cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A LABILE COMPONENT OF NORMAL SERUM WHICH COMBINES WITH VARIOUS VIRUSES. NEUTRALIZATION OF INFECTIVITY AND INHIBITION OF HEMAGGLUTINATION BY THE COMPONENT

A labile component present in the serum of human beings, guinea pigs, and rabbits neutralizes the infectivity of mumps, Newcastle disease, influenza A and B viruses. The labile component of these sera and of mouse serum also inhibits hemagglutination of chicken RBC by these viruses. The component is inactivated by heating at 56°C. for 30 minutes and upon storage at 4°C. for periods longer than 2 weeks. The virus-neutralizing and hemagglutination-inhibiting properties result from serum component-virus combination in the presence of calcium. The combination is stable, and does not undergo spontaneous dissociation. Partial separation of virus can be brought about by heating mixtures held for 24 hours or by removal of calcium ions with sodium citrate. The labile serum component appears to be distinct from hemolytic complement.
Compatibility of imidacloprid with fungicides as a seed-treatment control of Russian wheat aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) and effect on germination, growth, and yield of wheat and barley

Imidacloprid insecticide, applied as a seed treatment, singly or in combination with fungicides (carboxin-thiram, triadimenol-captan, and tebuconazole-thiram), protected growing plants of wheat and barley from developing infestations of Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko) for 27-85 d after planting based on four greenhouse and four field trials. There were no compatibility problems in insecticide performance by combining imidacloprid with fungicides on the seed. Imidacloprid significantly reduced plant damage by D. noxia in all trials and increased yields in three of three field trials where plots were entirely infested. As a seed treatment, imidacloprid offers an environmentally safer approach to the control of D. noxia than is possible with wide-spectrum aerial or in-furrow granular insecticide treatments.
Radial gradient-based segmentation of mammographic microcalcifications: observer evaluation and effect on CAD performance.

Precise segmentation of microcalcifications is essential in the development of accurate mammographiccomputer-aided diagnosis(CAD) schemes. We have designed a radial gradient-based segmentation method for microcalcifications, and compared it to both the region-growing segmentation method currently used in our CAD scheme and to the watershed segmentation method. Two observer studies were conducted to subjectively evaluate the proposed segmentation method. The first study (A) required observers to rate the segmentation accuracy on a 100-point scale. The second observer evaluation (B) was a preference study in which observers selected their preferred method from three displayed segmentation methods. In study A, the observers gave an average accuracy rating of 88 for the radial gradient-based and 50 for the region-growing segmentation method. In study B, the two observers selected the proposed method 56% and 62% of the time. We also investigated the effect of the proposed segmentation method on the performance of computerized classification scheme in differentiating malignant from benign clustered microcalcifications. The performances of the classification scheme using a linear discriminant analysis(LDA) or a Bayesianartificial neural network classifier both showed statistically significant improvements when using the proposed segmentation method. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves for case-based performance when using the LDA classifier were 0.86 with the proposed segmentation method, 0.80 with the region-growing method, and 0.83 with the watershed method.
Motion artifacts in quantitative magnetic resonance imaging

Several investigators have emphasized the potential value of quantitative relaxation times in the assessment of diseases. In performing such measurements using the spin-echo technique, we have encountered several anomalous results, whereby the intensity of the organ parenchyma on second-echo images is greater than on first echo images. This is most likely a result of respiratory motion, and it occurs only rarely. Several volunteers were studied before and after exercise to see if respiratory motion could reproduce the anomalous intensity reverse; a reversal of intensities in renal parenchyma was observed in two of five individuals. We conclude that respiratory motion artifacts will seriously limit quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of the upper abdomen if respiratory gating during imaging is not used.
Spectroscopy of Five Old Novae: New or Refined Orbital Periods

We present spectroscopy of five old novae and report new or refined orbital periods, Porb. For two of the systems, we detect a spectral contribution from the secondary star and infer distances from spectroscopic parallax. Updated period histograms of old novae and all other cataclysmic variables (CVs) are included. Statistical tests show that the orbital period distribution of old novae is significantly different from that of other CVs.
Co-op advertising models in manufacturer–retailer supply chains: A game theory approach

