cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
¿PUEBLOS INDÍGENAS S. A.? LA CULTURA COMO POLÍTICA Y PROPIEDAD EN LA BIOPROSPECCIÓN FARMACÉUTICA

El debate reciente sobre las reclamaciones indigenas acerca de la propiedad intelectual y cultural revela una serie de estrategias de movilizacion indigena que, simultaneamente, toman de y se mueven en contra de la logica del mercado. A este respecto, son muy importantes varias estrategias indigenas usadas en las actividades de bioprospeccion actuales. Este articulo presenta datos de campo sobre un controvertido proyecto etnofarmaceutico entre los aguaruna peruanos, y un analisis comparativo sobre los resultados, prestando atencion a varios casos en y por fuera de Sudamerica. Plantea preguntas sobre las formas de legitimar la autoridad dentro del creciente movimiento indigena, el papel de las ONG, los investigadores, las burocracias y las corporaciones en este proceso, y los dilemas que surgen de la politizacion y privatizacion de la cultura e identidad indigenas.
Synaptic Competition during the Reformation of a Neuromuscular Map

We have been studying the mechanisms whereby pools of motor neurons establish a rostrocaudal bias in the position of their synapses in some skeletal muscles. The serratus anterior (SA) muscle of the rat displays a rostrocaudal topographic map before birth, and the topography is re-established after denervation. In this report, we explore the potential role of synaptic competition between innervating axons as a means of generating topographic specificity. We followed the progress of the reformation of this map in neonatal animals under conditions that enhanced the likelihood of observing synaptic competition. This was accomplished by forcing caudal axons to regenerate ahead of rostral axons onto a surgically reduced SA muscle. In this way, caudal (C7) motor neurons had unopposed access to vacated synaptic sites on the remaining rostral half of the SA before the return of the rostral (C6) axons. Intracellular recording revealed that 2 d after the second denervation, most of the reinnervated end plates contained only axons from the C7 branch; the remaining reinnervated end plates received input from C6 only or were multiply innervated by C6 and C7 axons. After 6 d, the pattern was reversed, with most end plates innervated exclusively by C6. After 17 d, axons from C6 were the sole input to reinnervated end plates. During the transition from C7- to C6-dominated input, at end plates coinnervated by C6 and C7 axons, the average quantal content from C6 was the same as that from C7; after 7 d, the quantal content of C6 was greater than that of C7. We have thus developed an experimental situation in which the outcome of synaptic competition is predictable and can be influenced by the positional labels associated with axons from different levels in the spinal cord.
Graphite furnace atomic emission spectrometry: computer simulations

Abstract The nature of the atomic emission signal from graphite furnace atomic emission (GFAES) systems is investigated using computer simulations of atomization and diffusive removal. The emission signals are not collisionally generated for noble gases; excited states are created by absorption of continuum radiation, presumably from the tube walls. The time between the absorbance peak maximum and the emission peak maximum is a function almost solely of the diffusion coefficient of the analyte for a known temperature ramp. Evidence for redeposition can be derived by simulating published absorbance-emission peaks. Significant questions about the temperature dependence of diffusion remain. The position and nature of the emission peak may be a useful tool for diagnostic studies of the graphite furnace.
Interactions between seed source, planting arrangement, and soil treatment in determining plant size and root allocation in Phlox drummondii.

Two varieties of the annual plant Phlox drummondii were grown in pots in the greenhouse. Pots differed in the mixture of varieties, total number of plants, spatial clustering of plants, and soil treatment.
“Please Accept My Sincerest Apologies:” Examining Follower Reactions to Leader Apology

Recognizing gaps in our present understanding of leaders’ apologies, this paper informs research and practice by studying follower reactions to leader apology. In particular, this investigation add...
Teaching a Seminar in “Southern African Literature”

The author writes about her experience teaching a Master's level seminar in Southern African literature in English since 1948.
A reduced color approach to high quality cartoon coding

An algorithm that integrates table indexing and quad-tree decomposition is proposed for cartoon image compression in this work. The proposed method includes 3 steps. First, colors in the color palette are selected based on the input image and a set of training images. Second, the input image is divided into blocks of size 16 by 16. The number of colors inside each block is checked. If the block has one uniform color or exactly two colors, no further processing is required. Otherwise, quad-tree decomposition will be performed for this block. The subdivision continues until all subblocks have either one or two colors. Then, the code for each subblock will be output in a depth-first order. If the subblock size reaches 2 x 2 and the number of colors in that block is still more than 2, no further subdivision is performed and a code that indicates colors of 4 pixels are output. Finally, to further reduce the size, the data part of the output stream is losslessly compressed by the LZW method. Experimental results are given to demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed method for cartoon image compression.
Family environment factors associated with child abuse.

