cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Unique Case of Diffuse Metastatic Neuroendocrine Cancer with Subcutaneous Nodules on (18)F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computer Assisted Tomography.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) account for 8-10% of cases of carcinomas of unknown primary. Most of these cases are poorly differentiated with metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. However, cutaneous metastatic presentation is rare. We present an interesting case of a 74-year-old woman presenting with cutaneous metastatic involvement from high grade poorly differentiated NET of unknown origin. She was referred to us with a diagnosis of lymphoma. 18-F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computer assisted tomography imaging at our institution offered a differential diagnosis, including neuroendocrine cancer. Repeat skin lesion biopsy demonstrated non-Merkel cell carcinoma, favoring metastatic high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma.
Surgical treatment of obesity: who is an appropriate candidate?

The increasing prevalence and far-reaching medical, social, and economical implications of obesity have made it a national health-care crisis in the United States. About one in every three persons is at least 20% above "ideal" body weight, and approximately 5% have direct weight-related serious health problems (morbid obesity), including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, adult-onset diabetes mellitus, degenerative osteoarthropathy, and obstructive sleep apnea. Morbidly obese patients have an estimated 6- to 12-fold increase in mortality. In addition, they have a substantially diminished quality of life, not only physically but also psychosocially due to overt and occult prejudice. Weight reduction must be aggressively pursued in these patients. Medically supervised weight-control programs have been inef- fective because patients cannot maintain pronounced long-term weight loss. In contrast, current operative methods have been proved to be effective in helping patients achieve and maintain permanent weight reduction. Several operations have been designed and assessed; with these procedures, weight loss is achieved by inducing malabsorption, maldigestion, early satiety, or a combination of these outcomes. Although these operations have associated side effects and limitations, the expected benefits outweigh the risks. For optimal results, patients must be carefully selected and treated by a multidisciplinary group.
Relationship between soil mass adhering to pea taproots and recovery of Pseudomonas fluorescens from the rhizosphere

Abstract The sampling unit in rhizosphere studies is poorly defined. Experiments were made to determine if quantitative recovery of an introduced root-colonizing bacterium was affected by the amount of soil adhering to the root. Pea seeds coated with Pseudomonas fluorescens strain PRA25rif were sown in soil held at −6 kPa soil water matric potential. After 7 days. PRA25rif populations associated with the pea taproot segment 0.5–1.5 cm below the seed were assessed from dilution plate counts. Root segments with various amounts of adhering soil (0–1200 mg cm −1 root) were sampled. Regression analysis indicated that the amount of soil adhering to the roots did not significantly affect the population of PRA25rif recovered, expressed as log cfu (colony forming units) cm −1 root. The adhering soil mass also did not influence the proportion of the population recovered from the rhizosphere soil suspension (99.8%) as compared to that recovered from macerated roots (0.2%). The population density of the bacterium was greatest in the smallest soil masses, suggesting that the bacteria are located very close to the root, and are recovered regardless of how little adhering soil is included in the sample.
Sexuality and identity: The contribution of object relations theory to a constructionist sociology

Over the past twenty years, a radical new theoretical perspective on the meaning of sexual behavior and sexual identity has been consolidated. This "social constructionist" perspective is an interdisciplinary enterprise, but sociology played an important early role, especially through the contributions of symbolic interactionism and labeling theory to the study of sexuality.' By refusing to treat sex as "natural" or as a biological given, constructionism has posed significant challenges to conventional thinking about sexuality. It has located sexuality in relation to other social institutions; emphasized the importance of subjective meanings in the study of sexual conduct; and demanded a greater attention to the historical and cultural specificity of sexual typologies that otherwise get taken for granted, such as the division of the world into homosexual, heterosexual, and bisexual persons.
The diagnostic utility of recovery phase QTc during treadmill exercise stress testing in the evaluation of long QT syndrome

Background Nearly 40% of patients with long QT syndrome (LQTS) can have a nondiagnostic QTc at rest. Treadmill and cycle exercise stress testing are used in the diagnostic evaluation of LQTS. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic significance of peak exercise and recovery phase QTc values during treadmill stress testing in LQTS. Methods An Institutional Review Board–approved, retrospective analysis was performed on the treadmill stress tests in 243 patients including 82 LQT1, 55 LQT2, 18 LQT3, and 88 genotype-negative patients dismissed as normal. Blinded to genotype, QTc was calculated at rest, peak exercise, and 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 minutes of recovery. Results Compared with those dismissed as normal, the average QTc was greater at all scored stages in LQT1 and LQT3 patients and at all stages in LQT2 patients except peak exercise and 1 minute of recovery ( P P Conclusion Treadmill stress testing can unmask patients with concealed LQTS, particularly LQT1, with good diagnostic accuracy.
Toxicity from a clonidine suspension.

