cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The advantages of conservative obstetrics as shown by examination six weeks post partum

I N CARING for an obstetric patient, the accoucheur’s greatest aim is to bring to a successful conclusion one of nature’s processes, both from the point of view of the mother and of her baby. There is hardly a doubt in the minds of most of us that the end result of any obstetric case is a reflection of what has gone on not only after delivery, but in Vera great part what has been done prior to, and more particularly at the time of delivery. After delivery one can only aim to restore the pelvic organs to their physiologic normal condition in a reasonable period of time, usually considered by most obstetricians as six weeks. The general attitude at the Boston Lying-in Hospital is one of conservatism, and it is because of this t,ha.t during the past decade we have been able to place not only our morbidity, but the maternal and fetal mortality at the lowest level in t,he history of the hospital. Our morbidity averages 5.5 per cent. The results we feel are due in some measure to the judicial use of analgesics in labor. It is apparent from our observation during the past ten years, that patients receiving medication arc less likely to be unnecessarily interfered with, whereas in nonmedicated cases, the sympathy for t,he patient on the part of the doctor too often interferes with the management of normal labor. In other words, we give the nat,ural forces of labor ever?; opportunity to play a great part in the management of the obstetric case. Manual dilatation in our opinion is an extremely serious procedure, both from the maternal and fetal standpoints. There were no patients in our series in whom the cervix was manually dilated; in fact, in the past five years in this hospital no cervix has been manually dilated. Williams,l Parker,2 and Crist” emphasize this principle in insisting on no manual dilatation of the cervix. To quote the latter: “There is no such thing as manual dilatation. Where such is attempted it results in manual separation or manual lacerat,ion. ” Blair” very beautifully espresses his appreciation of the cervix when he says, “I cannot remember as an undergraduate that very much emphasis was placed on the cervix uteri. I think little attempt is made to give the undergraduate that attitude of respect, almost reverence, that is so necessary to t,reatment.” Too often inertia is considered an indication for manual dilatation. We prefer to treat this condition more conservatively. In some cases
Activated blood macrophages in cholangiocarcinoma patients are highest in those with tumors containing recent blood derived mac387+ macrophage migrants.

A41 Background: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the major form of liver cancer in northeast Thailand and is related to chronic inflammation induced by liver fluke infection. Because tissue inflammation is driven in part by macrophages the current study evaluated the relationship between levels and gene expression profiles of blood CD14+ monocytes and infiltrating macrophages (MO) in CCA tissue in relationship to tissue histologic subset and survival in CCA patients. One MO marker that distinguishes resident tissue macrophages from newly arrived blood migrants is MAC387, a secretory complex encoded by genes S100 (A8/9) know to be involved in tissue invasion. Methods: In this study, the levels of activated CD14+ monocytes and recent blood derived tissue macrophage migrants (Mac387 expression scores 0-3) were quantitated in peripheral blood and tissue of CCA patients respectively. Affymetrix gene expression profiles on expressed RNA from blood cells were compared between CCA and controls. CCA related blood expressed genes were identified and correlated with tissue Mac387 levels. Survival values were available for all patients studied up to 3 January, 2008. Results: The level of CD14+CD16+ monocytes in CCA patient blood (30.2+12%, n = 44) was significantly increased comparing to those with benign biliary diseases (BBD) (23.8+10%, n = 18) and healthy subjects (13+6.2%, n = 46) (p 487 d). Gene expression levels > 3x control levels also stratified MAC387high vs. low subsets of CCA with high expression of VEGFA and EREG (vascular and epithelial growth factors) associated with high MAC387 and poor survival. Conclusion: This study suggests that blood monocyte measurements may allow identification of cancers that are in part associated with tissue macrophage invasion. Parallel tissue analyses indicated that at least in the case of cholangiocarcinoma, blood measurements were indicative of tumor tissue invasion with mac387+ macrophages, that if acting as a source of tumor growth factors could act as ongoing tumor promoters. These data suggest that tumor macrophage targeted therapeutic approaches may be important for certain forms of cancer and that blood monocyte testing might allow critical determinations of response to macrophage targeted therapy.
Death-associated protein kinase promoter hypermethylation in normal human lymphocytes.