Stress is consistently implicated in the etiology of child abuse. However, stress alone does not explain abuse, because many parents experiencing stress do not respond by abusing their children. Straus (4) and Justice (I), for example, have identified various psychosocial variables that mediate the response of abuse to stress. A family systems approach to child abuse contends that abuse is a function of the transactions between the parent and the child and the family social environment in which all play a role in the etiology of the abuse. Perceived family-environment factors include cohesion, expressiveness, confict, independence, achievement orientation, organization, and control. Twenty-three abusing couples were compared with a matched group of 23 nonabusing couples on stress levels, as measured by the Recent Life Changes Questionnaire (3) and by family environment factors (cohesion, expressiveness, conflict, independence, achievement orientation, organization, and control) from the Family Environment Scale (2). There was a statistically significant difference ( p = .02) in mean stress perceived by abusing and nonabusing families. Abusers reported more stress than nonabusen. Lower scores on cohesion and independence mediated the response of abuse to stress. Abusing families reported significantly less cohesion than nonabusing families ( p = ,003). They also reported significantly less independence of its members from one another than nonabusing families ( p = .01). The low cohesion observed in the abusive families and its significant interaction with stress suggests the desirability of teaching children relationship sML and group process. Also, for children and adolescents, to teach coping skills and, specifically, how to handle conflict in interpersonal relationships may be helpful. The diminished independence observed in these abusing families and its interaction with stress may indicate that specific, and particularly early, assertion skills should be taught to enable individuals to seek direct, overt, and healthy ways of meeting their needs rather than through fusion and over-dependency.
Proportion of males with lower fertility spermatozoa estimated from heterospermic insemination

This study was designed to evaluate the proportion of males with spermatozoa detectably less fertile than the spermatozoa from other males. Previously unpublished and published data from heterospermic trials involving insemination with equal numbers of spermatozoa and resulting in at least 11 offspring from each pair of males were analyzed. The proportion of pairs in which the males sired equivalent numbers of offspring were 0.42, 0.18, 0.33 and 0.09 for trials with fresh boar semen, liquid-stored boar semen, frozen bull semen and fresh rabbit semen, respectively. The calculated proportion of males with less fertile spermatozoa were 0.36, 0.57, 0.42 and 0.70, respectively. Although these differences in fertility would not be apparent in some management systems, a high proportion of ejaculates had spermatozoa that were detectably less fertile.
Predicting increases in readiness to quit smoking: A prospective analysis using the contemplation ladder

Abstract Most smokers are not motivated to quit. The transtheoretical model posits mechanisms (processes of change and pros and cons) by which smokers might increase their stage of readiness to quit. While cross-sectional relationships among the stages of change, processes of change, and pros and cons are well established, there is little evidence that processes of change and pros and cons predict progressive stage movements. This study uses data from a large worksite-based cancer prevention study (the Working Well Trial) to test the hypothesis that processes of change and the pros and cons of smoking predict progressive movement up the contemplation ladder, which is an alternative measure of motivation to quit smoking based on social cognitive theory. The results indicate that experiential processes of change promote increases in readiness to quit smoking. This study provides further evidence for the predictive validity of the contemplation ladder and sheds light on how unmotivated, nonvolunteer smokers ...
Photochemical effects in the production of cometary radicals and ions

Photochemical production of cometary molecular radicals and ions, comparing observed densities with calculations based on photodissociation and photoionization
Histidine-tagging and purification of tobacco etch potyvirus helper component protein.

Abstract The coding sequence for a series of six histidines (his-tag) was inserted near the 5′ terminus of the helper component (HC) coding region of tobacco etch potyvirus (TEV). Full length genomic clones containing the his-tag coding sequence were infectious and produced symptoms in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) similar to those induced by wild-type TEV. The modified virus was genetically stable and the his-tag sequence was maintained through at least four cycles of aphid transmission. A protocol for purifying rapidly the HC protein, based on the affinity of its his-tag for Ni2+-charged resin, yielded large amounts of his-tagged HC protein that was fully functional as demonstrated by aphid transmission experiments.
Localized Electronic States from Surface Hydroxyls and Polarons in TiO2(110)

Hydroxyls on a TiO2 surface and photoinduced e− polarons give rise to excess charges, the electronic structure of which is critical to the fundamental understanding of their role in the reactivity of surface absorbates and other photochemical processes. In this paper, we report on a DFT+U characterization of the electronic structure of one excess electron in bare and singly hydroxylated rutile (110) surfaces. The excess electron has the electronic structure of a small polaron with its spin density and associated lattice distortion localized around a single site. Calculations indicate that the most stable Ti trapping site in both bare and hydroxylated surfaces resides in the first subsurface layer under the Ti5c row. However, trapping energy differences between several Ti sites are within 0.2 eV, indicating that the Boltzmann population of these sites is significant at room temperature and that the excess electron will appear as fractionally occupying several sites. On the basis of earlier calculations, th...
Tongue biting as a lateralizing sign in partial epilepsy