Background Clonidine is frequently prescribed to children. Clonidine overdose in children has resulted in major clinical effects and deaths.
Thermodynamic depth of causal states: Objective complexity via minimal representations

Thermodynamic depth is an appealing but flawed structural complexity measure. It depends on a set of macroscopic states for a system, but neither its original introduction by Lloyd and Pagels nor any follow-up work has considered how to select these states. Depth, therefore, is at root arbitrary. Computational mechanics, an alternative approach to structural complexity, provides a definition for a system{close_quote}s minimal, necessary causal states and a procedure for finding them. We show that the rate of increase in thermodynamic depth, or {ital dive}, is the system{close_quote}s reverse-time Shannon entropy rate, and so depth only measures degrees of macroscopic randomness, not structure. To fix this, we redefine the depth in terms of the causal state representation{emdash}{epsilon}-machines{emdash}and show that this representation gives the minimum dive consistent with accurate prediction. Thus, {epsilon}-machines are optimally shallow. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
The professional role for nurses in clinical trials

This article has examined the role of the nurse in clinical trials, particularly the clinical, administrative, and research roles. Components of each role and characteristics essential for the implementation of each role have been examined. The nursing role in clinical trials research is undergoing major transformation from the perception of the nurse as a data collector for medical research to the recognition of the nurse as an essential member of the research team with a multifaceted role. Miaskowski identifies two factors influencing the development of oncology nursing practice; scientific and technological advances and societal factors relating to the perception of cancer as a disease and changes in the nursing profession. Certainly it is recognized that progress in basic science research will lead to an increase in the complexity and number of clinical trials. Nurses have clearly implemented the roles necessary to be vital participants and have contributed to answering questions leading to improved treatments for the patients with cancer.
Role of hemodynamic changes in the effect of furosemide on the renal concentrating mechanism.

Abstract Renal blood flow (RBF) was measured in anesthetized dogs with a square-wave electromagnetic flowmeter. When RBF to one kidney was held constant during infusion of furosemide (20 μg/kg/min) the effect of a drug on electrolyte and water excretion appeared to the greater in the unrestricted kidney. Inasmuch as restricting blood flow reduced renal perfusion pressure, the difference in excretion between the two kidneys could not be unequivocally attributed to the difference in blood flow. A low dose of furosemide (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.) abolished the cortico-medullary electrolyte gradient within 10 min even when the increase in RBF was prevented. Apparently, an increase in RBF per se is not responsible for decreasing the concentrating ability. The abolishment of the electrolyte gradient by furosemide can be explained in terms of a change in solute concentration but not in terms of a change in solute content. The data suggest, therefore, that furosemide induces a redistribution of RBF toward the medulla. It is concluded that the increase in RBF and more importantly, the redistribution of RBF, produced by furosemide can markedly enhance the effect of the drug, particularly on the concentrating mechanism.
Areawide management of the cotton boll weevil: use of a spatio–temporal model in augmentative biological control

Abstract Recent advances in computer technology have facilitated the development of spatio–temporal models for simulation of ecological systems. The explicit modeling of space allows scientists to investigate the effects of spatial arrangements and heterogeneities, as well as temporal changes, in model systems. We describe an example of a host–parasitoid spatio–temporal model, consisting of integrodifference equations, which model both biological processes and population dispersal. Our model ecosystem consists of the host, boll weevil, (Anthonomus grandis Boheman) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and its exotic parasitoid, Catolaccus grandis (Burks) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). We use the model to explore different strategies in the augmentative biological control of the host by simulating different release methods (single or multiple sites, aerial release), and the effects of wind and heterogeneities in host density on efficacy of the parasitoid. Our preliminary simulations indicate greater host suppression when the parasitoid is released over multiple sites, or aerially, despite identical release rates. The methods used to simulate wind effects resulted in plausible dispersal and parasitization patterns, but the inclusion of heterogeneities in host densities resulted in perhaps non-intuitive parasitization patterns, likely due to boundary effects. Data are being collected currently for calibration and validation of this model. With further development, this spatial model should be useful in designing optimal strategies for the augmentative release of C. grandis against the boll weevil as part of an areawide integrated pest management program.
Inhibition of the alpha/beta interferon response by mouse hepatitis virus at multiple levels.

Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) was used as a model to study the interaction of coronaviruses with the alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) response. While MHV strain A59 appeared to induce IFN-β gene transcription and low levels of nuclear translocation of the IFN-β transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3), MHV did not induce IFN-β protein production during the course of infection in L2 mouse fibroblast cells. In addition, MHV was able to significantly decrease the level of IFN-β protein induced by both Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and Sendai virus infections, without targeting it for proteasomal degradation and without altering the nuclear translocation of IRF-3 or IFN-β mRNA production or stability. These results indicate that MHV infection causes an inhibition of IFN-β production at a posttranscriptional level, without altering RNA or protein stability. In contrast, MHV induced IFN-β mRNA and protein production in the brains of infected animals, suggesting that the inhibitory mechanisms observed in vitro are not enough to prevent IFN-α/β production in vivo. Furthermore, MHV replication is highly resistant to IFN-α/β action, as indicated by unimpaired MHV replication in L2 cells pretreated with IFN-β. However, when L2 cells were coinfected with MHV and NDV in the presence of IFN-β, NDV, but not MHV, replication was inhibited. Thus, rather than disarming the antiviral activity induced by IFN-β pretreatment completely, MHV may be inherently resistant to some aspects of the antiviral state induced by IFN-β. These findings show that MHV employs unique strategies to circumvent the IFN-α/β response at multiple steps.
A ‘turbulent spot’ in an axisymmetric free shear layer. Part 3. Azimuthal structure and initiation mechanism

