cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thymidine as a Kinetic and Biochemical Modulator of 1-β-D-Arabinofuranosylcytosine in Human Acute Nonlymphocytic Leukemia

We have carried out a clinical trial in which patients with relapsed leukemia were treated with thymidine (dThd) prior to and concomitantly with the administration of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) in an effort to kinetically and biochemically modulate the leukemic cells with two objectives: (a) to increase the S-phase fraction before giving ara-C; and (b) to increase the uptake and phosphorylation of ara-C. Six patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia who had relapsed after conventional or experimental therapy were given continuous i.v. infusions of dThd in conjunction with ara-C. dThd was started at 75 g/sq m/day (producing 1 mM plasma levels) and was given for 5 to 8 days until the proportion of bone marrow cells in S-phase (measured by autoradiography and flow cytometry) had increased and/or stabilized; then ara-C at 200 mg/sq m/day was begun. Twenty-four hr after initiation of ara-C therapy, the dThd dose was reduced to 30 g/sq m/day (plasma dThd, 0.1 to 0.6 mM). Both drugs were continued for 6 to 12 days until marrow aplasia or unacceptable toxicity occurred. Four patients with a base-line labeling index lower than 30% experienced a sustained increase in the S-phase fraction; two patients with a base-line labeling index higher than 30% experienced a reduction in the S-phase compartment during dThd infusion, in one case followed by an increase. The degree of S-phase arrest did not correlate with remission induction. In 5 patients, the flash incorporation of labeled ara-C into nucleoside triphosphate and deoxycytidine into DNA of bone marrow cells was measured. Three patients had a significant increase in the incorporation of deoxycytidine into DNA. Two of them achieved a complete remission. Increases in ara-C uptake were less impressive. A new technique was used to measure the absolute number of blasts present in the bone marrow. A decrease in leukemic cells between 0.9 and 2.6 logs10/mm was found at the end of the infusions. Three patients experienced greater than 2-log reduction. Two of them entered complete remission that lasted 6 weeks and 3 months, respectively. These correlations should be interpreted with caution because of the small number of patients treated. This study suggests that dThd, although of very limited therapeutic value by itself, may have potentiated the antitumor activity of ara-C to some extent. Whether this effect is of significance can only be determined by further studies.
Exploring the Relationship between access Technology and Standardized Test Scores for Youths with Visual Impairments: Secondary Analysis of the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2:

This article presents the findings of a secondary analysis of the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 that explored the predictive association between training in access technology and perform...
Alternative Strategies for Leveraging the Knowledge Asset: A Framework for Managerial Decision-Making

Knowledge management has become one of the dominant themes of modern management, giving visibility to many examples of different approaches and best practices. In many cases, evaluation of these examples has focused on the processes of creating, capturing, storing, and transferring knowledge. As a result, explanations of success and failure tend to center around process improvements and associated technologies. These process models, however, often do not reflect the alternative implementation strategies available to the firm. In particular, there is a need to understand how the choice of any given approach affects the ability of the organization to leverage its knowledge assets. This chapter presents a framework for making decisions about how to leverage knowledge assets in a sustained manner over time. The framework integrates the cognitive dimension of knowledge access and the structural dimension of knowledge production. Different cognitive burdens, patterns of behavior, and biases characterize each of four quadrants in the framework. As a result, the framework allows managers to explore the strengths and weaknesses of strategic options. It also provides a means of learning from other knowledge management initiatives. Thus, we believe that the framework can help organizations successfully choose among alternatives for developing a knowledge management capability.
The use of rapid thermal processing to improve performance of sub-half micron CMOS with and without salicide

The dependence of performance and parasitic resistances on source/drain implant anneal conditions and on back-end-of-line maximum temperature is evaluated for (1) salicided CMOS using n/sup +//p/sup +/ poly gates with surface channel PMOS and for (2) unsalicided CMOS using all n/sup +/ poly gates with buried channel PMOS. The gate oxide thickness used is 6 nm. Both the NMOS and PMOS effective channel lengths are near 0.25 mu m. The results show that CMOS circuit design can include wide transistors and asymmetrically placed contacts if salicide is used with RTP anneal of source/drain and back-end-of-line temperatures no higher than 725 C. >
Protein aggregation. Studies of larger aggregates of C-phycocyanin