Abstract In the literature of cooperative (co-op) advertising, the focus of research is on a relationship in which a manufacturer is the leader and retailers are followers. This relationship implies the dominance of the manufacturer over retailers. Recent market structure reviews have shown a shift of retailing power from manufacturers to retailers. Retailers have equal or even greater power than a manufacturer when it comes to retailing. Based on this new market phenomenon, we intend to explore the role of vertical co-op advertising efficiency with respect to transactions between a manufacturer and a retailer through brand name investments, local advertising expenditures, and sharing rules of advertising expenses. Three co-op advertising models are discussed which are based on two noncooperative games and one cooperative game. In a leader–follower noncooperative game, the manufacturer is assumed to be a leader who first specifies the brand name investment and the co-op subsidization policy. The retailer, as a follower, then decides on the local advertising level. In a noncooperative simultaneous move game, the manufacturer and the retailer are assumed to act simultaneously and independently. In a cooperative game, the system profit is maximized for every Pareto efficient co-op advertising scheme, but not for any other schemes. All Pareto efficient co-op advertising schemes are associated with a single local advertising level and a single brand name investment level, but with variable sharing policies of advertising expenses. The best Pareto efficient advertising scheme is obtained taking members' risk attitudes into account. Utilizing the Nash bargaining model, we discuss two situations that (a) both members are risk averse, and (b) both members are risk neutral. Our results are consistent with the bargaining literature.
A quantitative comparison of the early histopathological changes from tracheotomy and endotracheal intubation on the distal trachea in fetal lambs.

Summary Twenty-four premature fetal lambs underwent tracheotomy ( n = 11) or endotracheal intubation ( n = 13) for 3–9 h for an unrelated experiment. All were maintained with 100% oxygen on a pressure cycled ventilator. No suctioning was performed. At sacrifice, sections of the distal trachea were studied for histopathological changes in epithelium, submucosa and mucous glands. All changes were confined to the epithelium and were reported as either partial or total epithelial erosion in regards to preservation of the basal cell layer. In tracheotomized and intubated animals, both partial and total erosion were seen as early as 3 and 3.5 h, respectively. In the intubated animals, 13.5% of the cumulative tracheal circumference showed total erosion; 19.8% showed partial erosion. In animals undergoing tracheotomy, 9.6% of the cumulative tracheal circumference had total erosion; 19.1% had partial erosion. Possible etiological factors include oxygen toxicity, lack of humidification, effects of mechanical ventilation and indirect trauma from surgery or intubation. The clinical significance for premature infants is discussed.
Long-term effect of naproxen on cancellous bone in ovariectomized rats.

Previous work shows that at 42 d post-ovariectomy (OX) in aged rats, naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prevents cancellous bone loss. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of naproxen on cancellous bone of aged OX and sham-OX rats, at 90 days post-OX. Six-month-old Sprague-Dawley retired breeder female rats underwent either sham-OX (n = 49) or OX (n = 65). Sham-OX rats were randomized into five groups and OX rats into six groups. The first five groups of both were given ad lib access to water containing 0, 4, 10, 25, or 62.5 mg/l of naproxen sodium. The sixth group of OX rats was given water containing 156.25 mg naproxen sodium/l. After ninety days, the rats were killed following in vivo dual calcein labeling. Terminal serum naproxen was measured by HPLC. In the proximal tibial metaphysis, trabecular bone volume, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, mineralizing surface (double label), osteoclast surface, and bone formation rate were measured. Sham-OX and OX rats were compared by t-test of means. Kruskal-Wallis tests and, as necessary, Dunnett's t-tests, were applied separately to the groups of Sham-OX and OX rats. Dose-related serum levels of naproxen up to 9.4 mcg/ml were achieved in the 156.25 mg/ ml group. OX rats had significantly lower bone volume, trabecular thickness, and trabecular number than Sham-OX groups (p < .001). OX rats had significantly higher mineralizing surface, formation rate, and osteoclast surface than Sham-OX rats (p < .001). No differences related to naproxen treatment existed in sham-OX rats. Naproxen treatment producing a serum level of 9.4 mcg/ml reduced bone volume in OX rats consuming water with 156.25 mg/l (p < .05). At 90 days post-OX, naproxen, at serum levels of 9.4 mcg/ml or less, did not diminish estrogen-depletion cancellous bone loss in rats. Naproxen lacks lasting ability to halt estrogendepletion bone loss in aged OX rats.
An air-cleaning blower for ventilating traction equipment

AN air-cleaning blower has been developed which will economically exclude most of the dirt, rain, or snow from the air used for ventilating traction motors on electric, diesel-electric, and gas-turbine-electric locomotives. An axial flow fan is used. Separation is accomplished by spinning the air stream and depending upon inertia of the foreign particles to cause them to separate from the air. Cleaning efficiencies of over 70 per cent have been realized with the materials encountered in air used for locomotive ventilation. By reducing the major cause of electrical troubles and insulation failures, air cleaning has increased the reliability and cut down the maintenance cost of traction motors on locomotives where it has been used.
Position-adaptive MAV in emitter localization mission using RSSI and path loss exponent metrics

