluate the discriminatory capacity of the system. Bouguer's law was tested directly and found to hold for the tissue thicknesses and wavelengths used. Because concentration was unknown, Beer's law could not be tested directly, but a new method based on the logarithmic transformation of the optical densities and statistical correlation of curve shape was used to predict the wavelength interval in which Beer's law held. Calculations by a newly derived extinction-ratio equation (AE/E) were essentially invariant over the predicted range and variable outside of this wavelength interval. Free space in hydrated S2 layers of tracheid cell walls of Pinus resinosa Ait. was calculated to be about 25%. The magnitude of free space at various stages of hydration was also tabulated. Considerable free space was found to exist in plant cell walls after prolonged exposure to anhydrous ethyl alcohol; however, after complete dehydration
The Arthurian Legend: A core collection

This bibliography is intended as a guide for librarians, scholars, students, and interested amateurs. It suggests what books or media would be an invaluable starting collection to understanding the Arthurian legend, which has been over a millennium in the making.
Neck pain following migration of a ventriculocervical shunt.

A 12-year-old boy who, 3 years previously, underwent placement of a ventriculocervical shunt for hydrocephalus as a complication of Lhermitte-Duclos disease of the cerebellum, presented with pain in the neck secondary to marked migration of the catheter.
Contemporaneous versus Retrospective User-Reported Critical Incidents in Usability Evaluation

The user-reported critical incident technique involves end-users directly in qualitative data collection during formative usability evaluations. An augmented retrospective variation was developed where participants reported incidents while watching a recording of their usability session, rather than reporting incidents contemporaneous to their occurrence during task execution. Retrospective reporting enables controlled comparisons of user-reported and expert-reported methods, since session recordings can be shown to multiple reviewers. It also allows for the collection of incidents without disrupting traditional usability measures, such as time to complete task. A within-subject study with 24 participants found retrospective reporting to be similarly effective to contemporaneous reporting. The study is described and guidelines are provided for the use of both the contemporaneous and augmented retrospective techniques.
Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia: An elusive disorder

Abstract Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia (PVL) is a multifocal form of progressive leukoplakia with a high rate of malignant transformation that requires early recognition by oral health care providers for proper management. Background and Purpose PVL will frequently appear as an innocuous white lesion or lesions that can easily be overlooked or considered clinically insignificant, yet it has a high rate of malignant transformation. There is limited in-depth knowledge about the pathobiology of PVL. Oral health care providers lack familiarity with this lesion; consequently the intent of this article is to increase awareness of the clinical aspects of PVL. Methods Case reports, case series and review articles provide a profile of PVL. Conclusion It is essential that health care providers performing intraoral examinations are aware that PVL is a distinct and rare form of multifocal oral leukoplakia. PVL commonly affects females above the age of 62. Currently, little is known about its etiopathogenesis. Additionally, no specific treatment modality has proven to be effective in aborting its progression. Because of its high recurrence potential and relentless progression to squamous cell carcinoma, all recurrent and multifocal white lesions of the oral cavity should be viewed with suspicion.
Fundamental and Applied Investigations in Plasma-Source Mass Spectrometry for Elemental Analysis

The current status of plasma source-mass spectrometry (PS-MS) is reviewed. An overview of interference effects that exist, alternative plasma sources available, and mass spectrometer interface studies is provided. A discussion of current and future development areas in plasma source mass spectrometry is also included.
Integrated production-inventory models with imperfect production processes and a limited capacity for raw materials

This paper deals with inventory models that unify the decisions for raw materials and the finished product for a single product manufacturing system. The product is manufactured in batches and raw materials are jointly replenished from outside suppliers. The system is assumed to deteriorate during the production process. As a result, some proportion of nonconforming items is produced. The objective is to minimize the total variable cost for the system. A solution procedure is developed to find a near optimal solution for the basic model. The analysis for the basic model is extended to cases where the proportion of defective items is not constant or the defective rate is a function of production setup cost.
Aerosol black carbon measurements at the South Pole: Initial results, 1986-1987

In December 1986 an aethalometer was installed at the NOAA/GMCC South Pole Observatory to measure concentrations of the combustion effluent tracer species aerosol black carbon (BC) with a time resolution of one hour. We present data covering a 1-yr period from December 1986 through November 1987. The hourly data show infrequent events in which the concentrations increased greatly for periods of a few hours. We attribute these events to local contamination and identified them as such in the database. The remaining background data then yield daily average BC concentrations generally ranging from 50 pg m−3 to 5 ng m−3, with a minimum in the early austral winter. The results imply long-range transport of this aerosol species, and suggest a minimum value of the order of 10 pg m−3 for its global background concentration.
Exoenzyme activity associated with lotic epilithon

