cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Return of Historical Fiction

Recently, historical fiction has begun to dominate major children's book awards. This article describes the values of using high-quality historical fiction in the classroom and presents different ways to respond to this genre including using modern technology. Two tables, one of picture books and one of novels, with paired nonfiction texts, are provided as a teacher resource. تلخيص البحث: لقد بدأ الأدب التاريخي الخيالي يسيطر على الجوائز الرئيسية لكتب للأطفال مؤخرا. لذا تصف هذه المقالة قيم استخدام الأدب التاريخي الواقعي ذات الجودة العالية في الصف وتقدم طرقا مختلفة لتعالج هذا الجنس من الأدب بما فيها استخدام النقنية الحديثة. وقد تم تقديم جدولين واحد منهما كتب مصورة والآخر روايات مع نصوص واقعية كمورد للمعلمين. 历史小说最近开始在主要获奖儿童书籍中脱颖而出。本文介绍在课堂教学中使用高质历史小说的价值，并提供不同方法对这种体裁作回应，包括使用现代科技方法。作者提供了两个表：一表列出图画书，另一表则列出小说书，两表均配以非小说的文本，作为教师的教学资源。 Depuis peu, la fiction historique a commence a prendre le dessus lors des principaux prix attribues aux livres pour enfants. Cet article indique les avantages qu'il y a a utiliser en classe une fiction historique de grande qualite et presente differentes facons de faire face a ce genre, y compris en utilisant la technologie moderne. L'article comporte deux tableaux en tant ressource pour les maitres, l'un pour les livres d'images et l'autre pour les romans, avec des textes apparies autres que des textes de fiction. В последнее время среди лауреатов премий по детской литературе лидирует историческая беллетристика. В статье описано, насколько важно и полезно использовать высококачественную историческую беллетристику на уроках. Читатель познакомится с различными способами учебной работы с литературой такого жанра, в том числе, с применением компьютерных технологий. В качестве ресурса для учителей предлагаются одна книга с иллюстрациями и один роман, причем в пару к каждому из этих текстов подобран соответствующий нехудожественный текст. Recientemente, libros de ficcion historica para ninos han ganado muchos de los premios que se otorgan. Este articulo describe la utilidad de la ficcion historica de alta calidad al salon de clase y presenta diferentes modos de usar este genero, incluyendo usando la tecnologia moderna. Dos tablas, una de libros dibujados y otra de novelas—ambas emparejadas con textos que no son de ficcion—se proporcionan para servirles de recursos a los maestros.
Ground state of a system of interacting bosons

The difficulty encountered in the use of field theory methods for a system of bosons is discussed. For the case of weakly interacting bosons this difficulty was resolved by Bogoliubov. By extending his argument it is shown that to all orders the condensed phase may be eliminated and replaced by an extennal field of frequency mu , where mu is the chemical potential. (M.C.G.)
Orientation of transcription for the galactose operon as determined by hybridization of gal mRNA with the separated DNA strands of coliphage λdg

Two fractions corresponding to the separated complementary DNA strands, W(= l ) and C(= r ), were obtained by CsCl density-gradient centrifugation of a complex between poly (I,G) or poly (U,G) and denatured DNA isolated from a defective coliphage, λdg D-J , containing the entire galactose ( gal ) operon, which includes genes e (epimerase), t (transferase) and k (kinase). These W and C fractions were immobilized on nitrocellulose filters and hybridized with 3 H-pulse-labelled RNA's isolated from non-lysogenic cells of Escherichia coli HfrH gal + . In a two-step hybridization procedure less than 0·003% of this [ 3 H]RNA hybridizes with λ cb 2 DNA, which does not contain gal genes. [ 3 H]RNA from non-induced E. coli HfrH gal + hybridizes only slightly better with strand W (0·035%) than with strand C (0·03%) of λdg D-J DNA containing the entire gal operon. Upon induction of the gal genes with d -fucose, the transcription from the C strand remains unchanged (0·03%), whereas it increases fivefold for strand W (0·17%). These data indicate that the gal operon is transcribed from strand W, which has a lower affinity for poly (U,G) than strand C and which codes also the products of gene c 1 (λ repressor) and the a ′-to- N region, as previously shown by Taylor, Hradecna & Szybalski (1967). Hybridization between gal -specific [ 3 H]RNA and DNA of several λdg mutants carrying the incomplete gal operons has revealed a correlation between the percentage of [ 3 H]RNA hybridizable with the W strand and the size of the gal fragment included in any particular λdg DNA.
Spiral Growth without Dislocations: Molecular Beam Epitaxy of the Topological Insulator Bi 2 Se 3 on Epitaxial Graphene/SiC(0001)