The details of a spark-induced ‘spot’ in an axisymmetric mixing layer of a 12·7 cm diameter (D) free air jet have been educed in different azimuthal planes and at three streamwise stations corresponding to x/D = 1·5, 3·0, 4·5. The measurement technique and the spot properties in the plane of the spark at the three stations were discussed in parts 1 and 2 (Sokolov et al. 1980 and Hussain, Kleis & Sokolov 1980, hereinafter referred to as I and II, respectively). The present part describes the azimuthal structure of the spot and its initiation mechanism.It is shown that the distributions of phase-average longitudinal and lateral velocities, the intermittency and the coherent Reynolds stress within the spot are essentially the same in various azimuthal planes at each streamwise location. The spark induces a local boundary-layer spot on the nozzle wall and simultaneously triggers the instability of the free shear layer downstream from the lip. The boundarylayer spot persists initially in the free shear layer but decays downstream due to the lack of a sustaining mechanism. The mixing-layer spot – the result of a roll-up of a natural instability mode triggered in the free shear layer by the acoustic disturbance radiated from the spark – grows downstream and undergoes intense interactions, remaining essentially axisymmetric and travelling at about 60% of the core fluid velocity. Velocity signals in different azimuthal planes of the free shear layer show that the natural instability of the jet occurs axisymmetrically on an instantaneous basis even though the jet diameter is considerably larger than the instability wavelength. The natural instability is amplitude-modulated in a random manner; this modulation is also essentially axisymmetric.The large-scale coherent structures produced by the intense localized spark are not only axisymmetric on the phase-average basis, but are also individually axisymmetric in the laminar instability region.
Nucleus accumbens CREB activity is necessary for nicotine conditioned place preference

The ability of nicotine to alter firing of dopamine neurons is the first step leading to nicotine reward, but activation of intracellular signaling pathways downstream of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is likely to be critical for longer-term consequences of nicotine exposure, including conditioned reward. The transcription factor cyclic AMP-response element binding protein (CREB) is important for new gene transcription and in its phosphorylated form (pCREB) promotes long-term changes in synaptic strength. Previous studies have implicated nucleus accumbens (NAc) CREB activity in the modulation of cocaine and morphine reward, and have shown that nicotine conditioned place preference (CPP) is associated with NAc CREB activation. It is not clear whether CPP elicits phosphorylation of CREB or if elevations in pCREB support nicotine CPP. In the current study, we investigated levels of CREB and pCREB during Pavlovian conditioning with nicotine in a novel context in the absence of chamber choice. Nicotine context conditioning resulted in elevated pCREB levels in the NAc shell but not the NAc core of mice following placement in the nicotine-paired chamber in the absence of nicotine. To test if CREB activity in the NAc shell contributes to cue-induced responses that may precipitate nicotine-seeking, we used viral-mediated gene transfer of a dominant-negative CREB construct in the NAc shell of C57BL/6J mice and found that disruption of CREB activation before training blocked nicotine place preference across a range of doses. Taken together, these studies identify the NAc shell as a brain region where CREB activity is essential for nicotine CPP.
An Interinstitutional Academic Collaborative Partnership to End Health Disparities

Much has been published in the health care literature describing partnerships between academic institutions and community or health care agencies that are designed to improve health outcomes in medically underserved populations. However, little has been published regarding partnerships between minority- and majority-serving academic institutions with this same aim. Key principles of collaborative partnerships are used in a descriptive analysis of the development, functions, and benefits of such an interinstitutional academic partnership that was formed to reduce and ultimately eliminate health disparities in rural South Carolina. Lessons learned from the partnership parallel other human relationships where mutual respect and trust, open and clear communication, and shared decision and problem solving are important for building and sustaining partnerships.
Do corticosteroids reduce mortality from alcoholic hepatitis? A meta-analysis of the randomized trials

