cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Telehealth Behavioral Intervention for Diabetes Management in Adults With Physical Disabilities: Intervention Fidelity Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major health problem among people with physical disabilities. Health coaching has been proven to be an effective approach in terms of behavioral changes, patient self-efficacy, adherence to treatment, health service use, and health outcomes. Telehealth systems combined with health coaching have the potential to improve the quality of health care by increasing access to services. Treatment fidelity is particularly important for behavior change studies; however, fidelity protocols are inadequately administered and reported in the literature. Objective: The aim of this study is to outline all the intervention fidelity strategies and procedures of a telecoaching intervention—artificial intelligence for diabetes management (AI4DM)—which is a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a telehealth platform in adults with type 2 diabetes and permanent impaired mobility. AI4DM aims to create a web-based disability-inclusive diabetes self-management program. We selected the National Institutes of Health Behavior Change Consortium (NIH BCC) fidelity framework to describe strategies to ensure intervention fidelity in our research. Methods: We have developed fidelity strategies based on the five fidelity domains outlined by the NIH BCC—focusing on study design, provider training, treatment delivery, treatment receipt, and enactment of treatment skills. The design of the study is grounded in the social cognitive theory and is intended to ensure that both arms would receive the same amount of attention from the intervention. All providers will receive standardized training to deliver consistent health coaching to the participants. The intervention will be delivered through various controlling and monitoring strategies to reduce differences within and between treatment groups. The content and structure of the study are delivered to ensure comprehension and participation among individuals with low health literacy. By constantly reviewing and monitoring participant progress and protocol adherence, we intend to ensure that participants use cognitive and behavioral skills in real-world settings to engage in health behavior. Results: Enrollment for AI4DM will begin in October 2021 and end in October 2022. The results of this study will be reported in late 2022. Conclusions: Developing and using fidelity protocols in behavior change studies is essential to ensure the internal and external validity of interventions. This study incorporates NIH BCC recommendations into an artificial intelligence embedded telecoaching platform for diabetes management designed for people with physical disabilities. The developed fidelity protocol can provide guidance for other researchers conducting telehealth interventions within behavioral health settings to present more consistent and reproducible research. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04927377; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04927377.
Interpersonal Problems as Mediator Between Parental Rearing Styles and Internalizing-Externalizing Problems in Adolescents

The mental health of youth is considered a big challenge in recent years for mental health professionals. Adolescents are known to have an increased prevalence of internalizing-externalizing problems that lead to adverse social, academic, and personal outcomes. This research is investigating the role of interpersonal problems as the mediator in the association of parental warmth and rejection with internalizing-externalizing problems in 732 adolescents (girls = 49%, boys = 51%) recruited through multistage sampling technique. Measures included Egna Minnen Betraffande Uppostran for Children (EMBU-C) (Saleem, Mahmood, & Subhan, 2015), the Youth version of the Child Behavior Checklist (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001), and the Interpersonal Difficulties Scale (Zahra & Saleem, 2020). Correlation analysis confirmed the significant association among parental warmth, parental rejection, internalizing-externalizing problems, and interpersonal problems. Findings of mediation analysis revealed that parental warmth and parental rejection have effects on internalizing-externalizing problems via interpersonal problems. Implications are discussed in terms of the counseling of adolescents.
ITERATED BROWNIAN MOTION AND ITS INTRINSIC SKELETAL STRUCTURE

This is an overview of some recent results on the stochastic analysis of iterated Brownian motion. In particular, we make explicit an intrinsic skeletal structure for the iterated Brownian motion which can be thought of as the analogue of the strong Markov property. As a particular application, we derive a change of variables (i.e., Ito’s) formula for iterated Brownian motion.
In praise of a cumulative prevention science.

Durlak and Wells (1997) provide a pivotal appraisal of prevention research on children and adolescents. Their meta-analytic approach has the advantages of reducing scientific misjudgments based on single studies, and providing a more balanced evaluation of impact of various interventions; it provides an opportunity for hypothesis finding, helps set methodological standards, allows assessment of working classifications in the field, and an evaluation of the maturity of the prevention field itself. New developmental tasks for the field include incorporating and pursuing the leads produced by these findings, conducting similar research syntheses with other populations and outcomes, and using the results as an impetus to increased operational precision and parsimony.
The Fiduciary Character of Agency and the Interpretation of Instructions

This chapter in a forthcoming book justifies the conventional characterization of common-law agency as a fiduciary relationship. An agent serves as the principal's representative in dealings with third parties and facts about the world, situating the agent as an extension of the principal for legally-salient purposes. A principal's power to furnish instructions to the agent is the fundamental mechanism through which the principal exercises control over the agent, a requisite for an agency relationship. The agent's fiduciary duty to the principal provides a benchmark for the agent's interpretation of those instructions. The chapter draws on philosophical literature on the identity of the self over time to address related characteristics of agency doctrine, including the agent's duty to interpret instructions and statements of authority in light of the principal's present wishes as the agent reasonably understands them as well as the principal's ongoing power to revoke the agent's authority even when the revocation constitutes a breach of contract.
From Whitehall to Brussels: Thatcher, Delors and the Europeanization of the TUC