We report a new mechanism that does not require the formation of interfacial dislocations to mediate spiral growth during molecular beam epitaxy of ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$. Based on in situ scanning tunneling microscopy observations, we find that ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$ growth on epitaxial graphene/SiC(0001) initiates with two-dimensional (2D) nucleation, and that the spiral growth ensues with the pinning of the 2D growth fronts at jagged steps of the substrate or at domain boundaries created during the coalescence of the 2D islands. Winding of the as-created growth fronts around these pinning centers leads to spirals. The mechanism can be broadly applied to the growth of other van der Waals materials on weakly interacting substrates. We further confirm, using scanning tunneling spectroscopy, that the one-dimensional helical mode of a line defect is not supported in strong topological insulators such as ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$.
The Effect of Esophageal Mechanical and Chemical Stimuli on Salivary Mucin Secretion in Healthy Individuals

ABSTRACT Because of a newly developed model of esophageal perfusion in humans, the authors could study the role of esophago-Salivary reflex in salivary neutral and acidic mucin output. The basal rate of neutral mucin output was 0.24 ± 0.06 mg per minute. Placement of intraesophageal tubing and inflation of balloons resulted in a highly significant increase in salivary mucin output (2.10 ± 0.22 mg per minute; p
GROUP B STREP (GBS) COLONIZATION ASSOCIATED WITH IN TRAUTERINE PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS(IPT)

GBS colonization in a newborn nursery increased from 1-3/100 in period A(4/4-6/26/76) to 5/100 in period B(6/27-7/24) to 8 to 9/100 in period C(7/25-10/16). The rate the previous year was 1.4/100. On 10/11 cultures of fluid in the domes of 2 of 4 IPT yielded GBS. When IPT are inserted, the intrauterine contents are contiguous with the transducer dome via a column of fluid. The maternal ends, which were routinely detached from the dome and autoclaved between use, were sterile. Routine sterilization of transducer domes after maternal use began 10/12 and infant colonization declined to <2/100 in the subsequent 4 week interval. Infant colonization in relation to maternal monitoring for periods B & C were analyzed. 111/393 (28.2%) mothers were exposed to IPT and 282 (61.8%) were not. GBS colonization of infants delivered to non-IPT monitored mothers did not differ for periods B & C. By period C use of IPT increased. In period C 13/87 infants born to IPT monitored mothers and 12/201 infants born to non-IPT monitored mothers harbored GBS (.01<P<.02). For infants born to IPT monitored mothers in period C rates of colonization (13/87) were significantly greater than in period B (0/24) (p<.0003). Contaminated IPT used during labor were a nosocomial source of GBS and may contribute to the prevalence of GBS. This experience provides another example of the infectious hazards of pressure transducers if sterilization of the external but biologically contiguous diaphragmatic component does not occur.
A Radio Propagation Model for Wireless Underground Sensor Networks

An accurate and simple radio propagation model for underground low-power devices such as wireless sensor nodes is introduced and its performance is evaluated by real wireless sensor nodes. The proposed model describes underground radio signal propagation that is proportional to $e^{-2\alpha\rho}/\rho^2$ where $\rho$ represents the distance and $\alpha$ represents the attenuation constant reflecting the soil properties. To evaluate the proposed underground radio propagation model, experiments measuring the radio signal strength with underground sensor nodes were conducted in various sub-surface conditions. Comparing the theoretical estimations of the underground radio propagation and the measured data, the theoretical model fits the measured data well within a 3.45dBm deviation or with an accuracy of 96.33\% on average.
Image Theory and Career Aspirations: Indirect and Interactive Effects of Status-Related Variables.

Abstract The present study applied Image Theory (Beach, 1990) to test how different components of a person's value image (i.e., perceived social status identity and conformity to masculine and feminine gender role norms) interact to influence trajectories toward high career aspirations (i.e., high value for status in one's work and aspirations for advancement and achievement in one's career). Results from 224 undergraduate students demonstrated that value for status in work mediated the relationship between perceived social status and career aspirations. Conformity to feminine, but not masculine, gender role norms moderated the relationship between perceived status and value for status in work. Conformity to feminine norms also moderated the indirect relationship between perceived status and aspirations via value for status in work, yielding a pattern of moderated mediation.
Clinical application of coronary sinus retroperfusion during high risk percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Abstract Objectives. This study was designed to determine the efficacy of synchronized coronary sinus retroperfusion of arterial blood in reducing myocardial ischemia associated with the performance of high risk coronary angioplasty. Background. Previous animal and clinical work has demonstrated the efficacy of this technique in supporting ischemic myocardium. Methods. Twenty-one patients were randomized to alternately receive coronary sinus retroperfusion support during either the second or the third coronary angioplasty balloon inflation, after an initial unsupported brief control inflation. Myocardial ischemia was assessed by the extent of echocardiographic left ventricular wall motion abnormality, quantified ST segment deviation and hemodynamic and anginal variables during balloon inflations performed with and without coronary sinus retroperfusion support. Regional wall motion score was defined as hyperkinesia (−1), normokinesia (0), hypokinesia (+1), akinesia (+2) and dyskinesia (+3). Results. A reduction in the echocardiographic left anterior descending regional wall motion score in retroperfusion-supported (1.7 ± 2.1) versus unsupported (2.7 ± 1.6) inflations (p Conclusions. A reduction in ischemia as defined by wall motion abnormality during retroperfusion-supported compared with unsupported angioplasty balloon inflations was documented. No additional ST segment deviation occurred during retroperfusion-supported compared with unsupported balloon inflations despite a significantly longer duration of supported inflations. No difference in hemodynamic or anginal variables was noted.
Effect of digitalis treatment on survival after acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract To determine whether treatment with digitalis is associated with decreased survival after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), data from 504 patients who were enrolled in a postinfarction natural history study were analyzed. At the time of discharge, 229 patients (45%) were taking digitalis. After 3 years of follow-up, the cumulative survival rate for patients discharged on a regimen of digitalis was 66%, compared with 87% for those not treated (p Serum digoxin concentration was measured in 83% of the patients who took digitalis. Survival was inversely and significantly related to serum digoxin, i.e., the higher the serum digoxin concentration, the lower the long-term survival rate. After adjusting for atrial fibrillation and left ventricular failure, serum digoxin was not significantly related to survival. Taken together with the results of 3 other large, nonrandomized studies of digitalis treatment after AMI, this study suggests that digitalis treatment may have adverse effects on survival during follow-up. Until this question is definitively answered by controlled, randomized clinical studies, clinicians should ask themselves, in each case, whether treatment is really needed for left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction and, if so, which treatment has the best risk-benefit ratio.
Problem Behavior Theory and Adolescent Alcohol Use