We consider a Micro-Aerial Vehicle (MAV), used as a mobile sensor node, in conjunction with static sensor nodes, in a mission of detection and localization of a hidden Electromagnetic (EM) emitter. This paper provides algorithms for the MAV control under the Position-Adaptive Direction Finding (PADF) concept. The MAV avoids obstructions or locations that may disrupt the EM propagation of the emitter, hence reducing the accuracy of the receivers’ combined emitter location estimation. Given the cross Path Loss Exponents (PLEs) between the static and mobile node, we propose a cost function for the MAV’s position adjustments that is based on the combination of cross PLEs and Received Signal Strength Indicators (RSSI). The mobile node adjusts current position by minimizing a quadratic cost function such that the PLE of surrounding receivers is decreased while increasing RSSI from the mobile node to the target, thereby, reducing the inconsistency of the environment created by echo and multipath disturbances. In the process, the MAV finds a more uniform measuring environment that increases localization accuracy. We propose to embed this capability and functionality into MAV control algorithms.
Educational accountability : Features of the concept

(1979). Educational accountability : Features of the concept. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 18, Education: A Vision NOT A Viewpoint (Accountability), pp. 330-335.
How to constrain and maintain a lexicon for the treatment of progressive semantic naming deficits: Principles of item selection for formal semantic therapy

The progressive degradation of semantic memory is a common feature of many forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and the semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia (svPPA). One of the most functionally debilitating effects of this semantic impairment is the inability to name common people and objects (i.e., anomia). Clinical management of a progressive, semantically based anomia presents extraordinary challenges for neurorehabilitation. Techniques such as errorless learning and spaced-retrieval training show promise for retraining forgotten words. However, we lack complementary detail about what to train (i.e., item selection) and how to flexibly adapt the training to a declining cognitive system. This position paper weighs the relative merits of several treatment rationales (e.g., restore vs. compensate) and advocates for maintenance of known words over reacquisition of forgotten knowledge in the context of semantic treatment paradigms. I propose a system for generating an item pool and outline a set of core principles for training and sustaining a micro-lexicon consisting of approximately 100 words. These principles are informed by lessons learned over the course of a Phase I treatment study targeting language maintenance over a 5-year span in Alzheimer's disease and SvPPA. Finally, I propose a semantic training approach that capitalises on lexical frequency and repeated training on conceptual structure to offset the loss of key vocabulary as disease severity worsens.
Two leguminous forest trees new to the flora of French Guiana

Stryphnodendron moricolor (Mimosaceae) is described, illustrated and discussed. The genusMonopteryx (Fabaceae) is reported for the first time outside Amazonian Brazil and adjacent Venezuela. A key distinguishing the three known species ofMonopteryx is presented.
Transmissible Murine Colonic Hyperplasia

After exposure to a variant of Citrobacter freundii, suckling and adult mice developed transmissible murine colonic hyperplasia of the same degree of severity. Mucosal hyperplasia was most severe 2 to 3 weeks after inoculation and then regressed. Suckling mice had a high mortality because of secondary inflammatory and erosive changes. Severe hyperplasia was characterized by mitotic activity along the entire crypt column and surface mucosa.
Some Aspects of the Flow of Stratified Fluids: I. A Theoretical Investigation

The following paper is the first of a series of two relating to the problem of internal oscillations of a fluid in a gravity field with vertical gradients of density and velocity. The theoretical analysis in this paper will be supplemented by a report on an experimental investigation along the same lines to be published in a future issue of this journal. The exact, steady-state equations of motion and continuity of a perfect liquid moving two-dimensionally, with an arbitrary vertical distribution of density and velocity, are integrated once to yield a second-order differential equation. This equation is examined with regard to uniqueness and stability of the motion. A criterion is developed giving a sufficient condition for the motion to be uniquely determined by the configuration of the topography over which the fluid moves. It appears, further, that the condition of uniqueness is also a condition that a certain integrated quantity, called the kinetic potential of the motion, be a maximum. The suggestion is offered that this may correspond to a form of fluid instability. A detailed study is made in the special cases of a uniform basic velocity, and a certain type of shearing flow. In either case, it is shown that an internal Froudc number of about 1/3 divides the motion into two states, one of which is called supercritical, the other subcritical. From several viewpoints, these regimes are analogous to the corresponding states of flow of water in a channel. In the subcritical state the flow is in the form of standing wave patterns. When flowing supercritically, conditions may be favorable for the formation of internal “hydraulic jumps”. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1953.tb01035.x
Monthly industrial output in China 1980–2012

Abstract Monthly economic indicators are used for a variety of purposes, from studying business cycles to determining economic policy and making informed business decisions. China's published monthly industrial output statistics could hardly be more confusing, with changes in variables, in coverage, in measurement, and in presentation. This paper reviews the available official data and proceeds to construct a monthly industrial output series in nominal terms and in real terms for the period 1980–2012, economy-wide and for the public sector.
Lookahead control in the IBM System 370 model 165

Speed advances were provided in the third generation of computers. Since then, an order-of-magnitude improvement in speed has been achieved in logic circuitry. A high-speed parallel arithmetic unit can perform a complete operation in 80 nanoseconds; main memory, with the help of high speed buffers, can produce operands or instructions in 80 nanoseconds. Why should the arithmetic unit have to wait for several cycles before it gets each instruction and the operands for it? To improve this situation, lookahead control was developed and performs these functions: • fetches instructions in advance continuously; • validates each instruction as encountered; • obtains operand addresses and operands for preprocessed instructions; • prepares for the alternatives of branching.
Spontaneous in vitro neoplastic evolution: Selection of specific karyotypes in Chinese hamster cells