The British Trades Union Congress (TUC) reversed its position on European integration between 1983 and 1988. Formerly one of the most anti-European Community (EC) union organizations in Europe, since 1988 the TUC has become one of the most vocal supporters. Existing accounts of this transformation have downplayed the impact of the changing political opportunity structure facing the TUC in the 1980s, despite the fact that British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and EC Commission President Jacques Delors both undertook significant initiatives that affected workplace regulation, collective bargaining, and unions’ access to policy-making. In response, this article provides a political analysis of the TUC's European reorientation. It focuses on the specific ways that Thatcher and Delors together reconfigured the political environment in which the TUC operated in the 1980s and concludes with a discussion of how the TUC responded to these changes by reorganizing its activities after 1988 to incorporate a new ro...
Systemic mitomycin C versus cisplatin: comparison of antitumor activity in primary murine bladder cancer

Abstract The FANFT-induced bladder cancer murine model was used to evaluate the effect of DDP and MMC on the incidence and size of subsequent tumors. MMC was at least equally effective as DDP in inhibiting tumor growth in this model. There was no apparent synergistic effect when the two agents were combined although toxicity was increased. Further clinical trials with systemic MMC for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial transitional cell carcinoma appear to be indicated.
Vitamin D3-25-hydroxylase: Tissue occurrence and apparent lack of regulation

Vitamin D 3 -25-hydroxylase is the initial enzyme which participates in the pathway of conversion of vitamin D 3 to its hormonal form, 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D 3 . This enzyme was discovered by Horsting and DeLuca ( Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 36 , 251–256 (1969)) and has been reported to occur only in liver and to be controlled via feedback inhibition by the product sterol. Our studies, measuring the conversion of vitamin D 3 to 25-hydroxy-vitamin D 3 by chick tissue homogenates, indicate that significant amounts of enzyme exist in kidney and intestine as well as liver. Since the kidney is the unique site of the 25-hydroxy-vitamin D 3 -1-hydroxylase enzyme, renal homogenates are capable of complete conversion of vitamin D 3 to its 1,25-dihydroxylated form. Further investigation of the vitamin D 3 -25-hydroxylase of chick liver homogenates demonstrates that it catalyzes 25-hydroxylation at a slow rate and is not strongly inhibited in the presence of excess product. The enzyme also appears to be unaffected by the vitamin D-status of the chick. Complementary experiments showing the strict control of the 25-hydroxy-vitamin D 3 -1-hydroxylase enzyme by the vitamin D and calcium status of chicks suggest that the regulation of production of the hormonal form of vitamin D resides almost totally at the level of the kidney 25-hydroxy-vitamin D 3 -1-hydroxylase.
Screening Tactics for Identifying Competitive Soybean Genotypes

Weed control is the biggest obstacle for farmers transitioning to organic soybean production. The breeding of competitive cultivars may provide organic soybean producers with another weed-management tactic. Soybean breeders need screening protocols to identify competitive genotypes. In 2007 and 2008, we tested two screening tactics to nondestructively estimate canopy coverage during the critical period for weed competition. Overhead photography at 3 and 5 weeks after emergence and light interception measurements at 4 and 6 weeks after emergence were compared in their ability to predict soybean and weed biomass at the end of the critical period for weed competition. Photographic digital image processing techniques were compared. Overhead photography at 5 weeks after emergence was most effective at predicting weed-free soybean biomass but overhead photography at 3 weeks after emergence was best able to predict weed biomass associated with soybean genotypes at the end of the critical period for weed competition.
Strategies for Counseling Midcareer Changers: A Conceptual Framework

The authors describe a model designed to help counselors facilitate the midcareer change process. Problems of typical midcareer changers are portrayed using case studies. Intervention strategies are presented in a framework that includes emotional adaptation and cognitive decision making.
Pirbuterol: a new oral sympathomimetic amine for the treatment of congestive heart failure.

Fourteen patients with refractory congestive heart failure (CHF) were given a single oral dose ranging from 5 to 30 mg of the new sympathomimetic drug pirbuterol. Hemodynamic measurements and plasma pirbuterol levels were obtained at control and then serially for 6 hours following drug administration. The optimal pirbuterol dose range was determined to be 20 to 30 mg. Ten patients received 20 to 30 mg pirbuterol. In this group cardiac index was significantly increased (1.9 to 2.6 L/min/m2, p less than 0.001). Pulmonary artery wedge pressures fell significantly (24 to 20 mm Hg, p less than 0.02). Decreases were also noted in mean pulmonary artery pressure (36 to 31 mm Hg, p less than 0.02), aortic diastolic pressure (71 to 65 mm Hg, p less than 0.05), systemic vascular resistance (1782 to 1201 dynes. sec. cm-5, p less than 0.001), and pulmonary vascular resistance (265 to 175 dynes.sec.cm-5, less than 0.001). Systolic and mean aortic pressure and heart rate showed no significant change from control. Hemodynamic effects persisted for 5 hours. Pirbuterol was clinically well tolerated. The mechanism of action is unclear at this time, but both inotropic and vasodilator effects are possible. Pirbuterol orally has a marked and prolonged salutary hemodynamic effect and offers promise in CHF treatment.
Sex differences in behavioral outcome following neonatal hypoxia ischemia: Insights from a clinical meta-analysis and a rodent model of induced hypoxic ischemic brain injury

