cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sustained beneficial effects of oral amrinone on cardiac and renal function in patients with severe congestive heart failure.

Although effectiveness of oral amrinone has been demonstrated in animals, amrinone has been shown in human subjects to improve cardiac performance in the failing heart only after acute intravenous administration. Therefore, we studied the hemodynamic and renal effects of orally administered amrinone (50 to 300 mg) in 10 patients with advanced congestive heart failure. Cardiac index increased from 1.56 ± 0.41 (mean ± standard deviation) to 2.20 ± 0.43 liters/min per m2 (p < 0.001); pulmonary wedge pressure decreased from 26.1 ± 5.7 to 17.0 ± 5.7 mm Hg (p < 0.001). Mean arterial pressure decreased from 86.0 ± 8.4 to 81.3 ± 7.7 mm Hg (p < 0.001) and systemic vascular resistance from 2,406 ± 603 to 1,693 ± 261 dynes sec cm−5 (p < 0.001). Heart rate was unchanged. The onset of action ranged from 30 to 120 minutes and the duration of action from 4 to 7 hours after a single oral administration. After 24 hours of continuous therapy, no tachyphylaxis to amrinone was observed. A correlation (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) was found between the oral dose of amrinone and the percent increase in cardiac index. Left ventricular ejection fraction, determined in five patients, increased from 14 ± 8 to 21 ± 8 percent (p < 0.01). Effective renal plasma flow, measured in six patients, increased from 186.0 ± 72.0 to 231.1 ± 88.8 ml/min (p < 0.05) and the glomerular filtration rate from 82.2 ± 14.9 to 110.0 ± 20.6 ml/min (p < 0.05). Thus, this study demonstrates the cardiotonic efficacy of orally administered amrinone in human subjects and recommends its further investigation as a therapeutic agent for the continued treatment of congestive heart failure.
Structure and Electrical Properties of an Assembly of Au Nanoclusters

Conduction through an assembly of nanosized clusters coupled by tunneling barriers is of significant interest both for understanding the fundamental physics involved and for potential applications. In this study, we describe a technique for preparing relatively large (dimensions of a few 100 µm to a few mm in size) monolayer films consisting of 3 nm diameter Au clusters coated with mercaptododecanoic acid, using low molecular weight-polymers as coupling agents. Electrical measurements of the assembly show non-linear characteristics. Below a certain threshold voltage, the current does not vary with an increase in voltage. Above this threshold voltage, current increases with voltage and can be described by a power-law relationship with an exponent close to unity. These characteristics of the I-V curve are discussed with specific reference to theoretical studies on conduction through an array of capacitance-coupled metallic islands and previous experimental results in similar systems.
A simple method for analysis of consecutive reactions with a second order formation and a first order decay of an intermediate

A simple method is developed to evaluate rate constants from absorbance-time traces for a pair of consecutive reactions consisting of a second order formation and a first order decay of an intermediate. Initially, a first order profile is simulated utilizing the data near the end of the reaction. The difference between this simulated and observed profiles provides the absorbance-time data for the initial phase from which a second order rate constant is evaluated. These rate constants were used to simulate composite kinetic curves which were then compared with experimental curves. This method was used to test the reaction between cis-Pt(NH3)2(H2O)22+ and a nonapeptide, ERFKCPCPT. The reaction proceeds through a cysteine coordinated intermediate formed in a second order process (first order with respect to each reactant). The intermediate is then converted to a product through a first order process, in which both cysteines are coordinated to platinum(II).
Effects of Religiosity and Spirituality on Depressive Symptoms and Prosocial Behaviors

SUMMARY Evidence demonstrates salubrious effects of religious participation on health-related outcomes. Results from studies relating its effects to psychosocial outcomes have been equivocal. However, many psychosocial outcomes have not been examined. The current study sought to address these limitations by testing the degree to which religious behaviors and subjective spirituality are associated with depressive symptoms and prosocial behaviors. Data from 68 older adults were used to test two linear regression models in which public religious behaviors, private religious behaviors, and subjective spirituality were used to predict depressive symptoms and prosocial behavior. This set of regressors accounted for significant amounts of variance in both outcomes, although a divergent pattern of prediction emerged. More public religious behaviors and fewer private religious behaviors were associated with lower levels of depressive affect, whereas higher reports of subjective spirituality were associated with in...
Three-dimensional video imaging for endoscopic surgery.