A high frequency of death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) promoter hypermethylation has been noted in B-cell malignancies, head and neck cancers, and other solid tumors, and it has been used as a tumor marker in molecular detection strategies. Low levels of DAPK promoter hypermethylation, ranging from 0.003 to 1.181%, were detected in peripheral blood cells from 75 of 143 (52%) normal subjects by quantitative methylation-specific PCR (Q-MSP). In 10 of 10 selected patients, MSP amplification of a portion of the DAPK promoter followed by PCR product sequencing confirmed dense hypermethylation of the CpG island in their peripheral blood cells. Q-MSP analysis of fluorescence-activated cell-sorted peripheral blood cells from three of these patients demonstrated that a significantly greater proportion of B cells (1.074–6.026%) were DAPK hypermethylated than were T cells, monocytes, or neutrophils, which were
Visceral Adiposity and its Anatomical Distribution as Predictors of the Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiometabolic Risk Factor Levels

Background Despite the recognition that central obesity plays a critical role in chronic disease, few large-scale imaging studies have documented human variation in abdominal adipose tissue patterning.
Safety evaluations of accident scenarios in high temperature gas-cooled reactors☆

Abstract The advanced modular high temperature gas-cooled reactor, currently being developed in the United States, employs several inherent and passive safety systems. To assess its safety potential under very severe and low probability accident scenarios, the analysis tools for such transients have been developed and are applied. Applications of the resulting codes to these accident scenarios are presented, showing that even these severe accident transients would not cause any significant fission product releases, but might lead to investment losses.
From the Editor: The Dangers of End-User Programming

We cannot expect secure computing from the vast majority of software applications when theyre written with little, if any, knowledge of generally accepted good practices such as specifying before coding, systematic testing, and so on. Although using professional programmers doesnt guarantee correctness, security, or maintainability, the lack of real understanding about software development by end-user programmers poses a danger to stakeholders associated with mission-critical systems from the standpoints of both correctness and security.
Development and preliminary evaluation of a measure of support provided to a smoker among young adults.

Abstract Most studies indicate a positive association between social support and smoking cessation. However, clinic-based interventions to increase support for stopping smoking have had limited success. Prior research has emphasized the smoker's perceptions of support received for smoking cessation while less attention has focused on support persons' reports of supportive behaviors provided to a smoker. This study examined select psychometric properties of the Support Provided Measure (SPM), a self-report questionnaire designed by the investigative team to assess supportive behaviors provided to a smoker. The SPM was administered to a college sample ( N = 771; 67% female) of young adults, aged 18 to 24 years, who reported knowing a smoker whom they thought should quit smoking. Results indicate that, in this sample, the SPM has a two-factor structure with good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.77) and appears to assess a wide range of individual differences in the provision of support. Demographic correlates associated with SPM scores are described and suggestions for future research are offered.
Snapping plicae associated with radiocapitellar chondromalacia.

Abstract Purpose: Painful snapping of the elbow joint is usually attributed to intra-articular loose bodies, instability, or medial dislocation of the triceps muscle over the medial epicondyle. We report our experience with 14 patients who were treated arthroscopically for snapping elbow that was found to be caused by hypertrophic synovial folds associated with radiocapitellar chondromalacia. Type of Study: Case series. Methods: The records of 14 patients who were treated arthroscopically for painful snapping elbows caused by intra-articular plicae were reviewed. There were 6 women and 8 men with an average age of 36 years (range, 27 to 48 years). Nine patients had had some type of trauma to the joint. Four patients had been previously diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis and 5 with intra-articular loose bodies. The average time from initial onset of symptoms to treatment was 13 months (range, 8 to 36 months). Average follow-up was 24 months (range, 6 to 66 months). Results: All patients complained of painful snapping in the posterolateral or anterolateral aspect of the elbow. The snapping occurred between 90° and 110° of flexion with the forearm in pronation. In 7 patients, the snapping was reproducible by passively flexing the pronated elbow, which we refer to as the flexion-pronation test. At the time of arthroscopic surgery, all patients had a thickened synovial plica that would snap back and forward over the radial head, usually associated with a chondromalacic area on the radial head. Twelve patients had complete relief of their snapping after surgery. One patient in whom there was associated posterolateral rotatory elbow instability did not improve. One patient became asymptomatic for 4 years but then had recurrence of her symptoms, which persisted despite 2 subsequent arthroscopies. Conclusions: The presence of synovial plicae in the radiocapitellar joint must be considered in the differential diagnosis of painful snapping elbow. Arthroscopy confirms the diagnosis and allows excision of the plica. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 5 (May-June), 2001: pp 491–495
An experimental measurement of the ultraviolet absorption coefficient of shock heated air

Abstract Absorption coefficients of high-temperature air have been measured photoelectrically over the temperature range from 2000 to 4350°K and wavelength range 2300 to 3000 A. The experiments were performed within 1 cm of the end wall in the reflected shock region of a pressure driven shock tube. A high-pressure mercury-xenon arc lamp, operating in a continuous mode, was used as the background source for probing radiation. The results agree well with theoretical calculations and existing experimental data where comparisons could be made.
Predictors of US medical students' prevention counseling practices