Hypoxia ischemia (HI; reduced oxygen and/or blood flow to the brain) is one of the most common injuries among preterm infants and term infants with birth complications. Both populations show cognitive/behavioral deficits, including impairments in sensory, learning/memory, and attention domains. Clinical data suggests a sex difference in HI outcomes, with males exhibiting more severe cognitive/behavioral deficits relative to matched females. Our laboratory has also reported more severe behavioral deficits among male rats with induced HI relative to females with comparable injury (Hill et al., 2011a,b). The current study initially examined published clinical studies from the past 20years where long-term IQ outcome scores for matched groups of male and female premature infants were reported separately (IQ being the most common outcome measure). A meta-analysis revealed a female "advantage," as indicated by significantly better scores on performance and full scale IQ (but not verbal IQ) for premature females. We then utilized a rodent model of neonatal HI injury to assess sham and postnatal day 7 (P7) HI male and female rats on a battery of behavioral tasks. Results showed expected deficits in HI male rats, but also showed task-dependent sex differences, with HI males having significantly larger deficits than HI females on some tasks but equivalent deficits on other tasks. In contrast to behavioral results, post mortem neuropathology associated with HI was comparable across sex. These findings suggest: 1) neonatal female "protection" in some behavioral domains, as indexed by superior outcome following early injury relative to males; and 2) female protection may entail sex-specific plasticity or compensation, rather than a reduction in gross neuropathology. Further exploration of the mechanisms underlying this sex effect could aid in neuroprotection efforts for at-risk neonates in general, and males in particular. Moreover, our current report of comparable anatomical damage coupled with differences in cognitive outcomes (by sex) provides a framework for future studies to examine neural mechanisms underlying sex differences in cognition and behavior in general.
Crescent artifacts in cone-beam CT.

Purpose: In image-guided radiation therapy, cone-beam CT has been adopted for three-dimensional target localization in the treatment room. In many of these cone-beam CTimages, dark and light crescent artifacts can be seen. This study investigates potential causes of this artifact and a technique for mitigating the crescents. Methods: Three deviations from an ideal geometry were simulated to assess their ability to cause crescent artifacts: Bowtie filter sag, x-ray tube sag, and x-ray tube rotation. The magnitudes of these deviations were estimated by matching shifts in simulated projections to those observed with clinical systems. To correct the artifacts, angle-dependent blank projections were acquired and incorporated into image reconstruction. The degree of artifact reduction was evaluated with varying numbers (1–380) of blank projections. Scanner-acquired phantom and patient studies were conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed correction method. Results: All three investigated causes of the crescent artifact introduced similar mismodeling of the acquired projections and similar crescent artifacts. The deviations required for these artifacts were in the range of 0.5–5 mm or 0.1°. RMS error is reduced from 8.91 × 10 − 4 to 5.25 × 10 − 7 for 1–380 blank projections over a 200° scan angle. In the patient and phantom studies, reconstructions that utilized 380 blank projections largely mitigated the crescent artifacts. Conclusions: Small deviations from an ideal geometry can result in crescent artifacts due to steep gradients in the bowtie filter. Angle-dependent blank projections can largely alleviate the artifacts.
Random geometrical models for porous media and other two-phase materials

The construction of two-phase geometrical models using the theory of random set is described in detail. Models are calibrated by measuring the distribution of linear intercepts through each of the phases in the physical texture. The relationship between the linear-intercept distributions of the two phases and the two-point correlation function of the two-phase texture is derived. The boolean model is applied to the description of gas diffusion in porous solids and to the characterization of the texture of a two-phase mineralogical solid.
Rat brain L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine and L-5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase activities: differential effect of 6-hydroxydopamine.

Abstract Intracisternal 6-hydroxydopamine in rats pretreated with pargyline causes a marked decrease in levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine decarboxylase in upper and lower brain stem regions 7 days post-treatment. Fifteen days after treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine, similar changes are noted in cortical areas as well. This loss of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine decarboxylase activity does not temporally coincide with morphologic degeneration of nerve endings or catecholamine depletion in the various regions. 5-Hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase activity, determined on the same regional tissue, did not decrease, and even increased significantly in hypothalamus, cerebellum, and lateral medulla-pons. The disparate loss in 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine decarboxylase activity without corresponding loss in 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase activity suggests that the two decarboxylase activities in brain tissue are catalyzed by separate, distinct proteins.
An oxygen and hydrogen isotope study of a granodiorite pluton from the Southern California batholith

