cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Co-medications That Modulate Liver Injury and Repair Influence Clinical Outcome of Acetaminophen-Associated Liver Injury

Background & Aims Acetaminophen-induced liver injury is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States; it occurs inadvertently in approximately half of all cases. Concomitant use of other medications might impact susceptibility to acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. We investigated its association with administration of drugs that have been shown to modulate liver injury and/or repair in preclinical studies. Methods We analyzed data from 6386 cases of acetaminophen-associated liver injury that were defined in the FDA database of reported adverse events. Data reported in the severe adverse event categories of "died" or "life-threatening" (defined as "fatal" cases, n=2512) were compared with those of "non-fatal" cases (n = 3874). Potential associations between fatality and concomitant use of 9 drug classes were assessed using multiple logistic regression analyses after adjusting for other variables. Results Among female subjects, concomitant use of statins, fibrates or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was associated with decreased likelihood of fatality, whereas ethanol use was associated with increased likelihood. Among male subjects, concomitant use of statins was associated with decreased likelihood of fatality, whereas concomitant use of sympathetic stimulants or ethanol was associated with increased likelihood. Concomitant use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor II antagonists was associated with decreased likelihood of fatality among younger subjects. Conclusions Concomitant use of medications that have been shown in preclinical studies to modulate liver injury and/or repair influenced acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. Drugs that reduce injury or increase repair are protective, whereas those that exacerbate injury or reduce repair are detrimental.
CHAPTER 35 – Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN-1) causes tumors in many tissues with only partial penetrance in each tissue; therefore, no simple definition could encompass all cases or all families. It is operationally defined as a case with tumor(s) in two of the following three tissues: (1) parathyroid cells; (2) gastrin cells; (3) lactotrope(s). Similarly, familial MEN-1 is defined as a family with a case of MEN-1 and at least one first degree relative showing one or more of the main three tumors of MEN-1. The commonest endocrine expressions of MEN-: (1) hormonal, (2) the results of high concentrations of parathyroid hormone, (3) gastrin, (4) prolactin. Excellent treatments are available for each of these states. Less frequently, a mass effect from benign tissue becomes a problem in MEN-1, as with compression of the optic nerve or of the normal pituitary tissue. On the other hand, some but not all tumors in MEN-1 have a substantial malignant potential. Primary hyperthyroidism is the commonest endocrinopathy in MEN-1, with frequencies between 80 and 100% among series of MEN-1 cases. This variation generally reflects the methods of patient selection and the methods of parathyroid gland testing.
De Beneficentia: A Homily on Social Action attributed to Basil of Caesarea

AbstractThis paper introduces an anonymous work attributed to Basil of Caesarea entitled, De beneficentia, or “On beneficence.” The text is known from one manuscript dating to the thirteenth or fourteenth century, Berlin, Deutsche Staatsbibliothek, Phillipps 1467 (gr. 63), a collection of genuine and pseudonymous Basilian homilies. Although pseudonymous and extant (as far as we can determine) only in this sole manuscript, in some quoted fragments from the ninth and twelfth centuries, and in a sixteenth-century Latin translation, De beneficentia, shares a number of characteristics common to social homilies preached in the late fourth and early fifth centuries. This paper discusses the Berlin manuscript text in the context of the known fragments, other spurious, dubious, or pseudonymous homilies attributed to Basil, and its attributed relationship to social preaching in Christian late antiquity, and offers a new edition of the Greek text with its first English translation.
Hypothalamic serotonin in control of eating behavior, meal size, and body weight

Serotonin (5-HT) has been implicated in the control of eating behavior and body weight. Stimulants of this monoamine reduce food intake and weight gain and increase energy expenditure, both in animals and in humans. This article reviews evidence that supports a role for hypothalamic serotonergic receptor mechanisms in the mediation of these effects. A variety of studies in rodents indicate that, at low doses, 5-HT or drugs that enhance the release of this neurotransmitter preferentially inhibit the ingestion of carbohydrate, more than fat or protein. This phenomenon is mediated, in part, by 5-HT receptors located in various medial hypothalamic nuclei. A negative feedback loop exists between the consumption of this macronutrient and the turnover of 5-HT in the hypothalamus. That is, carbohydrate ingestion enhances the synthesis and release of hypothalamic 5-HT, which in turn serves to control the size of carbohydrate-rich meals. A model is described that proposes the involvement of circulating hormones and glucose in this feedback process. These hormones, including insulin, corticosterone, and the adipose tissue-derived hormone, leptin, have impact on serotonergic function as well as satiety. This model further suggests that 5-HT exerts its strongest effect on appetite at the start of the natural feeding cycle, when carbohydrate is normally preferred. Clinical studies provide evidence that is consistent with the proposed model and that implicates 5-HT in disturbances of eating and body weight disorders.
Oestrogen-binding protein in Candida albicans: antibody development and cellular localization by electron immunocytochemistry.