Objective. To understand predictors of medical students' prevention counseling practices. Methods. We surveyed medical students (n = 2316 individuals) in the Class of 2003 at freshman orientation, and again at entrance to wards and senior year in a nationally representative sample of 16 US medical schools (response rate = 80.3%). Main outcome measures. Perceived relevance of prevention counseling and seniors' frequency of prevention counseling. Results. Healthier personal practices (p < 0.0001), intention to become a primary care practitioner (p = 0.0007), and attending a medical school that encouraged healthy personal practices (p = 0.002) significantly predicted the frequency with which seniors reported currently counseling patients about preventive interventions (using a validated measure). Perceived counseling relevance was also significantly predicted by intention to become a primary care practitioner (p < 0.0001), attending a school that encouraged healthy personal practices (p = 0.0007), being earlier in one's training (p < 0.0001), more interested in prevention (p < 0.0001), female (p < 0.0001), non-White (p = 0.007), and by having healthy personal practices (p = 0.008). Conclusions. Several of the variables predicting physician counseling also predict US medical students' reporting counseling (especially personal health practices and specialty type). In addition, the avidity with which medical schools encourage students to be healthy significantly influences their reported patient counseling. These findings can give a fresh, evidence-based direction to help create physicians who counsel patients about prevention.
The mechanisms of policy diffusion

Local policy adoptions provide an excellent opportunity to test among potential mechanisms of policy diffusion. By examining three types of antismoking policy choices by the 675 largest U.S. cities between 1975 and 2000, we uncover robust patterns of policy diffusion, yielding three key findings. First, we distinguish among and find evidence for four mechanisms of policy diffusion: learning from earlier adopters, economic competition among proximate cities, imitation of larger cities, and coercion by state governments. Second, we find a temporal component to these effects, with imitation being a more short-lived diffusion process than the others. Third, we show that these mechanisms are conditional, with larger cities being better able to learn from others, less fearful of economic spillovers, and less likely to rely on imitation.
Influence of age and hemodynamics on myocardial blood flow and flow reserve.

BACKGROUNDAging is associated with changes of the systolic blood pressure that may increase cardiac work and myocardial blood flow at rest and reduce the myocardial flow reserve. This might be misinterpreted as age-related impairment of the coronary vasodilator capacity.METHODS AND RESULTSMyocardial blood flow was quantified at rest and after administration of intravenous dipyridamole in 40 healthy volunteers (12 women and 28 men) with 13N-ammonia and positron emission tomography. Eighteen of the normal subjects were less than and 22 were older than 50 years (31 +/- 9 versus 64 +/- 9 years). The resting rate-pressure product was lower in the younger than in the older subjects (6895 +/- 1070 versus 8634 +/- 1890; P < 0.01). Myocardial blood flow at rest averaged 0.76 +/- 0.17 mL.min-1.g-1 in the younger volunteers and 0.92 +/- 0.25 mL.min-1.g-1 in the older volunteers (P < 0.05). Hyperemic blood flows did not differ between younger and older subjects (3.0 +/- 0.8 versus 2.7 +/- 0.6 mL.min-1.g-1; P = NS); h...
A genetic study of class III malocclusion

Abstract The families of fifty-one probands demonstrating Angle Class III malocclusion were examined. Approximately 13 per cent of the siblings of the probands exhibited the trait, suggesting a strong genetic influence in the transmission of Class III malocclusion. No evidence was found to suggest that the trait is sex linked. The results did not support a simple autosomal dominant mode of transmission. The results also did not support a simple autosomal recessive transmission. The explanation most compatible with the results seems to be a polygenic method of transmission depending on a threshold beyond which persons are at risk. The possibility that different methods of transmission exist in different families or different populations has not been ruled out.
DETER: detection of events for threat evaluation and recognition

The current security infrastructure can be summarized as follows: (1) Security systems act locally and do not cooperate in an effective manner, (2) Very valuable assets are protected inadequately by antiquated technology systems and (3) Security systems rely on intensive human concentration to detect and assess threats.In this paper we present DETER (Detection of Events for Threat Evaluation and Recognition), a research and development (R&D) project aimed to develop a high-end automated security system. DETER can be seen as an attempt to bridge the gap between current systems reporting isolated events and an automated cooperating network capable of inferring and reporting threats, a function currently being performed by humans.The prototype DETER system is installed at the parking lot of Honeywell Laboratories (HL) in Minneapolis. The computer vision module of DETER reliably tracks pedestrians and vehicles and reports their annotated trajectories to the threat assessment module for evaluation. DETER features a systematic optical and system design that sets it apart from "toy" surveillance systems. It employs a powerful Normal mixture model at the pixel level supported by an expectation-maximization (EM) initialization, the Jeffreys divergence measure, and the method of moments. It also features a practical and accurate multicamera calibration method. The threat assessment module utilizes the computer vision information and can provide alerts for behaviors as complicated as the "hopping" of potential vehicle thieves from vehicle spot to vehicle spot.Extensive experimental results measured during actual field operations support DETER's exceptional characteristics. DETER has recently been successfully productized. The product-grade version of DETER monitors movements across the length of a new oil pipeline.
A new unispiculate species of Bulbostylis (Cyperaceae) from Brazil

Bulbostylis splendens from Brazil is described, illustrated, and compared to a related taxon.
Characteristics of container labeling in a sample of commonly prescribed children's oral medications.