Abstract The core-zone of the Domenigoni Valley granodiorite pluton (about 9 sq. mi., 30% of the area of the pluton) has a uniform whole-rock δO 18 = +7.24 ± 0.11. This is interpreted to be the approximate δO 18 of the original granodiorite magma; it is abnormally depleted in O 18 relative to the major granodiorites and quartz monzonites of the Southern California batholith. Both the O 18 O 18 data and the field relations thus suggest that the pluton is more closely related to the major tonalites and gabbros of the batholith. This hornblende-biotite granodiorite body was forcibly intruded into metasedimentary rocks composed largely of muscovite-biotite phyllites and schists ( δO 18 = +18 to +20) and minor meta-arkose ( δO 18 = + 13 to +15). Strong oxygen isotopic interaction took place between the low-O 18 granodiorite and the high-O 18 metasedimentary rocks, with the border zone (outer 650 ft, 8% of the pluton) being enriched in O 18 by about 1.3 per mil and the intermediate zone (approximately 60% of the pluton) by about 0.4 per mil. Much stronger isotopic interaction effects are observed in a small granodiorite plug and in several dikes that are offshoots from the main pluton. The hydrogen isotopic ratios of biotite are very uniform throughout the granodiorite (δD = −65 to −74) and are identical to that of biotite from the metasedimentary rocks (δD = −71). These isotope effects are not accompanied by any significant chemical and mineralogical effects and thus cannot be explained by assimilation of the country rocks. They must in large part be brought about by exchange between the granodiorite and the surrounding metasedimentary rocks, probably by means of upward and inward migration of high-O 18 aqueous fluids through the marginal zones of the pluton. Locally, sub-solidus exchange occurred at temperatures as low as 550°–600°C, based on the quartz-biotite O 18 O 16 geothermometer. Good correlations exist between the isotopic data and petrographic evidence for recrystallization in the granodiorite.
The ancient inhabitants of Jebel Moya Redux: Measures of Population Affinity based on dental morphology

This paper reexamines some of the methods and craniometric findings in the classic volume The Ancient Inhabitants of Jebel Moya (Sudan) (1955) by Mukherjee, Rao & Trevor, in light of recent archaeological data and relative to a new dental morphological study. Archaeological evidence characterises these inhabitants as having been heavily influenced by outside sources; yet they managed to establish and maintain their own distinctive culture as seen in the site features and surviving artefact collections. The dental study, modelled after the original craniometric-based investigation and using the same or similar comparative samples, detected complementary indications of outside biological influence. In the study, up to 36 dental traits were recorded in a total of 19 African samples. The most influential traits in driving inter-sample variation were then identified, and phenetic affinities were calculated using the Mahalanobis D2 statistic for non-metric traits. If phenetic similarity provides an estimate of genetic relatedness, these affinities, like the original craniometric findings, suggest that the Jebel Moyans exhibited a mosaic of features that are reminiscent of, yet distinct from, both sub-Saharan and North African peoples. Together, these different lines of evidence correspond to portray the Jebel Moya populace as a uniform, although distinct, biocultural amalgam. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sexual Activity and Chronic Heart Failure

Little has been published about sexual function in chronic heart failure (CHF) and knowledge among clinicians in this regard is sparse. To review data regarding sexual function and dysfunction in patients with CHF, 2 of the authors (S.A.M. and P.A.U.) independently conducted a literature search using the MEDLINE database. English-language articles and cited bibliographies published between January 1996 and November 2006 were reviewed. Search terms included heart failure or CHF or ventricular dysfunction or heart disease in conjunction with sexual activity, erectile dysfunction, impotence, or sex. Articles were selected for inclusion if they had a primary focus on CHF and sexual function or dysfunction. Critical reviews of the literature, observational studies using self-reported patient surveys, and prospective, blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trials were included. Articles were not excluded on the basis of patient sample size but were excluded if the article concerned a broad aspect of cardiovascular disease rather than CHF. When properly screened and treated, most patients with CHF can safely engage in sexual activity and be treated for erectile dysfunction with sildenafil, provided that they do not have active ischemia and do not require treatment with nitrates. Clinicians should know the physiological requirements of sexual activity and the impact CHF has on sexual performance. Fear of a cardiac event during intercourse can interfere with patients' ability to perform and enjoy sex, and so it is important that the physician be able to counsel patients with CHF about sexual activity.
Nationwide Inpatient Sample: Have Antireflux Procedures Undergone Regionalization?