Summary: Candida albicans, the most common fungal pathogen of humans, possesses an oestrogen (estrogen)-binding protein (EBP) that binds oestrogens with high affinity and specificity. The gene that encodes the EBP (CaEBP1) has been cloned and sequenced and shown to be structurally related to the old yellow enzyme from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, we report the purification and the subcellular localization of the EBP from C. albicans. Using ion-exchange chromatography and an oestradiol affinity column, the EBP was purified from a strain of C. albicans (strain 422) which was selected because it constitutively expressed elevated levels of the binding protein. The purified protein displayed a subunit molecular mass of approximately 46 kDa when examined by denaturing gel electrophoresis, which is consistent with the size estimated from the sequence of the cloned CaEBP1 gene. An immunoaffinity column, prepared using a polyclonal antisera generated against EBP, depleted the oestrogen-binding activity from C. albicans cell extracts. Western blot analysis showed that the antisera specifically recognized the EBP from C. albicans. The antibodies also recognized the protein when the cloned CaEBP1 gene was expressed in S. cerevisiae and did not cross react with S. cerevisiae proteins. Using electron microscopy and antigen detection by immunogold staining, the EBP appeared to be primarily associated with vacuoles. However, when overexpressed in S. cerevisiae, the EBP was found diffusely throughout the cell. In conclusion, the EBP has been purified from C. albicans and antibodies generated against the protein were used to demonstrate that EBP is found associated with vacuoles in C. albicans.
Early evolution of symptoms and long-term prognosis in variant angina: Importance of the functional component of coronary arterial disease

Abstract Purpose: Most investigations describing the long-term outcome of large groups of patients with variant angina pectoris have focused on such endpoints as myocardial infarction, coronary artery surgery, and death, and have asked how the risk of these events is related to the severity of existing organic coronary disease. It is also possible to ask what is the relative importance of organic and functional components in causation of symptoms and outcomes, as was done in this study. Patients and methods: The early and long-term clinical course was observed in a group of 80 patients with variant angina and a low prevalence of severe organic coronary disease (diameter stenosis greater than 70 percent of one vessel in 28.3 percent, of two or more vessels in 2.7 percent). Patients were seen at the UCLA Medical Center between July 1963 and June 1985. Results: The following observations were made: Compared with those experiencing a first episode of angina at rest, subjects whose first episode of vasospastic angina occurred during strenuous effort were more likely subsequently to have a positive exercise test result and a more stable but long-term anginal course. A good initial response to vasodilator therapy indicated a likelihood of being alive and symptom-free without an intervening myocardial infarction by five years after diagnosis, which was twice the rate as if initial response to such treatment was poor. The presence or absence of severe coronary artery obstruction as detected by angiography could not be predicted from the nature or severity of angina, the historical presence of effort angina, or the occurrence of a positive result on an exercise test. The existence of severe coronary stenosis in at least one vessel was not associated with an increased incidence of myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, or death in the first nine years after diagnosis. Conclusion: These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that manifestations of ischemic heart disease in these patients were more directly caused by coronary vasospasm than by the degree of organic coronary obstruction seen by coronary arteriography. In addition, the presence of severe organic stenosis in one coronary artery did not appear to be associated with measurably increased adverse effects on clinical course or survival over the first nine years after diagnosis.
Measuring Private Equity Stock Reactions

This article presents preliminary evidence on the ability of an adjusted AR to enhance the materiality and significance levels in AR-based event studies. A case example of differences between the standard AR measure used in most event studies and the adjusted AR is provided. In tests of 240 equity private placements of publicly held companies between 1983 and 1996, the adjusted AR measure dominates the standard AR measure across various sample sizes. As the sample size decreases, the adjusted measure retains the ability to detect material and significant price increases while the standard AR measure9s ability declines.
Is Maternal Marriage Beneficial for Low-Income Adolescents?

The present study investigated the association of mothers' marriage and changes in young adolescents' cognitive and socioemotional development and changes in family processes. Analyses employed longitudinal data from the Three-City Study to track maternal partnerships for 860 low-income adolescents (10–14 years-old in Wave 1) across a 16 month period. No short-term benefits or risks emerged for youth when mothers entered marriage, with few changes in family or maternal functioning linked with marriage formation as well. In contrast, adolescents in stably married families experienced improved academic, behavioral, and psychological well-being compared to youth in stable cohabiting or single-parent families. Stable marriage was similarly linked to improvements across multiple domains of home and mothers' functioning. These patterns were not moderated by the male partner's identity (biological father or stepfather). Results support the benefits of stable marriage on youth development, but suggest that polici...
The complexity of sorting on distributed systems