Abstract Recently a number of manufacturers have developed three-dimensional (3-D) video systems which significantly improve visualization and enhance the ability of the surgeon to perform delicate endoscopic dissection and suturing. These 3-D video systems may also improve the education of surgeons-in-training as they would have a better understanding of three-dimensional anatomy during laparoscopic surgery. Most of the 3-dimensional stereoendoscopic video systems currently available have four basic principles of stereoendoscopic image processing in common: image capture, conversion of 60–120Hz images; presentation of left and right images on a single monitor; and separation of the left and right eye images. Skill tests performed assessing laparoscopic suturing and knot tying have demonstrated a 25% increase in speed and accuracy of these laparoscopic tasks when utilizing a three-dimensional video system as compared to a standard two-dimensional endoscopic video system. We believe that three-dimensional video imaging greatly facilitates the efficiency of endoscopic reconstructive procedures. While three-dimensional video imaging systems are more costly than conventional two-dimensional video equipment, the enhanced depth perception produced by 3-D endoscopes has been demonstrated to improve the performance of minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Van Jacobson: Content-Centric Networking

Content-centric networking is much more than caching of content-it also works well for live streams of popular data. The Web extra at http://youtu.be/Gyt7DFOYt-w is an audio recording of Charles Severance's Computing Conversations column, in which he discusses his interview with Van Jacobson about content-centric networking. The Web extra at http://youtu.be/Bc-4PJPxfVQ is a video interview with Van Jacobson about the advantages of content-centric networking for live streams of popular data.
Cavitation erosion of composites — a materials perspective

Etude de la resistance a l'erosion par cavitation des alliages a base de Cu, de Ti et des materiaux composites renforces par des fibres
Coats'-type retinitis pigmentosa

Coats'-like changes (i.e., retinal telangiectasia and/or exudative detachment) have been reported in as many as 1.2 to 3.6 percent of patients with retinitis pigmentosa. In severe cases this disorder may progress to total retinal detachment and visual loss in the context of longstanding retinitis pigmentosa. Forty-six cases of Coats'-type retinitis pigmentosa gathered from the literature are reviewed. Historical and epidemiological features, hereditary factors, clinical features, histopathological findings, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, prognosis and possible treatment are discussed.
Unilateral Diaphragmatic Paralysis Secondary to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Complications of carbon monoxide poisoning include peripheral neuropathy, which is usually confined to the lower extremities. We report a case of carbon monoxide-associated neuropathy resulting in unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis. Possible mechanisms of injury are described. (Chest 1990; 97:498–99)
Investigations into hygienic attenuators

Abstract Investigations have been made into the feasibility of using reactive elements in hygienic or cleanable duct mounted attenuators. Worthwhile attenuations can be achieved and plane wave theory can be used to provide initial estimates of performance. Flow of up to 15 m/s has little effect on the attenuation achieved. Further development is required to optimise designs for cleanability, to improve the accuracy of prediction techniques and to achieve higher and more broadband attenuation.
Shoulder reaction time and muscle-firing patterns in response to an anterior translation force

The primary restraint preventing humeral head translation is the capsuloligamentous system. Muscle forces can also decrease translation; however, the timing and magnitude of muscle response has not been previously reported. Fine wire electromyographic analysis of the biceps long head, anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, and rotator cuff muscles was performed after an anterior translation force was applied to 15 normal shoulders. The reflex response time (time to 5% maximal muscle test), the protection response time (time to 20% maximal muscle test), the duration of the protection response, and the magnitude of the protection response were calculated. The shoulder reaction data showed 2 consistent patterns. Activation of the anteriorly located muscles preceded the posteriorly located muscles, and the rotator cuff muscles fired with greater magnitude than the more peripherally located muscles.
It’s Not Just What You Do, but What’s on Your Mind: A Review of Kwame Anthony Appiah’s “Experiments in Ethics”

What is the impact of science on philosophy? In “Experiments in Ethics”, Kwame Anthony Appiah addresses this question for morality and ethics. Appiah suggests that scientific results may undermine moral intuitions by undermining our confidence in the actual sources of our intuitions, or by invalidating our factual assumptions about the causes of human behavior. Appiah worries that scientific results showing situational causes on human behavior force us to abandon the intuition, formalized in virtue ethics, that what matters is “who you are on the inside”. In this review, we agree with Appiah that scientific results at once force and do not force us to abandon this intuition. We also propose that Appiah’s worry is due in part to an over-simplified conception of “internal causes”, shared widely among scientists and philosophers. By re-introducing the true richness of internal causes invoked in moral judgments, we hope to relax the tension between scientific results and moral intuitions. Ultimately, we propose that science can undermine and constrain but cannot affirm our commitment to specific moral intuitions.
Leptin, a neuroendocrine mediator of immune responses, inflammation, and sickness behaviors.

This article is part of a Special Issue “Neuroendocrine-Immune Axis in Health and Disease.” Effective immune responses are coordinated by interactions among the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Mounting immune, inflammatory, and sickness responses requires substantial energetic investments, and as such, an organism may need to balance energy allocation to these processes with the energetic demands of other competing physiological systems. The metabolic hormone leptin appears to be mediating trade-offs between the immune system and other physiological systems through its actions on immune cells and the brain. Here we review the evidence in both mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrates that suggests leptin is involved in regulating immune responses, inflammation, and sickness behaviors. Leptin has also been implicated in the regulation of seasonal immune responses, including sickness; however, the precise physiological mechanisms remain unclear. Thus, we discuss recent data in support of leptin as a mediator of seasonal sickness responses and provide a theoretical model that outlines how seasonal cues, leptin, and proinflammatory cytokines may interact to coordinate seasonal immune and sickness responses.
Chimeric and Ex-Parabiotic Frogs (Rana pipiens): Specificity of Tolerance