Recurrent cytogenetic changes occurred reproducibly in vitro during the spontaneous neoplastic evolution of cultured Chinese hamster cells. In particular, excess 3q material appeared shortly after immortalization in numerous independent trials. By contrast, when clones were isolated at the earliest possible time after immortalization, a wide spectrum of types of cytogenetic evolution followed, which also resulted in transformed and tumorigenic cells. Clones with stable distinct colonial morphologies were used to demonstrate growth rate interactions when subpopulations compete. We conclude that specific recurring karyotypes are associated with specific stem lines with transient growth advantage during the early stages of in vitro carcinogenesis. Stem lines with other karyotypic change or no detectable karyotypic change are almost equally capable of undergoing the entire spontaneous neoplastic process in vitro.
Effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors on the labeling of subcellular fractions of brain and liver by 14C-serotonin☆

Abstract We recently observed that under certain conditions, radioactivity from labeled serotonin becomes firmly associated with acid-insoluble material obtained from mitochondrial preparations. This association is prevented by MAO-inhibitors 3 ( Alivisatos et al , 1966a ). A preliminary report of our observations on the mechanism and the potential significance of such associations is presented here.
Directional correlations of gamma cascades in 153 Gd

TheEC-decay of153Tb to the levels of153Gd has been studied in singles and coincidence mode using high resolution x-ray andγ-ray Ge(Li) detectors. The results, in general, are in agreement with the recent findings of Tuurnalaet al. showing a very high density of low-spin states in153Gd. The results of theγγ directional correlation experiment using two Ge(Li) detectors together with the I.C.C. data have been used in assigning the spin and parity of 5/2−, 5/2−, 3/2−, 3/2+, 5/2+, 3/2+ and 3/2+ to the 41.6, 109.8, 129.1, 212.0, 303.5, 945.6 and 1102.0 keV states respectively. Multipolarity assignments to majority of theγ-transitions have been made from the I.C.C. data obtained through the knowledge of ourγ-ray intensities and the published conversion-electron intensities. From the multipole characters of theγ-transitions, parity assignments have been made to seven states in153Gd. Our results have been discussed and compared with that of Tuurnalaet al.
Comparison of substrate utilization and growth kinetics between immobilized and suspended Pseudomonas cells.

A methodology is described for measurement if immobilized and suspended cell growth and substrate utilization kinetics parameters. Substrate utilization and growth kinetics were compared between immobilized and suspended cells for toluene degrading Pseudomonas strains K3-2 and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) degrading strain DBO131(pR0101), respectively. Kinetic parameters were estimated using nonlinear parameter estimation methods and compared between the immobilized and suspended Pseudomonas cells to determine the effect of immobilization on cellular growth and substrate utilization. Factors influencing the experimental design included calculated oxygen flux rates, primary carbon substrate flux rates, and shear stresses on the immobilize cell. Statistical interpretation of the cellular reaction rate parameters indicates that only the growth kinetics of the toluene system were significantly altered upon immobilization. Substrate utilization kinetics remained unchanged upon immobilization. The substrate growth associated half-saturation constant (Kg) for the toluene system increased by 30-fold and the maximum specific growth rate (μmax) decreased by 2-fold upon immobilization. Implication of these results for experimental determination of cellular kinetic parameters and for immobilization cell bioreactors design are discussed. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
SU-E-I-39: Intensive Monitoring of System Performance and Protocols on CT Systems.

Purpose: The regulatory response to the recent CT overdoses is still in the process of being implemented. The more action taken before the regulations take effect reduces the exposure of the institution to medical and legal problems. Therefore, eighteen months ago we implemented an intensive QC program to ensure CTsafety. The first component was to monitor the dose and SNR produced by a single CT examination weekly to identify changes. The second was to monitor changes in the protocols. Methods: We measured the CTDI and SNR for the routine head examination. We developed a script to identify and log changes in any of the 234 protocols. Results: Surprisingly, there were many changes to the protocols: on one unit 388 protocols were changed on 26 dates over the 18 month period. The reasons included: protocol optimization, scanner service, software reloads, mistakes, mistakenly loading the protocols from another section's scanner. The standard deviation of the CTDI was 2% to 3%. The dominant source of variation was probably positioning. The standard deviation of the SNR was 4% to 9%. The entire procedure requires 30min to 50min to test five CTscanners each week. Conclusions: The standard deviations of the CTDI values and of the SNR values are sufficiently small to allow anomalies to be identified using these relatively simple methods. Frequent protocol checking is an important component to any QC program.
Thermal conductivity of silicon at low temperatures

