cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical Hepatotoxicity of Isoniazid in Children

A patient is presented with reversible clinical and biochemical hepatocellular injury secondary to isoniazid (INH). This apparently rare drug reaction in children is compared with the more common transient hypertransaminasemia induced by isoniazid. A review of the clinical literature and basic pharmacologic mechanisms of isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity has led to a rational plan for monitoring and managing children who are treated with INH.
Everolimus: a review of its pharmacologic properties and use in solid organ transplantation

The aim of this review article is to review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of everolimus. Primary literature was obtained via MEDLINE. Studies and abstracts evaluating everolimus in solid organ transplantation were considered for evaluation. English-language studies and abstracts only were selected for inclusion. Everolimus, a proliferation signal inhibitor that prevents growth factor-induced cell proliferation, is effective in reducing the incidence of acute rejection in solid organ transplantation. This agent is also useful in reducing cyclosporine-related nephrotoxicity. Everolimus directly inhibits vascular remodelling and intimal thickening, which are often associated with chronic rejection. Clinical trials have shown that everolimus is generally safe. The most commonly reported adverse events were haematologic effects and hyperlipidaemia. Everolimus is the second proliferation signal inhibitor to be proven effective in preventing acute rejection in solid organ transplant recipients. However, its exact role in the transplant immunosuppressive armamentarium is still unknown.
An improved purification, crystallization, and some properties of rabbit muscle 5'-adenylic acid deaminase.

Abstract A rapid method for the preparation of crystalline 5'-adenylic acid deaminase from rabbit skeletal muscle is presented. The enzyme remains bound to cellulose phosphate under conditions at which apparently no other proteins are bound; thus it was possible to develop, in essence, a one-step method for its purification. The crystalline preparation is homogeneous as indicated by its elution profile, by ultracentrifugation, and by acrylamide gel electrophoresis. The new method results in enzyme that has 5 times the specific activity of the previously reported crystalline preparation and differs in stability and kinetic properties. The enzyme is stable in dilute solution for extended periods at room temperature provided the diluting medium is of high ionic strength and contains β-mercaptoethanol. The enzyme follows normal Michaelis-Menten kinetics with respect to adenosine monophosphate concentration when assayed in the presence of KCl, and with respect to potassium concentration. Sodium and potassium, at 0.15 m, function equally efficiently as cation activators.
Perturbation theory of a many-fermion system: (II). Expansions in reaction matrices

Abstract Currently, the most satisfactory version of Brueckner theory from the formal point of view is the generalized-time-ordered series of Brandow. In this formalism the Brueckner-Hartree-Fock (BHF) self-energy for normally empty (“particle”) states does not factorize, and for this reason it is not included in the single-particle potential, U . This feature of the theory leads to differences: (i) between single-particle and separation energies, and (ii) between U and the real part of the optical potential. In article I the time-dependent Green function formulation was used to achieve more extensive factorization, with the consequence that U could be defined to include the leading terms of the on-energy-shell BHF potential for “particles”. In the present paper this earlier expansion is written in terms of Brueckner reaction matrices, and the low orders of the resulting series are investigated. For this task, it has been found more convenient to employ the Fourier-transformed formalism of energy-dependent Green functions, G (ω). First, diagram rules for expansions in the bare interaction, V , and an arbitrary U are given in sufficient generality to apply to finite systems, for which U and f (ω) are not diagonal matrices. The binding energy is expressed in terms of closed, propagator-renormalized, ω-dependent, ground state diagrams including over-counting corrections. Then U is chosen, in correspondence with article I and a paper of Klein, in terms of the real part of the proper self-energy. In the framework employed here U may be defined conveniently to be hermitian. A prescription, stated with remarkable simplicity in the G (ω) formalism, is obtained for converting an expansion in V to one in a general transition or reaction matrix. Our U is the quasiparticle separation-energy potential, containing on-energy-shell self-energies of all topologies. For example, when the reaction matrix is that of Brueckner, the first-order (BHF) and secondorder (“rearrangement energy”) insertions are shown to be included in U both for “particles” and holes. Truncation schemes based on a stationary property of the propagator-renormalized series are explored. The simplest is a renormalized BHF approximation similar to that for Brandow's expansion but differing from it by (a) containing the RBHF potential for “particle” states, which implies a smaller energy gap and greater diffuseness at the Fermi surface; and (b) propagator renormalization (“line weighting”) factors which contain single-particle density matrices (“true occupation probabilities”) as in Brandow's expansion, plus “folded” terms. The present formulation allows a close connection between “virtual” and “valence” single-particle states, while staying close to the computationally successful framework of the Brueckner theory and avoiding complex energies.
PURIFICATION AND RECONSTITUTION OF CYCLIN-DEPENDENT KINASE 2 IN FOUR STATES OF ACTIVITY