The sorting problem is to arrange N values in a distributed system of N processors into sorted order. Let the values be in {0,…, L }. Every sorting algorithm requires Ω( N 2 lg( L/N )/lg N ) messages on a bidirectional ring with N processors. Every sorting algorithm requires Ω( N 3/2 lg( L/N )/lg N ) messages on a square mesh with N processors. A novel sorting algorithm for unidirectional rings achieves the first lower bound.
The Oncogenic Role of Yin Yang 1

Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a transcription factor with diverse and complex biological functions. YY1 either activates or represses gene transcription, depending on the stimuli received by the cells and its association with other cellular factors. Since its discovery, a biological role for YY1 in tumor development and progression has been suggested because of its regulatory activities toward multiple cancer-related proteins and signaling pathways and its overexpression in most cancers. In this review, we primarily focus on YY1 studies in cancer research, including the regulation of YY1 as a transcription factor, its activities independent of its DNA binding ability, the functions of its associated proteins, and mechanisms regulating YY1 expression and activities. We also discuss the correlation of YY1 expression with clinical outcomes of cancer patients and its target potential in cancer therapy. Although there is not a complete consensus about the role of YY1 in cancers based on its activities of regulating oncogene and tumor suppressor expression, most of the currently available evidence supports a proliferative or oncogenic role of YY1 in tumorigenesis.
OUTSIDE OWNERSHIP AND WORKERS' EARNINGS AND TENURE

Increasing aggregate concentration in the economy has increased attention to the issues surrounding the outside ownership of enterprises. Outside ownership entails both industrial diversification and various forms of conglomerate ownership and represents an important new direction for studies of economic sociology and labor market segmentation. The article shows that the influence of four measures of outside ownership on worker's earnings and tenure is largely, though not universally, negative. Outside ownership tends to suppress earnings otherwise accruing to workers in companies with high levels of unionization, rapid growth, and high profits. Workers' tenure is influenced negatively by some types of outside ownership but positively by others. Tenure is reduced in subsidiary firms and in industries predominately owned by other industries due to reduced union influence on job tenure in these settings. Average tenure is increased in companies that are spread across several industries. These findings provide little support for dual labor market theories and other economic theories that argue that workers benefit from the market power of their employing organizations. Instead, the findings provide support for theories that stress the dangers to workers' fates arising from the increasing dominance of financial management in economic decision making.
Random sequences in Fre´chet spaces

This article deals with the generation of arbitrarily distributed sequencesΦ of random variables in a Frechet space, using sequences ofcanonical random variables (c.r.v.)-i.e., independently uniformly distributed random variables taking real values in the unit interval [0, 1)-orcanonical random digits (c.r.d.)-i.e., independently uniformly distributed random variables taking integer values in some finite interval [0,B−1]. Two main results are established. First, that the members of a sequence of real random variables in [0, 1) are c.r.v. if and only if all the digits of all thebase- B digital representations of the members of the sequence are c.r.d. Secondly, that, given any sequenceΦ of random variables in a Frechet space, there is a sequenceΨ of functionsψn(ξ1,ξ2, ...,ξn), forn=1, 2, 3,... (whereξ1,ξ2,...,ξn,... are c.r.v.) which is distributed identically toΦ.
CROHN'S DISEASE IN CHILDREN

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal system and multiple extraintestinal organs. Although its exact pathogenesis remains unknown, increasing evidence suggests an abnormality in the control of "physiologic" inflammation caused by bacterial and other antigens. Diagnosis starts with a careful history and physical examination, and confirmation rests with radiologic and histologic studies. Newer treatments are more specifically targeting the cascade of cytokine-mediated events that perpetuate inflammation.
Random-phase-approximation calculations and residual interactions in the sigma tau channel.

We compare numerical results for renormalized spin-isospin matrix elements within the random phase approximation. Extended calculations are carried out for a pionlike excitation in a finite nucleus; the effects of contact versus momentum-dependent residual interactions, and of \ensuremath{\Delta}-h configurations, are demonstrated. We point out the implications of our results on nuclear structure calculations, where such effects are sometimes neglected. The role of the finite geometry of the system is crucial in determining the features of the spin-isospin responses. We emphasize that a crucial test of the theory can only be achieved through a direct comparison of the longitudinal and transverse channels.
Nonequilibrium Green’s Function Approach to Dynamic Properties of Resonant-Tunneling through Double-Barrier Structures

In this paper, we review a recently developed approach to the dynamic properties of double barrier resonant tunneling systems, based on the nonequilibrium Green’s function technique and the Feynman path integral theory. The transient behavior of tunneling current, immediately after the switch-on of a dc bias voltage, is characterized by the building up process of tunneling electrons in the quantum well. The novel negative differential conductance demonstrates itself as a function of frequency of the small ac signal imposed upon a dc bias. The imaginary part of admittance is shown to be related to the conductance via a Kronig-Kramers relation. The noise characteristics clearly demonstrate a strong time correlation derived from the Pauli exclusion principle and have evident dependence upon the structure parameters and the bias voltage. All those theoretical results are compared with experiments and numerical simulations.
Anchors Away: Media Framing of Broadcast Television Network Evening News Anchors