Lateral tongue biting is associated with seizures. This analysis investigates lateral tongue biting as a lateralizing sign in partial seizures. Of 106 consecutively monitored patients, seven had partial epilepsy and sustained a tongue injury during a seizure. The relationship between the side of tongue injury and the hemisphere of seizure onset in these seven patients was analysed. The tongue injury was ipsilateral to the epileptogenic zone in 5 and contralateral in 2, for a predictive value of 71%. Lateral tongue biting may be a useful adjunctive lateralizing sign in partial seizures.
NMR studies of polymer solutions. III. Conformational transition study of oligomeric polyethylene in mixed solvents

The intramolecular structure of oligomeric polyethylene (PE) in solvent mixtures of α-chloronaphthalene and carbon tetrachloride, α-chloronaphthalene and deuterated octane, and α-chloronaphthalene and deuterated hexadecane was studied at 35°C. by a high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance technique. It was clearly shown that the n-alkanes show no detectable selective solvent absorption in these systems. The conformational structure (Pp), which was formed in “bulky” aromatic solvents when the chain length was greater than 16, was significantly destroyed by the presence of carbon tetrachloride, octane, or hexadecane in the above-mentioned solvent mixtures. Therefore, the “bulky” aromatic solvents, such as α-chloronaphthalene and 9-chloroanthracene, can be classified as Pp-structure-promoting solvents, in which the PE remains in the Pp conformation. In contrast, carbon tetrachloride and linear alkanes are Pm-structure-promoting solvents, in which the PE does not exhibit any Pp structure but is in the disordered Pm conformation. It is speculated that the Pp structure is caused by a “chain-fold” mechanism.
Phosphate-specific fluorescence labeling with BO-IMI: reaction details

Abstract Previously we reported that BO-IMI, a reagent which contains a BODIPY fluorophore linked to an imidazole group, can be used to covalently label a phosphomonoester in a single step under aqueous conditions [P. Wang, R.W. Giese, Anal. Chem. 65 (1993) 3518]. The reaction was conducted in the presence of a water-soluble carbodiimide 1-ethyl-3-(3′-N,N′-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide [EDC] to activate the phosphomonoester, and the coupling took place onto both the N1 and N3 imidazole nitrogens of BO-IMI. Whether the two BO-IMI-phosphomonoester regioisomers migrated separately or together during capillary electrophoresis depended on the pH, due to a difference in their p K a values. Since then, we have studied the reaction in more detail leading to the information reported here. First, we have learned that the regioisomer ratio changes during the course of the reaction, and found that the mechanism involves both spontaneous and BO-IMI-catalyzed hydrolysis of the less stable isomer. Second, there is a background reaction in which BO-IMI becomes attached to EDC. Third, the BO-IMI-phosphomonoester product (a mixture of two isomers), that is observed by capillary electrophoresis at an alkaline pH, is found to no longer contain the two fluorine atoms present in the starting BO-IMI reagent. This is because they are replaced by hydroxy groups at high pH. Finally, an event was discovered which complicates the detection of less than about 60 fmol of a phosphomonoester with BO-IMI: hydrolysis of a tiny fraction of the BO-IMI takes place during the coupling reaction, which leads to chemical noise in the capillary electropherogram.
Deconstructing the Elephant and the Flag in the Lavatory: Promises and Problems of Moral Foundations Research.

Moral Foundations research offers rich promise, opening up key questions about how affect and cognition are integrated in moral response, and exploring how different moral discourses may supply meaning and valence to moral experience. Haidt and his colleagues also associate different discourses with different political positions. However I address three problematic areas. First to what extent Haidt has succeeded in transcending the traditional dichotomy of affect and cognition, and created an integrative model of how moral intuitions actually work. Second, the analysis of cultural processes is too limited; moral responses are discursive, contextualized and constructed. Third, the political spectrum is complex and diverse; to be truly useful, the research on Moral Foundations must avoid parochial US political concerns and models.
The effects of free chlorine and chloramine on growth and respiration rates of larval lobsters (Homarus Americanus)

Abstract The length, dry weight and standard respiration rate of larval lobsters ( Homarus americanus ) were monitored for 19 days following a 60 min exposure at 25°C to 1.0 mg I −1 applied free chlorine and 1.0 mg I −1 applied chloramine. Compared to control organisms, significantly lower increases in dry weight ( P P
Chips off the old block.

A lack of sequence similarity made it uncertain whether the four families of pseudouridine synthases arose by convergent or divergent evolution. The structures of three of these enzymes reveal that they are homologs, but a paucity of obvious catalytic residues in the active site reopens the question of a mechanism that seemed settled.
Domain Organization of the Subunit of the Salmonella typhimurium Flagellar Hook