The prevalence of adolescent alcohol use has prompted interest in identifying the factors associated with its use. A comprehensive theory that provides a framework for understanding alcohol use is Jessor and Jessor's Problem Behavior Theory (PBT). We adopted PBT in a study of alcohol use among 226 Catholic high school students. PBT explained 38% of the variation in quantity-frequency of alcohol use and 31% of the variation in problem drinking. The three major systems (personality, perceived environment, behavioral) of the theory were about equally predictive of alcohol use.
Mechanism of action and effectiveness of ester thiols as thermal stabilizers for poly(vinyl chloride)

Organic thiols containing at least one carboxylate ester group (ester thiols) are excellent thermal stabilizers for both rigid and plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). Their mechanism of action is shown to involve the deactivation of unstable structural defects by nucleophilic chloride displacement, the retardation and removal of coloration through thiol additions to polyene double bonds, and the prevention of autoacceleration during thermal dehydrochlorination through polyene shortening reactions and the scavenging of free radicals formed from polyenes and HCl. An unusually facile displacement of labile chloride that is favored by thiol acidity can account, at least in part, for the relatively high effectiveness of dipentaerythritol hexakis(mercaptoacetate) as a stabilizer. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 13:170–175, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comment on the paper: On the design of practicable numerical experiments to investigate stratospheric temperature change, by S. Hare et al. (2005)

If stratospheric temperature trends are to be understood, coupled chemistry climate models will need to be run. Simulations with fixed ozone trends might provide a misleading indication of future temperature trends. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society
Internet political discussions in the Arab world: A look at online forums from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan

This content analysis examines postings on four Internet political discussion forums based in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt. The study of Arabic-language sites concludes that the discussions cover a variety of topics and offer vibrant and complex conversations on political issues in the Arab world. Unlike in the US and European countries, the study found that social issues were not a big part of political debate in the Arab world. The study also found that discussions had varied political agendas influenced by many variables including geography, culture, history, demographics, major news events and political and economic structures. It indicated that the often one-dimensional portrayal of the Arab world in the western media is simplistic and frequently inaccurate.
Inhibition of human folylpolyglutamate synthetase by diastereomeric phosphinic acid mimics of the tetrahedral intermediate

Abstract Phosphorus-containing pseudopeptides, racemic at the C-terminal α-carbon, are potent mechanism-based inhibitors of folylpolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS). They are mimics of the tetrahedral intermediate postulated to form during FPGS-catalyzed biosynthesis of poly(γ- l -glutamates). In the present paper, the FPGS inhibitory activity of each diastereomer coupled to three heterocycles is reported. The high Rf pseudopeptide containing the 5,10-dideazatetrahydropteroyl (DDAH4Pte) heterocycle is most potent (Kis = 1.7 nM). While the heterocyclic portion affects absolute FPGS inhibitory potency, the high Rf species is more potent in each pair containing the same heterocycle. This species presumably has the same stereochemistry as the natural folate polyglutamate, i.e., ( l -Glu-γ- l -Glu). Unexpectedly, the low Rf (presumed l -Glu-γ- d -Glu) species are only slightly less potent ( l -Glu-γ- l -Glu and l -Glu-γ- d -Glu dipeptide-containing FPGS substrates shows that d -Glu precursors by l -Glu may give misleading information if l -Glu-γ- l -Glu substrates have low Km values.
Agricultural Seating Issues of Farmers and Ranchers with Spinal Cord Injuries: A Pilot Study Using Pressure Mapping on Seating Surface Interfaces to Determine High Risk Areas for Pressure