Introduction: With improved outcomes demonstrated at high volume centers, many complex surgical procedures have migrated to large, specialized hospitals. The purpose of this study is to examine the extent of regionalization and outcomes in anti-reflux surgery. Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data were analyzed from 1998-99 (T1) and 200809 (T2) for all antireflux operations in patients with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms using ICD-9-CM codes. Hospitals were stratified into high-, mid-, and low-volume centers (HVC, MVC, LVC) based on annual antireflux surgery volume. Complications and outcomes were also compared. Socio-demographic factors were examined as effectors of surgery location. Results: A total of 11804 cases were performed in T1 and 8856 in T2. In T1, 41.0% of procedures were performed in a HVC vs 35.4% in T2. LVC rates increased with time: 20.53% vs. 26.87% (p<0.0001). Rural hospitals had decreased surgical volume (19.10% vs. 10.33%, p<0.0001), while all urban hospitals increased volumes: teaching (48.23% vs. 51.03%, p<0.0001) and non-teaching (32.67% vs. 38.64%, p<0.0001). Using multivariate regression, the following were predictors of surgery at a LVC in T1: non-caucasian race (OR 1.42, p<0.0001), emergent admission (OR 2.24, p<0.0001), living in a zip code with low median income (OR 1.52 lowest vs. highest, p=0.0039), increasing age (p=0.0002), and increasing concurrent diagnosis number (p=0.0029). In T2, emergent admission (OR 1.34, p=0.038), low median income (OR 1.69 highest vs lowest, p<0.0001), and number of concurrent diagnoses (p=0.034) were independent predictors of antireflux surgery at a LVC. In T2, mean LOS at a LVC was 4.0 days vs 3.3days at a HVC (p<0.0001), but this was not significant in multivariate analysis. Total charges were lower at a LVC ($38000 vs $41000, p=0.0032) in multivariate analysis. Complication rates increased at all centers with time, but were twice as common in LVCs (6.39% vs. 3.16% at HVCs, p<0.0001) in T2. Controlling for confounding variables, complications remained more likely in LVCs (T1: OR 1.71, p<0.0001, T2: OR 1.49, p<0.0001). In hospital mortality decreased in all centers with time and did not differ significantly in either era. Patients at all centers have increased their mean number of concurrent diagnoses over time(3.92 vs 6.70, p<0.0001). Conclusion: Despite improved results at HVCs, LVCs have increased their percentage of antireflux operations over time. The urban non-teaching hospitals have experienced the largest gains in caseload. Overall complication rates have increased with time, possibly due to noted increased incidence of comorbidities in the patients seeking antireflux surgery. After controlling for confounding variables, complications remain more likely in LVCs. Regionalization has not occurred over time, but may improve outcomes if supported.
Generic entry, reformulations and promotion of SSRIs in the US.

Background Previous research has shown that a manufacturer’s promotional strategy for a brand name drug is typically affected by generic entry. However, little is known about how newer strategies to extend patent life, including product reformulation introduction or obtaining approval to market for additional clinical indications, influence promotion.
Technology for quiet optical systems in space

The Micro-Precision Control/Structure Interaction (CSI) program at JPL is chartered to develop the structures and control technology needed for sub-micron level stabilization of future optical space systems. The extreme dimensional stability required for such systems derives from the need to maintain the alignment and figure of critical optical elements to a small fraction (typically 1/20th to 1/50th) of the wavelength of detected radiation (about 0.5 micron for visible light, 0.1 micron for ultra-violet light). This (lambda) /50 requirement is common to a broad class of optical systems including filled aperture telescopes (with monolithic or segmented primary mirrors), sparse aperture telescopes, and optical interferometers. The challenge for CSI arises when such systems become large, with spatially distributed optical elements mounted on lightweight, flexible structure. This paper will present an overview of the approach that is being taken by JPL's CSI program to address this challenge. In particular the paper will discuss the application of CSI technology to a specific example of a future large optical space mission. Experimental demonstration of the technology on ground-based testbeds will also be presented.
Theory and Practice in Educational Administration

We school administrators, like “practical” men everywhere, claim to have little use for theory. In this we delude ourselves, for we all theorize. The real distinction lies not between theory and practice, but between good theory and bad theory. Good theory is a hypothesis which has undergone verification and which has potential for explaining and predicting events, and for the production of new knowledge. The development of theory, with its constant demand for semantic accuracy and simplicity, is essential as a guide to research, and as a guide to action (e.g. in administration) where it should be regarded as a relational map rather than as an itinerary. The work of Halpin, Guba and Getzels, for example, illustrates that no theory is likely to be the theory. The development of a science of administration is dependent upon such theories. The alchemist described his observations in a half‐mythical language full of metaphors and allegories, not In scientific concepts. Today we appear to live only in an age of educational alchemy.
Two-stream instabilities in degenerate quantum plasmas

Abstract The quantum effects on the plasma two-stream instability are studied by the dielectric function approach. The analysis suggests that the instability condition in a degenerate dense plasma deviates from the classical theory when the electron drift velocity is comparable to the Fermi velocity. Specifically, for a high wave vector comparable to the Fermi wave vector, a degenerate quantum plasma has larger regime of instability than predicted by the classical theory. A regime is identified, where there are unstable plasma waves with frequency 1.5 times of a normal Langmuir wave.
Effects of biochemical modulation of drug combinations directed at the ribonucleotide reductase site on leukemia L1210 cell growth in culture

Ribonucleotide reductase from tumor cells consists of two non-identical components which can be specifically and independently inhibited. Combinations of agents directed at the individual components gave synergistic inhibition of L1210 cell growth in culture. Utilizing hydroxyurea and deoxyadenosine or IMPY and deoxyadenosine as the parent combinations, modulators were used to potentiate the effects of each of these drugs. EHNA was used to prevent the deamination of deoxyadenosine while Desferal was utilized to increase the effects of hydroxyurea and IMPY. Combinations consisting of deoxyadenosine/EHNA plus IMPY/Desferal and deoxy adenosine/EHNA plus hydroxyurea/Desferal gave synergistic inhibition of L1210 cell growth. Utilizing these combination chemotherapies, the concentrations of each of the agents could be kept to minimal, essentially non-inhibitory levels and yet still achieve complete inhibition of L1210 cell growth with the specifically generated four-drug combinations.
Stopped-Flow Kinetics of Methyl Group Transfer between the Corrinoid-Iron-Sulfur Protein and Acetyl-Coenzyme A Synthase from Clostridium thermoaceticum.