Rejection of orthotopic neural-fold transplants may be prevented by either embryonic parabiosis or reciprocal exchange of presumptive blood. These observations form the basis of the no blood-no tolerance hypothesis, which states that persistent tolerance by the host requires that the somatic transplant be accompanied by presumptive blood from the donor. Regarding parabionts and chimeras as special cases of transplantation of whole or partial animals, I found that ex-parabionts accept subsequent skin exchanges only from the homologous ex-parabiont; reciprocal chimeras are compatible provided each animal portion contains a primary blood source, and will accept transplants as frogs only from the homologous recombinant. Chimeric recombinations made anterior to the heart field prove incompatible and fail to survive to maturity. Successful chimeras as well as ex-parabionts survive to maturity and are apparently normal in every antigen, radiation, and drugs.
GSK3 influences social preference and anxiety-related behaviors during social interaction in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome and autism

Background Nearly 1% of children in the United States exhibit autism spectrum disorders, but causes and treatments remain to be identified. Mice with deletion of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (Fmr1) gene are used to model autism because loss of Fmr1 gene function causes Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) and many people with FXS exhibit autistic-like behaviors. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) is hyperactive in brains of Fmr1 knockout mice, and inhibition of GSK3 by lithium administration ameliorates some behavioral impairment in these mice. We extended our studies of this association by testing whether GSK3 contributes to socialization behaviors. This used two mouse models with disrupted regulation of GSK3, Fmr1 knockout mice and GSK3 knockin mice, in which inhibitory serines of the two isoforms of GSK3, GSK3alpha and GSK3beta, are mutated to alanines, leaving GSK3 fully active. Methodology/principal findings To assess sociability, test mice were introduced to a restrained stimulus mouse (S1) for 10 min, followed by introduction of a second restrained stimulus mouse (S2) for 10 min, which assesses social preference. Fmr1 knockout and GSK3 knockin mice displayed no deficit in sociability with the S1 mouse, but unlike wild-type mice neither demonstrated social preference for the novel S2 mouse. Fmr1 knockout mice displayed more anxiety-related behaviors during social interaction (grooming, rearing, and digging) than wild-type mice, which was ameliorated by inhibition of GSK3 with chronic lithium treatment. Conclusions/significance These results indicate that impaired inhibitory regulation of GSK3 in Fmr1 knockout mice may contribute to some socialization deficits and that lithium treatment can ameliorate certain socialization impairments. As discussed in the present work, these results suggest a role for GSK3 in social behaviors and implicate inhibition of GSK3 as a potential therapeutic.
Characterization of an antiserum to glycyl-d-aspartate (GDA) and its use as a probe for endogenous N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-like compounds.

Abstract The long-term goal of this study is to identify endogenous N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA)-like compounds with the help of antibodies. Since NMDA contains a blocked amino group, it cannot be conjugated with glutaraldehyde to a carrier protein for immunization. Thus, we used the synthetic dipeptide GDA as a model hapten. The resulting antisera were characterized in both immunocytochemistry and enzyme immunoassay. A limited survey of immuno-cytochemically stained paraffin and vibratome sections revealed positively stained neurons in several areas of the central nervous system, e.g., the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus, and the trigeminal and spinal ganglia. The specificity of the staining was determined on paraffin sections of trigeminal ganglion. GDA, NMDA, and d -aspartate blocked staining, whereas l -aspartate, l -glutamate, kainic acid, and quisqualic acid had little or no effect. An enzyme immunoassay was developed in which polystyrene plates were coated with 10 μM GDA and A-GDA 641 used at a 1:150,000 dilution. In competition studies GDA had an EC 50 = 8.8 × 10 −7 M and a detection limit of 2.3 × 10 −7 M . Of the 25 other compounds tested only succinic acid, d -aspartate, quinolinic acid, NMDA, and fumaric acid demonstrated significant cross-reactivity (>0.01%) with the antiserum. In addition extracts of both brain and liver displaced the binding of the antiserum to the GDA-coated plate, although there was no immunocytochemical labeling in liver tissue. The results show that the GDA serum has strict and specific binding requirements for a d -aspartate-like chemical configuration and recognizes endogenous brain substance(s). The identity and function of that substance (or substances) remain to be determined.
Integration of multivariate SPM and FDD by parity space technique for a food pasteurization process

Abstract Multivariate statistical process monitoring (MSPM), contribution plots, and parity space fault diagnosis (FD) techniques are used to detect abnormal operation of dynamic processes and diagnose sensor and actuator faults. The methods are illustrated by monitoring the critical control points (CCP) and diagnosing causes of abnormal operation of a pilot pasteurization plant. An empirical model of the process is developed by using subspace state space system identification methods and normal process data. The process data collected under the influence of different magnitude and duration of faults in sensors and actuators are used to validate the MSPM and FD techniques. T 2 and squared prediction error (SPE N ) charts are used as MSPM charts. A parity space technique for dynamic stochastic systems and dynamic trends in contribution plots of T 2 and SPE N statistics are used for FD. The detection and FD by these techniques show significant improvements over univariate methods.
Energetics and diffusion of intrinsic surface and subsurface defects on anatase TiO2(101).