Between 2002 and 2006, six newcomers took the anchor chairs at the evening news programs of ABC, CBS, and NBC. Collectively, they received extensive news coverage. This study uses content analysis to examine how three national newspapers framed the new anchors. A frame casting the anchors as competitors in a ratings game was especially common. At the same time, the newspapers regularly framed the anchors in terms of their reporting experience and reporting style, as well as in terms of personal characteristics such as personality, appearance, age, and sex. The newspapers were more likely to frame female anchors in terms of their sex; apart from this, no consistent differences across sex emerged. All three newspapers followed broadly similar patterns in covering the anchors, though some differences across sources emerged. Patterns in news media framing of anchors may carry implications for public opinion about anchors and the news media.
Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Presenting with Atypical Cutaneous Involvement and Diagnosis of ZZ Phenotype Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Cutaneous Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare condition. Specific neoplastic involvement can be primary (confined to the skin) or secondary to systemic involvement (metastatic). Cutaneous involvement by HL usually occurs late in the course and is associated with poor prognosis; however in some cases it can exhibit indolent behavior. Skin involvement with nonspecific cutaneous findings may represent a paraneoplastic syndrome. We describe a case of 46-year-old white male patient presented with rash and lymphadenopathy which led to the diagnosis of stage IVE mixed cellularity classical Hodgkin lymphoma with skin involvement. His disease was refractory to multiple lines of chemotherapy including (1) AVD (doxorubicin/bleomycin/dacarbazine), (2) brentuximab, and (3) bendamustine, he later achieved complete remission with (4) GCD (gemcitabine/carboplatin/dexamethasone) salvage regimen. Bleomycin was not given secondary to poor pulmonary function tests. His treatment was complicated after AVD with multiple pneumothoraces which unmasked the diagnosis of ZZ phenotype alpha-1 antitrypsin (ATT) deficiency. Simultaneous existence of Hodgkin lymphoma and ATT is rarely reported.
Adding Amino Acids with Novel Reactivity to the Genetic Code of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

Using a novel genetic selection, we have identified a series of mutants of the E. coli tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase that selectively charge an amber suppressor tRNA with p-(propargyloxy)phenylalanine and p-azidophenylalanine in yeast. These evolved tRNA-synthetase pairs can be used to site-specifically label proteins with functional groups orthogonal to normal biological chemistries. As an example, we have shown that proteins containing these amino acids can be efficiently bioconjugated with small organic molecules by a [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction that is mild enough for the manipulation of biological samples.
Quantitative autoradiographic analysis of 125I-pindolol binding in Fischer 344 rat brain: Changes in β-adrenergic receptor density with aging

Age-related changes in β-adrenergic receptor density in Fischer 344 rat brain were examined using in vitro 125I-pindolol (IPIN) binding and quantitative autoradiographic analysis. Localized protein concentrations were determined using a new quantitative histological technique, and these were used to normalize the densities of receptors. Saturation binding studies in brain sections revealed 40–50% decreases in β-adrenergic receptor density in the thalamus of 23–25-month-old and the cerebellum and brainstem of both 18–19-month-old and 23–25-month-old compared to 4–6-month-old rats. The loss of cerebellar β-adrenergic receptors may be correlated with reports of deficits in sensitivity to β-adrenergic-mediated transmission in the cerebellum of aged rats. No changes in specific IPIN binding with age were observed in rat cortex or hippocampus. In all areas examined no age-related differences were observed in receptor affinity. No changes in protein concentration were found in any of the areas examined in the different aged animals. These results demonstrate a region-specific loss of β-adrenergic receptors with age in the brains of Fischer 344 rats.
All-silicon carbide hybrid wireless-wired optics temperature sensor: turbine tests and distributed fiber sensor network design

Highlighted are results from a commercial Siemens rig test of the fabricated all-Single crystal Silicon Carbide (SiC) temperature probe. Robust probe design options are introduced. Introduced is a fiber network-based spatially distributed sensor design suitable for turbines.
Helping States Enhance Health Care Quality Through Technical Assistance

For the money spent on health care in the United States, far better quality of care should be expected. The Commonwealth Fund and AcademyHealth have created the State Quality Improvement Institute to assist states in implementing sustainable quality improvement strategies. Lessons have emerged about the role of states in advancing fundamental and systemic changes in the way care is delivered, as well as how providers are organized and compensated. The experiences of states participating in the institute may offer insights for other states seeking to achieve similar goals.
The high-temperature vaporization thermodynamics of lanthanum and yttrium monophosphides as determined by Knudsen effusion