Abstract The thermal conductivity of several single crystal silicon samples has been measured over the range 2–200°K. Conductivities as high as 35 watt cm deg were observed. The concentration of the impurities (which were p-type in all but one sample) was varied from 1012 cm−1 to 1016 cm−1. The thermal resistance for the purest samples is due to point defect (isotope) and boundary scattering. In the less pure samples an additional resistance is observed in qualitative agreement with the predicted effects of electron-phonon scattering. Comparisons are made with existing theories.
Expanding the tactual field of view

Can tactual information be acquired simultaneously by several different fingers? Blind and sighted Ss were asked to scan vertical displays of braille (consisting of either one or two dots) with the index and middle fingers on each hand-using one, two, or four fingers at the same time. Stimuli were recognized most rapidly when the displays were scanned by two fingers on different hands and least rapidly when two fingers on the same hand were used; performance was similar with one finger and with four fingers. The results indicated some parallel perceptual processing of the inputs to the two hands and mutual interference in processing inputs from fingers on the same hand.
Treatment of Malignant Pleural Effusion: A Method Using Tube Thoracostomy and Talc

Our experience with a simple bedside method for controlling recurrent symptomatic malignant pleural effusion is presented. The method consists of intercostal tube thoracostomy, instillation of a suspension of talc, and waterseal suction drainage. Based on our experience, we believe certain criteria should be met before undertaking talc pleurodesis. In properly selected patients the results with tube thoracostomy and talc pleurodesis have been uniformly good in preventing fluid recurrence and return of disabling symptoms. The technique and results are discussed.
Public Opinion, the Deep Recession, and the 2010 Elections

Americans do not believe that government policies have worked to turn the economy around. They are now deeply pessimistic about the economy's prospects and increasingly disapprove of the Obama administration and Congress. In our annual survey of the nation's views, the authors describe a strong anti-incumbent attitude. This may not bode well for the Democrats.
Supersymmetric minimal B-L model at the TeV scale with right-handed Majorana neutrino dark matter

We propose a supersymmetric extension of the minimal $B\ensuremath{-}L$ model where we consider a new ${Z}_{2}$-parity under which one right-handed neutrino is assigned odd parity. When the Majorana Yukawa coupling of a ${Z}_{2}$-even right-handed neutrino is large, radiative corrections will drive the mass squared of the corresponding right-handed sneutrino to negative values, breaking the $B\ensuremath{-}L$ gauge symmetry at the TeV scale in a natural way. Additionally, R-parity is broken and thus the conventional supersymmetric dark matter candidate, the neutralino, is no longer viable. Thanks to the ${Z}_{2}$-parity, the ${Z}_{2}$-odd right-handed neutrino remains a stable dark matter candidate even in the presence of R-parity violation. We demonstrate that the dark matter relic abundance with an enhanced annihilation cross-section by the $B\ensuremath{-}L$ gauge boson (${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$) resonance is in accord with the current observations. Therefore, it follows that the mass of this dark matter particle is close to half of the ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ boson mass. If the ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ boson is discovered at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), it will give rise to novel probes of dark matter: The observed ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ boson mass will delineate a narrow range of allowed dark matter mass. If the ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ boson decays to a pair of dark matter particles, a precise measurement of the invisible decay width can reveal the existence of the dark matter particle.
Mechanisms of Calcite Dissolution Using Environmentally Benign Polyaspartic Acid: A Rotating Disk Study

The removal of calcium mineral deposits from metal surfaces is of practical interest for a variety of fields (i.e., food, petroleum, and chemical industries). This study investigated the mechanisms of calcite (CaCO3) dissolution using environmentally benign polyaspartic acid (PASP) under controlled hydrodynamic conditions by a rotating disk technique. The specific role of PASP conformation and surface interactions in the dissolution process was further studied using scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering techniques. Using this combined approach, the dissolution mechanisms were investigated as a function of pH (3.5−10.0), rotating speed (150−1500 rpm), polymer concentration (0.001−0.1 M), and molecular weight (3000 and 10 000 Mw). To quantify the effect of PASP on enhancing calcite dissolution, an enhancement factor, ηenh, was defined as a ratio of the rate of dissolution in PASP over the rate in water. Maximum enhancement was observed at pHs in the range 4−5, where an optimal combinatio...
Administration of budesonide once daily by means of Turbuhaler to subjects with stable asthma