SUMMARY. 1. Epilithic communities were developed on glass slides under four regimes of relative current velocity and light exposure, designated as slow-light, slow-dark, fast-light and fast-dark, in a fourth-order boreal stream. Ten samples were collected over an 8-month period and analysed for biomass, chlorophyll and exoenzyme activity. Fourteen assays were used to monitor the activity of eleven types of exoenzymes involved in the degradation of cellulose, lignin, chitin, xylan, protein, glycogen, organic phosphates and organic sulphates. 2. The communities that developed under each current and light regime were distinct in structure and species composition, but had similar patterns of exoenzyme activity. Overall, exoenzyme activity was closely correlated with biomass. The most readily detected enzymes were phenol oxidase, phosphatase, alpha-1, 4-glucosidase, beta-1, 4-N-acetylglucosamidase, and beta-1, 4-glucosidase. 3. Calculating exoenzyme activities per unit biomass eliminated the covariance between biomass and enzyme activity, revealing quantitative differences in exoenzyme activity among communities. The highest exoenzyme activity was associated with the slow-dark epilithon and the least with the slow-light. Fast-light and fast-dark were intermediate. 4. Biomass, chlorophyll and exoenzyme activity showed marked seasonal variations. In general, carbohydrases and the phenol oxidases had different seasonal activity patterns with carbohydrase activity peaking in the summer and phenol oxidase activity increasing markedly in the autumn. 5. Differences among epithilic communities could not be readily accounted for by single factors. Community development was determined by the interactions among current, light, macroinvertebrates and season.
Interview with Stephen Abram of SirsiDynix

This interview with Stephen Abram of SirsiDynix describes his outlook on the library profession and research interests particularly related to Library 2.0, improving the quality of research questions, and understanding today's article-level economy.
Variational dynamics of spatial solitons in quasi-phase-matched quadratic media

We consider the stability and dynamics of quasi-phase-matched (QPM) solitons which are generated in materials with cascaded quadratic nonlinearity. The use of a variational reduction in conjunction with a Poincare (periodic orbit) analysis gives a reduced differential equation model which captures the leading-order fast and slow behaviours of the pulse dynamics. This strengthens previous results pertaining to the existence of QPM solitons, and further suggests that they are robust under even large perturbations. However, the perturbed QPM solitons are shown to manifest a slow scale behaviour which persists even for large propagation distances. This slow scale behaviour is qualitatively described with our averaging methods and is to be expected in physically realizable systems.
Using movement and intentions to understand human activity

During perception, people segment continuous activity into discrete events. They do so in part by monitoring changes in features of an ongoing activity. Characterizing these features is important for theories of event perception and may be helpful for designing information systems. The three experiments reported here asked whether the body movements of an actor predict when viewers will perceive event boundaries. Body movements were recorded using a magnetic motion tracking system and compared with viewers' segmentation of his activity into events. Changes in movement features were strongly associated with segmentation. This was more true for fine-grained than for coarse-grained boundaries, and was strengthened when the stimulus displays were reduced from live-action movies to simplified animations. These results suggest that movement variables play an important role in the process of segmenting activity into meaningful events, and that the influence of movement on segmentation depends on the availability of other information sources.
Benefits of influenza vaccination on influenza-related mortality among elderly in the US: An unexpected finding

Abstract Although elderly influenza vaccination coverage increased from ∼15% to ∼65% during 1980–1999 in the US, estimates of influenza-related mortality also increased during this period. We examined these apparently conflicting findings by adjusting mortality estimates for aging within the elderly and the incidence of influenza A (H3N2) virus circulation. Using national mortality statistics for 1968 through 1999, we generated age-specific monthly rates for pneumonia and influenza (P&I) and all-cause mortality for persons ≥65 years of age. We estimated influenza-related mortality as the winter excess in mortality over a Serfling model baseline. After adjusting for age and considering only A (H3N2)-dominated seasons, we found that excess mortality declined sharply among younger elderly (65–74 years) during 1968–1980, but remained level after 1980. Among the most elderly (85+ years), excess mortality rates were essentially unchanged over the entire study period. In conclusion, the increase in elderly influenza vaccination coverage in the US after 1980 was not accompanied by a decline in influenza-related mortality. We hypothesize that disparity in vaccination rates among frail elderly, combined with reduced responsiveness to vaccination with age, may account for these findings.
Traceless solid-phase synthesis of N-substituted 3,5-bis(substituted-idene)piperidin-4-one derivatives