Abstract The deduced amino acid sequences of the family of axial proteins of the bacterial flagellum possess N and C-terminal heptad repeats of hydrophobic amino acid residues, which suggests that these proteins all fold to form bundles of α-helices (e.g. coiled coils). There is evidence that flagellin, which is one of the axial proteins, has an axially oriented bundle of α-helices that gives rise to the inner, rod-shaped domains seen in electron density maps. We present evidence that a second member of the family, the hook subunit, also has such an axially oriented, rod-shaped domain. In three-dimensional reconstructions from electron micrographs of the helical hook of Salmonella typhimurium , the rod-shaped domain has a diameter of 18 A, which is that expected for a coiled coil. The corresponding domain in the flagellin subunit of the filament, however, is larger, having a diameter of 24 A suggesting a bundle of three or more α-helices. In addition to the rod-shaped domain, the hook has two other domains. At a radius of 55 A is the middle spheroidal domain about 25 A in diameter and at a radius of 75 A is the outer ellipsoidal domain about 20 A by 30 A by 40 A. The flagellin subunit also has a middle and an outer domain although they appear different from those of the hook. This is no doubt a result of the lack of any sequence similarity of the hook and flagellin subunits apart from the N and C-terminal heptad repeats. Along the hook axis, there is a 25 A wide channel, which presumably serves in the export of hook and flagellin subunits in the assembly of the filament. There is a comparably sized channel in the filaments as deduced from electron micrographs. Thus, electron microscopy consistently finds a small channel, whereas in X-ray diffraction studies of the filament, the channel size appeared to be about 60 A. At a diameter of 60 A, the channel could pass the flagellin or hook subunit in its completely folded state, but if the channel is only 25 A in diameter, the subunit would have to be at least partially unfolded in order to pass through the channel.
The frequent use of oral retinoids in combination with other treatments for psoriasis: A retrospective analysis

Combination treatment in psoriasis may be common, logical, and appropriate, even if not well tested or well documented by clinical trials. While oral retinoids such as acitretin can be used as monotherapy, efficacy can be further augmented by combination use with other agents. Similarly, because of its safety profile, acitretin can be added in low doses to help patients who have not achieved adequate control with other psoriasis treatments. The purpose of this study was to assess how oral retinoids are used in combination with other drugs to treat psoriasis. We assessed the use of acitretin and other oral retinoids for the treatment of psoriasis using two sources of information: nationally representative survey data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and local data obtained by chart review of 518 patients seen in a university dermatology clinic. In the NAMCS, oral retinoids were prescribed with other psoriasis medications at 71% of visits. In the chart review, combination use was even more frequent (96% of subjects were on combination treatment) and included combinations of acitretin with topicals, phototherapy, and other systemic treatments. Adverse events were reported in 53% of patients treated with acitretin, although none were severe. Use of acitretin in combination with many other psoriasis treatments is a common practice. Mucocutaneous side effects of oral retinoids are common but with appropriate dosing are generally mild.
Step structure and surface morphology of hydrogen-terminated silicon: (0 0 1) to (1 1 4)

We have determined the equilibrium step structures and surface morphology for the whole range of monohydrideterminated (0 0 1)-terrace-plus-step silicon surfaces using scanning tunneling microscopy. The transformation in the equilibrium Si surface morphology caused by H-termination can be categorized into three different regimes delineated by the types of steps present on the clean surfaces. On nominal Si(0 0 1),the single-layer height B-type steps (S B) are mostly non-rebonded and rougher after H passivation. On surfaces dominated by double-layer height B-type steps (DB),such as Si(1 1 11),the non-rebonded D B and SB steps show a lower formation energy. Measurements on postannealed surfaces indicate that the DB step formation energies strongly depend on H chemical potential. Smoother morphologies are observed following H-termination of surfaces oriented approximately between (1 1 7) and (1 1 4). This effect is quite apparent on Si(1 1 5),where the monohydride surface exhibits large (1 1 5)-(2 · 2) domains,a structure not observed on the clean surface. All of these structural modifications result directly from a change in the relative energies of the possible single- and double-layer step configurations. � 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Risk of mesh erosion after abdominal sacral colpoperineopexy with concomitant hysterectomy

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of concomitant hysterectomy at the time of abdominal sacral colpoperineopexy on the risk of mesh erosion with the use of type 1 polypropylene mesh. Study Design This was a retrospective case control study. All cases of vaginal mesh erosion (n = 31) were compared with matched control cases (n = 93) in a 3:1 ratio. Demographic data, concomitant procedures, and postoperative complications were compared between groups with the use of 2-sample Student t test and Pearson χ 2 test. Results The odds ratio of a vaginal mesh erosion was no different for those who underwent a hysterectomy at the time of abdominal sacral colpoperineopexy (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.41–2.18; P = .899) when potential confounders were similar between groups. Conclusion Hysterectomy at the time of abdominal sacral colpoperineopexy is not a risk factor for vaginal mesh erosion with the use of type 1 polypropylene mesh.
Acute Copper Toxicity and Acclimation to Copper Using the Behavioral Endpoint of Shoaling, in the Least Killifish (Heterandria formosa)