Abstract Background Time constraints often limit the amount of instruction pharmacists can provide to patients regarding accurate prescription medication use. Objectives To assess the content, text point size, and reading difficulty of medication container labels and auxiliary warning labels (stickers) of 2 commonly prescribed children's medications (prednisolone and amoxicillin) dispensed by 20 US pharmacies. Secondly, to examine variability of pharmacy interpretations of electronically generated physician instructions (signatures [sigs]). Methods All medication container labels were evaluated on the following: presence and rank order of 7 Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-required label items, presence of additional label content (eg, fill date), and whether each label content item was emphasized in some way (eg, highlighting). Presence, placement, content, and color of auxiliary warning labels (stickers) were also assessed. Text point size of pharmacy name, instructions, medication name, and instructional/warning stickers was measured to the nearest centimeter. Reading grade level (RGL) of medication label instructions and auxiliary warning labels was estimated using the Lexile Analyzer (available via the Internet [http://www.lexile.com]). Amount and timing of medication administration of pharmacy interpretations of sigs were examined. Results All containers included the 7 FDA-required label items. Text point sizes varied widely (pharmacy name [mean ± standard deviation [SD] = 12.0 ± 3.9] versus auxiliary warning labels [mean ± SD=6.8 ± 1.1]). Four (10%) containers did not include any additional type of warnings related to the medication, beyond the dosage amount and administration frequency. Mean Lexile score of warning stickers was 488.3 ± 316.3 (approximately third to fourth RGL), whereas that of pharmacy-generated instructions was 648.3 ± 215.9 (approximately fifth to sixth RGL). Prednisolone sig instructions were presented in 14 distinct ways by the pharmacies, whereas amoxicillin sig instructions were interpreted in 16 different ways. Conclusions Although all prescriptions reviewed met the minimum FDA-required labeling standards, pharmacy characteristics were more likely to be prominently emphasized on the labels than were medication instructions and patient information. Systematic initiatives to standardize and call attention to key medication instructions and warnings should be considered.
Numerical integration of flow equations along natural coordinates.

A numerical method applicable to inviscid, compressible, two-dimensional, or axisymmetrical fluid flows is presented. It can be used to solve problems involving subsonic and transonic, as well as supersonic, flow regions. In this method, the streamlines and the equipotential lines are used as the orthogonal natural coordinates. These coordinates are approximated piecewise by small segments of circular arcs. In conjunction with a geometrical theorem concerning circular arcs, the gas dynamics equations in finite-difference form are integrated numerically. The flowfields may be constructed to a high degree of accuracy with a small number of steps. The boundary conditions are satisfied by an iteration procedure that converges rapidly. For examples, the flow behind a conical shock and the flow in a transonic hyperbolic nozzle are solved. The results are in good agreement with known solutions.
Abstract P6-03-01: High Percentage of Triple Negative Tumors Present as Palpable Masses

Introduction: Approximately 15% of newly diagnosed breast cancers are triple negative tumors (TNT; ER-/PR-/HER2-), a subgroup with a particularly poor prognosis. This clinical-pathologic subtype corresponds to, but is not synonymous with basal-like tumors. These cancers are prevalent among African-Americans and BRCA mutation carriers. We hypothesize that TNT are more likely than other breast tumor subtypes to present as a palpable mass or appear between screening examinations. We compared the screening practices and detection modality of women with TNT at our institution. Methods: Between December 2000 to February 2010, 346 women with TNT were identified through the Stanford University Cancer Center tumor registry. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Breast imaging screening was compared between women whose cancers presented as a palpable mass versus those which were detected on breast imaging. Patients without prior breast imaging, screening occurring >5 y prior to diagnosis or unknown imaging history were grouped together (UNK). 95% confidence intervals (CT)determined by modified Wald method. Results: Mean age at diagnosis was 53y (range 25 to 97). 82 patients had BRCA mutation testing, of which 41 were positive. 58 women were 50. 253 were detected on self exam. The rest were found on screening mammography (70), MR imaging (3), non-breast radiologic studies (9); unknown presentation (11). 54 cancers in women 50 years of age with palpable presentations, 27%(0.21-0.36) had screening within 24m, 5% (0.02-0.10)within 2-5y and 67%(0.45-0.62) were UNK. Within this group 2 of 4 ( 50) had detected masses within 12m of breast imaging. 30 patients carried BRCA mutations. 3 women 50y had tumors detected on screening; 50% (0.36-0.64)had screening within 24m,8%(0.03-0.20)within 2-5y, and 42%(0.29-0.56) were ND. In this group, 5 of 9 (40-50), 16 of 24 (>50) had lesions detected within 12m of imaging. 8 patients with image detected tumor carried a BRCA-1 mutation. A total of 249 pts were of screening age and of those 95 were screened within 2 y; yet 65% of those presented with a palpable mass. BREAST IMAGING PRIOR TO DIAGNOSIS, N(%) Conclusion: Our data suggests that regardless of age, TNT present as palpable masses even among those undergoing breast screening. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-03-01.
California Pertussis Epidemic, 2010