Aggregates of phycocyanin sedimenting at 17s, 22s and 27s are demonstrated to constitute more than 40% of crude blue–green-algal extracts, pH6·0 and I0·1, and are retained in highly purified preparations. Sedimentation-velocity studies of the large aggregates as a function of pH are reported. Sucrose-density-gradient experiments performed as a function of time of sedimentation indicate that: (1) with increasing time of sedimentation, the largest aggregates are dissipated at the leading protein boundary and the several phycocyanin species present are not completely resolved; (2) phycocyanin fractions with the largest aggregates exhibit the highest E620/E280 ratio and the largest relative fluorescence efficiency. Gel-filtration experiments with Sephadex G-200 do not resolve the species completely, and reapplication of phycocyanin gel-filtration fractions to the column results in an elution pattern similar to the original, except that there is an enhancement of the allophycocyanin fraction and the amount of denatured protein. Increasing the sedimentation times in a sucrose density gradient also enhances the allophycocyanin fraction. Fluorescence results demonstrate that there are possibly three excitation maxima, one corresponding to the monomer (approx. 600mμ), one for higher aggregates (625–630mμ) and one for the allophycocyanin fraction (approx. 650mμ). Only a single fluorescence-emission band is detected, which is fairly symmetrical and which has a red shift with higher aggregation and with the appearance of allophycocyanin. The appearance of allophycocyanin may be correlated with the irreversible disaggregation of the largest phycocyanin species. It is suggested that the largest protein aggregates are in the size range of the biliprotein aggregates reported in electron microscopy of algal cells.
THE EFFECTS OF MATERNAL SMOKING, PHYSICAL STATURE, AND EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT ON THE INCIDENCE OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT

Data from the 1980 National Natality Survey were used to investigate the effects of maternal smoking, height, weight, and educational attainment on the incidence of low birth weight among white non-Hispanic married mothers aged 20-34 years, live birth order 1-3. Using multiple logistic regression to control for the effects of infant's sex, live birth order, and maternal age, women with less than 12 years education have a low birth weight odds ratio of 2.38 and women with 12 years have a low birth weight odds ratio of 1.24 relative to women with 13 or more years. After further controlling for height, weight, and smoking, these odds ratios are reduced to 1.59 and 1.11, respectively. The majority of the reduction can be attributed to differences in smoking among the education groups. Women with low education are more likely to have smoked prior to pregnancy, more likely to smoke heavily, and less likely to stop smoking during pregnancy. The odds of low birth weight increases by 26% for every five additional cigarettes smoked per day. If all women in the study population stopped smoking during pregnancy, the incidence of low birth weight would be expected to decline by 35% for those with less than 12 years education, by 20% for those with 12 years, and by 11% for those with more than 12 years. The effects of the independent variables were also estimated for two components of low birth weight: below 2,000 grams and 2,000-2,499 grams. Although the nonresponse rate for the National Natality Survey was 20%, a comparison of mail and telephone respondents suggests that the impact of nonresponse on the estimates of the logistic coefficients is minimal.
The Role of Self‐Construals in the Link Between Anger Regulation and Externalizing Problems in Korean American Adolescents: Testing a Moderated Mediation Model

Objectives The present study had two primary aims: (a) to test the mediating role of anger regulation in the relation between family processes and externalizing problems; (b) to test the moderating role of culture (specifically, independent and interdependent self-construals) in the relation between anger regulation and symptomatology via a moderated mediation model. Design The sample comprised 166 Korean American adolescents (54.2% male), who were recruited from the Midwestern region of the United States. Adolescents’ ages ranged from 11-15 years old (M = 13.0 years; SD = 1.2). Cross-sectional data were collected via adolescent self-report questionnaires. Results Results indicated that the anger regulation variables (either individually or collectively) mediated the influence of family processes (i.e., family conflict, family cohesion, and father-adolescent communication) on externalizing problems. Moreover, 2 indirect effects on externalizing problems were conditional upon adolescents’ independent self-construal. Conclusions These findings suggest that clinical intervention efforts for addressing externalizing problems may benefit from targeting anger regulation strategies. However, such interventions should be tailored to consider cultural context, since mediation effects may be moderated by cultural factors such as self-construal.
Assessing the effects of surface-bound humic acid on the phototoxicity of anatase and rutile TiO2 nanoparticles in vitro

In this study, the cytotoxicity of two different crystal phases of TiO2 nanoparticles, with surface modification by humic acid (HA), to Escherichia coli, was assessed. The physicochemical properties of TiO2 nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized. Three different initial concentrations, namely 50, 100, and 200 ppm, of HA were used for synthesis of HA coated TiO2 nanoparticles (denoted as A/RHA50, A/RHA100, and A/RHA200, respectively). Results indicate that rutile (LC50 (concentration that causes 50% mortality compared the control group)=6.5) was more toxic than anatase (LC50=278.8) under simulated sunlight (SSL) irradiation, possibly due to an extremely narrow band gap. It is noted that HA coating increased the toxicity of anatase, but decreased that of rutile. Additionally, AHA50 and RHA50 had the biggest differences compared to uncoated anatase and rutile with LC50 of 201.9 and 21.6, respectively. We then investigated the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by TiO2 nanoparticles in terms of hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and superoxide anions (O2(·-)). Data suggested that O2(·-) was the main ROS that accounted for the higher toxicity of rutile upon SSL irradiation. We also observed that HA coating decreased the generation of ·OH and O2(·-) on rutile, but increased O2(·-) formation on anatase. Results from TEM analysis also indicated that HA coated rutile tended to be attached to the surface of E. coli more than anatase.
Stroke therapy: the potential of amniotic fluid-derived stem cells.