Abstract Background: Optimal management of chronic, mild-to-moderate asthma with inhaled steroids may include use of the lowest possible doses, as recommended in guidelines, and a reduction in the frequency of daily administration for greater convenience. Lower doses and once daily treatment with inhaled steroids must be rigorously evaluated in controlled clinical trials. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of once daily treatment with budesonide in subjects with stable asthma. Methods: Once daily budesonide was assessed in 309 adult subjects, including those who were and were not using an inhaled steroid at baseline. The subjects were stratified by inhaled steroid use and randomly assigned to one of 3 treatments: 200 μg budesonide, 400 μg budesonide, or placebo administered by means of Turbuhaler once daily in the morning for 6 weeks. Beyond this point, treatment was continued unchanged for another 12 weeks (maintenance) in those receiving 200 μg budesonide once daily and placebo. In those who received 400 μg budesonide once daily, the dose was reduced to 200 μg once daily at week 6 and held constant for the remaining 12 weeks (400/200 μg group). Primary efficacy endpoints were mean change from baseline in FEV 1 and morning peak expiratory flow. Results: Once daily budesonide was well tolerated and resulted in significant improvements in all efficacy endpoints, even though baselines were well stabilized. Baseline lung function was elevated with little room for improvement; however, mean increases in FEV 1 during the maintenance period were 0.10 L and 0.11 L in the 200 μg and 400/200 μg groups, respectively, versus a decrease of –0.09 L in the placebo arm ( P Conclusion: Inhaled budesonide, in doses as low as 200 μg, may be an appropriate introductory or maintenance dose in subjects with stable, mild-to-moderate asthma. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;104:46-52.)
Bringing Clarity to the Futility Debate: Don't Use the Wrong Cases

Among those who criticize the concept of ‘medical futility,’ a common refrain is that we really have no idea what futility means. For example, physicians seem to disagree on whether a treatment being futile means that it has a less than 5% chance of working or a 20% chance of working. If the concept is so unclear, then it seems a thin reed upon which to base a momentous ethical decision—namely, that the physician's judgment should be allowed to override the wishes of the competent patient or the patient's duly appointed surrogate.
Severity of medical and neurologic complications as a determinant of neurodevelopmental outcome at 6 and 12 months in very low birth weight infants.

Very low birth weight (n = 154) and term infants (n = 119) had neurologic and developmental assessment at 6 and 12 months of age. Preterm infants with severe neonatal complications were considered to be at high risk, and those with milder complications were considered to be at low risk, for neurodevelopmental abnormality. Compared to term infants, high- and low-risk infants had abnormalities at 6 months in total neurologic score, cranial nerves, motor tone, motor coordination, and reflexes (P < .001). At 12 months, all groups had improved. However, high-risk infants had persistent abnormalities in the same subcategories (P < .001), whereas low-risk infants differed from term infants only in motor tone (P < .001). Bayley developmental scores were different for all groups at 6 months (P < .001), but at 12 months only high-risk infants differed from term infants (P < .01). These results demonstrate improvement in neurologic and developmental scores over time in very low birth weight infants. The degree of neurodevelopmental abnormality and improvement over time is related to severity of neonatal complications in preterm infants.
A Molecular Throttle: The Recombination Hotspot χ Controls DNA Translocation by the RecBCD Helicase

Abstract RecBCD enzyme is a heterotrimeric helicase/nuclease that initiates homologous recombination at double-stranded DNA breaks. Several of its activities are regulated by the DNA sequence χ (5′-GCTGGTGG-3′), which is recognized in cis by the translocating enzyme. When RecBCD enzyme encounters χ, the intensity and polarity of its nuclease activity are changed, and the enzyme gains the ability to load RecA protein onto the χ-containing, unwound single-stranded DNA. Here, we show that interaction with χ also affects translocation by RecBCD enzyme. By observing translocation of individual enzymes along single molecules of DNA, we could see RecBCD enzyme pause precisely at χ. Furthermore, and more unexpectedly, after pausing at χ, the enzyme continues translocating but at approximately one-half the initial rate. We propose that interaction with χ results in an enzyme in which one of the two motor subunits, likely the RecD motor, is uncoupled from the holoenzyme to produce the slower translocase.
Microstructure of Hardened Cement Paste—A New Interpretation

Morphological features of hydrated portland cement paste exhibited on carefully polished surfaces have been critically examined using backscatter mode scanning electron microscopy. A new interpretation and classification of such features is proposed. The microstructure is seen to consist of distinct grains of the order of 10 μm and larger (“phenograins”) set in a cellular groundmass of smaller particles and pores. Most of the phenograins are dense pseudomorphs of the larger cement grains, but some are large calcium hydroxide crystals, and in some cements a few may represent inert filler grains added to the cement. The phenograins that are pseudomorphs of cement particles may be solid, gapped, or hollow; and, at a given age, various stages of hydration are represented in different grains. While many pseudomorph phenograins consist of a simple core of unhydrated material surrounded by a uniform shell of hydration product, more complex and irregular structures are also found. Relationships between these features and earlier classifications of cement hydration product particles are discussed, and implications with respect to difficulties in image analysis of hardened cement paste are examined.
Kidney Research National Dialogue Overview and Commentary