Kinetics of methyl group transfer between the Ni-Fe-S-containing acetyl-CoA synthase (ACS) and the corrinoid protein (CoFeSP) from Clostridium thermoaceticum were investigated using the stopped-flow method at 390 nm. Rates of the reaction CH(3)-Co(3+)FeSP + ACS(red) Co(1+)FeSP + CH(3)-ACS(ox) in both forward and reverse directions were determined using various protein and reductant concentrations. Ti(3+)citrate, dithionite, and CO were used to reductively activate ACS (forming ACS(red)). The simplest mechanism that adequately fit the data involved formation of a [CH(3)-Co(3+)FeSP]:[ACS(red)] complex, methyl group transfer (forming [Co(1+)FeSP]:[CH(3)-ACS(ox)]), product dissociation (forming Co(1+)FeSP + CH(3)-ACS(ox)), and CO binding yielding a nonproductive enzyme state (ACS(red) + CO ACS(red)-CO). Best-fit rate constants were obtained. CO inhibited methyl group transfer by binding ACS(red) in accordance with K(D) = 180 +/- 90 microM. Fits were unimproved when >1 CO was assumed to bind. Ti(3+)citrate and dithionite inhibited the reverse methyl group transfer reaction, probably by reducing the D-site of CH(3)-ACS(ox). This redox site is oxidized by 2e(-) when the methyl cation is transferred from CH(3)-Co(3+)FeSP to ACS(red), and is reduced during the reverse reaction. Best-fit K(D) values for pre- and post-methyl-transfer complexes were 0.12 +/- 0.06 and 0.3 +/- 0.2 microM, respectively. Intracomplex methyl group transfer was reversible with K(eq) = 2.3 +/- 0.9 (k(f)/k(r) = 6.9 s(-1)/3.0 s(-1)). The nucleophilicity of the [Ni(2+)D(red)] unit appears comparable to that of Co(1+) cobalamins. Reduction of the D-site may cause the Ni(2+) of the A-cluster to behave like the Ni of an organometallic Ni(0) complex.
Dual topographic representation of neostriatum in the globus pallidus of rats.

Abstract Two spatially separate strio-pallidal axonal arborizations were demonstrated autoradiographically. One was restricted to an approximately 100 µm thick strio-pallidal border zone of pallidal neuropil and displayed a 2-dimensional topographical relationship with neostriatum. The second exhibited a 3-dimensional neostriatal representation throughout the remainder of the pallidal neuropil. Comparison to the axonal branching pattern of single strio-pallidal neurons suggests that these represent the two pallidal collateral arborizations made by axons of spiny neostriatal neurons.
Chronic ethanol alters the receptor binding characteristics of the delta opioid receptor ligand, DAla2DLeu5 enkephalin in mouse brain

Abstract The binding characteristics of the delta opioid receptor ligand, 3 HDAla 2 DLeu 5 enkephalin, were markedly altered in brains obtained from mice fed an ethanol-containing diet for five days. Control mice exhibited both a high and low affinity site for 3 HDAla 2 DLeu 5 enkephalin, whereas those consuming the ethanol diet were found to possess only one binding site. This singular site has an intermediate K D value with an increase in receptor number when compared to the high and low affinity sites observed in control mice. The in vitro addition of ethanol to a brain membrane preparation obtained from untreated mice, at a concentration equivalent to that found in the blood of the ethanol-treated mice, did not markedly affect DAla 2 DLeu 5 enkephalin binding characteristics. No alteration in the binding characteristics of 3 H-naloxone, a mu receptor ligand, was noted following five days of ethanol consumption. Mice maintained on the ethanol-containing diet were tolerant to the activity-stimulating effects of acute ethanol administration. These results suggest that mice consuming an ethanol diet in sufficient quantities to render them tolerant exhibit a specific loss of a 3 HDAla 2 DLeu 5 enkephalin binding site, while the binding of 3 H-naloxone was unchanged.
Pharmacokinetic pilot study of the antiangiogenic activity of standardized platycodi radix.

Introduction Platycodi radix is a radish used in food, such as Korean kimchi, and has been shown to cause weight loss in rodents. Platycodin D is considered its active ingredient and has been shown to inhibit lipases. The authors hypothesized that platycodi radix and the platycodin D it contains inhibit angiogenesis; another mechanism for weight loss.
Amide Hydrogen Exchange Determined by Mass Spectrometry: Application to Rabbit Muscle Aldolase†