This article describes the clinical potential of cells harvested from human amniotic fluid in regenerative medicine, especially for stroke therapy. Amniotic fluid has been investigated as a new cell source for mesenchymal stem cells in the development of future cell-based transplantation. In this paper we highlight the characteristics of amniotic fluid-derived cells, as well as the functional benefits of these cells in animal models of stroke, altogether supporting the utility of amniotic fluid as stem cell source for cell therapy in stroke. The human amnion and amniotic fluid have attracted attention in recent years as possible reserves of stem cells that may have clinical application in the field of regenerative medicine. Several studies have examined the differentiation potential of cells derived from these two sources and concluded that they display high plasticity [1]. Currently, most studies have focused on cells derived from the amnion and revealed that amnion cell transplantation promotes re-epithelialization, modulates differentiation and angiogenesis and decreases inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis [1–4]. This paper seeks to highlight what is currently known of the lesser studied, amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSCs), and to acknowledge their potential clinical application for stroke therapy. Additionally, we will compare the advantages and disadvantages of amniotic fluid versus amnion membrane stem cells.
Efficiency of light emission from surface plasmons

The attentuated-total-reflection technique was used to excite surface plasmons in thin silver films on various substrates. The efficiency of conversion of the surface plasmons in the films into visible light at the silver-air interface was measured as a function of film thickness and roughness. Approximate efficiencies for 50-nm-thick films were 5% on glass substrates, 9% on Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$-roughened glass substrates, and up to 80% on holographic gratings.
The ecology of small mammals in arable fields drilled with winter wheat and the increase in their dieldrin and mercury residues

A study was made of the dieldrin and mercury residues in small mammals inhabiting arable fields before and after they were drilled with dressed wheat. Results showed that Apodemus, which inhabited both field edge and open surface, fed on the dressed grain immediately. Mean whole body loads increased 68 times from 2.46 to 166.8 μg dieldrin (0.17 to 10.18 w/w p.p.m.) and 11 times from 0.62 to 6.57 μg mercury (0.04 to 0.39 w/w p.p.m.). Maximum body load recorded was 298 μg dieldrin and 13.8 μg mercury. Concentrations increased during the two weeks after drilling and in some specimens reached a level to cause mortality. A marked decrease in stored lipid with onset of cold weather may exacerbate the effect of dieldrin residues. Clethrionomys inhabits only the field edges and did not show these large increases except for occasional individuals. The uneven distribution of Apodemus over the field surface suggested the possibility that two populations existed, one foraging onto the field from the edge and one inhabiting the field surface continuously. There was an increase in body weight and in the ratio of males to females with increasing distance from the hedge into the field. The results indicate that even though there is a ban on the use of dieldrin in spring its continued use as a dressing for winter wheat would appear to present a similar danger for mammal-feeding predators such as the barn-owl and kestrel.
Robust map design by outlier point selection for terrain-based vehicle localization

Using terrain data and dynamical models is a promising approach to map-based passenger vehicle localization. In this approach, dynamical models are extracted from terrain data collected by a vehicle with a known location. The dynamical models are stored as a “map” of the data onto other vehicles. These vehicles can then discern their own location by comparing the newly acquired terrain data against the pre-extracted models. This approach has been shown to be an effective method of localization. However, system noise remains a significant challenge, affecting both model extraction and localization. This paper introduces a novel approach to model extraction that maximizes the robustness of the extracted model map to inertial measurement unit noise. Three mechanisms are employed. First, the model map is represented as a tiered tree, with models describing successively finer data decimations in lower tree levels. Second, during the extraction process, the models and the transitions between models are chosen to accentuate the outlier end point that denotes the transition event. Finally, the extracted models are forced to have specific properties that address the noise added by the inertial measurement unit. An additional benefit of the presented algorithm is that it generates model maps independently given a fixed model order. This provides a convenient method of efficiently adding new information to the vehicle's map. The approach is tested using vehicle pitch data collected in State College, Pennsylvania USA.
Calcification of trichina cysts in vitro.

Summary1. Trichina cysts did not calcify spontaneously in vitro, even when exposed to media with high Ca++ x P products. 2. When calcification was initiated in vivo, by administration of toxic doses of viosterol over a period of several days, incubation with serum in vitro led to a marked increase in the amount of calcification of the cysts. 3. Calcification of the cysts, when it occurred at all, occurred at Ca++x P products well below the critical point for the calcification of rachitic cartilage. 4. The action of viosterol in predisposing to calcification, both in vivo and in vitro, is attributed to a toxic effect upon the cyst or the worm. 5. An enzyme which hydrolyzes glycerophosphate is present in trichina cysts. It is present in the absence of administration of viosterol, which did not affect either its concentration or its distribution. It is present in the cysts for several months before calcification usually occurs spontaneously in vivo in rats.
Research article: Watershed management councils and scientific models: Using diffusion literature to explain adoption