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) asked the scientific community to formulate and prioritize research objectives to improve understanding of kidney function and disease. The Kidney Research National Dialogue welcomed all interested parties to submit, discuss, and prioritize ideas via an interactive website. More than 1600 participants posted approximately 300 ideas and assigned them to 12 topic areas (AKI, CKD, diabetic nephropathy, National Kidney Disease Education Program/translation, ESRD/dialysis, GN/inflammation, hypertension, normal biology/development/physiology, polycystic kidney disease, training, transplantation, other). This commentary provides an overview of the NIDDK's first experience with web-based strategic planning and addresses the broader issues of open access and cloud-sourcing technologies to capture input from a large, heterogeneous group of contributors. Discussions and findings for each topic will be published as separate, forthcoming commentaries. A final commentary will present cross-cutting themes and concluding remarks. The hope is that this series of commentaries constitutes a cohesive, integrated vision of future research opportunities to be pursued by the kidney research community and supported by the NIDDK.
Facial Resurfacing with the Ultrapulse Laser

Full face ablative CO2 laser treatments remain the gold standard in ablative laser resurfacing. Ultrapulse laser full face resurfacing has been largely superseded with new modalities and combination treatments with less invasive technologies. However, for a segment of patients with significantly damaged skin or substantial acne scars, this laser technology can be very beneficial, especially in those who otherwise achieve improvement only after multiple fractionated laser treatments at ultimately a higher financial cost. The risks of the procedure and ability of the patient to understand and comply with the protocol must be evaluated in determining which patient is a candidate.
Structure of a partially unfolded form of Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase provides insight into its folding pathway

Proteins frequently fold via folding intermediates that correspond to local minima on the conformational energy landscape. Probing the structure of the partially unfolded forms in equilibrium under native conditions can provide insight into the properties of folding intermediates. To elucidate the structures of folding intermediates of Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), we investigated transient partial unfolding of DHFR under native conditions. We probed the structure of a high-energy conformation susceptible to proteolysis (cleavable form) using native-state proteolysis. The free energy for unfolding to the cleavable form is clearly less than that for global unfolding. The dependence of the free energy on urea concentration (m-value) also confirmed that the cleavable form is a partially unfolded form. By assessing the effect of mutations on the stability of the partially unfolded form, we found that native contacts in a hydrophobic cluster formed by the F-G and Met-20 loops on one face of the central β-sheet are mostly lost in the partially unfolded form. Also, the folded region of the partially unfolded form is likely to have some degree of structural heterogeneity. The structure of the partially unfolded form is fully consistent with spectroscopic properties of the near-native kinetic intermediate observed in previous folding studies of DHFR. The findings suggest that the last step of the folding of DHFR involves organization in the structure of two large loops, the F-G and Met-20 loops, which is coupled with compaction of the rest of the protein.
‘Generous Amazons Came to the Breach’: Besieged Women, Agency and Subjectivity during the French Wars of Religion

Gender studies of violence have forced scholars to rethink the association of femininity with ‘vulnerability’ and the objectivisation of women as mute victims of organised violence and oppression, incapable of agency. Recent debates about the role women and homosexuals should play in military systems in the United States and other countries have sparked a renewed interest in exploring historical contexts of the relationships between gender and organised violence. If we consider violence as a performative act, whole new dimensions of gendered aspects of the history of violence and warfare emerge. In this article, I intend to draw on my research on gender, honour, and violence during the French Wars of Religion to explore the roles played by Protestant and Catholic women in southern France during siege operations. These besieged women acted to support their coreligionists by participating in the conflicts as healers, suppliers and even combatants. Besieged women were considered ‘vulnerable’ in sieges, yet their involvement in siege operations challenged contemporary gender stereotypes, threatened social norms and opened new potential cultural possibilities for these women. I hope to show how the discourses on violence, bodies, revolt and religion shaped the tough choices that confronted these women as they participated actively in civil violence. The besieged women in southern France, I believe, are key to understanding the dynamics of gender and warfare and the ways in which women have actively participated in violence – especially in cases of civil violence where the status of the body politic was thrown into question.
The latent presentation of pancreatic fistulas.

Background: Pancreatic fistula is traditionally suspected on the basis of increased drain amylase activity. However, some patients have a low amylase level but later manifest clinical evidence of a fistula. This study investigated the prevalence and significance of these presentations. Methods: Severity of fistula was determined according to the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula criteria for 405 consecutive pancreatic resections. Latent fistulas, initially lacking amylase-rich effluent but ultimately clinically relevant (grades B or C), were examined to determine their impact and significance. Results: Fistula of any extent occurred in 107 patients (26·4 per cent). Latent fistulas occurred in 20 patients (4·9 per cent of all resections, 18·7 per cent of all fistulas and 36 per cent of all clinically relevant fistulas). Initial amylase activity was consistently low (range 3–235 units/l), but these fistulas subsequently manifested clinical relevance (abdominal pain, radiographic evidence, fever, sinister effluent, wound infection). Latent presentations had twice the infection rate of evident fistulas, required more aggressive interventions, resulted in longer hospitalizations and incurred greater hospital costs. Conclusion: A considerable proportion of patients with pancreatic fistula do not initially demonstrate an amylase-rich effluent. These patients have significantly worse outcomes. In fistula definition, the clinical course is important as well as biochemical parameters. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expanding Access To Rural Healthcare Services And Benefits Through Secure, Interactive Video Links: A Case Study Of Video Claims Taking Implementation In The Great Plains