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the purification and reconstitution of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 in four states of activity. The eukaryotic cell cycle is coordinated by several closely related serine/ threonine protein kinases, each consisting of a catalytic cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) subunit and a regulatory cyclin subunit. The catalytic activity of CDKs is tightly regulated by multiple mechanisms that involve activating or inhibitory protein-protein interactions as well as covalent modifications by phosphorylation. The isolated CDK subunit is inactive as a protein kinase and requires the binding of its cyclin subunit for partial activation. This is a key step responsible for much of the temporal regulation of CDK activity, as cyclin protein levels are tightly controlled in a cell cycle-dependent manner by ubiquitin-dependent degradation and by transcription. Cyclin binding also appears to facilitate the phosphorylation of the CDK subunit by CAK, which is involved in the full activation of the CDK.
Back to the bedside: the 8-year evolution of a resident-as-teacher rotation.

Abstract Background Teaching our residents to teach is a vital responsibility of Emergency Medicine (EM) residency programs. As emergency department (ED) overcrowding may limit the ability of attending physicians to provide bedside instruction, senior residents are increasingly asked to assume this role for more junior trainees. Unfortunately, a recent survey suggests that only 55% of all residencies provide instruction in effective teaching methods. Without modeling from attending physicians, many residents struggle with this responsibility. Objectives We introduced a “Resident-as-Teacher” curriculum in 2002 as a means to address a decline in bedside instruction and provide our senior residents with a background in effective teaching methods. Discussion Here, we describe the evolution of this resident-as-teacher rotation, outline its current structure, cite potential pitfalls and solutions, and discuss the unique addition of a teach-the-teacher curriculum. Conclusion A resident-as-teacher rotation has evolved into a meaningful addition to our senior residents' training, fostering their growth as educators and addressing our need for bedside instruction.
Determinants and complications of emergent cesarean hysterectomy: supracervical vs total hysterectomy

Objective We sought to determine whether emergent cesarean supracervical hysterectomy is associated with reduced risk of complications compared to total hysterectomy. Study Design We conducted a cohort study of 150 women who underwent emergent cesarean hysterectomy at our medical center from 1991 through 2008. We compared the risk factors and indications, and intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with the 2 surgical procedures. Results During the study period, a total of 164 cesarean hysterectomies were performed; 91% (n = 150) of these cases were performed emergently of which 53.3% were total and 46.7% were supracervical. There was a significant decline in the relative frequency of total hysterectomy: 71%, 56%, and 24% during 1991–1996, 1997–2002, and 2003–2008, respectively ( P Conclusion Using a cohort of 150 cases from our institution, we found no evidence of increased surgical time or complications associated with total hysterectomy.
Motivational factors of surgeons interested in postgraduate surgical education: a narrative inquiry

Clinical teachers are central to the successful education of medical graduates and dedicated surgical trainers are pivotal to the training of surgical trainees. The structure of education has changed within the NHS: the instigation of the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB) and Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) has taken the ultimate responsibility for quality assurance from the colleges and the profession, into a government-run body.
The Green Compression Strength of Natural Bentonites1

Cored specimens of several commercial bentonite beds were preserved at field moisture levels for laboratory examination. Green strength, water content, and x-ray diffraction character of undisturbed material were found to conform substantially to the relation that strength is proportional to the solid fraction.
Assessing the Built Environment Using Omnidirectional Imagery

Observational audits commonly are used in public health research to collect data on built environment characteristics that affect health-related behaviors and outcomes, including physical activity and weight status. However, implementing in-person field audits can be expensive if observations are needed over large or geographically dispersed areas or at multiple points in time. A reliable and more efficient method for observational audits could facilitate extendibility (i.e., expanded geographic and temporal scope) and lead to more standardized assessment that strengthens the ability to compare results across different regions and studies. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the degree of agreement between field audits and audits derived from interpretation of three types of omnidirectional imagery. Street segments from St. Louis MO and Indianapolis IN were stratified geographically to ensure representation of neighborhoods with different socioeconomic characteristics in both cities. Audits were conducted in 2008 and 2009 using four methods: field audits, and interpretation of archived imagery, new imagery, and Google Street View™ imagery. Agreement between field audits and image-based audits was assessed using observed agreement and the prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa statistic (PABAK). Data analysis was conducted in 2010. When measuring the agreement between field audits and audits from the different sources of imagery, the mean PABAK statistic for all items on the instrument was 0.78 (archived); 0.80 (new); and 0.81 (Street View imagery), indicating substantial to nearly perfect agreement among methods. It was determined that image-based audits represent a reliable method that can be used in place of field audits to measure several key characteristics of the built environment important to public health research.
Abnormal movements in children with migraine.