Recent literature on the diffusion of innovations concentrates either specifically on public adoption of policy, where social or environmental conditions are the dependent variables for adoption, or on private adoption of an innovation, where emphasis is placed on the characteristics of the innovation itself. This article uses both the policy diffusion literature and the diffusion of innovation literature to assess watershed management councils' decisions to adopt, or not adopt, scientific models. Watershed management councils are a relevant case study because they possess both public and private attributes. We report on a survey of councils in the United States that was conducted to determine the criteria used when selecting scientific models for studying watershed conditions. We found that specific variables from each body of literature play a role in explaining the choice to adopt scientific models by these quasi-public organizations. The diffusion of innovation literature contributes to an understanding of how organizations select models by confirming the importance of a model's ability to provide better data. Variables from the policy diffusion literature showed that watershed management councils that employ consultants are more likely to use scientific models. We found a gap between those who create scientific models and those who use these models. We recommend shrinking this gap through more communication between these actors and advancing the need for developers to provide more technical assistance.
Triazene: vielseitige Verbindungen für die organische Synthese

Triazene (RNNNR′R″) sind eine fur die praparative Chemie auserordentlich vielversprechende Stoffklasse, da die Triazen-Einheit als funktionelle Gruppe einerseits bestandig ist, andererseits dennoch in vielfaltiger Weise modifiziert werden kann. Triazene haben sich nicht nur auf Gebieten wie Pharmakologie, Totalsynthese, Polymertechnologie oder bei der Konstruktion neuartiger Ringsysteme als nutzlich erwiesen (um nur einige zu nennen), sondern uberraschen den Chemiker durch erweiterte Anwendungsmoglichkeiten und durch neue Reaktionen. Dieser Aufsatz beschaftigt sich mit Fortschritten in der Chemie von Systemen dieser Art und ihrer Vielseitigkeit.
Steric effect of methyl, methoxy, and ethyl substituents on the excimer formation of naphthalene on Al2O3(0 0 0 1)

Structural relaxation of molecules on surfaces can be monitored by observing the spectral evolution as increasing amount of thermal energy is made available. Naphthalene forms excimers in the excited state when amorphously prepared, but relaxes to a more ordered state when heated. Substituent groups on the naphthalene can substantially alter the available pathways during the thermally induced structural relaxation, and is reflected in the formation of excimer or trap fluorescence. A general correlation was determined for the naphthalene substitution with methyl, methoxy, and ethyl groups on the 1- and 2-positions with the pathway taken by the molecular adlayer.
Experimental Evaluation of Sector-Shaped Hydrodynamic Thrust Bearings Under Translation and Transverse Vibration

The bearing load of a plane inclined sector-shaped hydrodynamic thrust bearing, undersimultaneous translation and transverse vibration, is measured experimentally. The results are used to evaluate the lubrication theory solutions. Consequently, both the influences of the unsteady film inertia, measured by the squeeze Reynolds number Re s , and the convectiue film inertia, measured by the modified Reynolds number Re * , on load amplitude and phase are investigated
Modern Reality Strategies: An Analysis of Weber, Freud, and Ellul*

This essay will attempt to assess "the reality strategies" of modern Western culture. The features I select for analysis are not necessarily the most accessible or distinctive. I approach culture as a repository of ideas and sentiments rather than as a storehouse of events, and I intend to examine particularly those precepts which, in my view, most directly refer to the notion "metatheory." "Metatheory" precedes both fact and theory, and is best understood as belief, sentiment, or intuition. Metatheory appears in a variety of forms, such as one's presystemic notions concerning the moral nature of the species, the species' historical fate, its psychic evolution, etc. Indeed, the agglutination of a number of metatheories gives us an immediate and unreflected understanding of the viewpoint of a certain culture. A classical metatheory, by way of example, is the notion of purposive history which has become essential to the social, philosophical and religious thinking in the West. Since Comte, to the present1 the metaphor of imminent growth, of inescapable universal progress, etc., has become one of the cornerstones of modern intellectual endeavors.2 Society, and history in general, move, as it were, in a slow, self-perfecting manner. This movement does not occur in a leap, but it is continuous and immanent, coming from within as in the growth of the biological organism. The "plot" in history has served as a metatheoretical basis for both Hegel and Spencer. Their theories of society as an empirical object, subject to historical forces and laws, contain references to strong teleological sentiments which supervene and direct the present into the future. Such teleological sentiments are suggestive of directions and trends for which we possess no
Standardization of Ultraviolet Irradiation of Channel Catfish Sperm