Farmers and ranchers with spinal cord injuries (SCI) often return to operating agricultural machinery with the assistance of assistive technologies such as powered lifts and hand controls, however,...
Early Experience with the Corvita Endoluminal Graft for Treatment of Arterial Injuries

The aim of this study was to evaluate our early experience with the Corvita endoluminal graft for the treatment of a variety of arterial injuries. Ten patients with arterial pseudoaneurysms (8) or arteriovenous fistulas (2) due to arterial injuries were followed prospectively after undergoing treatment with the endovascular graft. Our results showed that the Corvita low-profile endoluminal graft can be successfully used to treat arterial injuries but that it sometimes requires the placement of additional stents in patients with tortuous or tapering vessels. These grafts are extremely useful for the safe treatment of difficult and high-risk patients. Further improvements in available endovascular grafts and good long-term results will be necessary before considering these grafts the best treatment available for most patients with significant arterial injuries.
Deriving Response Matrices from Central American Modern Pollen Rain

Modern pollen samples collected from 80 locations and representing a wide array of mature habitats in Panama and Costa Rica provide analogs to assist in the interpretation of fossil pollen records. Pollen spectra accurately reflect changes in actual forest types. Upslope transport of pollen of anemophilous species is evident in the sparsely vegetated montane samples. However, the corresponding downslope transport of these prolific pollen producers is masked by local pollen production. Mean pollen representation across gradients of mean annual temperature (MAT; 4°C increments) and mean annual precipitation (MAP; 500 mm increments) for 17 pollen types are presented as response matrices. Although preliminary in nature, these response matrices present a clearer image of pollen representation than can be obtained by considering gradients of MAT or MAP alone.
Time-out as a punishment for stuttering.

The effects of making time-out from positive reinforcement (TO) contingent upon stuttering were studied in four adult stutterers. The theoretical basis of the study revolved around the notion that ...
Cholesterol esterification and cholesteryl ester accumulation in cultured pigeon and monkey arterial smooth muscle cells.

Abstract Aortic smooth muscle cells from atherosclerosis-susceptible White Carneau and resistant Show Racer pigeons were grown in culture utilizing conditions identical to those developed for the culture of rhesus monkey arterial smooth muscle cells and skin fibroblasts. Pigeon smooth muscle cells had ultrastructural and growth characteriscis similar to mammalian smooth muscle cells in culture including growth in multiple overlapping layers, numerous pinocytic vesicles, and abundant myofilaments. Cells were incubated for 24 to 72 hr with culture medium containing either lipoprotein deficient serum, fetal calf serum, normocholesterolemic pigeon serum or hypercholesterolemic pigeon serum, and differences in cholesterol content and in the rate of cholesterol esterification were studied. Although there was substantial variability in the absolute cholesterol content among different cell lines, cells of the same type behaved similarly in their response to the various test sera. Generally, the higher the cholesterol content of the culture medium the greater the cholesterol content of the cells. There were, however, considerable differences in the magnitude and pattern of response among the different cell types. Incubation with 10% hypercholesterolemic serum resulted in an increase of similar magnitude in the free cholesterol content of all cell lines. This was not true, however, for the accumulation of cholesteryl esters. Incubation with 10% hypercholesterolemic serum produced a marked increase in the cholesteryl ester content of monkey skin fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells while producing only a slight increase in the cholesteryl ester content of pigeon smooth muscle cells unless very high concentrations of hypercholesterolemic serum were used. Monkey skin fibroblasts were the most responsive to cholesteryl ester accumulation with a greater than 28-fold increase in cholesteryl ester content occurring when incubated with hypercholesterolemic serum. Incubation for 24 hr with hypercholesterolemic serum stimulated cholesterol esterification 4 to 8-fold in monkey cells in a manner that paralleled the time course of accumulation of cholesteryl esters, while no stimulation in cholesterol esterification occurred in pigeon cells, consistent with their lack of ability to accumulate large amounts of cholesteryl esters. No differences in the response to either normal or hypercholesterolemic serum were seen between smooth muscle cells from atherosclerosis-susceptible White Carneau and resistant Show Racer pigeons. There were, however, major differences between pigeon and monkey cells. Although results indicate that the mechanism of accumulation of cholesteryl esters by pigeon smooth muscle cells may be different than for mammalian cells, no differences were seen in any of the parameters measured that might help to explain the difference in susceptibility to atherosclerosis of the two breeds of pigeons.
Controlling Design Complexity with the Monterey Phoenix Approach

As system designs grow ever more complex, our ability to assimilate, process, and then make equally complex decisions is challenged to keep pace. Intricate relationships within each system, among interoperating systems, and between each system and the external elements of its environment are themselves challenged by the sheer number of moving pieces. The actual number of permutations of configurations and possible behaviors for our systems now far exceeds that which a human is capable of predicting without automated assistance. This paper demonstrates how the Monterey Phoenix (MP) approach can be used to decompose a complex problem into smaller, more manageable models. When taken separately (using human cognition), these models are easier to read and write, and when taken together (using automation), they increase awareness of the possible behaviors that are latent in a design, so that many more use cases can be exposed. Additionally, this paper utilizes a commercial flight scenario to provide an example of how a manually crafted, moderately complex activity model can be restructured into smaller, separate models that are simpler to work with, and that expose additional behavior in simulation, which is not present in the original activity model. © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of scientific committee of Missouri University of Science and Technology. ////////
Process drift control in lithographic printing: issues and a connectionist expert system approach