We report on density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the formation energies and diffusion pathways of oxygen vacancies and Ti interstitials at and near the (101) surface and in the bulk of the anatase polymorph of TiO2. At the generalized gradient approximation level, both defects are found to be energetically more stable by ∼0.5 eV or more at bulk and subsurface sites than on the surface. Moreover, the energy barriers to diffuse from the surface to the bulk are rather low, while the opposite is true for the barriers to diffuse from the bulk to the surface. This indicates that similar to Ti interstitials, also oxygen vacancies should preferentially occur at subsurface rather than at surface sites. To substantiate these findings, additional DFT+U calculations have been performed using different values of U in the range 2.5≤U≤4.5 eV. These show small differences in the relative stabilities of surface and subsurface oxygen vacancies with subsurface vacancies being more stable at low U values and a cr...
Achieving organizational de-escalation: : Exit strategy implementation among United States collegiate athletic departments

Given the increasing commitment associated with NCAA Division I participation, higher learning institutions in the United States have recently engaged in initial stages of de-escalation behavior, or the reversal of escalating commitment via project termination or redirection. However, difficulty arises upon implementation of the selected alternative exit strategy. Applying escalation of commitment theory, this collective case study explored exit strategy implementation among institutions (N = 8) having achieved organizational de-escalation. Participants (n = 32) included decision makers involved in athletics exit strategy implementation. NVivo 9 was employed for analyzing collected data throughout the course of a three-step coding process. Findings revealed the importance of presenting stakeholders with objective data concerning the true costs of participation in a non-consulting manner. Additionally, exit implementation should consider the most timely departure possible, accounting for project-specific consequences potentially hindering de-escalation achievement. Finally, decision makers at institutions incorporating newly formed athletic-related initiatives did not exhibit impression management in de-institutionalizing the former course of action.
Flocking behavior of migratory warblers in winter in the Virgin Islands

We assessed the flocking behavior of birds on St. John and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, with systematic surveys along trails in moist forests. Winter residents (species breeding in North America and that winter in the Virgin Islands), all of which were warblers, comprised 91% of the individuals found in 28 flocks but only 49% of solitary individuals. The average flock size was 4.0 individuals of 3.1 species, and did not differ between St. John and St. Thomas even though the average forest tract on St. John (1,000 ha) was much larger than on St. Thomas (62 ha). Northern Parula (Parula americana) and Black-andwhite Warbler (Mniotilta varia), the most common species in flocks, occurred in 76% and 79% of the flocks, respectively. Northern Parula flocked significantly more frequently on St. Thomas than on St. John, but no other species showed a difference in flocking behavior between the two islands. Each flock typically included one individual of each species.
Development of Tight Junction Molecules in Blood Vessels of Germinal Matrix, Cerebral Cortex, and White Matter

Tight junction (TJ) molecules confer cell-to-cell adhesion to endothelial cells and, thus, provide structural integrity to blood vessels. Therefore, decreased expression of these molecules may be a cause of germinal matrix (GM) fragility and their propensity to hemorrhage in premature infants. The objective of this study was to compare the expression of endothelial TJ molecules, including claudin-5, occludin, and junction adhesion molecules (JAM), among blood vessels of GM, cortex, and white matter for fetuses and premature infants of gestational age 16-40 wk, and to examine their maturational changes with advancing gestational age. We measured the expression of claudin-1, claudin-5, occludin, and JAM in GM, cortex, and white matter in postmortem brain samples. We performed immunohistochemical staining on brain sections and Western blot to quantify these molecules. We found that claudin-5, occludin, and JAM-1 were expressed as early as 16 wk in GM, cortex, and white matter. Claudin-1, JAM-2, and JAM-3 were not detected in the GM, cortex, and white matter. Claudin-5, occludin, and JAM-1 did not change significantly as a function of gestational age. There was no significant difference in the expression of these molecules in the vasculature of GM compared with cortex and white matter. Because the primary endothelial TJ molecules, including claudin-5, occludin, and JAM-1, are expressed as early as 16 wk in the blood brain barrier and since as they are not decreased in GM vasculature compared with cortex and white matter, they are unlikely to be responsible for GM fragility and vulnerability to hemorrhage in premature infants.
New 3,4-seco-lupane-type triterpene glycosides from Acanthopanax senticosus forma inermis

Four new 3,4-seco-lupane-type triterpene glycosides (1−4) were isolated from the leaves of Acanthopanax senticosus forma inermis. The structures of 1−4 were established as 11α-hydroxy-3,4-seco-lup-4(23),20(30)-dien-3-oic acid methyl ester 28-oic acid 28-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranoside, designated as inermoside (1); 1-deoxychiisanoside (2); 24-hydroxychiisanoside (3); and 11-deoxyisochiisanoside (4) by 1H−1H COSY and 1H−13C COSY(HMBC, HMQC) methods and FABMS.
BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC LIMITS TO THE SPREAD OF EXOTIC REVEGETATION SPECIES