Purpose To determine whether corticosteroids affect short-term mortality from alcoholic hepatitis. Data identification Studies published from 1966 to 1989 were identified through a MEDLINE computer search and an extensive manual search of the bibliographies of identified articles. Study selection We found 11 randomized studies (10 of which were placebo controlled) that assessed mortality in hospitalized patients diagnosed with acute alcoholic hepatitis and treated with corticosteroids. Data extraction Two critical appraisers independently evaluated trial quality and abstracted quantitative data on clinical characteristics of the populations, interventions, and all-cause mortality. Results of data synthesis Overall, the protective efficacy (or percent reduction in mortality) of corticosteroids was 37% (95% CI, 20% to 50%). Protective efficacy was higher among trials with higher quality scores and trials that excluded subjects with active gastrointestinal bleeding. In subjects with hepatic encephalopathy, protective efficacy was 34% overall (CI, 15% to 48%). It was also higher among trials with higher quality scores and trials excluding subjects with acute gastrointestinal bleeding, but was not present among trials with lower quality scores or trials that did not exclude subjects with acute gastrointestinal bleeding. In subjects without hepatic encephalopathy, corticosteroids had no protective effect, and this lack of efficacy was consistent across all trial subgroups. Conclusions These results suggest that corticosteroids reduce short-term mortality in patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis who have hepatic encephalopathy, that the protective effect depends on the exclusion criterion of acute gastrointestinal bleeding and is influenced by trial quality, and that corticosteroids are of no benefit in patients without hepatic encephalopathy.
Failure of cortisone and ACTH to regulate cardiac hypertrophy.

L'hypertrophie cardiaque provoquee chez des rats mâles par un exercice force n'a ete regularisee ni par la cortisone ni par l'ACTH utilisees chacune a 2 doses differentes.
An integrated, software-based approach to teaching introductory computer programming

We have developed a course in scientific and statistical programming consisting of an introduction to computer programming and data analysis concepts using a variety of software packages. This approach addresses the problems inherent in introducing programming to non-computer science majors, particularly those in engineering, the sciences, and the social sciences where computing and statistical data analysis techniques are essential professional tools, as well as to computer science majors with minimal or nonexistent programming backgrounds.Key programming concepts are introduced, including variables and identifiers, absolute versus relative addresses, assignment statements, IF/THEN/ELSE statements, nested and compound IF statements, truth tables, precedence of operations, use of built-in and user-defined functions, dummy variables, passing by value and reference, the importance of order in specifying input to functions, modular program design, subprograms, debugging and testing techniques, properties of good programs, and iterative loops. Elementary statistical concepts and data analyses are covered within a computing environment context that emphasizes data analysis and interpretation of results.Assignments and examples are developed in collaboration with the students' major departments to insure relevance and interest to the students.
Potential energy constants and vibrational amplitudes for thionyl tetrafluoride

Abstract A set of potential energy constants was obtained for the SOF4 molecule from the vibrational spectral data. The axial SF and equatorial SF stretching force constants are 5.5400 and 4.3950 md/A, respectively. The mean square amplitudes of vibration also were determined from the potential energy constants by use of Cyvin's secular equation method. The root-mean-square amplitudes for the axial SF, equatorial SF, and SO distances are 4.060, 4.545, and 3.617 pm, respectively, (1 pm = 1 picometer = 10−2A).
Effect of Immunosuppressants Tacrolimus and Mycophenolate Mofetil on the Keratinocyte UVB Response

Nonmelanoma skin cancer, derived from epidermal keratinocytes, is the most common malignancy in organ transplant recipients, causes serious morbidity and mortality, and is strongly associated with solar ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Preventing and treating skin cancer in these individuals has been extraordinarily challenging. Following organ transplantation, the immunosuppressants are used to prevent graft rejection. Until now, immunosuppression has been assumed to be the major factor leading to skin cancer in this setting. However, the mechanism of skin carcinogenesis in organ transplant recipients has not been understood to date; specifically, it remains unknown whether these cancers are immunosuppression-dependent or -independent. In particular, it remains poorly understood what is the mechanistic carcinogenic action of the newer generation of immunosuppressants including tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Here, we show that tacrolimus and MMF impairs UVB-induced DNA damage repair and apoptosis in human epidermal keratinocytes. In addition, tacrolimus inhibits UVB-induced checkpoint signaling. However, MMF had no effect. Our findings have demonstrated that tacrolimus and MMF compromises proper UVB response in keratinocytes, suggesting an immunosuppression-independent mechanism in the tumor-promoting action of these immunosuppressants.
The Truman Administration and the Enlistment of the Aviation Industry in Postwar Defense

At the end of World War II, by far the most significant pressure for integrating the aviation industry into national defense planning came neither from the major aircraft firms nor from the military. Instead, the Truman administration played the leading role in forging an important link in what later came to be called the “military-industrial complex.” Smaller businessmen and local politicians proved constant and eager supporters of that policy.
Blast injuries from glass bottles containing dry ice

We present three cases (two incidents) of severe blast injury from the explosion of covered glass bottles containing dry ice. The first patient sustained lacerations of the face, left eye, right wrist and forearm, and abdomen with protrusion of the small bowel. The second sustained a deep laceration to her anterior neck. The third sustained multiple lacerations to her lower extremities and one to the labia majora. All three patients were taken to the operating room for surgical exploration and repair and were discharged without complications.
Efficient design validation based on cultural algorithms