Abstract Offset lithographic printing is the most widely used commercial printing process. The goal of the process is to attain the desired level of print quality and to maintain this level consistently for all subsequent prints. The role of the press operator is crucial in maintaining the print consistency, as this requires an understanding of the effects of the on-line adjustments made to the process on the outcoming prints. This research suggests the use of connectionist networks to dynamically capture the relationships between the process variables, and therefore, provide the knowledge base of an expert system with updated knowledge that is difficult to articulate and may vary throughout the lifetime of the machine. The properties of fault tolerance and generalization from noisy and/or incomplete data inherent to connectionist networks makes them practical for direct learning from actual process data.
Synaptic boutons in the hippocampus: changes are produced by age and experience.

Erstmaliger morphometrischer Nachweis bei 2 Gruppen reifer, altersunterschiedlicher Ratten, dass die Zahl der Synapsen im Hippocampus mit dem Alter zunimmt, wobei die effektive Steigerungsrate auch mit Umwelteinflussen zusammenhangen konnte.
Recurrent Thrombophlebitis and Pulmonary Emboli in Congenital Factor 5 Deficiency

A case of congenital coagulation factor 5 deficiency is reported. Despite this defect in blood coagulation, this patient had frequent episodes of thrombophlebitis which were associated with pulmonary emboli on two occasions. Heparinization caused no hemorrhagic complications.
State-space analysis as an aid to testing

Non-determinism makes testing concurrent software difficult. We consider how pre-run-time state-space analysis can be used to aid in testing implementations of concurrent software. State-space analysis techniques have the advantage in principle of exploring all possible execution histories, but they do not verify all properties of interest and in practice they may not accurately model program execution. Combining state-space analysis with testing can partially overcome the weaknesses of each. Using the state-space model in a test oracle is the simpler part: techniques based on classical automata theory are suitable for this. Covering all important non-deterministic executions is harder. We propose a pragmatic method for detecting unexecuted paths that are certainly executable and possibly important.
Sexual Identity Conflict in Children and Adults

of free speech, open communication of feelings is more of a problem and rarer than in the highly structured and managed Communist country she visited. Encouraging and fostering in all, or at least in most, children the ability truly to communicate feelings would in itself be a major preventive effort American child psychiatry could make. However, such efforts would tend effectively to defuse the habitual wars between racial and other groups in this country, a result that is unlikely to be popular with the American power structure and with our own profession. What to this reviewer is the main stimulus from Rollins' fascinating book is that we, like she, might become more sensitized to the fact that the scientific theories and hypotheses we develop are mere reflections of the culture and political system in our countries. While giving lip service to our having developed our science for the benefit of children, the facts strongly suggest that the true underlying motivation is to preserve the political and economic status quo.
Effects of white noise on Callsign Acquisition Test and Modified Rhyme Test scores.

The Callsign Acquisition Test (CAT) is a speech intelligibility test developed by the US Army Research Laboratory. The test has been used to evaluate speech transmission through various communication systems but has not been yet sufficiently standardised and validated. The aim of this study was to compare CAT and Modified Rhyme Test (MRT) performance in the presence of white noise across a range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). A group of 16 normal-hearing listeners participated in the study. The speech items were presented at 65 dB(A) in the background of white noise at SNRs of −18, −15, −12, −9 and −6 dB. The results showed a strong positive association (75.14%) between the two tests, but significant differences between the CAT and MRT absolute scores in the range of investigated SNRs. Based on the data, a function to predict CAT scores based on existing MRT scores and vice versa was formulated. Statement of Relevance:This work compares performance data of a common speech intelligibility test (MRT) wit...
Correlates of HAART adherence among immigrant Latinos in the Southeastern United States.

Abstract We explored the relationships between sociocultural and psychological constructs and adherence to antiretroviral therapy among predominantly Spanish-speaking immigrant Latinos in the southeastern United States. A cross-sectional clinic-based sample of immigrant Latino men and women participated in an interviewer-administered assessment. Self-reported prevalence of adherence was assessed along with demographic characteristics, acculturation, physician trust, social support, and theory of planned behavior (TPB) constructs: attitude, subjective norm (SN), and perceived behavioral control (PBC). A total of 66 respondents met inclusion criteria. Average age was 38 years old, 74% of respondents were male, 71% heterosexual, and 86% reported being from Mexico or Central America. Prevalence of “complete” adherence (i.e., not missing a single dose) in the past 30 days was 71%. Social support was significantly and inversely associated with adherence, PBC, and attitude. Positive correlates of adherence inclu...
Conflict of Interest in Neuroradiology

A conflict of interest occurs when an outside interest influences professional decisions regarding patient care, education, or research. It is important to recognize conflicts of interest and to report significant financial interests to the appropriate institutional official. When a significant financial interest conflicts with human subjects research, the investigator is typically prohibited from participating in the research. If the conflict does not affect human subjects research, in some instances a conflict of interest management plan can be developed that allows continued participation in the research.
Genetics of disease Web alert

A selection of World Wide Web sites relevant to papers published in this issue of Current Opinion in Genetics and Development .
The fen-phen finale: a study of weight loss and valvular heart disease.