Objective In 2010, California experienced the highest number of pertussis cases in >60 years, with >9000 cases, 809 hospitalizations, and 10 deaths. This report provides a descriptive epidemiologic analysis of this epidemic and describes public health mitigation strategies that were used, including expanded pertussis vaccine recommendations. Study design Clinical and demographic information were evaluated for all pertussis cases with onset from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010, and reported to the California Department of Public Health. Results Hispanic infants younger than 6 months had the highest disease rates; all deaths and most hospitalizations occurred in infants younger than 3 months. Most pediatric cases were vaccinated according to national recommendations, although 9% of those aged 6 months to 18 years were completely unvaccinated against pertussis. High disease rates also were observed in fully vaccinated preadolescents, especially 10-year-olds. Mitigation strategies included expanded tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine recommendations, public and provider education, distribution of free vaccine for postpartum women and contacts of infants, and clinical guidance on diagnosis and treatment of pertussis in young infants. Conclusions Infants too young to be fully vaccinated against pertussis remain at highest risk of severe disease and death. Data are needed to evaluate strategies offering direct protection of this vulnerable population, such as immunization of pregnant women and of newborns. The high rate of disease among preadolescents suggests waning of immunity from the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis series; additional studies are warranted to evaluate the efficacy and duration of protection of the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis series and the tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis series.
On the factorial approach providing the true index of cost of living: an interpretation of a special pair of equations

This note presents an interpretation of a special pair of the six equations which were derived in the context of providing the true index of cost of living through what has been called “the factorial approache”[See Banerjee (1961a,b) and Banerjee (1975).]
An introduction to optical character reader considerations

Abstract A general description of an optical character recognition system is given. Major problems encountered by each of the system units are described, and some common solutions are given. No new work is described or proposed. This paper presents a general review of character recognition techniques and problems for people not intimately acquainted with this field. It will give perspective to more detailed papers on character recognition, as well as to the more general field of pattern recognition.
Vertical Wind Component Estimates up to 1.2 km above Ground

Abstract Vertical wind components were computed up to 1.2 km from 37 wintertime and 10 summertime balloon observations between 0900 and 1200 local time utilizing the accurate and high-resolution cinetheodolite/Jimsphere system. The mean ascent rate of the Jimsphere was computed from all observations taken on a particular day. The ascent rate was found to be 5.16 m sec−1 for the winter and 5.10 m sec−1 for the summer months. The individual variations of a given observation from the mean ascent rate were assumed to be the vertical component. Variations in balloon ascent caused by variation in drag, anomalous variation in atmospheric density, balloon response to the wind, and aerodynamically induced motions are discussed. Vertical wind components ranged from 10–25 cm sec−1 in a stable atmosphere and 55–100 cm sec−1 under unstable conditions depending on wind speed.
Patterns of brain monoamine activity and aggressive behavior

Abstract Research bearing on the question of how treatments that alter the brain monoamines influence the intraspecies aggression of rodents is critically examined. An attempt is made to identify the patterns of monoamine activity that accompany the induction of aggressive behavior, and to determine whether distinct patterns of activity are specific to the various experimental paradigms of aggressive behavior. It is evident from the literature that many critical questions remain to be answered. Nevertheless, it appears that three different patterns of monoamine activity are associated with enhanced intraspecies aggression. No support is found for any exclusive association between specific patterns and the different paradigms of intraspecies aggression. Moreover, the widespread notion that serotonin is inhibitory for aggression is not consistent with the bulk of the evidence. These conclusions are discussed in terms of possible neurochemical differences between attack and defense components of aggression. In closing, suggestions for future research are offered.
Bombesin(like)-containing cells in bullfrog gastric mucosa: Immunoelectronmicroscopic characterization☆

Abstract Cells containing bombesin, or a related cross-reacting peptide, were characterized at the ultrastructural level in the gastric mucosa of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana . This was accomplished by correlating observation of serial semithin and thin sections alternatively stained with the PAP immunoperoxidase method and with conventional techniques. The bombesin(like)-containing cells, which were basally located and did not appear to reach the lumen of the glands, were characterized by an infolded nucleus and the presence of cytoplasmic microfilaments, as well as variable numbers of secretory granules. The latter consisted of a round or slightly elongated core of high electron density closely surrounded by the limiting membrane, and measured between 180 and 280 nm in diameter.
The C1 locus in maize (Zea mays L.): effect on gene expression