The cause and treatment of functional movement disorders and nonepileptic spells in children is poorly understood, and an association with migraine has not previously been reported. We retrospectively reviewed children diagnosed with chronic or episodic migraine at our institution from 2006 to 2013 to determine the proportion with nonorganic movement disorders, their phenomenology, provoking factors, and natural history. Thirty-two patients were identified, representing 4.3% of patients with chronic migraine and 0.9% of patients with episodic migraine. Twenty-four of the 32 (75%) had chronic migraine, whereas 8 (25%) had episodic migraine. Nonepileptic spells was the most common phenomenon in both cohorts, followed by tremor and functional gait disorders. Severe migraine attacks preceded these movements in the majority of patients. With appropriate migraine therapy, significant reduction or resolution of these movements was reported. We conclude that nonorganic movement disorders are observed in pediatric...
Indian transnational surrogacy and the commodification of vital energy

Assisted reproductive technologies allow women to sell the service of gestating a fetus, but maintain little or no claim to the product of that labor: the child itself. In the context of transnational Indian surrogacy, this situation is exacerbated by the physical and cultural distance between intended parents and surrogates. The productive nature of the care and nurturing provided through the work of mothering becomes more visible when viewed though the commodification of commercial surrogacy. Once commodified, this work of care also becomes subject to the alienation of capitalist relations, which invites us to investigate the social and economic implications of the work of mothering in surrogacy. I argue that care and nurture in transnational Indian surrogacy invest human vital energy as a form of value directly into other human beings, through the biological and affective labor involved in surrogate work, thereby supporting the lives of those individuals, families and societies that consume this energy.
Sociosexual Orientation, Commitment, and Infidelity: A Mediation Analysis

Individuals with an unrestricted sociosexual orientation (SO) are less committed to their romantic relationships and more likely to engage in infidelity. Furthermore, commitment is negatively associated with tendencies to cheat. However, no previous research has examined the possible mediating role of commitment in the relationship between SO and infidelity. The current study examined whether commitment mediated the relationship between SO and willingness to engage in three types of cheating behaviors (Ambiguous, Deceptive, and Explicit). Results suggested that commitment partially mediated the relationship between SO and infidelity, such that unrestricted individuals had lower commitment, which in turn led to a greater likelihood of cheating. Implications of this association and directions for future research are discussed.
Existential sentences in Tagalog

This paper investigates the syntax of existential sentences in Tagalog. It argues that existential sentences in Tagalog are formed on the basis of an unaccusative predicate that selects a noun phrase as its sole internal argument. The positive arguments for this analysis also argue against a small clause analysis of existential sentences in Tagalog (as proposed, for other languages, in work by Stowell 1978, 1981; Chomsky 1981, 1986; Safir 1985; Hoekstra and Mulder 1990; Lasnik 1992; Moro 1997; among others). Additionally, this paper argues for an analysis of the definiteness effect in which the restriction follows from the requirement that the noun phrase that occurs in existential sentences (i.e., the “pivot”) be a property denoting object. This proposal not only accounts for the class of noun phrases that are acceptable in Tagalog existential sentences, but also helps to shed light on various morphosyntactic aspects of existential sentences in the language, relating—in particular—to their impersonal clause structure, morphological case, as well as other properties.
Accessory and Alloantigen-Presenting Cell Functions of A431 Keratinocytes That Stably Express the B7 Antigen

Because keratinocytes are tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells (APC), we investigated the role of B7/BB-1 in reconstituting defective accessory cell (AC) and APC functions by such nonlymphoid cells. KC were induced to stably express B7/BB-1 by DNA-mediated gene transfection. This single-transformed B7/BB-1+ A431 cell line (but not control A431) functioned as AC for lectin-induced T-cell proliferation, as well as oxidative mitogenesis. This costimulation was dependent on B7/BB-1 expression since the monoclonal antibody BB-1 blocked costimulation of PHA mitogenesis by 75%. After the induction of class II MHC antigen expression by interferon-γ, B7/BB-1+ KC but not control KC presented alloantigens to resting T-cells in the primary mixed lymphocyte reaction. These data indicate that the stable expression of B7/BB-1 antigen by KC reconstitutes defective AC and alloantigen-presenting activity. The lack of expression of such second signal by normal KC may be responsible for their ability to induce clonal anergy in vitro and in vivo.
Overvoting and representation: an examination of overvoted presidential ballots in Broward and Miami-Dade counties

Abstract The closeness of the 2000 presidential election, especially in the state of Florida, has drawn attention to the importance of voting anomalies caused by ballot design, voting technology, and voter errors. In this paper we focus on a particular type of voter error: casting multiple votes for president on a single ballot. Ballots cast in this way are said to contain presidential overvotes, and we examine overvoting patterns in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, two large and prominent counties in Florida. Using a dataset which contains electronic images of all ballots cast in these counties for the 2000 election, we identify several definitive patterns among overvoted ballots. First, we show that ballots with overvotes on non-presidential races were more likely to contain presidential overvotes compared to ballots with no overvotes elsewhere. Second, we show that ballots with presidential overvotes appear to have been cast by Democratically-inclined individuals and that Al Gore, the Democratic presidential candidate in 2000, appears on a disproportionate number of these ballots. Third and finally, we show that Broward and Miami-Dade precincts with large numbers of blacks, Hispanics, and registered Democrats tended to have high presidential overvoting rates. Overall, the evidence we present implies that a disproportionate fraction of the presidential overvotes cast in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties in the 2000 election were produced by Democrats and this diminished the vote total of Al Gore.
RANK ONE CHAOS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS

The main purpose of this tutorial is to introduce to a more application-oriented audience a new chaos theory that is applicable to certain systems of differential equations. This new chaos theory, namely the theory of rank one maps, claims a comprehensive understanding of the complicated geometric and dynamical structures of a specific class of nonuniformly hyperbolic homoclinic tangles. For certain systems of differential equations, the existence of the indicated phenomenon of chaos can be verified through a well-defined computational process. Applications to the well-known Chua's and MLC circuits employing controlled switches are also presented to demonstrate the usefulness of the theory. We try to introduce this new chaos theory by using a balanced combination of examples, numerical simulations and theoretical discussions. We also try to create a standard reference for this theory that will hopefully be accessible to a more application-oriented audience.
Functional fatigue of the hip and ankle musculature cause similar alterations in single leg stance postural control.

Isokinetic fatigue protocols have been used to determine the relative importance of lower extremity musculature to the maintenance of balance. However, these protocols are not representative of physical activity, thus the recommendations based on these findings may be inappropriate. Therefore, purpose of this investigation was to use a completely within subjects design to examine the effects of a functional ankle and hip fatigue protocol on postural control during single leg stance. All testing was completed in a health and wellness facility where 18 healthy recreationally active university students (nine female, nine male: 21.2+/-1.96 years, 72.2+/-17.8 kg, 170.4+/-10.12 cm) volunteered to participate. Testing consisted of functionally fatiguing the ankle plantar flexors and dorsiflexors as well as the hip flexors and extensors. Postural control was assessed with two pre- and post-fatigue 20s trials during single leg stance. Three measures of dynamic balance: the overall, medial/lateral, and anterior/posterior stability index were calculated using the Biodex Stability System at stability level 4. Three separate 2-way repeated measure ANOVAs indicated that fatigue of both the ankle (plantar flexors, dorsiflexors) and hip (flexors, extensors) musculature led to postural control impairments for the medial-lateral stability index (p 0.05). Our results contradict previous isokinetic fatigue protocol findings, which indicate that proximal musculature fatigue results in greater postural control deficits.
The improvement of computational efficiency of three‐dimensional sound field analysis by boundary element method using two‐level fast multipole method

When the boundary element method (BEM) is applied to a large-scale three-dimensional sound field problem, rapid increase of the computing time and required memory storage is a significant problem as the number of unknowns N is increased. To cope with this situation, the authors have demonstrated that the introduction of the fast multipole method (FMM) is effective and that the amount of computation and the storage requirement can be reduced from O(N2) to O(N1.5) by this method. In the present research, with a view to further improvement of efficiency, the FMM using a two-level multipole expression is introduced into the three-dimensional steady-state sound field analysis by the BEM. It is shown that the computational and memory-requirement complexities can be reduced to O(N4/3). © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 85(8): 30–37, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.1110
Coherent optical transmission with frequency-domain equalization

We demonstrated 25-Gb/s (21.7-Gb/s after coding) single-carrier (SC) transmission with QPSK format over 240 km of SMF (4080 ps/nm) by employing frequency-domain equalization (FDE).
Oculomotor function in Wernicke-Korsakoff's syndrome: II. Smooth pursuit eye movements.

Smooth pursuit eye movements were studied in three patients with alcoholic Korsakoff's syndrome, one with Wernicke's encephalopathy, and an age-matched control. Horizontal smooth pursuit eye movements were abnormal in all patients: peak eye velocity and the ability to sustain smooth eye velocity were reduced. Also, smooth pursuit gain began to decrease at relatively low target velocities (i.e., 8–10°). These data demonstrate a severe disturbance in smooth pursuit function long after the clinically apparent oculomotor abnormalities have passed.
Activator protein 2α suppresses intestinal tumorigenesis in the Apcmin mouse