A series of N-substituted 3,5-bis(substituted-idene)piperidin-4-ones have been prepared using solid-phase organic synthesis. The synthesis starts with a Michael addition with piperidin-4-one serving as the donor and REM resin as the acceptor. Various aldehydes were then utilized through a Knoevenagel condensation to afford the 3,5-bis(substituted-idene)piperidin-4-ones on the solid support. The final products were removed from the support and a second diversity position was introduced through a Hofmann elimination using different alkyl bromides.
In vitro photodynamic therapy of human lung cancer.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a dihematoporphyrin ether (DHE) sensitizes malignant cells to damage by 630-nm light. This study investigated in vitro PDT sensitivity of human lung cancer cells (A549) and those factors which influence cell survival as determined by the colony formation assay. After incubation for 2, 4, or 6 hr with [DHE] of 2.5, 25, or 50 μg/ml, A549 received red light at dose rates of 0.27 or 0.09 mW/cm2 and energies of 0–250 mJ/cm2. Neither 630-nm light alone nor DHE alone affected cell survival. A dose rate of 0.27 mW/cm2 required less energy than 0.09 mW/cm2 for 90% cytotoxicity (180 mJ/cm2 vs 250 mJ/cm2, P < 0.05). The energy required for 90% cytotoxicity with 25 μg/ml [DHE] was dependent on DHE incubation time (2 hr, 90% cytotoxicity not reached; 4 hr, 116 mJ/cm2; 6 hr, 69 mJ/cm2; P < 0.05). In contrast, cellular [DHE] as measured by fluorescence, plateaued after 2 hr of incubation. Fluorescence microscopy revealed a time-dependent redistribution of fluorescence from the cell membrane to perinuclear and intracytoplasmic organelles. A 99% cytotoxicity required significantly less energy as [DHE] was increased (2.5 μg/ml, no cytotoxicity; 25 μg/ml, 243 mJ/cm2; 50 μg/ml, 111 mJ/cm2; P < 0.05). Intracellular [DHE] was directly dependent on the incubating media [DHE] (2.5 μg/ml, 0.09 ± 0.01 μg/106 cells; 25 μg/ml, 0.80 ± 0.07 μg/106 cells; 50 μg/ml, 1.31 ± 0.11 μg/106 cells; P < 0.05). PDT cytotoxicity was inversely proportional to concentration of serum in the DHE media. These data illustrate that lung cancer in vitro is sensitive to PDT and is influenced by dose rate, energy input, and DHE environmental manipulations. These factors may be important in increasing the efficiency of PDT of thoracic malignancies in vivo.
Question-Asking Comfort: Explorations of the Demography of Communication in the Eighth Grade Classroom.

A national sample of eighth grade students (N = 24599) described how comfortable they were about asking questions in English, science, social studies, and mathematics classes. Question‐asking comfort was positively related to family income, socio‐economic status, English language proficiency, family intellectual environment, educational aspirations, academic performance, self‐esteem, and locus of control. A significant and inverse relationship was found between question‐asking comfort and age. Results further suggest that question‐asking comfort is significantly associated with gender, ethnicity, geographic region, home language background, and perceptions of teachers' responsiveness to students.
Experimental and Numerical Analyses of Friction Factors in Offset Strip Fin Heat Exchangers

Heat transfer in compact heat exchangers is augmented by the introduction of the offset strip fins. With the breakdown of the thermal and hydro boundary layers to boost heat transfer, the fins increase the friction power. Two heat exchangers of different fin geometries structures were built and tested. The results of the study show that the round-edge-fin heat exchanger has the smaller friction factor. A test rig was constructed to measure the friction factor of the offset strip fin heat exchangers with air. A modified hydraulic diameter was used to calculate the main parameters. The computational fluid dynamics package FLUENT was used to predict the flow in the heat exchanger. The numerical investigation was conducted and compared with experimental measurements.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Intrinsic corrections to optical guiding in a free electron laser