We introduce a new semiformal design validation framework to justify hard-to-reach corner-case states. We propose a cultural learning technique to identify the swarming of domain knowledge during the search. In addition, our guidance strategy abstracts sets of partitioned state variables, from which pre-images are computed to capture the expanded portions of the state spaces related to a target state. Experimental results show that our approach is very effective to reach hard- to-reach states than existing methods.
Low‐temperature vapor‐liquid equilibria in ternary and quaternary systems containing hydrogen, nitrogen, methane, and ethane

Experimental data are presented for three ternary systems and the quaternary at pressures of 500 and 1,000 1b./sq. in. abs. and at temperatures of −100° and −200°F. These data along with information in the literature were correlated to give charts of equilibrium ratios as a function of temperature, pressure, and composition.
Free‐calcium and force transients during depolarization and pharmacomechanical coupling in guinea‐pig smooth muscle.

1. Fura2 was loaded by permeation and hydrolysis of the acetoxymethyl ester into smooth muscle cells of intact thin sheets of the longitudinal layer of the small intestine of the guinea-pig, to record Ca2+ transients during contraction. 2. Cytoplasmic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) was monitored by computing the ratio of the fluorescence signal excited at 340 and 380 nm wavelengths. The dye loading and the exposure to UV light required for the experiments had no significant effect on the contractile parameters observed. 3. Spontaneous, rhythmic increases in [Ca2+]i were often observed, preceding the onset of force. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ caused a very transient increase in [Ca2+]i accompanied by a phasic force transient; this was followed by a decline in [Ca2+]i and tension below control levels. Elevated Ca2+ from 1.2 to 15 mM also caused a fall in [Ca2+]i and a relaxation of basal tension. 4. Elevation of [K+]o increased [Ca2+]i. Graded concentrations of K+ caused graded changes in both fluorescence ratio and tension. 5. Carbachol evoked a transient increase in [Ca2+]i and contraction. Thereafter, in spite of the continued presence of the drug, both signals declined, presumably as the result of cholinergic desensitization. The initial phasic force response to carbachol was usually followed by an 'after-contraction', that was only occasionally accompanied by a similar (small) secondary rise in the fluorescence signal. 6. In depolarized smooth muscle, both in the presence and in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, carbachol induced a transient increase in [Ca2+]i, indicating that Ca2+ release from intracellular stores is a major mechanism of pharmacomechanical coupling. 7. In some preparations an applied stretch caused, after a few seconds, a rise in [Ca2+]i and force development.
Gender Moderates the Effects of Exercise Therapy on Health-Related Quality of Life Among COPD Patients

Study objectives: To determine whether long-term treatment with exercise therapy results in more favorable, disease-specific, health-related quality of life (HRQL) compared with short-term treatment with exercise therapy; and to determine whether there are gender differences in disease-specific HRQL among individuals randomized into the two treatment groups. Design: Randomized clinical trial. Setting: Center-based exercise therapy unit at a university. Participants: One hundred forty patients with COPD; 118 completed trial. Interventions: Short-term exercise therapy (3 months); long-term exercise therapy (18 months). Measurements: Chronic Disease Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ). Results: After 3 months of treatment, there were significant improvements in all CRQ scores for men and women (p < 0.01), and for the total sample (p < 0.01). At 18 months, individuals randomized into the long-term group had significantly more favorable scores than the short-term group for dyspnea (p 5 0.03), fatigue (p < 0.01), emotional function (p 5 0.04), and mastery (p 5 0.04). However, these effects were moderated by gender. That is, men in the long-term group reported significantly more favorable scores than men in the short-term group for dyspnea (0.04), fatigue (p < 0.001), emotional function (p 5 0.02), and mastery (p 5 0.02). At the 18-month assessment, there were no differences between long-term and short-term exercise therapy for women on any of the subscales of the CRQ. Conclusions: Taken collectively, the CRQ data demonstrate that long-term exercise therapy has little added benefit for women over short-term exercise therapy; however, men derive significant benefits from extended training. (CHEST 2001; 119:70‐76)
Modulation of Poliovirus Replicative Fitness in HeLa Cells by Deoptimization of Synonymous Codon Usage in the Capsid Region