Activator protein 2α (AP-2α) is a putative tumor suppressor, and various reports have described the loss or reduction of AP-2α expression in cutaneous malignant melanomas, as well as in cancers of the prostate, breast and colon. Previously, AP-2α was shown to attenuate β-catenin/T-cell factor-4 (TCF-4) nuclear interactions and β-catenin/TCF-4-dependent transcriptional activity in human colorectal cancer cells [Q. Li, R.H. Dashwood, Activator protein 2alpha associates with adenomatous polyposis coli/beta-catenin and Inhibits beta-catenin/T-cell factor transcriptional activity in colorectal cancer cells, J. Biol. Chem. 279 (2004) 45669–45675]. Here, we show that in vivo gene delivery of AP-2α suppressed intestinal polyp formation in the Apcmin mouse, and protected against the development of anemia and splenomegaly. Immunoblot analyses and immunohistochemistry following gene delivery revealed an increase in AP-2α expression in the mouse intestinal mucosa and liver. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments provided evidence for interactions between AP-2α, β-catenin, and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) proteins in mouse intestinal mucosa, as well as in a primary human colorectal cancer. Collectively, these studies support a tumor suppressor role for AP-2α in the gastrointestinal tract, and suggest that AP-2α represents a novel target for therapeutic intervention in human cancers characterized by dysregulated Wnt signaling.
Scanning force microscopy images of cytochrome c oxidase immobilized in an electrode-supported lipid bilayer membrane

Scanning force microscopic images of cytochrome c oxidase immobilized within an electrode-supported lipid bilayer membrane are reported. These images represent the first direct evidence that the microscopic architecture of this important model system effectively mimics the microstructure proposed for the inner mitochondrial membrane. The images reveal (1) that the oxidase is present as monomers and small aggregates within the supported membrane and (2) that the oxidase constitutes {approximately}20% of the lipid bilayer membrane. The latter finding allows an estimation of the lower limit for the minimum turnover rate ({approximately}0.5 electrons/s) required for the transition of the oxidase from its resting to pulsed kinetic state.
Measurement and Interpretation of Hailstone Density and Terminal Velocity

Abstract The mass, density, fall velocity and internal structure have been determined for low-density hailstones from an truly spring storm in Boulder, Colorado, and drag coefficients were calculated. The density of the permeable hail is determined from a new method of volume measurement. The results are compared to those of particles grown in a one-dimensional parcel model using the appropriate sounding. The implications of the results are discussed with reference to hail growth in convective storms.
Growth hormone response to propranolol and l-dopa in obese subjects

Abstract Oral administration of propranolol and l -dopa produced a marked increase in plasma growth hormone values in 12 obese subjects who had failed to respond to l -dopa alone. GH values after propranolol and l -dopa in obese subjects were not significantly different from those of normal subjects after l -dopa at 60, 90, and 120 min. Association of propranolol and l -dopa appears to be a simple means of investigating GH response in obese subjects.
A Nonconformist Account of the Asch Experiments: Values, Pragmatics, and Moral Dilemmas:

This article offers a new approach to Asch's (1956) influential studies relating physical and social perception. Drawing on research on values, conversational pragmatics, cross-cultural comparisons, and negotiation, the authors challenge the normative assumptions that have led psychologists to interpret the studies in terms of conformity. A values-pragmatics account is offered that suggests that participants attempt to realize multiple values (e.g., truth, social solidarity) in an inherently frustrating situation by tacitly varying patterns of dissent and agreement to communicate larger scale truths and cooperative intentions. Alternative theories (e.g., embarrassment, attribution) are compared and empirical implications of the values-pragmatics account are evaluated. The possibility of multiple strategies promoting group survival and the proper role of moral evaluation in social psychological research are considered.
Position and velocity cursor mappings contribute to distinct muscle forces in simulated isometric and movement reaching

Contributions of muscle forces in isometric and normal (movement) reaching have not been thoroughly compared. In this study, we ask if position-based and velocity-based cursor mappings during planar isometric reaching produce muscle forces that are similar to those exerted during unassisted movement. Healthy subjects pushed against a static manipulandum handle to direct a cursor toward a target using either a position or velocity mapping. Applied force and cursor path data were used to create dynamic musculoskeletal simulations (using the OpenSim platform) of targeted isometric and movement reaches. Isometric muscle forces in both position and velocity mappings were found to be distinct from the corresponding forces in movement simulations. These results motivate future research on the design of a physiology-based isometric mapping that incorporates arm dynamics and inertia. A mapping that produces comparable muscular activity in isometric and movement reaching may support the development of improved isometric and robotic rehabilitation strategies for patients with upper limb movement deficits.
In practice: Joined against pain and gathered in hope: The role of Hokies United

After April 16, 2007, Hokies United needed to heal itself and the Virginia Tech community. About Campus editorial assistant Brianne MacEachran interviewed Steve Schneiter, a faculty co-creator of t...
Azaprostanoids II. Synthesis of 12-azacarboprostacyclin analogs☆

Abstract A total synthesis of 12-azacarboprostacyclin analogs 1 and 2 from 9 is described.
Effects of vitamin A, vitamin E and ethoxyquin on the reproductive performance of turkeys.