The focus of this genetic study is on the expression of two wild-type alleles [Wisconsin (W22 C) and Cornell (Cornell)] at the C1 locus, functioning in their color-producing roles, that can be distinguished by assaying the gene expression in their competitive capacity against a third allele at that locus. The third allele is a transposon-induced color-suppressing allele with a deficiency that suppresses anthocyanin color. This color suppressing allele (C1-lΔ), however, is not as fully potent as the standard color suppressing allele C1-I (std) and, thus, is competed more readily against the C1 allele in the regulatory control of anthocyanin coloration. Both the C1-lΔ and C1-I(std) alleles have somewhat similar deficiencies and produce truncated transcripts. In the measurement of anthocyanin production in heterozygote genotypes of the two wild-type alleles against the C1-lΔ color suppressor, the following could be shown genetically: that the inhibitor allele reduces color; the two wild-type alleles are different in their competitive capacity against C1-lΔ; and the genetic background of the two lines influences the degree of color expression. A hypothesis is presented that this study provides a genetic demonstration of the competition for transcription sites on the promoter between two different wild-type alleles that does lead to differences in gene expression. Further, this study illustrates how a genetic investigation could uncover subtle differences among seemingly similar wild-type alleles.
Clinical experiences with cefazolin and other cephalosporins in bacterial endocarditis.

Eleven patients with bacterial endocarditis were treated with cefazolin, a new cephalosporin antibiotic. The antibiotic was well tolerated, and high levels in blood were achieved without accumulation of the drug or toxicity. Nine of the patients with endocarditis due to Staphylococcus aureus and one with endocarditis due to Bacillus species were cured. One patient with staphylococcal endocarditis failed to respond to cefazolin. Although the organism isolated from this patient was sensitive to cefazolin when a small inoculum was used, tests of susceptibility with a large inoculum showed resistance to cefazolin. The results with cefazolin in the present study and the recorded experience with cephalothin, cephaloridine, and cephalexin indicate that these agents may be used as effective substitutes for penicillin and penicillin derivatives in the treatment of staphylococcal and streptococcal (not enterococcal) endocarditis when penicillin is contraindicated.
The SCM Press A–Z of Evangelical Theology – Roger E. Olson

Book reviewed: The SCM Press A–Z of Evangelical Theology, Roger E. Olson, SCM Press 2005 (0-334-04011-6), 328 pp., pb £22.99
AN EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH TO CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER MANAGEMENT TO PREVENT CATHETER-RELATED INFECTION IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS

A systematic search of the literature yielded 102 randomized controlled trials of interventions aimed at reducing central venous catheter-related infections in critically ill patients. The process of critically appraising these trials has begun and clinicians have performed meta-analyses of the data in some areas. There are three main components to the production of evidence-based guidelines in this area: identification of effective interventions, comparison of the relative merit of effective interventions aimed at the source of infection, and assessment of the applicability of the evidence to diverse sub-populations of critically ill patients.
Biodegradable cystamine spacer facilitates the clearance of Gd(III) chelates in poly(glutamic acid) Gd-DO3A conjugates for contrast-enhanced MR imaging

Poly(l-glutamic acid) (PGA)-cystamine-[gadolinium (Gd)-DO3A] was prepared in high yield with a high Gd-DO3A conjugation efficiency. Approximately 55% of the carboxylic groups in PGA were loaded with Gd-DO3A via cystamine as the spacer. Cystamine can be readily cleaved by endogenous thiols to release the Gd(III) chelates from the conjugate facilitating Gd(III) excretion after the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The contrast-enhanced MRI with PGA-cystamine-(Gd-DO3A) was investigated in mice bearing MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma xenografts. PGA-1,6-hexanediamine-(Gd-DO3A), a paramagnetic polymer conjugate of a nondegradable spacer, was used as a control. Both conjugates resulted in similar contrast enhancement in the heart, vasculature, liver and kidneys in the first hour post injection. More substantial signal intensity reduction was observed for PGA-cystamine-(Gd-DO3A) in these organs than PGA-1,6-hexanediamine-(Gd-DO3A) due to release of the Gd chelates from PGA-cystamine-(Gd-DO3A) after the cleavage of the disulfide spacer by the endogenous thiols. Both conjugates resulted in similar tumor enhancement with approximately 70% increased signal intensity in the tumor periphery and 10–40% increased signal intensity in tumor interstitium. No cross-reaction was observed between PGA-cystamine-(Gd-DO3A) and human serum albumin, a plasma protein containing a cysteine residue. PGA-cystamine-(Gd-DO3A) resulted in significantly lower Gd(III) tissue retention than PGA-1,6-hexanediamine-(Gd-DO3A) 10 days after the injection in the mice (P<.05). The conjugation of Gd(III) chelates to biomedical copolymers via the degradable disulfide spacer resulted in significant contrast enhancement in the blood pool and tumor tissue but minimal long-term Gd(III) tissue retention.
Spontaneous alternation and middle ear disease

Rats with middle ear disease and control Ss from the same population with the same history were tested for spontaneous alternation in the T maze, with and without the presence of odor trail cues. The results indicated that the middle ear group had a normal odor trail avoidance tendency but entirely lacked alternation when these cues were removed. These results support the hypothesis that spontaneous alternation is a combination of odor trail avoidance and spatial direction alternation, with the latter tendency being based on vestibular information.
Perceived control and distress following sexual assault: A longitudinal test of a new model.