While copper is known to be neurotoxic, effects on behavior and especially on group behavior have received much less attention. Yet such behavioral effects can have important ecological consequences. This study determined whether shoaling behavior could be used as an indicator of acute copper toxicity and as an endpoint in studying acclimation in the least killifish (Heterandria formosa). For acute toxicity, least killifish were exposed to 0, 25, 50, or 100 μg/L of Cu for a 2-h duration and then tested for changes in shoaling behavior. The occurrence of copper acclimation was tested by pre-exposing fish to either 0 or 15 μg/L of Cu for a 7-day duration, then exposing them to 25, 50, or 100 μg/L of Cu to assess whether the two pre-exposure groups differed in their behavioral responses to high Cu levels. Behavioral responses were tested in a subdivided aquarium, with one side containing a group of conspecific fish and the other side the focal fish whose behavior was recorded for 3 min. Shoaling was based on the proximity of the focal fish to the divider separating it from the group of conspecific fish. Acute copper exposure resulted in significant decreases in both the time to first shoaling and in the total amount of time spent shoaling. Experiments assessing the occurrence of copper acclimation using shoaling as the toxicity endpoint did not detect a difference between the pre-exposure groups. Overall, this study demonstrated that acute copper exposure can alter shoaling behavior. However, least killifish shoaling behavior appears to be relatively insensitive as an endpoint to assess copper acclimation.
Survival of two storage fungi after gamma radiation of host seeds

Abstract Seeds of Allium cepa L., Raphanus salivus L., Poa pratensis L., Trifolium incarnation L., Sorghum vulgare Pers., Triticum aestivum L. and Zea mays L. were inoculated with spores of Aspergillus amstelodami (Mangin) Thom and Church prior to irradiation. Arachis hypogaea L. seeds were inoculated with spores of Aspergillus flavus Link before they were irradiated. Inoculated and non-inoculated seeds were exposed to doses of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40 or 80 krad of γ-radiation from a Co60 source. Some destruction of A. amstelodami and A. flavus apparently occurred at 80 krad. At this exposure, however, the seedling-production potential of all crop species, with the possible exception of Trifolium incarnatum and Raphanus sativus, was greatly reduced. In general, the fungi were found to be more resistant to radiation injury than the seeds. Storage of inoculated, irradiated seeds under conditions favourable to the growth of storage fungi yielded no clear-cut picture of the effect of γ-radiation on the subsequent behaviour of A. amstelodami (or A. flavus on Arachis hypogaea) in stored seeds.
Stochastic Krylov subspace methods for flow in random porous media

The present work establishes a comparative analysis of two different Krylov-based methods for assessing uncertainty in porous media flow applications. They are: (1) the stochastic reduced basis method (SRBM) and the (2) Krylov-Karhunen-Loeve moment equation (KKLME). The former relies on the construction of an orthogonal basis from which projectors may be realized to perform the uncertainty analysis on a lower-dimensional space. The second approach relies on the idea of expressing input and corresponding outputs in terms of stochastic and perturbative polynomial expansions. By grouping terms and moments of the same order, the original stochastic equation is replaced by successive (and parallel) solutions of a set of deterministic equations. We provide a set of numerical experiments illustrating the capabilities of SRBM and KKLME against Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) on stationary permeability cases. We show that KKLME is superior to SRBM. Furthermore, KKLME appears to be also a more efficient alternative than MCS for non-stationary permeability field distributions. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Human DNA Polymerase κ Encircles DNA: Implications for Mismatch Extension and Lesion Bypass

Summary Human DNA polymerase κ (Pol κ) is a proficient extender of mispaired primer termini on undamaged DNAs and is implicated in the extension step of lesion bypass. We present here the structure of Pol κ catalytic core in ternary complex with DNA and an incoming nucleotide. The structure reveals encirclement of the DNA by a unique "N-clasp" at the N terminus of Pol κ, which augments the conventional right-handed grip on the DNA by the palm, fingers, and thumb domains and the PAD and provides additional thermodynamic stability. The structure also reveals an active-site cleft that is constrained by the close apposition of the N-clasp and the fingers domain, and therefore can accommodate only a single Watson-Crick base pair. Together, DNA encirclement and other structural features help explain Pol κ's ability to extend mismatches and to promote replication through various minor groove DNA lesions, by extending from the nucleotide incorporated opposite the lesion by another polymerase.
LINEAR PROGRAMMING AND RECURRENT ASSOCIATIVE MEMORIES

Many optimization procedures presume the availability of an initial approximation in the neighborhood of a local or global optimum. Unfortunately, finding a set of good starting conditions is itself a nontrivial proposition. We describe a procedure for identifying approximate solutions to constrained optimization problems. Recurrent neural network structures are interpreted in the context of linear associative memory matrices. A recurrent associative memory (RAM) is trained to map the inputs of closely related transportation linear programs to optimal solution vectors. The procedure performs well when training cases are selected according to a simple rule, identifying good heuristic solutions for representative test cases. Modest infeasibilities exist in some of these estimated solutions, but the basic variables associated with true optimums are usually apparent. In the great majority of cases, rounding identifies the true optimum.
Seventy-Two Hour Continuous Infusion Flavopiridol in Relapsed and Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma

The cell cycle regulatory protein cyclin D1, which is over-expressed in 95-100% of mantle cell lymphomas (MCL), is a potential therapeutic target. Flavopiridol inhibits the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4-cyclin D1 complex and induces apoptosis in lymphoma cell lines. Previous phase I clinical studies had demonstrated that this drug could be safely administered in humans, prompting further evaluation of flavopiridol as a single agent in MCL. Ten patients with relapsed or refractory MCL, who had received one prior chemotherapy regimen, were treated with flavopiridol 50 mg/m2/day given as a 72 h continuous intravenous infusion every 14 days. Treatment was well tolerated, and only one patient developed grade III-IV non-hematologic toxicity. However, there were no clinical responses; despite therapy, three patients maintained stable disease, and seven patients demonstrated progressive disease within two months. In relapsed and refractory MCL, flavopiridol is ineffective as a single agent given by 72 h continuous infusion at 50 mg/m2/day. Recent in vitro studies using human plasma suggest that higher plasma drug levels may be necessary to achieve clinical efficacy. In vitro studies of flavopiridol indicate that the agent is synergistic with DNA-damaging compounds. Further investigation into flavopiridol as a clinical agent should focus on alternative dosing schedules and the compound's potential use in combination chemotherapeutic regimens.
Beta-amyloid-induced changes in cultured astrocytes parallel reactive astrocytosis associated with senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease

One neuropathological characteristic of Alzheimer's disease is an abundance of reactive astrocytes, particularly in association with senile plaques. Neither the factor(s) responsible for initiating the reactive astrocytosis nor the effects of this event on disease progression are known. We investigated the possibility that beta-amyloid protein, the primary constituent of plaques, contributes to reactive astrocytosis by comparing results derived from both culture studies and immunohistochemical analyses of Alzheimer brain tissue. We report that beta-amyloid peptides, in an aggregation-dependent manner, rapidly induce a reactive phenotype in cultured rat astrocytes. Reactive morphological changes are accompanied by increased immunoreactivities for glial fibrillary acidic protein and basic fibroblast growth factor. Although toxic to other types of central nervous system cells, aggregated beta-amyloid peptides do not significantly decrease astrocyte viability. Rather, the processes of cultured astrocytes envelop aggregated deposits of beta-amyloid peptide. In Alzheimer brain, the processes of reactive astrocytes were also observed to engulf beta-amyloid deposits. Similar to the in vitro findings, the astrocytic response was associated only with beta-amyloid plaques exhibiting an aggregated structure. Further, the plaque-associated reactive astrocytes showed enhanced immunoreactivities for glial fibrillary acidic protein and basic fibroblast growth factor. These data suggest that beta-amyloid which has assembled into beta-sheet fibrils significantly contributes to the reactive astrocytosis characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Thus, in addition to its hypothesized direct effects on neuronal viability, beta-amyloid may also influence disease progression indirectly via reactive astrocytosis.
A major pathway for the mammalian oxidative degradation of phytanic acid.

Abstract A series of branched-chain saturated fatty acids accumulated in tissues of weanling mice fed regular chow supplemented with 2% phytanic acid (3,7,11,15 tetramethylhexadecanoic acid). They were identified by combined gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry as phytanic acid, α-hydroxyphytanic acid, and the 19-, 16- and 14-carbon homologs of phytanic acid. Trace quantities of the 9-carbon homolog have also been detected by gas-liquid chromatography. When the regular chow is supplemented with 2% phytol (3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-en-1-ol), Δ 2 -phytenic acid accumulated in liver in addition to the compounds listed above. No evidence was found for the presence of α-ketophytanic acid, or of 15- and 17-carbon intermediates. The latter two would be expected if carbon dioxide fixation to the branch-methyl group were required in phytol or phytanate metabolism, as in the bacterial metabolism of farnesoic acid. Dietary supplementation with 3,7,11-trime thyldodecanoic acid produces accumulation in liver of the fed compound only. Intravenous injection of uniformly 14 C-labeled phytanic acid in mice led to significant incorporation of radioactivity associated on gas-liquid chromatography with 19-16-, 14- and 11-carbon isoprenoid acids. Rat liver in vivo also rapidly converted in high yield uniformly 14 C-labeled phytanic acid or 2,3-dideuterophytanic acid to uniformly 14 C-labeled pristanic acid and 2-deuteropristanic acid, respectively. The oxidation of uniformly 14 C-labeled phytanic acid to 14 CO 2 was not impaired in biotindeficient rats. The proposed main metabolic pathway of phytanic acid in mammals consists of an α-oxidative process leading through α-hydroxyphytanic acid to pristanic acid, followed by a series of β-oxidative steps. The chemical syntheses of a number of isoprenoid acids are described.
Impact of adaptable computing technology on embedded aided target recognition processors