Abstract BEACH (1924) described a nutritional disease of chickens caused by a deficiency of vitamin A. The characteristic symptoms were largely confined to the head and involved the nasal passages, mouth, pharnyx, esophagus, and the eyes. In some cases the kidneys were spotted with collections of urates and occasionally there was a deposit of urates on the heart, pericardium, liver, omentum, and the intestines. The vitamin A deficiency symptoms in turkeys have been described by Hinshaw and Lloyd (1934). Their findings were essentially the same as those of Beach (1924) with the exception that urate deposits were not common in the vitamin A deficient turkey. These symptoms were also described by Asmundson and Kratzer (1952) who observed the deficiency in a commercial breeding flock. An analysis of turkey blood has been made by a number of workers (Scott et al., 1933; Rhian et al., 1944; Paulson et al., 1950; and Kirshner…
Intrasellar ependymoma: Clinical, imaging, pathological, and surgical findings

Ependymomas arising in the intrasellar compartment are extremely rare and most often are not included in the differential diagnosis of an intrasellar tumor mass. We review the literature to further advance awareness regarding unusual presentations of this type of tumor and present an illustrative case of an intrasellar cystic ependymoma that developed in an uncommon location. In our illustrative case, the patient had a 2 year history of hypopituitarism, but no headaches or visual disturbance. Preoperatively, the lesion was thought to be a pituitary macroadenoma.
Stability of cyclic gene models for systems involving repression

Abstract We ccnsider a Goodwin-type model for cyclic gene systems involving endproduct repression. The model is described by a very general system of functic nal differential equations which include as special cases continuous analogues of cyclic models studied previously via computer simulation by other investigators (Fraser & Tiwari, 1974). We establish global stability of equilibrium solutions with arguments which are valid for any number (odd or even) of genes in the cyclic loop.
Effect of Pin Length and Rotation Rate on the Tensile Strength of a Friction Stir Spot-Welded Al Alloy: A Contribution to Automated Production

Friction stir spot welding (FSSW) is performed on thin plates of an aluminum alloy in a lap joint configuration with tools of different pin lengths and various rotation rates. The effects these process parameters have on the joint properties of the welds are investigated. The tensile strength of the welds decreased when the rotation rate was increased. The tensile strength of welds made with a pinless tool is on average 90% the strength of the full penetration spot welds. Intermediate pin lengths were tested between these two extremes. It was found that the tensile strength decreases as the pin length increases from pinless to 10% bottom plate penetration. Three distinct failure modes were identified when the welds were placed under tensile loading: shear mode, mixed mode, and nugget-pullout mode. The dependence of static joint strength on these process parameters is discussed.
Including spatial correlations of channel length and threshold voltage variation in circuit simulations

Abstract Some integrated circuit manufacturing processes produce variation which is strongly correlated between devices physically near each other but not correlated between devices which are widely separated. Devices separated by intermediate distances are partial correlated. In this paper we describe a method to characterize and model variation which shows this type of spatial correlations.
Protein kinases: coming of age

Abstract The crystal structure of the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase complexed with an inhibitor peptide is reviewed. This structure defines the active site of the enzyme and identifies residues that contribute to substrate binding and catalysis. As many of these residues are invariant, this structure provides a template for the entire family.
Search for Quarks

The quark is probably unstable with respect to strong interactions. It is possible that the stable particle with nonintegral charge has a charge $|Q|g\frac{2}{3}$.
In vivo quantification of human lung dose response relationship

Purpose: To implement a new non-invasive in-vivo assay to compute the dose-response relationship following radiation-induced injury to normal lung tissue, using computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest. Methods and Materials: Follow-up volumetric CT scans were acquired in patients with metastatic tumors to the lung treated using stereotactic radiation therapy. The images reveal a focal region of fibrosis corresponding to the high-dose region and no observable long-term damage in distant sites. For each pixel in the follow-up image the treatment dose and the change in apparent tissue density was compiled. For each of 12 pre-selected dose levels the average pixel tissue density change was computed and fit to a two-parameter dose-response model. The sensitivity of the resulting fits to registration error was also quantified. Results: Complete in vivo dose-response relationships in human normal lung tissue were computed. Increasing radiation sensitivity was found with larger treatment volume. Radiation sensitivity increased also over time up to 12 months, but decreased at later time points. The time-course of dose response correlated with the time-course of levels of circulating IL-1a, TGFb and MCP-1. The method was found to be robust to registration errors up to 3 mm. Conclusions: This approach for the first time enables the quantification of the full range dose response relationship in human subjects. The method may be used to assess quantitatively the efficacy of various agents thought to illicit radiation protection to the lung.
Septal Pores in Prototaxites, an Enigmatic Devonian Plant

Prototaxites southworthii. an Upper Devonian, nonvascular plant of unknown affinity that is commonly ascribed to the brown algae, has filaments with septal pores. These superficially resemble various pores and pit connections of the higher algae and fungi and suggest that very elaborate cell wall structure had evolved by Devonian times.
Assessing the quality of large-scale data standards: A case of XBRL GAAP Taxonomy