Gynogenesis is a naturally occurring phenomenon in lower vertebrates in which offspring receive two sets of chromosomes from the female (Dawley 1989). This occurs when development is activated by sperm, but genetic material from the male is not incorporated into the embryo. Normally, haploid offspring result that do not survive to hatching, although in certain instances suppression of meiosis II or first mitosis can result in diploid gynogenetic offspring (Purdom 1993). Artificially induced gynogenesis has been used in the breeding and genetic study of several fishes, including salmonids (Chourrout 1982; Allendorf et al. 1986), tilapia (Don and Avtalion 1988), and channel catfish (Liu et al. 1992). Gynogenesis has been applied to production of monosex populations, isogenic populations, and inbred lines of fish (Ihssen et al. 1990; Tave 1993). Gynogenesis can be induced artificially by irradiating sperm with ultraviolet (UV) radiation to inactivate genetic material. Eggs are fertilized with the irradiated sperm and shocked by temperature or pressure change to restore diploidy.
Using multiple continuous fine particle monitors to characterize tobacco, incense, candle, cooking, wood burning, and vehicular sources in indoor, outdoor, and in-transit settings

Abstract This study employed two continuous particle monitors operating on different measurement principles to measure concentrations simultaneously from common combustion sources in indoor, outdoor, and in-transit settings. The pair of instruments use (a) photo-charging (PC) operating on the principle ionization of fine particles that responds to surface particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PPAHs), and (b) diffusion charging (DC) calibrated to measure the active surface area of fine particles. The sources studied included: (1) secondhand smoke (cigarettes, cigars, and pipes), (2) incense (stick and cone), (3) candles used as food warmers, (4) cooking (toasting bread and frying meat), (5) fireplaces and ambient wood smoke, and (6) in-vehicle exposures traveling on California arterials and interstate highways. The ratio of the PC to the DC readings, or the PC/DC ratio, was found to be different for major categories of sources. Cooking, burning toast, and using a “canned heat” food warmer gave PC/DC ratios close to zero. Controlled experiments with 10 cigarettes averaged 0.15 ng mm−2 (ranging from 0.11 to 0.19 ng mm−2), which was similar to the PC/DC ratio for a cigar, although a pipe was slightly lower (0.09 ng mm−2). Large incense sticks had PC/DC ratios similar to those of cigarettes and cigars. The PC/DC ratios for ambient wood smoke averaged 0.29 ng mm−2 on 6 dates, or about twice those of cigarettes and cigars, reflecting a higher ratio of PAH to active surface area. The smoke from two artificial logs in a residential fireplace had a PC/DC ratio of 0.33–0.35 ng mm−2. The emissions from candles were found to vary, depending on how the candles were burned. If the candle flickered and generated soot, a higher PC/DC ratio resulted than if the candle burned uniformly in still air. Inserting piece of metal into the candle's flame caused high PPAH emissions with a record PC/DC reading of 1.8 ng mm−2. In-vehicle exposures measured on 43- and 50-min drives on a California arterial highway gave PC/DC ratios of 0.42 and 0.58 ng mm−2, with one-min average PC/DC ratios varying along the roadway due to the different types of vehicles. Interstate highways had PC/DC ratios of approximately 0.5 ng mm−2 with ratios above 1 ng mm−2 when driving behind diesel trucks. These PC/DC ratios were higher than the “signature” value of the cigarette (0.11–0.19 ng mm−2) measured in a large Indian gaming casino with smoking. Simultaneous continuous monitors operating together can provide useful information to help differentiate source categories. The PC/DC ratio reflects the mass of PAHs per unit of active surface area of the particles, and therefore we expect it to be relevant to the toxicity of fine particles.
Flocking with a moving leader for multiple uncertain lagrange systems

This paper addresses the flocking problem with a moving leader for multiple uncertain Lagrange systems under a proximity graph. Here a group of followers move cohesively with the moving leader to maintain connectivity, avoid collisions, and achieve velocity matching where the leader is a neighbor of only a portion of the followers and the followers interact with only their neighbors. Here in the proximity graph, the neighbor relationship is defined according to the relative distance between each pair of agents. We consider two cases: i) the leader moves with a constant velocity, and ii) the leader moves with a varying velocity. In the first case, a distributed continuous adaptive control algorithm accounting for unknown parameters is proposed in combination with a distributed continuous estimator for each follower. Here the relative position and relative velocity information between each follower and its neighbors are used in the control design. In the second case, a distributed discontinuous adaptive control algorithm and estimator are proposed. Here both the one-hop and two-hop neighbors' information are used. In both cases, potential functions are used to preserve the connectivity as well as collision avoidance among the agents and the velocities of all followers converge to that of the moving leader asymptotically.
Associational connections between the anterior and postetior cingulate gyrus in rabbit

Abstract Reciprocal anatomical connections between anterior and posterior divisions of the cingulate gyrus are described for the rabbit. Cells within the anterior limbic and precentral agranular regions of the rostral cingulate gyrus, predominantly from layer V, send afferebts to layer I of posterior cingulate and retrosplenial cortices. Cells from layers II and III of posterior cingulate and from layer V of retrosplenial cortex project rostrally to the anterior limbic and precentral agranular cortices. These data demonstrate the existence of an associational anatomical system connecting anterior and posterior regions of the cingulate gyrus.
Moduli Space of {Calabi-Yau} Manifolds