This paper summarizes a study investigating the potential insertion of embedded high performance computing technology into a legacy processor architecture such as that found in U.S. Army ground platforms. The intended task to be performed by the embedded high performance computing technology is that of aiding human operators in their target acquisition activities by cueing these operators to potential targets. Insertion of this technology is constrained by two sets of requirements. The first set of requirements is given by the ground platform, such as a tank. The second set of requirements is formed from the mathematical algorithms used to process the sensor data. Results of this joint U.S. Army CECOM Night Vision & Electronic Sensors Directorate and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency study show no commercially available computing technology can meet all requirements. The study did show that inclusion of adaptable computing technology allowed most of the requirements to be met. This paper summarizes the methodology and models used to obtain these results as well as the impact of adaptable computing technology to embedded ATR processors.
The effect of two initial diet sizes on growth of channel catfish stocked into ponds as single-size or mixed-size populations

ABSTRACT Effects on growth of initially feeding a small-diameter (3.2 mm) fingerling diet compared to a standard-size growout diet (6.4 mm) on growth in single-size and mixed-size catfish ponds were evaluated. Ponds (0.1 ha) were stocked with either fingerlings-only (19 g initial weight) or mixed-size populations of 85% fingerlings and 15% third-year (307 g initial weight) fish. All fish were fed to satiation, once daily. At week 6, ponds receiving the smaller diet.were switched to the standard-size diet for the remainder of the 21-week study. Under mixed-size culture, no differences (P >0.05) were observed in final weight gain due to initial diet size for either fingerlings or third-year fish. Likewise, there was no difference (P >0.05) in weight gain due to diet size for fingerlings grown under single-size culture. After 21 weeks of culture, fingerlings produced under the single-batch scenario weighed 42% more than fingerlings cultured with larger fish. Total diet consumption in the mixed-size ponds was...
Balancing disfigurement and fear of disease progression: Patient perceptions of HIV body fat redistribution

This study was conducted to identify and describe the perceived morphologic changes of body fat redistribution and related distress among persons taking combination antiretroviral therapy. Six focus group interviews were conducted in four different US cities with men and women (n = 58) who reported antiretroviral-related symptoms of body fat loss and/or gain. Interview data were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and systematically analysed using inductive techniques. Physical discomfort and impairment and psychological and social distress were reported across sex, sexual orientation and geographic subgroups. While participants acknowledged that antiretroviral drugs were keeping them alive, there was tension between the desire for life-sustaining treatment and optimal quality of life. Some participants engaged in harmful heath behaviours in an attempt to control bodily changes (e.g. non-adherence to antiretroviral regimen). Participants feared that fat loss represented disease progression and worried that visible changes would lead to unintentional disclosure of their HIV status. Although a potential source of support, healthcare providers were commonly perceived as ignoring and, in so doing, discrediting patient distress. Participants recognised the limitations of current lipodystrophy treatment options, yet a cure for the syndrome seemed less important to them in the short term than simply being listened to and the powerful, but oblique sources of distress addressed.
Reducing Disproportionate Suspension in a Selected Secondary School: A Case Study

(1982). Reducing Disproportionate Suspension in a Selected Secondary School: A Case Study. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 55, No. 6, pp. 269-272.
Simultaneous confidence bands for autoregressive spectra

SUMMARY A shortcoming in the use of autoregressive spectral estimation has been the lack of methods for placing confidence intervals or bands on the estimated spectral density. We propose and illustrate a method for determining asymptotic simultaneous confidence bands using Scheffe projections.
High-density medical data management by computer.

Abstract The duplication of standard medical record format and content is not the intent of a computer-based medical record. Seven characteristics designed to improve patient care, efficiency of data entry, and research capability in a computerized system are enumerated. These characteristics are further amplified and demonstrated by reference to a system in use by the Biographics Department of the University of Utah. Portions of the system dealt with specifically are the file structure, patient screening, ICU monitoring, diagnosis entry and data retrieval.
Lack of Evidence for an Association between Iridovirus and Colony Collapse Disorder

Colony collapse disorder (CCD) is characterized by the unexplained losses of large numbers of adult worker bees (Apis mellifera) from apparently healthy colonies. Although infections, toxins, and other stressors have been associated with the onset of CCD, the pathogenesis of this disorder remains obscure. Recently, a proteomics study implicated a double-stranded DNA virus, invertebrate iridescent virus (Family Iridoviridae) along with a microsporidium (Nosema sp.) as the cause of CCD. We tested the validity of this relationship using two independent methods: (i) we surveyed healthy and CCD colonies from the United States and Israel for the presence of members of the Iridovirus genus and (ii) we reanalyzed metagenomics data previously generated from RNA pools of CCD colonies for the presence of Iridovirus-like sequences. Neither analysis revealed any evidence to suggest the presence of an Iridovirus in healthy or CCD colonies.
Magnetoresistance of Proximity-Coupled Au Wires