Longitudinal data were collected from female sexual assault survivors (N = 171) at 4 points postassault. Consistent with the predictions of the temporal model (P. Frazier, M. Berman, & J. Steward, 2002), past, present, and future control were differentially related to posttrauma distress. Both personal past (behavioral self-blame) and vicarious past (rapist blame) control were associated with higher distress levels. In addition, the belief that future assaults are less likely was more strongly associated with lower distress levels than was future control. Present control (i.e., control over the recovery process) was most adaptive. Hierarchical linear modeling analyses revealed that changes in perceived control were associated with changes in distress after linear change in distress over time was accounted for.
Media Appropriateness Using Social Presence Theory to Compare Traditional and New Organizational Media

monwus solution. Multidimensional scaling placed tmditwnal media in separate clusters, and new media together with some instances of text and phone, along interpersonalmediated and synchronous-asynchronous axes. The appropriateness of faceto-face and meetings did not change over time, whereas ratings of phone and text (to some extent) and new media did. Appropriateness of new media was weakly associated with use. Finally, there was very little evidence of social infonnafwn processing influence on appropriateness, except for organizational newwmm’ mtings of the newest medium, desktop video.
The Effect of a Marketing Order on Winter Carrot Prices

Marketing orders are utilized for the express purpose of improving returns to growers. Higher quality requirements and supply or rate‐of‐flow management are the major tools in such an effort. The adoption of the marketing order for South Texas carrots permitted a limited test of the hypothesis that derived demand would increase during the order period. The hypothesis is reasonable because of the relatively low quality image of Texas winter carrots. It appears that demand at the grower level in Texas did increase during the order period whereas demand at the f.o.b. levels in Texas and the major competing production area, California, remained unaffected. In effect, the spread between grower price and f.o.b. price narrowed in Texas. If most of the increase in demand was due to improved quality, total returns to growers probably increased as a result of the culling‐price relation.
Mechanism of pyruvate inhibition of plant pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase and synergism with ADP

Abstract The effects of various metabolites on pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) kinase-catalyzed inactivation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) were studied in extracts of mitochondria purified from green leaf tissue of Pisum sativum L. Pyruvate was an uncompetitive inhibitor of PDH kinase with respect to ATP whereas ADP was a competitive inhibitor. In the absence of pyruvate a fivefold excess of ADP over ATP was required to inhibit PDH kinase, however, in the presence of pyruvate much lower ADP concentrations were required. Inhibition of PDH kinase by pyruvate and ADP was synergistic and the addition of ADP changed pyruvate from an uncompetitive inhibitor to a noncompetitive inhibitor. This result indicates that pyruvate acts as a “dead-end” inhibitor, binding to the PDH kinase—ADP reaction intermediate. Evidence is also presented that inhibition by pyruvate in the presence of thiamine pyrophosphate is due to the formation of hydroxyethyl thiamine pyrophosphate. The results are discussed in terms of the regulation of PDC activity by pyruvate and ADP during periods of increased demand for carbon skeleton biosynthesis by way of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle despite constraints imposed on TCA cycle flux by a high ATP/ADP ratio.
His Bundle Electrocardiography during Bidirectional Tachycardia

His bundle electrocardiography in a patient with a digitalis-induced bidirectional tachycardia revealed absence of His spike preceding earliest onset of ventricular activation during the bidirectional tachycardia. However, His potential preceded ventricular activation of normal complexes at a constant H-V interval of 35 msec. The presence of fusion QRS complexes, capture QRS complexes, the analysis of cycle lengths, and response to carotid sinus massage all favor a ventricular origin for this tachycardia in the patient presented.
A Larger Family of Planar Graphs that Satisfy the Total Coloring Conjecture

The article shrinks the Δ = 6 hole that exists in the family of planar graphs which satisfy the total coloring conjecture. Let G be a planar graph. If \({v_n^k}\) represents the number of vertices of degree n which lie on k distinct 3-cycles, for \({n, k \in \mathbb{N}}\) , then the conjecture is true for planar graphs which satisfy \({v_5^4 +2(v_5^{5^+} +v_6^4) +3v_6^5 +4v_6^{6^+} < 24}\).
The formation of public utility holding companies and their subsequent diversification activity

This paper examines the stock market reaction to announcements that utilities are converting to utility holding companies. There are negative abnormal returns associated with these announcements. Holding companies permit these utilities to diversify beyond the utility industry, and the announcements of their formation may signal the market of their intentions to diversify. The negative abnormal returns associated with these announcements and the negative abnormal returns associated with subsequent announcements of acquisitions are consistent with other research showing that diversifying bidders lose more (or gain less) than non-diversifying bidders.
Purification of lumicolchicine for use in studies of plant development