We replaced degenerate codons for nine amino acids within the capsid region of the Sabin type 2 oral poliovirus vaccine strain with corresponding nonpreferred synonymous codons. Codon replacements were introduced into four contiguous intervals spanning 97% of the capsid region. In the capsid region of the most highly modified virus construct, the effective number of codons used (N(C)) fell from 56.2 to 29.8, the number of CG dinucleotides rose from 97 to 302, and the G+C content increased from 48.4% to 56.4%. Replicative fitness in HeLa cells, measured by plaque areas and virus yields in single-step growth experiments, decreased in proportion to the number of replacement codons. Plaque areas decreased over an approximately 10-fold range, and virus yields decreased over an approximately 65-fold range. Perhaps unexpectedly, the synthesis and processing of viral proteins appeared to be largely unaltered by the restriction in codon usage. In contrast, total yields of viral RNA in infected cells were reduced approximately 3-fold and specific infectivities of purified virions (measured by particle/PFU ratios) decreased approximately 18-fold in the most highly modified virus. The replicative fitness of both codon replacement viruses and unmodified viruses increased with the passage number in HeLa cells. After 25 serial passages (approximately 50 replication cycles), most codon replacements were retained, and the relative fitness of the modified viruses remained well below that of the unmodified virus. The increased replicative fitness of high-passage modified virus was associated with the elimination of several CG dinucleotides. Potential applications for the systematic modulation of poliovirus replicative fitness by deoptimization of codon usage are discussed.
Investigation of Nonlinear Pressurization and Model Restart in MSC/NASTRAN for Modeling Thin Film Inflatable Structures

This paper is written for the purpose of providing an introduction and set of guidelines for the use of a methodology for NASTRAN eigenvalue modeling of thin film inflatable structures. It is hoped that this paper will spare the reader from the problems and headaches the authors were confronted with during their investigation by presenting here not only an introduction and verification of the methodology, but also a discussion of the problems that this methodology can ensue. Our goal in this investigation was to verify the basic methodology through the creation and correlation of a simple model. An overview of thin film structures, their history, and their applications is given. Previous modeling work is then briefly discussed. An introduction is then given for the method of modeling. The specific mechanics of the method are then discussed in parallel with a basic discussion of NASTRAN s implementation of these mechanics. The problems encountered with the method are then given along with suggestions for their work-a-rounds. The methodology is verified through the correlation between an analytical model and modal test results of a thin film strut. Recommendations are given for the needed advancement of our understanding of this method and ability to accurately model thin film structures. Finally, conclusions are drawn regarding the usefulness of the methodology.
Raising the quality of care during medical missions: a survey to assess the need for clinical and anatomic pathology services in international medical missions.

Context.—Providing basic medical care to patients in underserved communities around the world is a valuable service and should not be compromised. Limited publicly available information on the use of pathology services during short-term medical missions (STMMs) shows a dire need for the improved quality of care being provided. Objective.—To assess the need for clinical and anatomic pathology services in international medical missions by conducting an online survey. Design.—A survey containing 35 questions aimed to understand the current use and availability of routine laboratory tests during STMMs, identify the need for particular tests that would improve quality of care, and determine the perceived obstacles preventing the delivery of the care to underserved communities worldwide. Answers from 21 health care providers who served on 50 medical missions were assessed. Results.—Survey results revealed a significant discrepancy between the availability of pathology services in the United States and during ST...
Bridged D‐ring steroid analogs XII: Effect of D‐ring substituents on chemical shift of angular methyl protons

Abstract The chemical shifts of the C 18 - and C 19 -hydrogens of 30 14α,17α-bridged 20-ketopregnanes and of four 14α,17α-bridged 17-cyanoandrostanes were correlated by means of additive substituent constants. Because the bridged D-ring of these steroids is a substituted bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane system, attempts were made to explain the magnitude of some of these substituent constants by analogy to empirical effects in other such systems as well as by reference to more general theory. The data indicate that the acetyl side chain of the bridged 20-ketopregnanes exists in one rotomer form if the D-ring bears no extra substituents or a 16α-substituent and that it exists in a second form if a 16β-substituent or a 16- substituent on a double bond is present. In the latter case, the carbonyl group deshields the C 18 -hydrogens by an extra 0.11 p.p.m.
Measuring Street Cleanliness: A Comparison of New York City’s Scorecard and Results from a Citizen Survey

Public administrators at the local level often rely on citizen surveys to measure the outcomes or accomplishments of their service delivery efforts. However, many remain skeptical about the value of survey-based measures of local government performance, in large part because of the low empirical correlation between objective and subjective performance measures reported in the literature. Using data from New York City’s street cleanliness scorecard, a well-established outcome measure, combined with responses from more than 4,000 respondents to a citizen survey, the authors find a clear and consistent correlation between the scorecard and citizen ratings of street cleanliness in their neighborhoods. Moreover, the street cleanliness scorecard is a much stronger predictor of citizen ratings than demographic factors, trust in government, or contextual effects. These results demonstrate that citizen judgments about government performance can correspond closely with more objectively measured outcomes—and that citizen surveys can provide valid and useful performance measures, at least for some local government services.
Commentary: Practical Advantages of Bayesian Analysis of Epidemiologic Data