Abstract The effect on optical guiding of the undulations of an electron beam in an FEL is investigated, and a model for a fully saturated FEL amplifier with no remaining gain is developed. The density of the electrom beam in the model fully includes the effects of both transverse and longitudinal undulation of the beam. The longitudinal density modulation is expressed in terms of the Bessel functions of ζ, where ζ = a w 2 2(1 + a w 2 ) is the shift of the electron phase in the electron bucket caused by its longitudinal undulation. The transverse density modulation is evaluated to second order in the ratio of undulation amplitude δr to beam radial scale length rb. The radiation field from the modeled beam is calculated in terms of spatial modes proportional to exp[i(k + δk + lkw)z − iωt], where l is an arbitrary integer. Here, δk is the change of the wavenumber of the radiation caused by the electron bunches. Radially radiating modes with intensity on the order of ( δk k w )ζ 2 are found. Optical guiding is found to be modified by the transverse undulations of the beam at second order in δr r b , and by the longitudinal undulations to first order in δk k w . For the usual FEL parameters, the correction is quite small.
Dynamic hedging of paper with T bill futures

Despite the growing importance of the commercial paper market there is no empirical work investigating the hedging performance of dynamic hedging strategies versus traditional static hedging strategies. This article proposes a dynamic hedging model for commercial paper that takes advantage of time dependencies present in the joint density of commercial paper and T-bill futures. The hedging effectiveness of the dynamic model is compared to that of the static regression model. There is clear evidence that dynamic hedging is superior to static hedging in terms of both total variance reduction and expected utility maximization. These results hold even when transactions costs are explicitly taken into account. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 18:925–938, 1998
Characterization of Pt4+ in alumino-metaphosphate laser glasses

Abstract The Pt4+ optical spectra (16 600–50 000 cm−1) in a series of alkali/alkaline alumino-metaphosphate glasses are reported. The four observed spectral bands are assigned to the d–d transitions from the 1 A 1 g ground state to the 3 T 1 g (∼23 500 cm−1), 3 T 2 g (∼28 000 cm−1), 1 T 1 g (∼33 300 cm−1) and 1 T 2 g (∼40 000 cm−1) excited states assuming Pt4+ resides in a distorted octahedral site. The absorption band intensities are found to exist in two groups, with the low compositionally averaged modifier field strength ( 4 F 3/2 state is small (kA≈0.3 Hz/ppmw) in agreement with predictions based on the Forster–Dexter theory for dipolar energy transfer.
Magneto‐optical properties of a spinless particle moving in a harmonic potential

Exact solutions to the quantum mechanical problem of an anisotropic oscillator in a one-dimensional magnetic field are obtained. These solutions (eigenenergies and wave functions) are then applied to the problem of calculating the magneto-optical properties of a charged spinless particle constrained to move in a harmonic potential field. General expressions for the dipole strengths and rotational strengths associated with radiation induced transitions between the eigenstates of this model system are developed, and these quantities are further related to observables of magneto-optical absorption spectroscopy and Faraday effect studies.
Incremental Potential Flow Based Membrane Wing Element

A new quadrilateral membrane wing element is presented that combines an incremental formulation of the elastic membrane problem with a vortex lattice formulation of the thin wing aerodynamic problem. The incremental formulation leads to an explicit/implicit velocity-stepping algorithm for solving the coupled aeroelastostatic membrane wing problem. The Stein-Hedgepeth wrinkle model is adopted as the constitutive relation for the membrane, which may develop slack or wrinkled regions. The element is shown to satisfy two limiting cases of the aeroelastic problem for which there are well-known analytic solutions. The algorithm is applied to two moderate aspect ratio membrane wing configurations with the second configuration being a model of a marine sail.
Field tests of cis-regulatory variation at the prairie vole avpr1a locus: Association with V1aR abundance but not sexual or social fidelity

The neuropeptide vasopressin and its receptor V1aR are broadly implicated in social behavior and play a central role in several key aspects of male mating tactics in voles. In the prairie vole, a microsatellite in the cis-regulatory region of the gene encoding V1aR (avpr1a) provides a potential genetic basis for individual variation in neural phenotype and behavior; recent studies found that allele length predicts V1aR expression and male social attachment in the laboratory. Here, we explore the relationship between avpr1a microsatellite length, V1aR neural phenotype, and field measures of monogamy and fitness in male prairie voles. We found significant effects of allele length on V1aR expression in structures integral to pairbond formation. These effects did not, however, translate to differences in mating tactics or reproductive success. Together, these data suggest that, while length polymorphism in the avpr1a microsatellite influences neuronal phenotype, this variation does not contribute significantly to male reproductive success and field behavior. We propose that previously reported behavioral effects may be mediated primarily by sequence variation at this locus, for which allele length is an imperfect proxy. By combining genetic, neuronal and ecological approaches, these data provide novel insights into the contribution of genotype to natural diversity in brain and behavior.
Effects of Hemophilia upon Intellectual Growth and Academic Achievement