Natural habitats vary in the degree to which they are invaded by exotic species, but it is unclear whether they differ in the mechanisms underlying the spatial spread of a given exotic species. To compare the dynamics of invasion in highly invaded non- serpentine oak woodlands and less-invaded serpentine habitats, we used an historical ''ex- periment'' consisting of the introduction of several nonnative species for post-mining re- vegetation, supplemented by a pot experiment and a factorial field experiment. Three species showed significant declines in abundance on transects from revegetated zones into natural habitats, indicating that these species had spread into the natural habitats from revegetated zones. Dactylis glomerata and Trifolium hirtum were found up to 95 m into oak woodland, 35 m into serpentine meadows, and 0-25 m into serpentine seeps and chaparral, while Elytrigia pontica was found up to 45 m into serpentine seeps. The pot experiment showed that this pattern of distribution for Dactylis was not caused or limited by variation in soil properties. The field experiment showed that Dactylis invasion in both oak woodland and serpentine meadow habitats was limited by disturbance and seed supply. Dactylis success was negatively correlated with species richness in oak woodlands, but positively correlated with richness in serpentine meadows, suggesting that the relationships between diversity, invasion, and underlying habitat suitability differed between these hab- itats. Our results show that in harsh serpentine soils, the spread of recently introduced exotic species is slower than in more fertile and more invaded oak woodlands. However, distur- bance and propagule addition are equally important in promoting the spread of invaders in both environments.
Observations of VHF Source Powers Radiated by Lightning

Three-dimensional lightning mapping observations have been used to estimate the peak source powers radiated by individual VHF events of lightning discharges. The peak powers vary from minimum locatable values of about 1 W typically up to 10–30 kW or more in the 60–66 MHz passband of the receivers. An energetic positive bipolar event radiated in excess of 300 k W peak power. The strongest radiation sources tended to be observed in the upper part of storms, corresponding to the upper positive charge region, where the breakdown is of negative polarity. The results illustrate the bidirectional nature of intracloud discharges, with the largest source powers being along the negative portion of the discharge and an order of magnitude greater than the source powers along the positive portion. Overall, the source powers follow an approximate P−1 distribution for powers above about 100 W. The radiation sources indicate the location of the main charge regions in a storm; sample comparisons with radar data show that the main negative charge coincided with the precipitation core
The Ancient Future: Diasporic Residency and Food-based Knowledges in the Work of American Indigenous and Pacific Austronesian Writers

This essay explores the ways in which a growing number of indigenous women writers around the world are depicting the links between their ancient cultures and foodways, human rights, and environmental justice. Like their North American counterparts, indigenous Austronesian women in Taiwan are drawing attention to a growing movement that is alternatively being called the “local foods,” “food justice,” or “food sovereignty movement.” Adamson examines how these women are illustrating what is at stake when the relationship between people and the “first foods” they gather and cultivate is put at risk or interrupted. Focusing on Navajo, Tohono O’odham, and Austronesian/Atayal women writers, she discusses how traditional place-based people retain their cultural and food-based knowledges and are practicing what environmental educator Mitchell Thomashow has called forms of “diasporic residency” that offers contemporary peoples models for how to live in a rapidly globalizing and environmentally-changing world. Finally, she examines how these literary works are contributing to the creation of an “ancient future” built on the relationship between people and the plants they cultivate for food and medicine.
Improving Legume Persistence in Forage Crop Systems

Forage legumes benefit pastures and hay crops by fixing N, improving seasonal distribution of growth, and enhancing animal performance, but their lack of persistence is viewed as a major limitation. Stand persistence depends largely on plant persistence in crown-forming perennials that do not spread by stolons or rhizomes, but depends on seed production, timely germination, and seedling survival in annuals, biennals, and many short-lived perennials. Stolon- and rhizome-forming perennials can colonize unoccupied areas if management is favorable. Conversely, differentials in seed production, seed dispersal mechanisms, and seed survival allow reseeding annuals, biennials, and short-lived perennials to colonize areas that are more widely dispersed [...]
Insect–fern interactions: macrolepidopteran utilization and species–area association

. 1 The generalization that ferns are under-utilized by phytophagous insects in comparison to angiosperms may be invalid because of biases involving plant growth form, plant range, and unequal sampling efforts. 2 Comparison of nineteen fern species with 652 herb species, the angjosperm growth form most similar to the ferns, indicates no significant difference in the mean number of supported macrolepidopteran species. When the herbs are subdivided into annuals, biennials and perennials, only the annual herbs are significantly different than the ferns. 3 Comparisons of the occurrence distributions for ferns and the herb categories also demonstrate that only the annual herbs support more macrolepidopteran species than the ferns. The same results are obtained when random assemblages of herbs are created that are the same size as the fern assemblage. 4 Both the occurrence distributions and the species–area relationship for the ferns indicate that host records for insects feeding on ferns may be grossly incomplete. 5 The similarity of exploitation of ferns and perennial herbs by the Macro-lepidoptera suggests that other foliage feeding insects may also use ferns at levels equivalent to angiosperms.
Inhomogeneous translational diffusion of monoclonal antibodies on phospholipid Langmuir-Blodgett films