Measurements of the proximity coupled Au wires show a magnetoresistance that is quadratic in the magnetic field $B$ at low field, with a characteristic field scale ${B}_{c}$ determined by phase coherent paths which encompass not only the wire, but also the contacts. ${B}_{c}$ is essentially temperature independent at low temperatures, indicating that the area of the phase coherent paths is not determined by the superconducting coherence length ${L}_{T}$ in the normal metal, which is strongly temperature dependent at low temperatures. We identify the relevant length scale as a combination of the electron phase coherence length ${L}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}$ in the normal metal and the coherence length ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{S}$ in the superconductor.
Identification of amino acid positions associated with neuraminidase activity of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase glycoprotein of sendai virus

Identification of amino acid positions associated with neuraminidase activity on the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) glycoprotein of paramyxoviruses has been difficult because neuraminidase-inhibiting antibodies are not neutralizing and thus, escape mutants have not been isolated. Instead, many investigators have correlated an altered neuraminidase (NA) activity of natural virus variants, such as plaque-size variants, with sequence changes in the HN protein. To identify regions on the HN glycoprotein of Sendai virus (SV) that are associated with NA activity, we investigated NA activity of three plaque-size variants which potentially differed from the standard SV (SV/std). NA activity was measured by the ability of virus to elute from chicken erythrocytes as a result of cleaving sialic acid receptors, and by the ability of virus to cleave sialic acid from the small trisaccharide neuraminlactose and the larger substrate fetuin in an in vitro assay. Virions purified from each of the isolated plaques had a HN content and hemagglutinating activity similar to that of SV/std, yet each variant eluted much more rapidly from chicken erythrocytes than SV/std. In vitro NA activity of the plaque-size variants was 1.6 to 3.8 times greater than that of SV/std, providing supporting evidence for the elution data. Although all plaque-size variants showed elevated NA activity, there was no correlation of activity with plaque size. Sequence analysis showed that one of the variants had an amino acid change from glutamic acid to valine at position 165 and from lysine to glutamic acid at position 461, while a second variant had only the change at position 461. A third variant had a nearby change at position 468, from threonine to lysine. Taken together, these data support the conclusion that the amino acid residues at positions 461-468 and 165 are involved in neuraminidase activity of SV.
Diagnoses rendered on prostate needle biopsy in community hospitals.

BACKGROUND. Reported incidences of various diagnoses made on needle biopsy of the prostate vary significantly in the literature, most of which has originated from large, academic medical centers. METHODS. We recorded all the prostate needle biopsy results from three community hospitals for 1990-1993 to determine the rates of, and trends in, various diagnoses in these practices. RESULTS. Hospital H1 (1,192 cases) halved the rate of atypical, nondefinitive diagnoses from 11.8% in 1990 to 5.7%, in 1993 (P < 0.001). The rate at H2 (2,792 cases) remained essentially unchanged at 5.95 ± 0.55%,, and H3 (1,306 cases) went from 2.3'%, to 6.0% (0.1 < P < 0.2). In the setting of an atypical, nondefinitive diagnosis, H1 and H2 recommended repeat biopsy less than 7%, of the time. H3 made this recommendation in an average of 22.1% of atypical cases. Annual rates of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) showed no trend over time, and averaged 2.0% (1.2-3.25%) at H1 and 1.2% (0.3-2.0%) at H2. The diagnosis was never made at H3. The fraction of cancers diagnosed as low-grade (Gleason sum ≤54) showed a statistically significant decreasing trend over time at all three hospitals (P < 0.05). These data are compared with those from the Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH), a large academic center in geographic proximity to hospitals H1-H3. CONCLUSIONS. At these three community hospitals, we discerned (1) convergence to a rate of approximately 6.0% of atypical, nondefinitive diagnoses; and (2) a progressively more appropriate fraction of carcinomas diagnosed as low-grade on needle biopsy. The rates of diagnosis of high-grade PIN and recommendation of repeat biopsy varied. These rates of PIN, atypical, nondefinitive diagnoses, and low-grade cancer represent an assessment of diagnostic habits.
Violence, coping, and mental health in a community sample of adolescents.

The current study examined the coping strategies, exposure to violence and psychological trauma symptoms of violent adolescents compared to less violent and nonviolent adolescents in a community sample. An anonymous self-report questionnaire was administered to students in six public high schools (grades 9–12). The 10% most violent adolescents were identified and compared to their less violent and nonviolent peers. A total of 3724 students represented 68% of adolescents in all targeted schools. Ages ranged from 14 to 19 years; 52% were female; and 35% were African-American, 34% Caucasian and 23% Hispanic. Analyses revealed that violent adolescents compared to their less violent and nonviolent peers employed more maladaptive coping strategies, were exposed to higher levels of violence and reported higher clinical levels of psychological trauma symptoms. Maladaptive coping was also significantly associated with psychological trauma symptoms and violent behavior, even after controlling for the influence of demographic factors. The findings support the importance of appropriate identification, assessment and referral services for adolescents in nonclinical settings, and the role that coping strategies play in contributing to adolescent mental health and well-being.