Abstract The high-temperature vaporizations of LaP(s) and YP(s) were studied by mass-spectrometric and target-collection Knudsen-effusion techniques. The stoichiometric monophosphides vaporize according to: LnP(s) = Ln(g)+αP(g)+0.5(1−α)P 2 (g), where Ln = La (2075 to 2316 K), or Y (2107 to 2300 K). Thermodynamic values for the atomization reactions are: LaP(s), ΔH at o (298.15 K) = (1137 ± 12) kJ mol −1 , and ΔS at o (298.15 K) = (280±9) J K −1 mol −1 ; YP(s), ΔH at o (298.15 K) = (1153 ± 11) kJ mol −1 , and ΔS at o (298.15 K) = (289±9) J K −1 mol −1 . Based on these second-law results and the thermodynamic values for the elements, ΔH f o (LaP, s, 298.15 K) = −(390±13) kJ mol −1 , S o (LaP, s, 209.15 K) = (66±4) J K −1 mol −1 ; ΔH f o (YP, s, 298.15 K) = −(412±12) kJ mol −1 , and S o (YP, s, 298.15 K) = (53±4) J K −1 mol −1 have been calculated.
Antipredator behavioural compensation of proactive personality trait in male Eurasian siskins

Many animals show behavioural syndromes (i.e. suites of correlated behaviours across multiple situations). These behavioural correlations, however, imply limitations in the behavioural plasticity of individuals when facing the trade-off between predation risk and starvation risk. Some models suggest that proactive animals prioritize the reduction of starvation risk, while reactive animals do the opposite. Therefore, fast explorers that are also bold (i.e. proactive) are assumed to pay a predation cost associated with their behavioural trait. However, it has recently been suggested that proactive individuals may be able to compensate for their higher risk of predation by adopting some antipredator behaviours. In this study we tested these two alternative hypotheses with wild wintering Eurasian siskins, Carduelis spinus, foraging at artificial feeders. Male siskins have a melanin-based black bib that has been found to be correlated with exploratory behaviour, aggressiveness and dominance, and therefore is a signal of proactivity. We found that male siskins with large black bibs uttered more distress calls upon capture and displayed a vigilance strategy that improved predator detection. Moreover, this vigilance strategy did not reduce food intake rate. These results show that proactive individuals are not reckless, but instead compensate for their personality trait with stronger antipredator behaviours, and thus, do not necessarily have to pay a predation cost. Our results support the view of a positive relationship between eumelanism, proactive personality and the display of antipredator behaviours.
Isolation and characterization of the UDP-glucose 4'-epimerase-encoding gene, galE, from Brucella abortus 2308.

Abstract The UDP-glucose 4′-epimerase-encoding gene, galE or exoB , was isolated from Brucella abortus 2308 by complementation of an exoB mutant of Sinorhizobium meliloti . Confirmation of the identity was done by constructing an in-frame deletion of 660 bp with galE of the B. abortus genome by marker exchange. The resulting galE mutant lacked UDP-glucose 4′-epimerase activity. This activity was restored by in trans complementation with the intact gene. The B. abortus gal E mutant is not altered in colony morphology compared to wt 2308. The lack of UDP-glucose 4′-epimerase activity in the mutant and PCR analysis strongly suggest that only one copy of galE exists in B. abortus 2308. The galE sequence of B. abortus 2308 is more similar to galE from other animal-inhabiting bacteria than it is to exoB from the Sinorhizobium legume symbionts. We propose that galE in B. abortus evolved by lateral transfer from other animal-inhabiting bacteria rather than from a common ancestor of Brucella and Sinorhizobium .
The in vitro chondrogenic response of limb-bud mesenchyme to a water-soluble fraction prepared from demineralized bone matrix

Demineralized adult bone matrix initiates de novo ectopic endochondral ossification 2-3 weeks following its intramuscular implantation into adult animals. This phenomenon appears to be similar, in some ways, to inductive cell-matrix interactions which regulate cartilage and bone formation during development. In the present study, we used embryonic chick limb-bud mesenchymal-cell cultures to bioassay extracts of demineralized bone matrix for chondrogenic activity. Guanidinium-chloride (4 M) extracts of demineralized bovine bone were dialyzed against buffers of decreasing ionic strength and then cold water. The cold-water-soluble fraction was found to stimulate chondrogenesis in intermediate-density limb-bud cell cultures (2.2 X 10(6) cells per 35-mm dish), as revealed by visual inspection with phase optics, toluidine-blue staining of fixed plates, and [35S] sulfate incorporation in the cell layer. Further fractionation of this material by anion-exchange, carbohydrate-affinity, and molecular-sieve chromotography produced a semipurified preparation possessing chondrogenic-stimulating activity at doses ranging from 3 to 10 micrograms/ml. The in vitro chondrogenic response of limb-bud mesenchymal cells was dose-dependent, required a minimal initial plating density of 2.08 X 10(5) cells/mm2 of culture dish, and developed gradually over 8-10 days. At an optimal dose of extract, a continuous exposure period of at least 2-3 days was necessary to produce detectable chondrogenic stimulation. In addition, the amount of cartilage formed following an 8-day exposure was markedly influenced by the culture 'age' of the mesenchymal cells (i.e., the time between plating and the start of treatment).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Pharmacy practice-based research networks: Why, what, who, and how