The translational mobility of fluorescent-labeled monoclonal antibodies specifically bound to supported phospholipid bilayers containing hapten-conjugated phospholipids has been measured as a function of the surface concentration of bound antibodies using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Fluorescence recovery curves are fit well by a model that assumes the presence of two populations of antibodies with different lateral diffusion coefficients. The larger diffusion coefficient equals 3.5 x 10(-9) cm2/s, the smaller diffusion coefficient ranges from 1.5 x 10(-9) cm2/s to 2.5 x 10(-10) cm2/s, and the fractional fluorescence recovery associated with the smaller coefficient increases from approximately 0 to approximately 0.7 with increasing concentration of bound antibody. These results suggest that complexes of haptenated phospholipids and antibodies in phospholipid Langmuir-Blodgett films form clusters or domains in a concentration-dependent fashion.
DOVE: drawing over video environment

We demonstrate a multimedia system that integrates pen-based gesture and live video to support collaboration on physical tasks. The system combines network IP cameras, desktop PCs, and tablet PCs (or PDAs) to allow a remote helper to draw on a video feed of a workspace as he/she provides task instructions. A gesture recognition component enables the system both to normalize freehand drawings to facilitate communication with remote partners and to use pen-based input as a camera control device. The system also embeds some tools, such as controlled video delay, gesture delay, and remote camera pan-tilt-zoom control. The system provides a software environment for studying multimodal/multimedia communication for remote collaborative physical tasks.
The feasibility of minimally invasive surgery for stage IIA, IIB, and IIIA breast carcinoma patients after tumor downstaging with induction chemotherapy

BACKGROUND Induction chemotherapy (IC) has become the standard of care for locally advanced breast carcinoma, frequently downstaging both the primary tumor and the axilla, and making patients eligible for less invasive surgical procedures. The usefulness of IC in earlier stage operable breast carcinoma is now being considered. METHODS This study involved a subset of 129 patients from a series of 174 with T2–3, N0–1, M0 or T1, N1, M0 breast carcinoma (Stage IIA, IIB, or IIIA ) who were registered in a prospective IC trial using paclitaxel or a combination of fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC). The subset included patients who had received no preoperative radiation therapy but had completed 3–5 cycles of induction chemotherapy and had undergone a Level I–II axillary lymph node dissection. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of induction chemotherapy with paclitaxel or FAC in downstaging the primary tumor and axillary metastases in these early stage breast carcinoma patients. RESULTS The median initial tumor size was 4 cm (range, 0.6–10.0); after IC, tumor size was downstaged to 1.6 cm (range, 0.0–7.0) (P < 0.0001). Clinical response to IC was complete in 24% of patients and partial in 36%. Primary tumor shrinkage was similar with paclitaxel and FAC. Among patients clinically classified as N1, 34% became histologically negative and 38% had only 1–3 positive lymph nodes after induction chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS IC with paclitaxel or FAC resulted in effective downstaging of primary tumors and axillary metastases in patients with Stage IIA, IIB, and IIIA breast carcinoma. However, a significant proportion of patients still had residual but low volume microscopic disease; such disease status may allow minimally invasive surgical approaches to locoregional therapy. Cancer 2000;88:1417–24. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
Influence of Food on the Oral Absorption and Bioavailability of Moricizine

Moricizine, a unique Class I antiarrhythmic agent, was orally administered with and without a meal to 24 healthy male subjects to determine the effect of food on moricizine absorption and bioavailability. Relative to the fasting state, a standardized breakfast delayed the time to peak plasma moricizine concentration (1.2 vs. 0.9 hr; P less than .03) and lowered peak plasma moricizine concentration by 24% (0.55 vs. 0.72 microgram/mL; P less than .03). Bioavailability, as measured by area under the plasma moricizine concentration versus time curve, was not significantly altered by the meal.
Interdependent additive conjoint structures

Abstract This paper deals with the use of additive value models when attributes have overlapping dependencies. An interdependent additive formulation due to Fishburn (1967) is adapted to the axiomatic system defining an additive conjoint structure (Krantz et al., 1971). This is accomplished by replacing the independence condition defined within the additive conjoint structure with a conditional independence condition. The interdependent additive formulation is shown to be the appropriate form for value functions defined over attribute sets when two technical assumptions hold.
Fluid mechanics of continuous flow electrophoresis