(1971). Effects of Hemophilia upon Intellectual Growth and Academic Achievement. The Journal of Genetic Psychology: Vol. 119, No. 1, pp. 63-74.
Efficient k-NN graph construction for graphs on variables

Graphs are building blocks for many statistical techniques. Recent work has addressed graph construction to improve the end result of the associated statistical analysis. In this article, we propose a new method to efficiently construct a k nearest neighbor graph where the vertices are variables. Our primary application is covariance or concentration matrix estimation, where graphs are constructed to examine relationships between variables and to uncover data set structure. We demonstrate the improvement in the constructed graphs via simulations, and show that the method can choose a flexible k for each vertex. We also find informative features using the MADELON dataset from the 2003 NIPS Feature Selection Challenge, and illustrate the method on a gene expression data set in a covariance estimation setting. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining, 2013
Elongational and shear rheology of carbon nanotube suspensions

Rheological behavior of concentrated suspensions of chemical vapor deposition carbon nanotubes in uniaxial elongation and simple shear is studied experimentally and theoretically. Nanotubes are suspended in viscous host liquids—castor oil or its blends with n-decane. The elongational measurements are performed by analyzing self-thinning (due to surface tension effect) liquid threads of nanotube suspensions. A quasi-one-dimensional model is used to describe the self-thinning process, whereas corrections accounting for thread nonuniformity and necking are introduced a posteriori. The effects of nanotube concentration and aspect ratio, viscosity of the suspending liquid, and initial diameter of the self-thinning thread in uniaxial elongation are elucidated. The results for uniaxial elongation are compared with those for simple shear. The correspondence in the results of the shear and elongational measurements is addressed and interpreted. The results conform to the Herschel–Bulkley rheological constitutive equation (i.e., power law fluids with yield stress). However, the yield stress in elongation is about 40% higher than in simple shear flow, which suggests that the original Herschel–Bulkley model need modification with the yield stress being a function of the second invariant of the deviatoric stress tensor. The present effort is the first to study capillary self-thinning of Herschel–Bulkley liquids, which are exemplified here by suspensions of carbon nanotubes.
Rational expectations and the demand for money: A nonparametric approach☆

Abstract This paper tests the U.S. demand for money for evidence of the effect of rational expectations of the income and interest rate variables that enter as arguments into that function. The data employed are simple-sum and Divisia aggregates, and the nonparametric tests are of the identification and information orthogonality of the various monetary measures. The Akaike Criterion is used to distinguish among the alternative specifications. While non-rationality is the typical result, Divisia aggregates appear to be more “rational” than simple sum. There is evidence of mean-reversion in interest rates as well.
Renal nerves and the natriuresis following unilateral renal exclusion in the rat

Renal nerves and the natriuresis following unilateral renal exclusion in the rat. Both acute unilateral nephrectomy (AUN) and acute ureteral pressure elevation (UPE) stimulate sodium excretion (U Na V) from the contralateral kidney, a response which in each case is interrupted by prior denervation of either kidney. Yet the natriuresis after AUN is known to be related to an increase in the plasma concentration of a γ-melanocyte stimulating hormone (γ-MSH)-like peptide. In anesthetized rats, sham AUN had no effect on contralateral U Na V, and plasma immunoreactive (IR) γ-MSH concentration was 10.6 ± 3.0 (sd) fmol/ ml. In rats with intact renal innervation, U Na V more than doubled after AUN (P & lt; 0.001), and γ-MSH was increased to 14.9 ± 4.6 fmol/ml (P Na V, and neither sham AUN nor AUN of the denervated of innervated kidney influenced U Na V. In all three of these groups, IR-γ-MSH concentration was reduced below the sham or post-AUN values seen in rats with innervated kidneys, to 4.9 ± 3.3, 3.8 ± 3.4, and 2.8 ± 3.5 fmol/ml, respectively (P Na V occurred after sham UPE, and plasma IR-γ-MSH was 10.8 ± 3.9 fmol/ml. UPE caused U Na V to double, and IR-γ-MSH rose to 20.0 ± 7.3 fmol/ml (P Na V.
A stochastic foraging model with predator training effects. II. Optimal diets