Objective: To assess weight loss, as well as the prevalence of valvular heart disease, in 21 obese women who completed 2 years of treatment by fenfluramine and phentermine (fen-phen) in June 1997. Research Methods and Procedures: Patients were 21 of 22 women who had completed a 1-year, open-label trial of fen-phen combined with lifestyle modification. This study describes the results of a second year of treatment. The presence of valvular heart disease, defined as aortic regurgitation of mild or greater severity and/or mitral regurgitation of moderate or greater severity, was assessed using two-dimensional, color Doppler and pulsed- and continuouswave Doppler examinations. Results: At 2 years, the 21 patients had a mean reduction in initial weight of 13.9 ±10.1%, which was significantly (p<<0.001) smaller than their 1-year loss of 17.1 ±8.7%. Nine of 21 patients reported that they took fen-phen irregularly during the last 4 months of the study because of fears of developing health complications. These nine patients had a 2-year weight loss of 8.7 ± 7.5%, compared with a significantly (p<0.04) larger loss of 17.6 ± 10.5% for participants who reported taking medication regularly. Six of 20 (30%) patients met criteria for valvular heart disease. None of the six had signs or symptoms of this condition. Discussion: Fenfluramine was withdrawn from the market on September 15, 1997 because of concerns that it was associated with valvular heart disease. The present findings are discussed in terms of the potentially favorable long-term benefits of combining lifestyle modification with weight loss medications that are both safe and effective.
Some fundamental issues in rate theory of damage-elastoplasticity

Abstract The paper elaborates on some fundamental constitutive issues in the rate theory of damage-elastoplasticity. The analysis combines the constitutive theories of elastoplastic and progressively damaged solids. After defining needed kinematic and kinetic preliminaries, the anisotropic elastic response is analyzed by introducing a set of damage tensors which represent material degradation and induced elastic anisotropy. Decomposition of the rate of stress and deformation tensors into their elastic and inelastic parts is then defined in a manner analogous to the corresponding decomposition used in large-deformation elastoplasdcity theory. The procedure is further developed to partition the inelastic stress and strain rates into the damage and plastic parts, which takes into account the physics of these deformation processes. The energy dissipation rate is derived and the thermodynamic forces conjugate to elastic stiffness and compliance tensors are identified, based on a thermodynamic analysis of isothermal deformation process. The damage potentials for the corresponding fluxes are introduced and the constitutive expressions for the damage stress and strain rates are established. The concept of a damage surface is used to define the onset and evolution of damage. A constitutive analysis for inelastic stress and strain rates is then presented. The inelastic potential function and the yield surface are introduced. A dual formulation is constructed in both the stress and strain spaces. The two limiting cases, one involving plasticity without damage, and the other involving damage without plasticity, are deduced from the developed and more general constitutive framework of damage-elastoplasticity.
A NAÏVE BAYES CLASSIFIER FOR WEB DOCUMENT SUMMARIES CREATED BY USING WORD SIMILARITY AND SIGNIFICANT FACTORS

Text classification categorizes web documents in large collections into predefined classes based on their contents. Unfortunately, the classification process can be time-consuming and users are still required to spend considerable amount of time scanning through the classified web documents to identify the ones with contents that satisfy their information needs. In solving this problem, we first introduce CorSum, an extractive single-document summarization approach, which is simple and effective in performing the summarization task, since it only relies on word similarity to generate high-quality summaries. We further enhance CorSum by considering the significance factor of sentences in documents, in addition to using word-correlation factors, for document summarization. We denote the enhanced approach CorSum-SF and use the summaries generated by CorSum-SF to train a Multinomial Naive Bayes classifier for categorizing web document summaries into predefined classes. Experimental results on the DUC-2002 and 20 Newsgroups datasets show that CorSum-SF outperforms other extractive summarization methods, and classification time (accuracy, respectively) is significantly reduced (compatible, respectively) using CorSum-SF generated summaries compared with using the entire documents. More importantly, browsing summaries, instead of entire documents, which are assigned to predefined categories, facilitates the information search process on the Web.
Skinner on cognition