In the past decade, there have been enormous advances in the use of Bayesian methodology for analysis of epidemiologic data, and there are now many practical advantages to the Bayesian approach. Bayesian models can easily accommodate unobserved variables such as an individual's true disease status in the presence of diagnostic error. The use of prior probability distributions represents a powerful mechanism for incorporating information from previous studies and for controlling confounding. Posterior probabilities can be used as easily interpretable alternatives to p values. Recent developments in Markov chain Monte Carlo methodology facilitate the implementation of Bayesian analyses of complex data sets containing missing observations and multidimensional outcomes. Tools are now available that allow epidemiologists to take advantage of this powerful approach to assessment of exposure-disease relations. Am J Epidemiol 2001;153:1222-6.
Discontinuity in the development of aided augmentative and alternative communication systems

An exploratory investigation was undertaken to determine if there was a consensus among augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) experts in the United States regarding what constitutes discontinuity in the development of aided AAC systems for school-aged populations. Seventeen students' AAC system profiles were developed to reflect the types of changes that occurred in the development of their aided devices and symbol systems over a 7-year period. Experts rated changes in AAC system development as continuous (+) or discontinuous (−), based on opinion. Descriptive data were used to discuss the results. Expert agreement was reached for 97% (30 of 31) of the changes made in the aided devices selected for students and for 88% (29 of 33) of the changes in symbol sets/systems selected in AAC system development. Changes in aided devices were rated discontinuous for only 4 of 17 (24%) students. Ten of 17 (59%) students, however, had symbol set/system changes rated as discontinuous. Implications and limita...
Probable effects of federal land purchase on local government

Costs of county government can be reduced if taxpayers and office-holders will make adjustments in local government made possible by land purchase program.
Antidepressant effects of ERβ-selective estrogen receptor modulators in the forced swim test

Estradiol (E2) may influence depressive symptomology of women and decrease depressive behavior among rodents. The mechanism(s) for E2's antidepressant effects are not well understood. To determine whether antidepressant effects of E2 may involve actions at intracellular estrogen receptor (ER) alpha or beta isoforms, selective ER modulators (SERMs) were administered (10 microg sc) to ovariectomized rats 48 h before testing in the forced swim test, an animal model of depression, and the horizontal crossing task. Rats received sesame oil vehicle, 17beta-E2, which has a high affinity for ERalpha and ERbeta, SERMs that vary in their activity at ERalpha and beta, or a tricyclic antidepressant (desipramine; 30 mg/kg ip), as a positive control. ERalpha-selective SERMs were propyl pyrazole triol (PPT) and 17alpha-E2. PPT has more selective effects at ERalpha than does 17alpha-E2, which also binds ERbeta. ERbeta-selective SERMs were diarylpropionitrile (DPN) and 7,12-dihydrocoumestan (coumestrol). DPN is more selective at ERbeta than coumestrol, which also binds ERalpha. 17beta-E2, ERbeta-selective SERMs (DPN, coumestrol), and desipramine administration produced antidepressive behavior (decreased immobility, increased struggling and swimming). ERalpha-selective SERMs (PPT, 17alpha-E2) were not different from vehicle. There were no differences among groups in the number of beam breaks made in the horizontal crossing task. These data suggest that E2's antidepressive effects may involve actions at ERbeta.
DNA Flow Cytometry in Early Breast Cancer: A Step in the Right Direction

Dramatic changes occurred in the management of patients with primary breast cancer (stages I-DIa) after physicians recognized that many such patients already had established, clinically occult micrometastases by the time of initial diagnosis. Trials of adjuvant, systemic, cytotoxic chemotherapy or endocrine therapy were initiated by investigators in an attempt to eradicate these micrometastases and improve survival. Long-term results of many of these trials are now available, and they conclusively demonstrate a moderate therapeutic advantage for the addition of systemic therapy compared with that for local therapy alone (7). In patients with positive axillary lymph nodes, who have a relatively high rate of relapse, approximately one-third of the early deaths in premenopausal patients can be avoided or delayed by optimal combination chemotherapy. Similarly, about one-fifth of early deaths of postmenopausal patients are avoided or delayed by the administration of tamoxifen. Although follow-up time is much shorter, a similar pattern of results is now emerging from studies in patients with negative axillary lymph nodes (2-5).
Keep Your Promise: Mechanism Design Against Free-Riding and False-Reporting in Crowdsourcing

Crowdsourcing is an emerging paradigm where users can have their tasks completed by paying fees, or receive rewards for providing service. A critical problem that arises in current crowdsourcing mechanisms is how to ensure that users pay or receive what they deserve. Free-riding and false-reporting may make the system vulnerable to dishonest users. In this paper, we design schemes to tackle these problems, so that each individual in the system is better off being honest and each provider prefers completing the assigned task. We first design a mechanism EFF which eliminates dishonest behavior with the help from a trusted third party for arbitration. We then design another mechanism DFF which, without the help from any third party, discourages dishonest behavior. We also prove that DFF is semi-truthful, which discourages dishonest behavior such as free-riding and false-reporting when the rest of the individuals are honest, while guaranteeing transaction-wise budget-balance and computational efficiency. Performance evaluation shows that within our mechanisms, no user could have a utility gain by unilaterally being dishonest.
C-H Bond Activation by Cationic Platinum(II) Complexes: Ligand Electronic and Steric Effects