Data standards are often used by multiple organizations to produce and exchange data. Given the high cost of developing data standards and their significant impact on the interoperability of data produced using the standards, the quality of data standards must be systematically measured. We develop a framework for systematically assessing the quality of large-scale data standards using automated tools. It consists of metrics for intrinsic and contextual quality dimensions, as well as effectual metrics that assess the extent to which a standard enables data interoperability. We evaluate the quality assessment framework using two versions of a large financial reporting standard, the US GAAP Taxonomy, and public companies' financial statements created using the Taxonomy. Evaluation results confirm the effectiveness of the framework. Findings from the evaluation also offer valuable insights to decision makers who develop and improve data standards, select and adopt data standards, or consume standards-based data.
CHOICE OF OVIPOSITION SITE BY GRAY TREEFROGS: THE ROLE OF POTENTIAL PARASITIC INFECTION

The role of potential infection by parasitic trematodes in the choice of ovi- position site choice by gray treefrogs, Hyla versicolor, was examined in a randomized experiment using 25 experimental pools. Treatment pools containing low (five snails) or high (10 snails) densities of either infected or uninfected trematode vector Pseudosuccinea columella were compared with control pools containing no P. columella. Treatments had significant effects on the number of gray treefrog eggs deposited in pools. Compared to control pools, fewer eggs were laid in all treatment pools, either because fewer pairs laid eggs, or fewer eggs were laid per visit. Pools containing infected P. columella also had fewer eggs deposited relative to pools containing uninfected P. colu- mella. The gray treefrog, H. versicolor, can discriminate between oviposition sites, based on the species present and the potential for infection. Choice of oviposition site can be a mechanism that determines the composition of ecological communities as well as influ- encing parental reproductive success. Our results emphasize the importance of disease agents in shaping patterns of distribution, and they underscore the importance of under- standing how potential hosts may use behavior to mitigate infection risk.
Entamoeba histolytica: concurrent irreversible loss of infectivity-pathogenicity and encystment potential after prolonged maintenance in axenic culture in vitro.

Abstract The NIH-200 strain of Entamoeba histolytica became avirulent after more than 2 yr maintenance in axenic culture in vitro . In an attempt to restore virulence to the amoeba, it was transferred to Locke's egg rice-flour medium with various combinations of the following bacteria: Bacteroides sp., Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli , and Streptococcus faecalis . Similar cultures were established with a mixed bacterial flora (comprising many unknown species), with and without rice flour, and an attempt was made to induce encystation. Subsequent inoculation of amoebae from the various amoeba-bacteria cultures into the cecum of germfree and exgermfree guinea pigs harboring the same bacteria, as the culture-produced inoculum did not in any instance produce amoebic lesions or prolonged amoebic infections of the enteric lumen. All attempts to induce encystation were unsuccessful; the amoeba had lost its encystment potential, and this was believed to be intimately related to the irreversible loss of virulence.
New Oral Anticoagulants Should Not Be Used as First-Line Agents to Prevent Thromboembolism in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

When Karl Paul Link, in 1939, isolated the substance derived from spoiled sweet clover that was the causative agent of hemorrhagic disease of cattle,1 it is unlikely that he would have imagined that the vitamin K antagonists (VKA) would be around 70 years later and would be used to prevent arterial and venous thromboembolism in 1% to 2% of the world population of developed countries. The longevity of a drug, even one with as many perceived drawbacks as warfarin, the primary vitamin K antagonist, says something about this agent. How many drugs can be listed as consistently reducing by two thirds the incidence of a devastating consequence of a pathological cardiac rhythm? Yet, great fanfare has attended the introduction of the new oral anticoagulants as agents to replace warfarin. Entire pages of The New York Times are devoted to direct-to-consumer advertisements, multiple satellite symposia are conducted at professional meetings, and frequent reviews appear in medical journals singing their praises. But just how good are these agents, and should they be used as first-line therapy for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF)? Let us briefly examine the data. Response by Granger and Armaganijanon p 170 Dabigatran etexilate, an oral direct thrombin inhibitor, when dosed at 150 mg twice daily in the Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulant Therapy (RE-LY) trial, produced a significant reduction in stroke or systemic embolism compared with warfarin in selected patients with nonvalvular AF (1.11% versus 1.69%; relative risk, 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53–0.82; P <0.001 for superiority) with a similar incidence of major bleeding (3.11% versus 3.36%; relative risk, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.81–1.07; P =0.31).2 The efficacy of a lower dose of dabigatran etexilate (110 mg twice daily) proved to be noninferior to warfarin (1.53% versus 1.69%; relative risk, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.74–1.11; P …
Stimulus control of acquired fear and instrumental behavior

Rats fear-conditioned in distinctive start-boxes and allowed to escape to safe-boxes with opposite cues do not learn to hurdle jump, without shock, on subsequent days when the cues are reversed but do learn when the cues are reinstated. Other groups that, without shock, learn with the start-box cues the same, do not perform on subsequent days, when cues are reversed.
Demography of birds in a neotropical forest: Effects of allometry, taxonomy, and ecology