One of the most controversial, if not the most controversial, aspect of behaviorism is its claims (actual and putative) concerning cognition. Part of this controversy is caused by egregious exegetical errors on the part of Skinner's critics. Critics can then easily “refute” behaviorism by attributing these problematic claims to Skinner. This paper attempts to faithfully describe Skinner's claims regarding cognition. Skinner advances several arguments regarding the role of cognitions in human behavior and in the science of human behavior. We suggest that there are two distinct kinds of claims in this web: 1) claims regarding the proper relation between science and cognitions and 2) claims regarding the status of cognitions as natural events. Due to the multiplicity and interdependence of many of these arguments, it is best to view Skinner's position on cognition as consisting of a web of interdependent claims.
Analysis of pressure generation and bolus transit during pharyngeal swallowing

Current pharyngeal deglutition theory has stressed the role of the pharyngeal constrictors as producing a peristaltic wave responsible for bolus propulsion through the pharynx. This thesis presents data obtained using manofluorography which supports the significance of tongue and laryngeal motion in swallowing. The usage of the term peristalsis to describe the constrictor contraction is challenged. The results of this quantitative study of swallowing in normal subjects, laryngectomized patients, and patients with restricted tongue motion show that tongue driving pressure and the negative pressure developed in the pharyngeal esophageal segment appear more important than the peristaltic-like pressure of the constrictors. Bolus transit is really dependent upon these two pressures. This model for analysis has clinical significance because it permits quantification of the pharyngeal swallowing mechanism.
Community-based tenure reform in urban Africa: The community land trust experiment in Voi, Kenya

Abstract The continued growth of informal settlements constitutes one of the greatest urban development problems affecting African cities. Projects intended to upgrade these settlements have not been highly successful. In Kenya, project beneficiaries receiving land under individual titles sell or lose their land rights. This transfer of property is seen as stimulating informal settlement construction and growth. This paper reviews the use of a community-based land tenure form in an upgrading project in Voi, Kenya. The paper presents the rationale for using community tenure and discusses whether the upgrading approach/tenure form provides a replicable model for informal settlement upgrading.
Homologous Binding Sites in Yeast Isocitrate Dehydrogenase for Cofactor (NAD+) and Allosteric Activator (AMP)

Yeast NAD+-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) is an allosterically regulated octameric enzyme composed of two types of homologous subunits designated IDH1 and IDH2. Based on sequence comparisons and structural models, both subunits are predicted to have adenine nucleotide binding sites. This was tested by alanine replacement of residues in putative sites in each subunit. Targets included adjacent aspartate/isoleucine residues implicated as important for determining cofactor specificity in related dehydrogenases and a residue in each IDH subunit in a position occupied by histidine in other cofactor binding sites. The primary kinetic effects of D286A/I287A and of H281A replacements in IDH2 were found to be a dramatic reduction in apparent affinity of the holoenzyme for NAD+ and a concomitant reduction inVmax. Ligand binding assays also showed that the H281A mutant enzyme fails to bind NAD+ under conditions that are saturating for the wild-type enzyme. In contrast, the primary effect of corresponding D279A/D280A and of R274A replacements in IDH1 is a reduction in holoenzyme binding of AMP, with concomitant alterations in kinetic and isocitrate binding properties normally associated with activation by this allosteric effector. These results suggest that the nucleotide cofactor binding site is primarily contributed by the IDH2 subunit, whereas the homologous nucleotide binding site in IDH1 has evolved for regulatory binding of AMP. These results are consistent with previous studies demonstrating that the catalytic isocitrate binding sites are comprised of residues primarily contributed by IDH2, whereas sites for regulatory binding of isocitrate are contributed by analogous residues of IDH1. In this study, we also demonstrate that a prerequisite for holoenzyme binding of NAD+ is binding of isocitrate/Mg2+ at the IDH2 catalytic site. This is comparable to the dependence of AMP binding upon binding of isocitrate at the IDH1 regulatory site.
African Science, African and African-American Scientists and the School Science Curriculum.

The need for multicultural science education for all students is discussed in this paper. The nature of science in Africa is compared to traditional Western science and the pros and cons of each are examined, Contributions to scientific knowledge by Africans and African-Americans are then considered. Finally, suggestions are given on integrating the contributions of Africans and African-Americans into the science classroom and curriculum.
Imaging Epilepsy and Epileptic Seizures Using fMRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has had an extraordinary impact on the diagnosis and management of epilepsy. The routine use of high-field MRI in clinical epilepsy has also encouraged interest in the potential for functional MRI (fMRI) to image the abnormal brain function that underlies epilepsy. Here, we give a brief overview of epilepsy and the current state of fMRI for the difficult problem of imaging epilepsy and epileptic seizures.
Ethanolamine Accumulation by Photoreceptor Cells of the Rabbit Retina

The rabbit retina accumulates ethanolamine by an overall process that has a high affinity for ethanolamine. This process is different from the choline uptake, since ethanolamine accumulation was unaffected by high choline concentrations. Autoradiography identified the major site of high-affinity uptake as the perinuclear region of the photoreceptor cells. Ethanolamine accumulated by the high-affinity uptake was not used for neurotransmission by photoreceptor cells but was used to synthesize phosphatidylethanolamine. However, only a small percentage of the accumulated ethanolamine was converted into phospholipid. The rate of phosphorylation may contribute to control of phospholipid synthesis, since choline kinase activity is much greater than ethanolamine kinase activity in the rabbit retina.
Assessing the Impact of Communication Costs on International Trade