A series of bis(aryl)diimine-ligated methyl complexes of Pt(II) with various substituted aryl groups has been prepared. The cationic complexes [(ArN CR−CR NAr)PtMe(L)]^+[BF_4]- (Ar = aryl; R = H, CH_3; L = water, trifluoroethanol) react smoothly with benzene at approximately room temperature in trifluoroethanol solvent to yield methane and the corresponding phenyl Pt(II) cations, via Pt(IV)-methyl-phenyl-hydrido intermediates. The reaction products of methyl-substituted benzenes suggest an inherent reactivity preference for aromatic over benzylic C−H bond activation, which can however be overridden by steric effects. For the reaction of benzene with cationic Pt(II) complexes bearing 3,5-disubstituted aryl diimine ligands, the rate-determining step is C−H bond activation, whereas for the more sterically crowded analogues with 2,6-dimethyl-substituted aryl groups, benzene coordination becomes rate-determining. This switch is manifested in distinctly different isotope scrambling and kinetic deuterium isotope effect patterns. The more electron-rich the ligand is, as assayed by the CO stretching frequency of the corresponding carbonyl cationic complex, the faster the rate of C−H bond activation. Although at first sight this trend appears to be at odds with the common description of this class of reaction as electrophilic, the fact that the same trend is observed for the two different series of complexes, which have different rate-determining steps, suggests that this finding does not reflect the actual C−H bond activation process, but rather reflects only the relative ease of benzene displacing a ligand to initiate the reaction; that is, the change in rates is mostly due to a ground-state effect. The stability of the aquo complex ground state in equilibrium with the solvento complex increases as the diimine ligand is made more electron-withdrawing. Several lines of evidence, including the mechanism of degenerate acetonitrile exchange for the methyl-acetonitrile Pt(II) cations in alcohol solvents, suggest that associative substitution pathways operate to get the hydrocarbon substrate into, and out of, the coordination sphere; that is, the mechanism of benzene substitution proceeds by a solvent (TFE)-assisted associative pathway.
Altered contact behavior of presumptive mesodermal cells from hybrid amphibian embryos arrested at gastrulation.

Contact behavior of presumptive mesodermal cells taken from normal amphibian embryos, hybrid embryos, and hybrid embryos arrested at gastrulation was investigated. Normal cells have a high ability to flatten on a glass substratum and reaggregate. Cells from a viable hybrid which shows some abnormalities in invagination have an intermediate ability to flatten on a glass substratum and an undiminished ability to reaggregate. Cells from three different types of hybrid embryos arrested at gastrulation have a low ability to flatten on a glass substratum and reaggregate. The implications of these results for hypotheses concerning mechanisms of morphogenetic cell movements are discussed.
Selective androgen receptor modulators for the treatment of late onset male hypogonadism

Several testosterone preparations are used in the treatment of hypogonadism in the ageing male. These therapies differ in their convenience, flexibility, regional availability and expense but share their pharmacokinetic basis of approval and dearth of long-term safety data. The brevity and relatively reduced cost of pharmacokinetic based registration trials provides little commercial incentive to develop improved novel therapies for the treatment of late onset male hypogonadism. Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) have been shown to provide anabolic benefit in the absence of androgenic effects on prostate, hair and skin. Current clinical development for SARMs is focused on acute muscle wasting conditions with defi ned clinical endpoints of physical function and lean body mass. Similar regulatory clarity concerning clinical deficits in men with hypogonadism is required before the beneficial pharmacology and desirable pharmacokinetics of SARMs can be employed in the treatment of late onset male hypogonadism.
Communication patterns, internal working models, and the intergenerational transmission of attachment relationships

Bowlby postulated that transactional patterns between caregiver and infant become internalized by the infant as “internal working models” of self and other in relationship and that these working models then determine how the infant interprets the caregiver's behavior and responds to it. When parent and infant or child are not reciprocally responsive to signals, defensive processes may interfere with the adequate development and functioning of working models in the child. Not only does this affect the observed relationship, it also influences the way in which an individual (adult or child) discusses attachment relationships with a third person. Corroboration for this view comes from work with adults (the Adult Attachment Interview, the Parent Attachment Interview) and children (the Separation Anxiety Test, the Attachment Story Completion Procedure). If, as research suggests, insecure parents' working models of attachment relations are distorted by defensive processes, the resulting insensitive behaviors toward the child may interfere with the child's construction of adequate working models, thus providing a potential explanation for the intergenerational transmission of insecure attachment relations in those cases where the parent has not been able to work through a rejecting or neglecting attachment relationship experienced in childhood.
Influence of arteriovenular pairing on PAF-induced capillary filtration.

The purpose of this study was to determine the basic mechanism by which leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion mediates platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced increases in capillary fluid filtration...