Comparative demographic studies of terrestrial vertebrates have included few samples of species from tropical forests. We analyzed 9 yr of mark-recapture data and estimated demographic parameters for 25 species of birds inhabiting lowland forests in central Panama. These species were all songbirds (Order Passeriformes) ranging in mass from 7 to 57 g. Using Jolly-Seber stochastic models for open populations, we estimated annual survival rate, population size, and recruitment between sampling periods for each species. We then explored relationships between these parameters and attributes such as body size, phylogenetic affiliation, foraging guild, and social behavior. Larger birds had comparatively long life-spans and low recruitment, but body size was not associated with population size. After adjusting for effects of body size, we found no association between phylogenetic affiliation and any demographic trait. Ecological attributes, especially foraging guild, were more clearly associated with interspecific variation in all demographic traits. Ant-followers had comparatively long life-spans, but species that participate in flocks did not live longer than solitary species. The allometric associations we observed were con- sistent with those demonstrated in other studies of vertebrates; thus, these relationships appear to be robust. Our finding that ecological factors were more influential than phylo- genetic affiliation contrasts with comparative studies of temperate-zone birds and suggests that the relative importance of environmental vs. historical factors varies geographically.
Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic malignancies.

Abstract Objective. The purpose of our study was to detail our 5-year experience with laparoscopic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic malignancies. Methods. From 11/5/92 to 3/9/98, we performed laparoscopic lymphadenectomies on 94 patients with various gynecologic malignancies. Pelvic, paraaortic, and combinations of both pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomies were performed depending on the primary site of disease and indication for lymph node dissection. Data were prospectively collected on all patients. Results. From 11/5/92 to 3/9/98 we performed 94 laparoscopic lymphadenectomies for gynecologic malignancies. The distribution included 64 patients with cervical cancer, 14 with ovarian cancer, 12 with endometrial cancer, 2 with fallopian tube cancer, 1 with a uterine malignant mixed mesodermal tumor, and 1 with a metastatic neuroendocrine tumor. Fifty-five patients had only pelvic lymph node dissections, 9 patients had paraaortic dissections only, and 30 had both pelvic and paraaortic dissections performed. Among 30 patients having laparoscopic lymphadenectomy only, the mean hospital stay was 3.6 days. Included in this group were 19 patients who received postoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy for cervical cancer as inpatients prior to ambulatory radiation therapy. The mean length of stay for this group was 4.6 days versus 1.7 days for the 11 patients who did not receive postoperative chemotherapy ( P = 0.0025). The mean number of pelvic nodes was 11.9 (range 0–57), with a mean of 4.5 between 11/5/92 and 12/31/95 and a mean of 19.1 from 1/1/96 to 3/9/98. The mean number of paraaortic nodes obtained was 3.7 (range 0–14), with a mean of 3.4 from 11/5/92 to 12/31/95 and a mean of 4.1 from 1/1/96 to 3/9/98. A total of 3 patients required conversions to laparotomy. One was for a vascular injury to the vena cava, 1 for a large tumor extending to both sidewalls, and the third for removal of densely matted lymph nodes. Conclusions. Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy is a technically feasible procedure for patients with gynecologic malignancies requiring lymph node dissections, with an acceptable safety profile and nodal yield. The number of nodes obtained increased in direct proportion to operator experience. In addition, patients may benefit from a decrease in hospital stay compared to conventional lymphadenectomy via laparotomy.
Biphasic role of TGF‐β1 in signal transduction and crosstalk

TGF-beta1 induces cell cycle activation in mouse embryonic fibroblasts by down regulation of p27(Kip1) but it can also induce delay of EGF-induced cell cycle activation in these cells under similar conditions. In an attempt to determine the basis for these responses, the study of early TGF-beta1-induced signal transduction pathways in the presence and absence of EGF was undertaken. It is proposed that a likely target for the inhibition by TGF-beta1 of the early EGF-induced p42/p44 MAPK is at the c-Raf locus. The finding that the catalytic subunits of PKA are associated with Raf-1 within minutes following application of TGF-beta1 but not EGF in fibroblasts arrested in early G1 is suggestive of a role of PKA-Raf-1 interaction in TGF-beta1 induced delay of EGF-induced cell cycle kinetics. A model for TGF-beta1 induced translocation to the plasma membrane-associated Raf-1 is proposed. Reports that Rho-like GTPase activity is critical for the activation of TGF-beta1 downstream pathways raises the question as to whether Rho proteins are involved in these observed TGF-beta1-induced responses. Post-receptor signaling mechanisms for TGF-beta1 and cross-talk with PKA-mediated pathways are examined in an effort to explain the modulation by TGF-beta1 of mitogen-induced cell proliferation in mesenchymal cells.