Objectives To describe practice innovations that can lead to measurable advances in the safety and effectiveness of medication use and to recommend a course of action that is likely to lead to practicable improvements in the medication use system. Data sources Proceedings of a national conference; review of the medical literature. Data synthesis Only those interventions that can be reliably implemented by typical practitioners in a wide range of practice settings can produce lasting benefits for considerable numbers of patients. Teamwork between and among disciplines is needed for new insights and novel approaches to delivering pharmaceutical products and services. Building on the experience of other health disciplines, a cross section of pharmacy practitioners, researchers, educators, and leaders were able to identify the key questions, strategies, and actions needed to form collaborations for devising and testing new ideas and transferring the findings into everyday practice. Conclusion Pharmacy practice research that leads to improvements in the medication use process is needed. Practice-based research networks provide a model for building a synergy among pharmacists and other stakeholders to devise improvements that provide sustainable and systemwide improvements in medication use.
Isoenzyme patterns of human liver α-l-fucosidase during development☆

Abstract The pattern of human liver α- l -fucosidase isoenzymes during development has been studied by isoelectric focusing. Seven isoenzymes have been found in livers from fetuses, children and adults. The pattern of isoenzymes appears to change during development. Whereas the most neutral form (I) of α- l -fucosidase is prominent in early fetal development (105–109 days gestation), it is greatly diminished in amount later in fetal development (123–124 days gestation) and in children and adults. Incubation of adult human liver α- l -fucosidase with neuraminidase eliminates the five most acid forms of the enzyme and greatly increases the amount of the most neutral form (I). It is thus possible that sialylation of the most neutral form of α- l -fucosidase accounts, at least in part, for the changes in fucosidase isoenzyme patterns during development.
The future of the German language in science

The German language served the scientific community for decades during the 20th century. The shift to the English language was considered by some as a loss of cultural identity. A view difficult to support, since not only Germany but also countries like Switzerland and Austria are part of the cultural heritage. The development of the impact factor, which is derived predominantly from Anglo-American journals, has also contributed to this situation. This may be of concern, since it influences the scientific future of young scientists from German-speaking countries. At present, no exclusively German-language journal in obstetrics and gynecology is listed in the Index Medicus anymore. If this means that the German-language scientific journals are not needed for the transmission of scientific data, they may evolve as organs for postgraduation studies. Interest in postgraduate papers only recently became evident in academic circles. In American CVs a rubric of postgraduate studies is separately provided. These are highly esteemed. The need for such postgraduate journals will be established when postgraduate studies become mandatory also in German-speaking countries. A lack of postgraduate papers may be overcome by an impact factor for postgraduate studies to encourage young academics to write such papers. Until German-language postgraduate papers are submitted in larger numbers, the editors of German-language journals are referred to the Anglo-American literature where such articles are available. Since a scientific journal, even when there are large subscription numbers, requires advertisements of the pharmaceutical industry, there is a potential for a conflict of interest between physicians and advertisers. In general, it can be expected that the number of German-language journals will drastically decline.
Pseudohypoparathyroidism: the molecular basis for hormone resistance--a retrospective.

Fuller Albright coined the term "pseudohypoparathyroidism" to describe hypoparathyroidism caused by target-organ resistance to the action of parathyroid hormone, as opposed to a simple deficiency o...
Are the "life-support" courses updated? An evaluation of their literature base.

Background:As a condition of employment, many physicians practicing in the United States are mandated to remain current in their certification of some or all of the life-support courses. These courses reputedly set the standard of care by establishing nationally recognized paradigms of resuscitation. These courses' textbooks are revised and re-released at regular intervals. Objectives: To determine whether the source data for these texts are vigorously updated with each revision and whether there is an obvious literature-based impetus to release a new version. Methods: A comparison was made of the years of the references contained within the three most recent textbook editions of the advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), advanced trauma life support, basic life support, and pediatric advanced life support courses. The years of the references were tallied for each text, and these tallies were compared both within and between the courses. Data were divided into three groups: group 1, references published before the previous versions' release; group 2, references published after previous versions' release; group 3, references dated within three years of the texts' release. Results: There appears to be a large amount of overlap of group 1 data throughout most of the course texts; the number of references in group 2 and 3 varies greatly between and within these courses. Conclusions: With one exception (ACLS in 2003), the life-support courses appear to be based on similar reference sets for the last 7 to 11 years. There may be a reason other than an availability of a critical mass of new information that prompts the release of a new edition of these life-support courses.
Scaling of deformation-induced microstructures in fcc metals