Abstract Standard optimal diet models require that a predator's behavior while searching for food does not change in response to experiences with individual prey. There is evidence for rapid and reversible changes in feeding behavior caused by as few as one or two prey encounters. When these “training effects” occur, a given prey type is more likely to be captured next if it was the last type with which the predator had experience. This is not compatible with the standard foraging model. I present a stochastic model which incorporates predator training effects, and three types of training are explored: training in the ability to detect prey (search image formation), training in the probability of succeeding in an attempted capture, and training in the time to pursue, capture, and eat prey. The main result is that all three types of training can result in optimal diets which do not obey the standard optimal diet rules. Conditions under which these rules will suffice are discussed.
Low-dose oral bexarotene in combination with low-dose interferon alfa in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: clinical synergism and possible immunologic mechanisms

Abstract Background For nearly 2 decades clinicians have been treating cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) with regimens that combine interferon alfa with retinoid compounds. In December 1999 a new retinoid, bexarotene, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of CTCL. At the manufacturer's recommended dose of bexarotene (300 mg/m 2 of body surface area), it has proven to be a highly effective therapy for all stages of CTCL. Nevertheless, this dose is typically associated with adverse effects including severe hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, there appears to be no standardization of dosing among physicians who treat CTCL. Observations We present 3 representative patients, 2 with erythrodermic CTCL and 1 with follicular mycosis fungoides, who experienced the rapid clearing of skin disease while being treated with a combination of low-dose bexarotene and low-dose recombinant interferon alfa. Conclusions Combining low-dose bexarotene with low-dose interferon alfa was well tolerated and led to rapid improvement in our patients. We review the clinical and biologic basis for this approach.
Ethical considerations in the management of infants born at extremely low gestational age

With ongoing improvements in technology and the understanding of neonatal physiology, there has been increasing debate regarding the gestational age and birth weight limits of an infants' capability of sustaining life outside the womb and how this is to be determined. The objective of this review was to address this issue with an analysis of current data (following the introduction of surfactant therapy in 1990) from published studies of survival in extremely low gestational age infants. We found that survival was possible at 22 completed weeks of gestation but only in < 4% of live births reported. Survival increased from 21% at 23 weeks gestational age to 46% at 24 weeks gestational age. Historically, despite continual advances in neonatology, the mortality at 22 weeks has not improved over the past three decades. Combining the data from studies on survival with evidence from developmental biology, we believe that it is not worthwhile to pursue aggressive support of infants born at < 23 weeks gestational age. Given the complicated issues related to morbidity and mortality in infants born at 22 to 25 weeks gestational age and the ethical implications of the available evidence, we propose the need for a consensus derived framework to help in decision-making.
A real-time robust fall detection system using a wireless gait analysis sensor and an Artificial Neural Network

This paper describes our custom-designed wireless gait analysis sensor (WGAS) system developed and tested for real-time fall detection. The WGAS is capable of differentiating falls vs. Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) performed by young volunteers using a Back Propagation Artificial Neural Network (BP ANN) algorithm. The WGAS, which includes a tri-axial accelerometer, 2 gyroscopes, and a MSP430 microcontroller is worn by the subjects at either T4 (at back) or the belt-clip positions (in front of the waist) for the various falls, ADL, and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) tests. The raw data is wirelessly transmitted from the WGAS to a nearby PC for real-time fall classification, where six features were extracted for the BP ANN. Overall fall classification accuracies of 97.0% and 97.4% have been achieved for the data taken at the T4 and at the belt position, respectively. The preliminary data demonstrates an overall sensitivity of 97.0% and overall specificity of 97.2% for this WGAS fall detection system, showing good promise as a real-time low-cost and effective fall detection device for wireless acute care and wireless assisted living.
Analyzing and Modeling the Maximum Diversity Problem by Zero‐One Programming*

The problem of maximizing diversity deals with selecting a set of elements from some larger collection such that the selected elements exhibit the greatest variety of characteristics. A new model is proposed in which the concept of diversity is quantifiable and measurable. A quadratic zero-one model is formulated for diversity maximization. Based upon the formulation, it is shown that the maximum diversity problem is NP-hard. Two equivalent linear integer programs are then presented that offer progressively greater computational efficiency. Another formulation is also introduced which involves a different diversity objective. An example is given to illustrate how additional considerations can be incorporated into the maximum diversity model.
Extending Sociocultural Theory to Group Creativity.