Context : Between 2003 and 2008, the University of North Dakota Center for Rural Service Delivery (RSD) increased access to a number of vital government services for citizens in rural communities and Native American reservations through the Video Claims Taking (VCT) program, which allowed claimants in rural healthcare settings to apply for benefits over secure interactive video networks to distant government offices. VCT helped increase healthcare reimbursement, social and related public service benefits to 31 underserved communities in six states and leveraged a significant increase in applications for government services and monetary benefits to these communities. Methods : A case-study examines the implementation, use and impact of the VCT technology over the RSD’s five year operation. Findings : The authors offer five principal findings which center on the relationships between government agencies and rural claimants, some cultural considerations posed by this electronic form of service delivery, the program’s potential to realize certain efficiencies, the technical challenges faced during implementation and overcoming a number of organizational and communications barriers. Conclusions : The foregoing analysis of the RSDs initiative and its VCT program contributes to a better understanding of how to leverage an interactive video platform to provide government healthcare reimbursement services to underrepresented groups in rural contexts for public agencies and private healthcare providers that are interested in adopting a similar model of service delivery to their stakeholders
Prolonged hypoglycemic effect of adipose tissue extracts (ate) in nondiabetic and diabetic mice.

Administration of partially purified preparations of adipose tissue extracts (ATE) produced a significant and prolonged decline in the blood glucose concentrations of nondiabetic CD and C57BL/Ks mice and in diabetic KK and db/db mice. The effect of a single ATE administration lasted 24-48 hr in nondiabetic mice, 72-96 hr in spontaneously diabetic mice of the KK strain and AS—12 hr in 6- to 12-week-old inbred diabetic db/db mice. Unlike ATE, administration of crystalline insulin (10 mU/mouse) was not effective in decreasing blood glucose in diabetic db/db mice, which are considered to be resistant to insulin. The effect of ATE in intact mice was produced with as little as 20 μg of purified ATE/animal. ATE administration was not effective in diabetic db/db mice with advanced diabetes, alloxandiabetic mice injected with ATE 10 days post alloxan, and in intact mice treated with guinea pig anti-insulin sera (GPAIS). (Endocrinology 88: 1222, 1971)
Doctoral Oral Examinations and Contemporary Counselor Education: Are They Compatible?

This descriptive study examined 160 former students' perceptions of one assessment tradition in counselor education: the doctoral oral examination. The findings suggest that oral examinations continue to have substantive value for students, but changes are needed to ensure their future objectivity, transparency, and regard for students' rights as consumers.
Influence of endothelial cell seeding on platelet deposition and patency in small-diameter Dacron arterial grafts

Abstract Serial platelet deposition, surface topography, and patency were evaluated in control (N = 28) and endothelial cell—seeded (N = 28) small-diameter (4 mm inner diameter) USCI Dacron grafts implanted in the carotid and femoral arteries of dogs. All dogs received aspirin (325 mg) daily for 2 weeks starting 24 hours prior to graft implantation. Endothelial cell seeding was performed by mixing suspensions of autologous endothelial cells that had been enzymatically harvested from segments of external jugular vein with blood that was used to preclot the prostheses. The platelet deposition on each graft was quantitated by means of indium 111—labeled platelets and technetium 99m—labeled red cells in a dual-isotope platelet-imaging technique. Platelet deposition on seeded grafts 24 hours after implantation was significantly higher than on the controls (p
Effects of architectural and technological advances on the HP/Convex Exemplar's memory and communication performance

Advances in microarchitecture, packaging, and manufacturing processes enable designers to build new systems with higher performance and scalability. Using microbenchmark techniques, we contrast the memory and communication performance of two generations of the HP/Convex Exemplar scalable parallel processing system. The SPP1000 and SPP2000 have significant architectural and implementation differences, but maintain upward binary compatibility. The SPP2000 employs manufacturing and packaging advances to obtain shorter system interconnects with wider data paths and improved functionality, thereby reducing the latency and increasing the bandwidth of remote communication. Although the memory latency is not significantly improved, newer out-of-order execution processors coupled with nonblocking caches achieve much higher memory bandwidth. The SPP2000 has a richer system interconnect topology that allows scalability to a larger number of processors. The SPP2000 also employs innovations in its coherence protocols to improve synchronization and communication performance. This paper characterizes the performance effects of these changes, and identifies some remaining inefficiencies, in the cache coherence protocol and the node configuration, that future systems should address.