The overall objective is to establish theoretically and confirm experimentally the ultimate capabilities of continuous flow electrophoresis chambers operating in an environment essentially free of particle sedimentation and buoyancy. The efforts are devoted to: (1) studying the effects of particle concentration on sample conductivity and dielectric constant. The dielectric constant and conductivity were identified as playing crucial roles in the behavior of the sample and on the resolving power and throughput of continuous flow devices; and (2) improving the extant mathematical models to predict flow fields and particle trajectories in continuous flow electrophoresis. A dielectric spectrometer was designed and built to measure the complex dielectric constant of a colloidal dispersion as a function of frequency between 500 Hz and 200 kHz. The real part of the signal can be related to the sample's conductivity and the imaginary part to its dielectric constant. Measurements of the dielectric constants of several different dispersions disclosed that the dielectric constants of dilute systems of the sort encountered in particle electrophoresis are much larger than would be expected based on the extant theory. Experiments were carried out to show that, in many cases, this behavior is due to the presence of a filamentary structure of small hairs on the particle surface. A technique for producing electrokinetically ideal synthetic latex particles by heat treating was developed. Given the ubiquitous nature of hairy surfaces with both cells and synthetic particles, it was deemed necessary to develop a theory to explain their behavior. A theory for electrophoretic mobility of hairy particles was developed. Finally, the extant computer programs for predicting the structure of electro-osmotically driven flows were extended to encompass flow channels with variable wall mobilities.
Neurogenesis in the epithalamus, dorsal thalamus and ventral thalamus of the rat: an autoradiographic and cytological study.

Times of final mitotic division for neurons of the epithalamic, dorsasl thalamic and subthalamic nuclei of the rat were determined with the aid of thymidine-H3 autoradiography. Intensely labelled neurons were observed in the brains of animals injected with radiochemical from days 13 to 19 of gestation. The pattern of distribution of the labelled neurons indicated that neurogenesis in these regions followed caudorostral, lateromedial and ventrodorsal neurogenetic gradients, all of which were found to operate simultaneously. Since neurogenesis in the epithalamus, subthalamus and caudolateral thalamic regions began on days 13 and 14 of gestation, the ventrodorsal and lateromedial proliferative gradients were clearly discerned only within the ventral and dorsal thalamus exclusive of the epithalamus. These directional neurogenetic gradients were apparent throughout the entire thalamus and within individual thalamic nuclei. No neurogenetic pattern based upon neuronal size was observed, i.e., large neurons were not preferentially formed earlier than smaller ones. Detailed information has also been provided on the cytological character of each thalamic nucleus.
Transvenous sclerotherapy of a large symptomatic orbital venous varix using a microcatheter balloon and bleomycin

An orbital venous varix is rare and can present with diplopia, proptosis, or hemorrhage. Treatment can be challenging, especially if the varix is in a posterior location within the orbit, since surgical exposure becomes difficult. A few case reports have been published describing transcatheter embolization of an orbital varix with coils, direct percutaneous injection of n-butyl cyanoacrylate glue, and the percutaneous injection of bleomycin. We present a case of a symptomatic orbital venous varix of the left inferior ophthalmic vein successfully treated with transvenous endovascular sclerotherapy using a microcatheter balloon and bleomycin.
Dynamics of manganese, cadmium, and lead in experimental power plant ponds

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of heated power plant water on the uptake and retention of manganese, cadmium and lead in selected aquatic invertebrates, channel catfish, green sunfish, and aquatic macrophytes and to study the distribution of manganese, cadmium and lead in sediments and water of experimental power plant ponds. The study was accomplished by placing fingerling channel catfish and green sunfish in holding pens in two ponds, one an experimental pond and one a control pond. Whole fish and selected organs of channel catfish and green sunfish were analyzed during the study. The experimental pond received heated power plant water and was maintained 4–6° C above ambient temperature during the study. Sediments, water, Odonata nymphs, tubificid annelids, snails, leeches, fingernail clams and duckweed were also analyzed for the metals. A typical distribution profile for manganese, cadmium and lead in power plant cooling ponds was developed.
Psychiatric Distress in Incarcerated Women With Recent Cocaine and Alcohol Abuse

Purpose Women frequently abuse cocaine and alcohol before incarceration. Research indicates that women in criminal justice settings also suffer high rates of psychiatric distress. This study aimed to determine how preincarceration abuse of alcohol and cocaine affected current psychiatric distress among female jail detainees held for 10–14 days. Methods A probability sample of women in a large urban jail ( n = 469) were assessed for use of alcohol and cocaine during the 6 months before incarceration and for their current psychiatric distress. They were grouped based on their level of alcohol consumption and cocaine use: high cocaine/high alcohol; high cocaine/low alcohol; low cocaine/high alcohol; and low cocaine/low alcohol. Profile analysis was used to examine the relation of psychiatric distress, as measured by the Brief Symptom Inventory, to levels of recent alcohol and cocaine use. Results Psychiatric distress is highest (and similar) among women in the high cocaine groups, regardless of alcohol use, and psychiatric distress is lowest among those who used both substances infrequently. Characteristics of psychiatric distress differed based on level of alcohol use, but only when cocaine use was low. High alcohol and cocaine use alone and together also predict the likelihood of psychiatric distress reaching a diagnosable level of severity. Conclusions High cocaine, alcohol, or combined use is related to higher levels of psychiatric distress among incarcerated women in this jail. Women should be screened at the time of incarceration, and women who have alcohol and other drug problems should receive treatment that includes mental health services.
The Undergraduate Case Research Study Model