Sociocultural theory focuses on group processes through time, and argues that group phenomena cannot be reduced to explanation in terms of the mental states or actions of the participating individuals. This makes sociocultural theory particularly useful in the analysis of group creativity and group learning, because both group creativity and group learning emerge over time from the successive contributions of individual members, and they are difficult to reductively explain in terms of the mental states or actions of participating individuals. This paper presents a case study of group creativity, analyzing how a collective creative product emerges over 17 successive encounters of an improvisational theater group. This case study demonstrates the value of sociocultural theory in the study of group processes over time. And yet, it suggests that to fully explain group creativity and group learning, existing sociocultural theory must be extended beyond a narrow focus on process and practice, to focus on three levels of analysis: individual creative acts, interactional dynamics over time, and the emergence of collective group creations.
Emotional exchange in mother-child dyads: stability, mutual influence, and associations with maternal depression and child problem behavior.

This study examined the stability of the child and maternal affective expression and maternal responsiveness and the mutual influence of child and maternal expression of emotion. The authors tested whether maternal depression and child problem behavior were associated with the pattern of emotional exchange within the mother– child dyads. The sample consisted of 69 mother– child dyads (children aged 2–5 years), with 32 of the mothers having childhoodonset depression. Mothers were mostly stable in their affective expression (positive and negative) and responsiveness, whereas children were only stable in positive expression. Within the dyads, mothers seemed to play a more important role in regulating children’s later emotional expression. Maternal depression was associated with concurrent maternal responsiveness and their reduced positive expression over time. Results are discussed in relation to the differential function of parental general positivity and responsiveness and the interpersonal transmission of emotional problems.
Expansion of the mammalian 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/plant dihydroflavonol reductase superfamily to include a bacterial cholesterol dehydrogenase, a bacterial UDP‐galactose‐4‐epimerase, and open reading frames in vaccinia virus and fish lymphocystis disease virus

Mammalian 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and plant dihydroflavonol reductases are descended from a common ancestor. Here we present evidence that Nocardia cholesterol dehydrogenase, E. coli UDP-galactose-4 epimerase, and open reading frames in vaccinia virus and fish lymphocystis disease virus are homologous to 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and dehydroflavonol reductase. Analysis of a multiple alignment of these sequences indicates that viral ORFs are most closely related to the mammalian 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. The ancestral protein of this superfamily is likely to be one that metabolized sugar nucleotides. The sequence similarity between 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and the viral ORFs is sufficient to suggest that these ORFs have an activity that is similar to 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase or cholesterol dehydrogenase, although the putative substrates are not yet known.
Effect of 2,4-dinitrophenol and sodium azide on host cell metabolism and influenza A virus.

Abstract 2,4-Dinitrophenol and sodium azide, at concentrations that are not inhibitory to host cell respiration, have been shown to inhibit influenza A (PR8) virus synthesis and phosphate uptake in chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane. Lack of virus development appears to be related to interference with the phosphate-bond formation.
Obesity is a chronic, relapsing neurochemical disease

The debate about whether obesity should be called a disease continues. From a clinical perspective, it meets the criteria needed to call it a disease. It has an etiology--an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. It has a pathogenesis in the feedback systems involving leptin, neurochemicals in the brain, and the neural and endocrine messages that respond to the intake of food. The pathology of obesity lies in its enlarged fat cells, and the pathophysiology lies in the changes in the secretion of products from these enlarged fat cells, including cytokines, procoagulants, inflammatory peptides, and angiotensinogen. These secretory products of fat cells and the increased mass of fat are responsible for the associated metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnea, and some sorts of cancer. Treatments consist of techniques to alter the balance between energy intake and energy expenditure. This constellation of factors leads to the conclusion that obesity should be called a disease.
Backyard pigs: part 1 – animal husbandry considerations

This article discusses the keeping of small groups of pigs, their breeds and the reasons for keeping them. The role of the veterinary practitioner is outlined, together with the input required from the practice. A protocol for an initial visit is suggested and the legal requirements to be followed by the client keeping backyard pigs are laid out in detail.
Rapid Increases in Peptide Processing Enzyme Expression in Hippocampal Neurons