The protein fragmentation/mass spectrometry method described by Zhang and Smith [(1993) Protein Sci. 2, 522−531] has been extended to measure amide hydrogen exchange rates in rabbit muscle aldolase, a homotetramer with Mr = 157 000. Following a period of deuterium exchange, the partially deuterated protein was proteolytically fragmented into peptides whose deuterium contents were determined by directly coupled HPLC fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. Hydrogen exchange rates were determined for amide hydrogens located in short segments derived from 85% of the aldolase backbone. Isotopic exchange rate constants spanning the range from 100 to 0.001 h-1 were determined for the exchange-in times used in this study (2.5 min to 44 h). The exchange rates for amide hydrogens located within short segments differed by as much as 104, demonstrating that local structural features dramatically affect the isotopic exchange rates in large proteins. A high level of correlation between the slowing of hydrogen exchange...
Optimal design of passive energy dissipation systems based on H∞ and H2 performances

Passive energy dissipation devices (EDDs), such as viscous dampers, viscoelastic dampers, etc., have been used to effectively reduce the dynamic response of civil infrastructures, such as buildings and bridges, subject to earthquakes and strong winds. The design of these passive energy dissipation devices (EDDs) involves the determination of the optimal locations and the corresponding capacities. In this paper, we present two optimal design methodologies for passive EDDs based on active control theories, including H∞ and H 2 performances, respectively. The optimal design methodologies presented are capable of determining the optimal locations and the corresponding capacities of EDDs. Emphasis is placed on the application of linear matrix inequality (LMI) for the effective design of passive EDDs using the popular MATLAB toolboxes. One important advantage of the proposed approaches is that the computation of the structural response is not needed in the design process. The proposed optimal design methodologies have been applied to: (i) a 10-storey building and a 24-storey building both subject to earthquake excitations, and (ii) a 76-storey wind-excited benchmark building, to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed design methodologies over the conventional equal capacity design.
Evaluation of Potassium Chloride as a Salt Substitute in Bread

Breads made with white flour and a mixture of wheat and white flours were commercially prepared using three different levels of NaCl and a 1:1 mixture of NaCl/KCl. The Na and K content was determined by flame photometry on the dry ash. The 0.75% NaCl and 1.0% KCl/NaCl treatments for both white and wheat breads were judged equally desirable. The Na:K ratios of the 0.75% NaCl and 1% NaCl/KCl white breads are 7.00 and 1.20 respectively. The Na:K ratios for the 0.75% NaCl and 1% NaCl/KCl wheat breads are 3.29 and 0.91 respectively. Breads containing 1.00% of a 1:1 mixture of NaCl and KCl are not significantly different in flavor than breads containing 0.75% NaCl but the KCl containing product has a much lower Na:K ratio.
Mastering Each New Direction (MEND): A Biopsychosocial Intervention for Pediatric Chronic Illness

It is estimated that 30% of all school-aged children suffer from some form of chronic illness (Pai & Ostendorf, 2011). Unfortunately, compared to the general population, children with chronic illne...
In vivo blood flow imaging by swept source-based Fourier domain optical Doppler tomography

A swept source based Fourier domain optical Doppler tomography (FDODT) system was developed. The technique is based on a phase resolved method where phase information was retrieved from the reconstructed complex fringe signals. The aliasing effects and artifacts caused by lateral scanning and sample movement were removed with a signal processing technique. The standard deviation of the phase shift of the system was reduced from 49 to 1.8 degree with the signal processing method employed. Structural and Doppler images of fluid flow through glass channels were quantified and blood flow through vessels of chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) were demonstrated in vivo.
POLARIZED FLUORESCENCE OF 5-METHYLCYTOSINE SPECIES IN SOLUTION AT ROOM TEMPERATURE

— Fluorescence yields (πf,'s) and polarizations (P) are measured for aqueous 5-methylcytosine (˜ 0.1 mM) at 20°C as a function of pH over the range 2–14. Both properties change abruptly and in parallel at pH's corresponding to the known pKa values. Polarizations were also obtained for the 5-methylcytosine cation, neutral and anion species in ethylene glycol water glass at ˜180K. The weak fluorescence of the neutral and cation species at 20°C was polarized almost as highly as at low temperature. When the fluorescence lifetimes are assumed to be correctly given by the product of calculated radiative lifetimes and quantum yields, the polarizations are found to be consistent with rotational diffusion rates ˜4 times faster than predicted from Stokes-Einstein models for the neutral and anion species. The cation seemed to rotate about two times more slowly than the neutral and anion species. It was also shown that the properties of the three species are such that a plot of 1/P vs apparent πf in the pH range 2–11 is fortuitously linear.
Conceptual performance of bistatic Doppler radar for vehicle speed determination

A monostatic Doppler radar can yield accurate vehicle speed measurements over a very limited angular extent. When applied to a multilane superhighway geometry, the area within which the vehicle must be confined for accurate measurement becomes quite small. A much larger area yielding accurate measurement can be achieved by designing the radar system for bistatic operation. In this geometry the transmitter and receiver are on opposite sides of the multilane highway and both transmitting and receiving antenna beams are oriented towards the vehicle. A radiation leakage link is required between transmitter and receiver to provide a reference frequency signal. Examples are given to show the conceptual advantage of a bistatic radar compared to a monostatic radar.
The evolution of the seven steps of selling