Recent research suggests that trade costs have a strong influence on the pattern of specialization and trade, but there is limited empirical research on the determinants of trade costs. The existing literature identifies a range of barriers that separate nations, but then typically focuses only on transport costs. Although communication costs figure prominently in intuitive explanations and casual observations, they have played little role in the formal analysis of trade costs. Fink, Mattoo, and Neagu seek to examine whether this neglect matters, and whether the inclusion of the magnitude and variation of communication costs across partner countries can add value to existing explanations of the pattern of trade. The authors develop a simple multi-sector model of "impeded" trade that generates testable hypotheses in a gravity-type estimation framework. The main proxies for bilateral communication costs are the per-minute country-to-country calling prices charged in the importing and exporting countries. The use of bilateral variations in prices yields estimates that are superior to the ones obtained from country-specific measures of communication infrastructure used in previous studies. The authors find that international variations in communication costs indeed have a significant influence on bilateral trade flowsboth at the aggregate level and for most individual sectors disaggregated according to the 2-digit SITC classification. Since information and communication needs are likely to be much greater for differentiated goods, the authors test whether trade in these products is more sensitive to variations in the costs of communication. Using the Rauch classification of product heterogeneity, the estimates suggest that the impact of communication costs on trade in differentiated products is as much as one-third larger than on trade in homogenous products. Finally, the authors verify, to the extent possible, that the significance of communication costs is not driven by their endogeneity or by omitted variables. This paper - a product of Trade, Development Research Group - is part of a larger effort in the group to assess the implications of liberalizing trade in services.
Complement component C3 is not required for full expression of immune complex glomerulonephritis in MRL/lpr mice.

Complement activation and tissue deposition of complement fragments occur during disease progression in lupus nephritis. Genetic deficiency of some complement components (e.g., Factor B) and infusion of complement inhibitors (e.g., Crry, anti-C5 Ab) protect against inflammatory renal disease. Paradoxically, genetic deficiencies of early components of the classical complement pathway (e.g., C1q, C4, and C2) are associated with an increased incidence of lupus in humans and lupus-like disease in murine knockout strains. Complement protein C3 is the converging point for activation of all three complement pathways and thus plays a critical role in biologic processes mediated by complement activation. To define the role of C3 in lupus nephritis, mice rendered C3 deficient by targeted deletion were backcrossed for eight generations to MRL/lpr mice, a mouse strain that spontaneously develops lupus-like disease. We derived homozygous knockout (C3(-/-)), heterozygous (C3(+/-)), and C3 wild-type (C3(+/+)) MRL/lpr mice. Serum levels of autoantibodies and circulating immune complexes were similar among the three groups. However, there was earlier and significantly greater albuminuria in the C3(-/-) mice compared with the other two groups. Glomerular IgG deposition was also significantly greater in the C3(-/-) mice than in the other two groups, although overall pathologic renal scores were similar. These results indicate that C3 and/or activation of C3 is not required for full expression of immune complex renal disease in MRL/lpr mice and may in fact play a beneficial role via clearance of immune complexes.
Core skin DC signatures control immune tolerance to skin cancer and limit anti-tumor immunity

Meeting abstracts Dendritic cells (DC) are gatekeepers of immunity, critical to both an initiate immune response upon infection and promote tolerance to self-antigens. We have just established that DC subsets in the skin that constitutively migrate into LNs can individually and collectively temper
Organotypic systems in drug metabolism and toxicity: challenges and opportunities.

Introduction: The frequent failure of high-throughput screening cell-based tools to accurately predict in vivo responses, coupled with limitations of animal models in predicting human safety or drug efficacy, impairs the de-risking process for biotechnology/pharmaceutical companies as they make important decisions to enter human clinical trials. Organotypic systems strive to fill the gap between these screening and in vivo studies and provide a solution. Areas covered: The authors examine the various approaches to recreate physiological response on the bench and trace the evolution of organotypic systems, while discussing intrinsic challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Furthermore, they cite literature that is the foundation of several biotechnology research companies addressing this issue and discuss major government-funded initiatives to aid the development of these systems in an effort to fill this existing gap. Expert opinion: Decisions from translational systems that bridge basic drug efficacy...
The Eurozone formation: MNC and international bank reactions

Introduction of the Euro has brought dramatic changes to the perceptions and realities of MNC finance. These changes vary considerably based on whether the multinational company has integrated its U.S. and European treasury operations or is U.S. dollar-centric in finance orientation. We conducted a survey to determine changes in U.S.-based MNC treasury practice resulting from the Eurozone formation. This article reports the results of this survey with regard to hedging activities, European banking arrangements, and Euro financial market sourcing. The effects on the two types of MNCs are compared. Implications for international banks are examined. Recent Eurozone bank merger developments are also reviewed, with special focus on M&A developments in both France and Germany. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.