We present an accessible account of the local geometry of the parameter space of Calabi-Yau manifolds. It is shown that the parameter space decomposes, at least locally, into a product with the space of parameters of the complex structure as one factor and a complex extension of the parameter space of the Kahler class as the other. It is also shown that each of these spaces is itself a Kahler manifold and is moreover a Kahler manifold of restricted type. There is a remarkable symmetry in the intrinsic structures of the two parameter spaces and the relevance of this to the conjectured existence of mirror manifolds is discussed. The two parameter spaces behave differently with respect to modular transformations and it is argued that the role of quantum corrections is to restore the symmetry between the two types of parameters so as to enforce modular invariance.
Community financed and operated health services: the case of the Ajo-Lukeville Health Service District.

ABSTRACT: The concept of a health service district, as a variation of the special tax district, is described and discussed. Tax districts have traditionally been used to support both capital construction (revenue bonds) and operational expenses of single-purpose governmental entities. The health service district, where authorized by state laws, may be used by local areas to subsidize the delivery of ambulatory health care. A particular case, the Ajo-Lukeville Health Service District in Arizona, illustrates what can be accomplished by this mechanism with the cooperation of local residents and outside agencies. Both the process of establishing such a district and the outeome of the Ajo-Lukeville experience is described. Reasons why health service districts may prove potentially attractive at this time are reviewed. Impediments to the development of more health service districts are also explored, including the lack of technical assistance, an inadequate awareness of the potential of health service districts, and the absence of a widespread orientation toward community financed and controlled health care. Movement in this direction should facilitate the development of additional health service districts.
Recent developments in acoustical depth‐finding apparatus

Various methods and means for determining ocean depths by sound waves have been developed during the past few years, most of which have certain specific merits, but no one of which operates entirely satisfactorily over the whole depth range. Depths less than about one hundred fathoms are measured with considerable accuracy by any of three types of apparatus developed respectively by Dr. Alexander Behm of Germany, Dr. M. Langevin of France, and by the Submarine Signal Corporation of Boston, U.S.A. All three types register the depth in terms of the time of sound transit to the sea bottom and return by flashing or deflecting a spot of light on a scale.
48 IS INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RETARDATION A RISK FACTOR OF CHILD ABUSE

Although it has been suggested that IUGR infants, with their more aversive cries and poorer interactive capabilities than normal infants, may be at an increased risk of child abuse, few data are available to either support or refute this hypothesis. Therefore, we conducted a case-control study to determine whether IUGR infants are at an increased risk of being physically abused. Cases were children who: (1) had been born at Yale-New Haven Hospital and were reported because of suspected abuse to the hospital's child abuse committee from Jan. 1974–Dec. 1979, and (2) had evidence of definite or probable physical abuse based on a “blinded” review of the incident by one of the authors. For each case, one control without evidence of abuse was chosen from the hospital's log of births and matched to the case by age, gender, race, method of payment for the hospitalization, and source of pediatric care. To be certain that an association between abuse and IUGR was not missed, 4 different definitions of IUGR were used. Infants were defined as having IUGR if they had either a ponderal index that was below the tenth percentile for gestational age using the Kansas City or Denver growth standards or a birthweight below the tenth percentile using the same two standards. We identified 117 case-control pairs that met the criteria for eligibility. The matched odds ratios for each of the four definitions of IUGR were less than one (ranging from 0.40 to 0.75). Thus IUGR infants occurred more commonly in the controls than the cases and therefore appeared to be at a decreased risk of abuse. The only significant matched odds ratio was for a low ponderal index according to the Kansas City standard (0.4. X2 = .60, p <.05). This result was not affected after controlling for possible confounding factors such as the mother's age or parity, or the child's age at the time of abuse. Based on this carefully designed study, we conclude that IUGR infants are not at an increased risk of physical abuse and may be at a decreased risk.
Myelencephalic bodies and autonomic nerve fibers of the choroid plexus in the guinea pig: A light microscopic study

Examination of the brainstem of male and female guinea pigs of different breeds from birth to more than three years of age revealed, 1) in the caudal part of the roof of the 4th ventricle, lateral openings of varying extent and position leading into the cerebello-medullary cistern; 2 bundles of nerve fibers situated outside the dorsal edge of the choroid plexus and in the midline of the tela chorioidea; and 3) juxtavascular myelencephalic bodies consisting of a) choroidal bodies with variable number of neurons, nerve fibers, collagenous fibers, “interstitial” cells, and blood vessels lacking a blood-brain barrier; and b) leptomeningeal bodies containing small “interstitial” cells, rare neurons, many nerve fibers, collagenous fibers, blood vessels lacking a blood-brain barrier, and ectopic tubules of choroid plexus.
Comparative murine norovirus studies reveal a lack of correlation between intestinal virus titers and enteric pathology