Student-written cases are powerful pedagogical tools that can lead to improved understanding of business situations, more informed analysis, emphasis on reflection, and clearer expository writing, all of which are critical skills for business students. Cases provide an opportunity for students to enjoy an active learning experience and derive the experiential payback that such activities offer. In this article, the author describes an innovative method for combining teaching cases and research cases that gives relatively inexperienced undergraduate students practice in applying theory to practice. The project was designed for a small business management class for which the learning objectives go beyond content and theory application; students gain the additional benefits of development of interpersonal skills, an enhanced ability to deal with ambiguity, and the extension of insight and originality. The article provides a design for the implementation of the case-writing process, sample assignments and stu...
The lateral transpsoas approach to the lumbar and thoracic spine: A review

Background: In the last several years, the lateral transpsoas approach to the thoracic and lumbar spine, also known as extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) or direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF), has become an increasingly common method to achieve fusion. Several recent large series describe several advantages to this approach, including less tissue dissection, smaller incisions, decreased operative time, blood loss, shorter hospital stay, reduced postoperative pain, enhanced fusion rates, and the ability to place instrumentation through the same incision. Indications for this approach have expanded and now include degenerative disease, tumor, deformity, and infection. Methods: A lateral X-ray confirms that the patient is in a truly lateral position. Next, a series of tubes and dilators are used, along with fluoroscopy, to identify the mid-position of the disk to be incised. After continued dilation, the optimal site to enter the disk space is the midpoint of the disk, or a position slightly anterior to the midpoint of the disk. XLIF typically allows for a larger implant to be inserted compared to TLIF or PLIF, and, if necessary, instrumentation can be inserted percutaneously, which would allow for an overall minimally invasive procedure. Results: Fixation techniques appear to be equal between XLIF and more traditional approaches. Some caution should be exercised because common fusion levels of the lumbar spine, including L4-5 and L4-S1, are often inaccessible. In addition, XLIF has a unique set of complications, including neural injuries, psoas weakness, and thigh numbness. Conclusion: Additional studies are required to further evaluate and monitor the short and long-term safety, efficacy, outcomes, and complications of XLIF procedures.
Actin Cytoskeleton Organization and Posttranscriptional Regulation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase During Cell Growth

Posttranscriptional regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression is an important mechanism by which endothelial cells respond to various physiological and pathophysiological stimuli. Previously, we showed that eNOS expression was dramatically altered by the state of cell growth and that the mechanism responsible for this regulation was entirely posttranscriptional, occurring via changes in eNOS mRNA stability. The present study identifies a role for actin cytoskeleton organization in the posttranscriptional regulation of eNOS during cell growth and examines the relationship between the state of actin polymerization and eNOS expression. We identified monomeric actin (globular [G]-actin) as the major component of a 51-kDa ribonucleoprotein that binds to the eNOS mRNA 3' untranslated region in UV-crosslinking analysis. Binding activity of the ribonucleoprotein complex correlated with the relative concentration of G-actin versus filamentous actin (F-actin). ENOS transcripts colocalized with cytoplasmic G-actin in cells subjected to fluorescence in situ hybridization and G-actin fluorescence staining. In subcellular fractionation studies, eNOS transcripts were enriched in the free polysomal fraction of nonproliferating cells and enriched in the cell matrix-associated polysomal fraction of proliferating cells. Furthermore, an inverse relationship between the concentration of G-actin and eNOS expression was observed in endothelial cells subjected to pharmacological alteration of their cytoskeleton; lower G/F-actin ratios correlated with increased eNOS expression. Our findings provide some insight into how endothelial cells may use the dynamic organization of the actin cytoskeleton to regulate expression of an enzyme that is crucial to vascular homeostasis.
The progesterone antagonist mifepristone/RU486 blocks the negative effect on life span caused by mating in female Drosophila

Mating causes decreased life span in female Drosophila. Here we report that mifepristone blocked this effect, yielding life span increases up to +68%. Drug was fed to females after mating, in the absence of males, demonstrating function in females. Mifepristone did not increase life span of virgin females or males. Mifepristone reduced progeny production but did not reduce food intake. High-throughput RNA sequencing was used to identify genes up-regulated or down-regulated upon mating, and where the change was reduced by mifepristone. Five candidate positive regulators of life span were identified, including dosage compensation regulator Unr and three X-linked genes: multi sex combs (PcG gene), Dopamine 2-like receptor and CG14215. The 37 candidate negative genes included neuropeptide CNMamide and several involved in protein mobilization and immune response. The results inform the interpretation of experiments involving mifepristone, and implicate steroid hormone signaling in regulating the trade-off between reproduction and life span.