The traditional seven steps of selling is perhaps the oldest paradigm in the sales discipline. The seven steps model has served as a basic framework in sales training, personal selling textbooks, and teaching personal selling classes. Very little has changed in this framework since the turn of the 20th century. This article reviews the traditional seven steps of selling, examines transformative factors that have led to changes in each step, and presents an evolved seven steps process. While the traditional seven steps reflected a selling orientation on the part of a firm, the evolved selling process reflects more of a customer orientation in that the focus is on relationship selling—that is, securing, building, and maintaining long-term relationships with profitable customers.
Autosomal dominant cemental dysplasia

Abstract Autosomal dominant cemental dysplasia is the term chosen to describe what is considered to be a new entity affecting cementum and neighboring bone. The condition was present in ten members of the same family, segregating as an autosomal dominant trait. A review of the literature failed to demonstrate previously reported cases. The name was chosen because microscopic evidence and clinical location of the changes observed point to cementum as the affected tissue.
Leadership and the Ethics of Care

The job of a leader includes caring for others, or taking responsibility for them. All leaders face the challenge of how to be both ethical and effective in their work. This paper focuses on the requirement that leaders be present to care for their followers in times of crisis. It examines the story of Nero playing his fiddle while Rome burns. This is a tale that has been repeated in various forms by ancient historians and modern writers. The fact that the story gets repeated through the ages tells us about the kind of care that people expect from their leaders.
Secret Key Establishment Using Temporally and Spatially Correlated Wireless Channel Coefficients

When implementing data encryption and decryption in a symmetric cryptosystem, secure distribution of the secret key to legitimate nodes can be a challenge. In this paper, we consider establishing secret keys using the common wireless channel, with particular emphasis on the spatial and temporal correlations of the channel coefficients. Specifically, we investigate the influence of channel correlation on the bound of the key size generated from the common channel using a simple single-input single-output channel model, and we verify the existence of a sampling approach able to generate a key using the minimum possible sampling window. We also explore decorrelation of the channel coefficients in a multiple-input multiple-output channel, and we use a statistical independence test to demonstrate that this process cannot be separated into spatial and temporal decorrelation processes. The insights gained from these studies assist in the development of a practical key generation protocol based on a published channel coefficient quantization method and incorporating flexible quantization levels, transmission of the correlation eigenvector matrix, and LDPC coding to improve key agreement in an authenticated public channel. Finally, we present simulations with real channel measurements that solidify the fundamental conclusions.
Comparisons of the QED and relativistic parts of the triplet-state energies in the heliumlike sequence

We have made a careful comparison of all available high-precision data for the 1[ital s]2[ital s] [sup 3][ital S][sub 1--]1[ital s]2[ital p] [sup 3][ital P][sub 0,1,2] transition energies for all nuclear charges ranging from helium ([ital Z]=2) to uranium ([ital Z]=92). Systematic discrepancies appear between theory and experiment for the [ital J]=1[r arrow]0 transitions, but not for the [ital J]=1[r arrow]1 and [ital J]=1[r arrow]2 transitions. Analysis of laser-based high-resolution data ([ital Z]=2, 3, and 5), beam-foil spectroscopy data ([ital Z]=10--17), and hyperfine-quenched decay data ([ital Z][gt]27) suggests an additional contribution to the [sup 3][ital P][sub 0] energy equal to 2.3 ([ital Z]/10)[sup 4] cm[sup [minus]1].
A note on stress functions

Abstract Some general expressions for solenoidal stress fields are obtained from an application of the Stokes-Helmholtz decomposition as it relates to symmetric dyadics. Using these in conjunction with the Beltrami Michell equations, the known solutions of the equations of classical elasticity are deduced.
Reduction of magnetic resonance imaging-related heating in deep brain stimulation leads using a lead management device.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the ability of a lead management device to reduce magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-related heating of deep brain stimulation (DBS) leads and thereby to decrease the risks of exposing patients with these implants to MRI procedures. METHODS Experiments were performed using the Activa series (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN) DBS systems in an in vitro, gelled-saline head and torso phantom. Temperature change was recorded using fluoroptic thermometry during MRI performed using a transmit-and-receive radiofrequency body coil at 1.5 T and a transmit-and-receive radiofrequency head coil at 3 T. A cranial model placed in the phantom was used to test a custom-designed burr hole device that permitted the placement of small-diameter, concentric loops around the burr hole at the DBS lead as it exited the cranium. RESULTS A total of 41 scans were performed, with absolute temperature changes ranging from 0.8 to 10.3 degrees C. Depending on the MRI system tested and the side of the phantom on which the hardware was placed, loop placement resulted in reductions in temperature rise of 41 to 74%. The effect was linearly related to the number of loops formed (P < 0.01) over the range tested (0-2.75 loops). CONCLUSION Small, concentric loops placed around the burr hole seem to reduce MRI-related heating for these implants. Although the mechanism is still not fully understood, a device such as that used in the present study could permit a wider range of clinical scanning sequences to be used at 1.5 and 3 T in patients with DBS implants, in addition to increasing the margin of safety for the patient.
Talking our way into relational, collective wellbeing

When I moved from the UK to the US I went from being a systemic psychotherapist to a marriage and family therapist. This was challenging for me, as I was fully aware that marriage was a privilege n...