Human noroviruses are significant emerging pathogens, causing the majority of non-bacterial gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. The recent discovery of 30 murine norovirus strains is beginning to facilitate a detailed investigation of norovirus pathogenesis. Here, we have performed an in vivo comparative analysis of two murine norovirus strains, MNV-1 and MNV-3. In immunocompetent mice, MNV-1 caused modest intestinal pathology whereas MNV-3 was attenuated compared to MNV-1. Surprisingly though, MNV-3 reached higher titers in intestinal tissue than MNV-1. MNV-3 also displayed attenuation in mice deficient in the critical interferon signaling molecule STAT-1, demonstrating that MNV-3 attenuation is not a result of increased interferon sensitivity. Importantly, MNV-3-infected mice lost weight and developed gastric bloating and diarrhea in STAT1−/− mice, from which all animals recovered. This disease profile recapitulates several key features of acute gastroenteritis experienced by people infected with a human norovirus.
Effects of acclimation salinity on the expression of selenoproteins in the tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus

Selenoproteins are ubiquitously expressed, act on a variety of physiological redox-related processes, and are mostly regulated by selenium levels in animals. To date, the expression of most selenoproteins has not been verified in euryhaline fish models. The Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, a euryhaline cichlid fish, has a high tolerance for changes in salinity and survives in fresh water (FW) and seawater (SW) environments which differ greatly in selenium availability. In the present study, we searched EST databases for cichlid selenoprotein mRNAs and screened for their differential expression in FW and SW-acclimated tilapia. The expression of mRNAs encoding iodothyronine deiodinases 1, 2 and 3 (Dio1, Dio2, Dio3), Fep15, glutathione peroxidase 2, selenoproteins J, K, L, M, P, S, and W, was measured in the brain, eye, gill, kidney, liver, pituitary, muscle, and intraperitoneal white adipose tissue. Gene expression of selenophosphate synthetase 1, Secp43, and selenocysteine lyase, factors involved in selenoprotein synthesis or in selenium metabolism, were also measured. The highest variation in selenoprotein and synthesis factor mRNA expression between FW- and SW-acclimated fish was found in gill and kidney. While the branchial expression of Dio3 was increased upon transferring tilapia from SW to FW, the inverse effect was observed when fish were transferred from FW to SW. Protein content of Dio3 was higher in fish acclimated to FW than in those acclimated to SW. Together, these results outline tissue distribution of selenoproteins in FW and SW-acclimated tilapia, and indicate that at least Dio3 expression is regulated by environmental salinity.
Metabolism and mechanism of action of 5-fluorouracil

This is a review on the mechanism of action of FUra. Three main areas are addressed: metabolism, RNA-directed actions of FUra, and DNA-directed actions of FUra. Key words for bibliographic purposes: metabolism, RNA, rRNA, mRNA, tRNA, DNA primase, DNA, thymidylate synthetase, uracil N-glycosylase, FUra, FUrd, FdUrd, FdUMP, RNA splicing, 5,10-methylene tetrahydrofolate, FUTP.
A Qualitative Assessment of the Social Cultural Factors That Influence Cervical Cancer Screening Behaviors and the Health Communication Preferences of Women in Kumasi, Ghana

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women in Ghana. Despite the availability of cervical cancer screening in healthcare facilities throughout the country, less than 4 % of Ghanaian women seek preventive cervical cancer screenings regularly. There is a lack of culturally relevant cervical cancer education material available in Ghana. The aims of this study were to assess the social cultural factors that influence cervical cancer screening behaviors and the health communication preferences of Ghanaian women. A focus group guide based on the constructs of the PEN-3 model was used to conduct six focus groups that were stratified by educational attainment. Thirty-four women participated in the study. The qualitative data revealed that most participants were not aware of cervical cancer or cervical cancer screening. However, many of the participants were willing to seek screening if they knew more about it. The most common sources of health information were television, radio, friends, and family. And the participants preferred inspirational cervical-cancer-screening messages that would be delivered by a doctor and a cancer survivor.
Ventilatory and diffusion abnormalities in potential heart transplant recipients.

Few data are available concerning pulmonary function in patients with severe chronic congestive heart failure. Of 315 patients evaluated for potential cardiac transplantation at UCLA, 132 underwent pulmonary function tests. The latter patients had severe heart failure with a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 19 percent and mean cardiac index of 2.1 L/min/m 2 . Diffusion impairment either alone or combined with restrictive and/or obstructive ventilatory defects occured in 67 percent of the patients evaluated. Diffusion impairment occurred as the sole abnormality in 31 percent of the patients and in combination with a restrictive ventilatory defect in 21 percent. A reduction in diffusing capacity has not been previously described as a frequent finding in patients with chronic congestive heart failure. In contrast to other studies involving patients with acute heart failure, obstructive ventilatory defects were uncommon. None of the lung function abnormalities was associated with smoking status, prior drug use, chest roentgenographic changes, hemodynamic findings, or clinical features, including duration of congestive heart failure. The mechanism for the diffusion impairment is unclear but could be due to chronic passive congestion with pulmonary fibrosis and/or recurrent pulmonary emboli. Recognition of diffusion impairment as a common finding in patients with severe chronic congestive heart failure who are candidates for heart transplantation is important for proper interpretation of possible post-transplant changes in diffusing capacity due to other causes.
Field theoretic effects in highly charged ions