Lumicolchicine was purified by preparative thin-layer chromatography. Tests for purity were ultraviolet absorption spectrophotometry, analytical thin-layer chromatography, and a bioassay using wheat roots. Wheat roots treated for 3 days with 10−3 M lumicolchicine showed no c-mitosis, but had reduced growth compared with controls.
Models of Throughput Rates for Dictation and Voice Spelling for Handheld Devices

Since the emergence of the personal digital assistant (PDA), developers have attempted to create input methods that allow users to enter accurate data at speeds that approach those achieved with the personal computer. Common text entry methods (handwriting and soft keyboard) allow for rates that are unacceptably slow for many purposes. The objective of this paper is to consider the possible benefits of speech-to-text input mechanisms (dictation and voice spelling) for handheld devices. By modeling throughput based on varying rates of speech, correction speeds, and system recognition accuracies, we can compare expected speech throughput rates to current throughput rates for PDAs.
Mental retardation as a Facade Self phenomenon: construct validation.

Summary.-Predictions from Wagner's Structural Analysis theory were tested to validate a theoretical explanation of the personality of mentally retarded adulcs. The Rorschach and Hand Test were administered to 44 medical students and 60 institutionalized mentally retarded adults. Results coincided with predictions based on Structural Analysis. Implications of these results for the diagnosis of mental retardation were discussed. The potential of a special Rorschach Facade Self Index for differential diagnosis of other forms of psychopathology was noted. The theoretical investigation and explanation of the personality of individuals with mental retardation has for the most part been ignored (Heber, 1964; Panek & Wagner, 1979). Studies which have employed projective techniques with mentally retarded subjects have been more concerned with the observance of clinical signs or psychological abnormalities in these samples than the determination of similar personality configuration among these subjects. Recently, Panek and Wagner ( 1979) have advanced the hypothesis, which was based on Wagner's (1971) Structural Analysis theory, that individuals with mental retardation are primarily Facade Self people and that the Facade Self which they do possess is withdrawn and stereotyped. That is, they rend to react to interpersonal and environmental situations in a highly concrete, constricted, repetitious manner, and for the most part are devoid of imaginal resources. The above hypothesis, derived from projective testing, is difficult to "prove" because the objection can always be raised that significant findings in expected directions could be "just due" to differences in intelligence. But it is just logical to assume that projective test variables retain their meaning even when IQs are low; and, certainly, the validity of a theory is enhanced when certain interrelationships can be predicted in advance, achieving construct validity. Recently, some independent verification of Structural Analysis has been noted in a study of a multiple personality (Danesino, Danielo, & McLaughlin, 1979). The present study deals with predictions involving individuals with mental retardation.
Effects of morphine and naloxone on feline colonic transit.

Abstract The effects of endogenous and exogenous opioid substances on feline colonic transit were evaluated using colonic transit scintigraphy. Naloxone (0.3 mg/kg, i.m.) accelerated emptying of the cecum and ascending colon, and filling of the transverse colon. Endogenous opioid peptides thus appear to play a significant role in the regulation of colonic transit. At a moderate dose of morphine (0.1 mg/kg, i.m.), cerum and ascending colon transit was accelerated, while at a larger dose (1.0 mg/kg, i.m.) morphine had no effect. Since naloxone, a relatively nonspecific opioid antagonist, and morphine, a principally mu opioid receptor agonist, both accelerate proximal colonic transit, a decelerating role for at least one of the other opioid receptors is inferred.
Effects of MSH/ACTH 4--10 on memory, attention and endogenous hormone levels in women.

Abstract Young women, tested during their menstrual phase or at midcycle, received either 30 mg MSH/ACTH 4–10 or the saline diluent subcutaneously in a doubleblind procedure. Behavioral testing indicated that the peptide significantly facilitated verbal memory and impaired reversal learning ability. Visual memory, field independence, basal heart rate and state anxiety were not influenced by the treatment. Radioimmunoassays of plasma samples collected across the testing period indicated that levels of LH, FSH, 17-β-estradiol, progesterone and cortisol were not significantly altered by the peptide. It was speculated that human sex differences in response to MSH/ACTH 4–10 exist with females exhibiting an enhancement of verbal modalities.
Predictors of progress in smoking cessation.

This study examined the ability of two specific measures of stressors associated with smoking cessation to act as predictors of progress through the stages of smoking cessation as described by Prochaska and DiClemente (1983). Specifically, a 19-item scale measuring barriers to smoking cessation and a 14-item scale measuring smoking cessation self-efficacy were completed by 127 smokers and self-quitters at three time points over a six-month period. Subjects who made progress through the stages of smoking cessation had lower barriers scores initially and had significant changes in their self-efficacy and barriers scores over the six-month period. In contrast, non-progressors had no significant change in either their self-efficacy or barriers scores over the time period. These results suggest that the two scales may provide clinically useful data to public health nurses working with smokers.