Recent studies have demonstrated that seizure activity causes a dramatic increase in neuropeptide expression in specific regions of the rat hippocampus. In this study we investigated the effect of electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) on the expression of three posttranslational processing enzymes involved in the production of many bioactive peptides from their inactive precursors. Peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) converts peptidylglycine substrates into alpha-amidated products and prohormone convertases 1 and 2 perform the tissue-specific endoproteolytic cleavage of many prohormones. After a single ECT, in situ hybridization demonstrated a rapid increase in the level of PAM mRNA in the dentate granule cells of the hippocampus, reaching peak levels between 1 and 4 h and then returning to near baseline levels within 24 h. Northern blot analysis confirmed the changes in PAM mRNA expression seen by using in situ hybridization. Similar rapid changes in PAM mRNA expression were seen after repeated ECT, suggesting that chronic ECT did not affect the regulation of PAM expression in the hippocampus. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated an increase in PAM protein in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus at 4 and 8 h after a single ECT. Based on in situ hybridization, levels of mRNA for the prohormone convertases 1 and 2 were also increased in dentate granule cells after a single ECT. Prohormone convertase 2 mRNA levels exhibited a slower response to ECT, not reaching maximal levels until 8 h after ECT. The response of the dentate granule cells of the hippocampus to ECT provides a model system for studying the rapid, coordinate regulation of peptide-processing enzymes.
The effects of complexity on confidence ratings in linguistic integration.

Bransford and Franks (1971) introduced a paradigm for the study of linguistic integration. Their primary measure was subjects’ rated confidence in their responses. The present paper considers the appropriateness of this dependent variable, and concludes that the relation between sentence complexity and rated confidence is too small and unstable to justify the emphasis which confidence ratings have received. Further, certain differences between concrete and abstract sentences were obscured by a confidence analysis. The proportion of old responses is championed as a more appropriate dependent variable. Finally, it is shown that increasing the amount of specific memory necessarily decreases the size of the complexity effect.
Macroeconomics and Undergraduate Agricultural Economics

This paper focuses on macroeconomics in undergraduate agricultural economics curricula. We briefly review some of what leaders in the agricultural economics and economics professions, macroeconomics teachers, and textbook authors say about what is important, what should be taught and learned in modern undergraduate macroeconomics courses. We also report on a survey of faculty of agricultural economics departments who have responsibility for undergraduate instruction in 50 U.S. agricultural economics undergraduate programs. The surveys provide information on the current status of economics courses in their programs and the relative importance of different macroeconomic subjects to students in undergraduate agricultural economics. W hile most of the research and teaching in agricultural economics has historically been more closely associated with microeconomics than macroeconomics, there has been a significant increase in the interest in the latter branch of economics in agricultural economics textbooks and journals in the past two decades. Professor G. Edward Schuh's address to the 1976 meeting of the American Agricultural Economics Association (AAEA) may be regarded as a seminal event in the Association's move toward giving more attention to macroeconomics. He closed his talk with these words: It is now almost an imperative that we give strong macroeconomic training to students, that we challenge them to know more about world agriculture and world economic development, and that we develop a research capability that will enable us to provide useful analytical and empirical inputs into the policy-making process and to effectively discharge larger educational responsibilities to U.S. citizens. Our challenge will be to do this without weakening the microeconomic work that is so much a part of tradition and that can serve so well in developing the macroeconomic theory and in doing the
Diamondoids and molecular biomarkers generated from modern sediments in the absence and presence of minerals during hydrous pyrolysis

Experimental work involving artificial maturation of modern sediments was carried out to determine if diamondoids can be generated from biosynthetic precursors abundant in modern sediments. Mineral catalysts of distinctive properties, including montmorillonite K10, acidic aluminosilicate and CaCO3 were used in the hydrous pyrolysis of organic-rich modern sediments to examine which type of catalyst is active and effective in the production of diamondoids. Our results show that diamondoids are absent from modern sediments lacking petroleum contamination. Hydrous pyrolysis at 340 � C indicates that they are created coincidently with the formation of biomarkers, as the artificial maturation of organic matter proceeds. The generation of diamondoids is more significant in the presence of montmorillonite K10 and acidic aluminosilicate. This suggests that these clay minerals have a significant catalytic effect on the formation of diamondoids, and may catalyze diamondoid synthesis via carbonium ion mechanisms resulting from Lewis acid sites available on their surface. In contrast, CaCO3 has an inhibitive effect on the generation of diamondoids as well as on published diamondoid maturity parameters such as MAI and MDI. The formation of 3,4-dimethyldiamantane (DMD), 4,8-DMD, and 4,9-DMD is demonstrated to be source related. The sediment mineralogy can change the composition and distribution of both triterpanes and steranes by either catalyzing isomerization of biomarkers or cracking of side chains. Source biomarker parameters (e.g., C24Tet/C23TT, C �=C29Ts, C27:C28:C29 steranes) are more sensitive to the addition of minerals including montmoril