Abstract It is argued that the study of the spectroscopy of highly charged few-electron ions provides a uniquely powerful probe of our understanding of the relativistic many-body problem and its basis in quantum field theory. The use of S -matrix techniques is shown to lead to energy shifts defined in terms of a set of Feynman diagrams. Numerical issues involved in the evaluation of the one-loop self energy graph, which contributes to the Lamb shift, are discussed. Two-photon exchange graphs are shown to contribute simultaneously to correlation and to screening of the Lamb shift for two-electron ions. Particular emphasis is made on distinguishing field-theoretic effects from effects already contained in Hamiltonian formalisms.
Electrical properties of vertebrate oocyte membranes.

Les auteurs passent en revue les proprietes electriques des membranes cellulaires de l'œuf et de l'ovocyte des vertebres. Le passage des ions entraine des courants transcellulaires et des potentiels d'action ainsi que des reponses aux neurotransmetteurs. Les proprietes electriques se modifient au cours de la maturation meiotique et la fecondation. Les proprietes electriques du spermatozoide sont egalement discutees
Observation of spatial modulation instability in intracavity second-harmonic generation

We report the observation of spatial instabilities in singly resonant intracavity second-harmonic generation. Self-focusing as well as spatially ordered near- and far-field structures are observed. Experimental results are compared with mean-field analysis as well as three-dimensional numerical simulations.
Why Venice? Venetian Society and the Success of Early Opera

Why did opera first succeed as a public art form in Venice between 1637 and 1650 when all the elements of the new form were fully evident? The answer is to be found in the conjunction between Venetian carnival festivity and the intellectual politics of Venetian republicanism during the two generations after the lifting of the papal interdict against Venice in 1607. During this extraordinary period of relatively free speech, which was unmatched elsewhere at the time, Venice was the one place in Italy open to criticisms of Counter Reformation papal politics. Libertine and skeptical thought flourished in the Venetian academies, the members of which wrote the librettos and financed the theaters for many of the early Venetian operas.
Maternal and infant characteristics associated with prone and lateral infant sleep positioning in Washington state, 1996-2002.

Since the early 1990s, prone (stomach) sleep positioning has been an accepted risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).1–3 In 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Task Force recommended that infants be placed to sleep in either the supine (back) or lateral (side) position to minimize risk of SIDS.2, 4 At that time, approximately 70% of infants in the United States (US) were placed prone to sleep.5 The “Back to Sleep” campaign begun in June 1994 by the US Public Health Service, the AAP Task Force, and other organizations helped maximize the number of infants placed in a non-prone sleep position.4 In December 1996, however, new evidence suggested that, as compared with supine placement, lateral placement was also associated with an increased risk of SIDS.6 Thus, the AAP Task Force revised its recommendations, stating the supine position was preferred over the lateral sleep position.7 Subsequently, the supine position became the predominant infant sleep position in the US.5 This change is believed to be largely responsible for the 40% reduction in the national incidence of SIDS that occurred between 1992 and 1997.8 As the prevalence of prone sleeping declined, however, the proportion of SIDS deaths related to lateral sleep positioning has grown.9 As new studies bolstered previous findings regarding the lateral position,10 the AAP in 2005 recommended that the lateral sleep position be avoided altogether.9 In 2005, an estimated 13.8% of infants were positioned to sleep lateral and 12.8% prone in the US.5 Each year approximately one million infants in the US are placed to sleep laterally or prone; over half are placed laterally.11 No population-based study has been conducted to evaluate factors related to lateral sleep positioning. We aimed to identify factors predictive of either infant prone or lateral sleep positioning.
Quasi-active, minimal-sensing load and damage identification and quantification techniques for filament-wound rocket motor casings

Filament-wound rocket motor casings are being considered by the United States Army for use in future lightweight missile systems. As part of the design process, a real-time, minimal-sensing, quasi-active health-monitoring system is being investigated. The health-monitoring scheme is quasi-active because abnormal loads acting on the structure are identified passively, the input force is not measured directly, and the curve-fit estimate of the impact force is used to update the frequency response functions (FRFs) that are functions of the system properties. This task traditionally requires an active-interrogation technique for which the input force is known. The updated FRFs and the estimated impact force can then be used in model-based damage-quantification methods. The proposed quasi-active approach to health monitoring is validated both analytically with a lumped-parameter model and experimentally with a composite missile casing. Minimal sensing is used in both models in order to reduce the complexity and cost of the system, but the small number of measurement channels causes the system of equations used in the inverse problem for load identification to be under-determined. However, a novel algorithm locates and quantifies over 3000 impacts at various locations around the casing with over 98% success, and the FRF-correction process is successfully demonstrated.