Similarities in microstructural patterns developing during monotonic deformation of fcc metals and alloys are demonstrated via observations and scaling laws that indicate the operation of similar dislocation mechanisms for a wide range of materials and deformation conditions. A requirement is for sufficient three-dimensional dislocation mobility to create three-dimensional structures.
INTEGRATING EXPERIMENTAL AND GRADIENT METHODS IN ECOLOGICAL CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH

Field-based research on the responses of ecosystems to anthropogenic climate change has primarily used either natural gradient or experimental methods. Taken separately, each approach faces methodological, spatial, and temporal limitations that potentially constrain the generality of results and predictions. Integration of the two approaches within a single study can overcome some of those limitations and provide ways to distinguish among consistent, dynamic, and context-dependent ecosystem responses to global warming. A simple conceptual model and two case studies that focus on climate change impacts on flowering phenology and carbon cycling in a subalpine meadow ecosystem illustrate the utility of this type of integration.
Integrating family routines and rituals with other family research paradigms: comment on the special section.

This article is a qualitative review of 32 publications appearing since J. Bossard and E. Boll's (1950) seminal work on family rituals was conducted. Definitions are offered whereby a distinction is made between family routines as observable practices and family rituals as symbolic representations of collective events. The relative occurrence of family routines, as described in the literature, appears to follow a developmental course and is affected by the cultural environment. Family routines and rituals were found to be related to parenting competence, child adjustment, and marital satisfaction. The studies were limited by inconsistent methods of assessing family routines, reliance on samples of convenience, and a failure to distinguish between direct and indirect effects. Recommendations are made to better integrate theory with empirical efforts to demonstrate the importance of family routines and rituals in contemporary life.
Experiences and future challenges in mobile agent programming

Abstract The current research in mobile agent systems has demonstrated the utility of this paradigm in building a wide range of distributed applications and systems. In this paper, we present the promising areas for mobile agent based applications. These range from network management, to personal assistants over the Internet, to distributed collaborations. There are many mobile agent programming platforms available today. A large cross-section of these are based on Java. The design of a mobile agent programming platform requires addressing several important problems. In this paper, we discuss these design issues and show how some of the contemporary mobile agent systems have addressed these in their designs. We focus particularly on the Ajanta system, which is a good representative of modern Java-based agent programming platforms. We present here two applications developed using Ajanta, and we discuss the future challenges for research in this field.
Quantitative Analysis Of Phosphosilicate Glass Films On Silicon Wafers For Calibration Of X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry Standards

The phosphorus and silicon contents of phosphosilicate glass films deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on silicon wafers were determined. These films were prepared for use as x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry standards. The thin films were removed from the wafer by etching with dilute hydrofluoric acid, and the P and Si concentrations in solution were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP). The calculated phosphorus concentration ranged from 2.2 to 12 wt %, with an uncertainty of 2.73 to 10.1 relative percent. Variation between the calculated weight loss (summation of P 2 O 5 and SiO 2 amounts as determined by ICP) and the measured weight loss (determined gravimetrically) aver-aged 4.9 %. Results from the ICP method, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dispersive infrared spectroscopy, electron microprobe, and x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy for the same samples are compared.
A one-sample adaptive distribution-free test with a stable power function

An asymptotically efficient combination of rank statistics with a variety of score functions is studied. The results of a Monte Carlo study show that the power function of the test for location is very stable across density types varying from heavy to light tails.
Indoor/outdoor relationships for ambient PM2.5 and associated pollutants: epidemiological implications in Lindon, Utah.

ABSTRACT Outdoor and indoor fine particulate species were measured at the Lindon Elementary School in Lindon, Utah, to determine which components of ambient fine particles have strong indoor and outdoor concentration correlations. PM25 mass concentrations were measured using tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM)7 monitors and by gravimetric analysis of Teflon filter samples. Gas-phase HNO3, sulfur dioxide, particulate nitrate, strong acid, and particulate sulfate were measured using annular denuder samplers. Soot was measured using quartz filters in filter packs. Total particulate number was measured with a condensation nucleus counter (CNC). Total par-ticulate number and fine particulate sulfate and soot were correlated for ambient and indoor measurements. Indoor PM 2.5 mass showed a low correlation with outdoor PM 2.5 mass because of the influence of coarse material from student activities on indoor PM2.5. Fine particle acidity and the potentiation of biological oxidative mechanisms by iron we...
EVIDENCE FOR A PREHISTORIC PETROGLYPH MAP IN CENTRAL ARIZONA

For the prehistoric petroglyphs of the southwestern United States, the search continues to correlate these symbols to geographic features, astronomical phenomena or human activity. In central Arizona, a serendipitous discovery of a panel of petroglyphs has led to a potential correlation between the abstract symbols and topographic and location information. This paper summarizes the location, design features and interpretation concerning these petroglyphs.
Prevalence, onset, and risk of psychiatric disorders in men with chronic low back pain: a controlled study

This study used structured diagnostic interviews and DSM-III criteria to assess lifetime prevalence and pre-morbid risk of psychiatric disorder in a sample of men with long-standing chronic back pain (CLPB) attending a primary care clinic. A control group of age and demographically matched men without history of back pain was also studied. Compared to controls, men with CLBP had significantly higher lifetime rates of major depression (32% vs. 16%), alcohol use disorder (64.9% vs. 38.8%), and a major anxiety disorder (30.9% vs. 14.3%). Almost all CLBP men ever experiencing a mood disorder reported recurrent, not single, episodes. The 6 month point prevalence of major depression, but not other disorders, was also significantly elevated for men with CLBP. In CLBP, the first episode of major depression generally (58.1%) followed pain onset. While the initial major depressive episode usually commenced within the first 2 years of established pain, late onset mood disorder was also common. By comparison in most cases (81%) onset of alcohol use disorders considerably preceded pain. When an age-matching procedure was used to gauge relative vulnerability to psychiatric illness in patients and controls, CLBP patients had significantly higher pre-pain rates of alcohol use disorder but not depression. After age of pain onset, CLBP subjects had over 9 times the risk of developing major depression, but had similar rates of developing alcoholism. We conclude that (1) alcohol use disorders rather than depression may increase risk of developing CLBP, and (2) risk of new onset and recurrent major depression remains high for men throughout their pain career. This suggests that psychological adaptation to long-standing pain may be less successful than previously thought, especially with regard to recurrent mood disorder.
NASA research and development for space telerobotics

The goal of this research is to explore and prevent robust concepts for telerobotic support of space servicing, assembly, maintenance, and telescience tasks. This goal is being addressed through a program of coordinated work in artificial intelligence, robotics, and human factors. The general research objective is the fusion of robot sensing and manipulation, teleoperation, and human and machine cognitive skills into an effective architecture for supervised task automation. NASA is evaluating results of this research program in a ground laboratory telerobot testbed under development at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The testbed development activity includes integrated technology demonstrations. The demonstrations show telerobot capabilities to perform tasks of increasing complexity, and duration in increasingly unstructured environments. The first such demonstration is the ground-based grappling, docking, and servicing of a satellite taskboard. The author outlines this demonstration and briefly reports on some aspects of its implementation. >
Search for fractionally charged ions in helium gas

A Van de Graaff accelerator facility has been used as a supersensitive mass spectrograph in a search for free +1/3vertical-barevertical-bar and +2/3vertical-barevertical-bar charged ions in helium gas. No such ions were found at a level of sensitivity better than 1 part in 3.9 x 10/sup 14/He atoms. The mass ranges spanned were 0.13 to 7.5 amu for +1/3vertical-barevertical-bar ions and 0.27 to 15.0 amu for +2/3vertical-barevertical-bar ions.
An ACT-like Domain Participates in the Dimerization of Several Plant Basic-helix-loop-helix Transcription Factors

The maize basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factor R belongs to a group of proteins with important functions in the regulation of metabolism and development through the cooperation with R2R3-MYB transcription factors. Here we show that in addition to the bHLH and the R2R3-MYB-interacting domains, R contains a dimerization region located C-terminal to the bHLH motif. This protein-protein interaction domain is important for the regulation of anthocyanin pigment biosynthesis by contributing to the recruitment of the C1 R2R3-MYB factor to the C1 binding sites present in the promoters of flavonoid biosynthetic genes. The R dimerization region bares structural similarity to the ACT domain present in several metabolic enzymes. Protein fold recognition analyses resulted in the identification of similar ACT-like domains in several other plant bHLH proteins. We show that at least one of these related motifs is capable of mediating homodimer formation. These findings underscore the function of R as a docking site for multiple protein-protein interactions and provide evidence for the presence of a novel dimerization domain in multiple plant bHLH proteins.
Image reconstruction from sparse data samples along spiral trajectories in MRI

We present a method for obtaining accurate image reconstruction from sparsely sampled magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data obtained along spiral trajectories in Fourier space. This method minimizes the total variation (TV) of the estimated image, subject to the constraint that the Fourier transform of the image matches the known samples in Fourier space. Using this method, we demonstrate accurate image reconstruction from sparse Fourier samples. We also show that the algorithm is reasonably robust to the effects of measurement noise. Reconstruction from such sparse sampling should reduce scan times, improving scan quality through reduction of motion-related artifacts and allowing more rapid evaluation of time-critical conditions such as stroke. Although our results are discussed in the context of two-dimensional MRI, they are directly applicable to higher dimensional imaging and to other sampling patterns in Fourier space.