cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Provide Special Health Services, Recovery and Social Reintegration

Arab countries provide a range of services accessible health care before entering the hospital or in emergency situations. There are a range of programs and pilot projects in this area, such as developing procedures and protocols governing the coordination between the actors and the provision of specialized units fixed or mobile to deal with issues of violence, and maternal and child health, and training programs for health workers and doctors to distinguish the signs and symptoms resulting from this violence, and training and assigning staff specializing in the early detection of symptoms of violence and reporting. Jordan has developed procedures and protocols, especially the Ministry of Health to deal with cases of domestic violence.
Coding Schemes for Crossbar Resistive Memory with High Line Resistance in SCM Applications

Crossbar resistive memory with 1 Selector 1 Resistor (1S1R) structure is attractive for low-cost, power efficient, and high-density storage class memory (SCM) applications. As technology scales down to the single-nm regime, the increasing resistivity of wordline/bitline becomes a limiting factor to device reliability. Due to the line resistance, reliability of memory cells in an array is spatially non-uniform. In this paper, by mitigating and leveraging this spatial non-uniformity, we propose two simple yet effective coding schemes, one that utilizes interleaving and one that utilizes multiple codes based on a proposed location dependent code allocation (LDCA) framework, to reduce the undetected bit-error rate (UBER) or to allow for lower write voltage for power efficiency in the studied crossbar resistive memories.
Love’s Grateful Striving: A Commentary on Kierkegaard’s “Works of Love.”

Soren Kierkegaard's Works of Love (1847), a series of deliberations on the commandment to love one's neighbour, has often been condemned by critics. This book seeks to rehabilitate Works of Love as one of Kierkegaard's most important works. Jamie Ferreira shows that Kierkegaard's deliberations on love are highly relevant to some important themes in contemporary ethics including: impartiality, duty, partiality, equality, mutuality, reciprocity, self-love, sympathy, and sacrifice. Works of Love also has implications for postmodern concerns about the normative relation between Self and Other - questions of "gift" and responsiveness, "infinite demand" and responsibility. In addition, Ferreira argues, Works of Love also bears on such issues as the role of God as "middle term," and the possibility of preserving the aesthetic dimensions of love in a religious ethic of relation.
Peer relationships in adolescence.

Scope and Objectives Conventional Wisdom About Peer Relations Peer-Related Characteristics of Individuals Peer Relationship Processes Contextual Influences on Adolescent Peer Relations Final Comments Keywords: bullying; friendship; peer groups; peer influence; peers; popularity; victimization
Escape Synthesis of d-Serine Deaminase in λ dsdC Integration Lysogens

Abstract Heat shock of lysogens that contain λ thermosensitive repressor mutants integrated into the dsdC gene results in escape synthesis of d-serine deaminase at a high differential rate.
Shapes and Other Things

Shape grammars have offered a unique computational theory of design over the past forty or so years. Although the focus of shape grammar theory has been on shapes and designs, the material objects or things that might comply with shapes have also been considered. In this paper, I trace the history of approaches for specifying material properties and things through shape grammars. I identify early trends and their limitations, and then propose a new possibility. In early approaches, material things were viewed through the lens of shapes. I argue for a new approach in which shapes are viewed through the lens of material things. Shape grammars are adapted to define making grammars for computing things. Shapes are just one of many things that can be made with these grammars. I conclude with a discussion of the relationship of designing and making, and suggest that designing is a kind of making.
Null Mutation of c-fos Causes Exacerbation of Methamphetamine-Induced Neurotoxicity

Methamphetamine neurotoxicity has been demonstrated in rodents and nonhuman primates. These neurotoxic effects may be associated with mechanisms involved in oxidative stress and the activation of immediate early genes (IEG). It is not clear, however, whether these IEG responses are involved in a methamphetamine-induced toxic cascade or in protective mechanisms against the deleterious effects of the drug. As a first step toward clarifying this issue further, the present study was thus undertaken to assess the toxic effects of methamphetamine in heterozygous and homozygous c-fos knock-out as well as wild-type mice. Administration of methamphetamine caused significant reduction in [ 125 I]RTI-121–labeled dopamine uptake sites, dopamine transporter protein, and tyrosine hydroxylase–like immunohistochemistry in the striata of wild-type mice. These decreases were significantly exacerbated in heterozygous and homozygous c-fos knock-out mice, with the homozygous showing greater loss of striatal dopaminergic markers. Moreover, in comparison with wild-type animals, both genotypes of c-fos knock-out mice showed more DNA fragmentation, measured by the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick-end–labeled nondopaminergic cells in their cortices and striata. In contrast, wild-type mice treated with methamphetamine demonstrated a greater number of glial fibrillary acidic protein–positive cells than did c-fos knock-out mice. These data suggest that c-fos induction in response to toxic doses of methamphetamine might be involved in protective mechanisms against this drug-induced neurotoxicity.
A Micromachined Permalloy Magnetic Actuator Array for Micro Robotics Assembly Systems

Arrays of permalloy magnetic actuators have been studied for the use as precision micro robotics assembly systems. The actuator arrays have been tested for lifting and moving silicon and glass chips. The actuator unit consists of a permalloy plate 1 mm x 1 mm X 5/spl mu/m in size together with polysilicon bending supports. Experimentally, it can lift a 87 /spl mu/N (or 8.88 mg) force under a magnetic field of approximately 2 x 10/sup 4/ A/m. A proposed synchronous driving mode has been observed, and both translation and rotation of a silicon chip has been demonstrated.
Patient-Specific, 3-Dimensional Dosimetry in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Patients Treated with 131I-anti-B1 Antibody: Assessment of Tumor Dose-Response

A comprehensive, SPECT-based, patient-specific 3-dimensional (3D) dosimetry analysis has been performed using 3D-ID, a previously developed software package. The role of the total-body tumor burden, individual lesion size, tumor absorbed dose, and the spatial distribution of the absorbed dose on response and on the time course of tumor shrinkage has been examined in patients with lymphoma treated by radioimmunotherapy. Methods: Data from 15 patients participating in a phase II study of 131I-labeled anti-B1 antibody (tositumomab) were used. Patients were administered a tracer dose of 131I for imaging and pharmacokinetics. Dose estimates from the tracer studies were used to prescribe the therapeutic administration such that the whole-body absorbed dose did not exceed 75 cGy. All patients received a fixed mass amount of antibody for both the tracer and the therapeutic administrations. SPECT and planar imaging were performed 3–4 d after the therapeutic administration. CT or MRI scans were available on all patients. Total tumor burden was assessed by drawing contours around all lymphoma lesions identified on whole-body CT or MRI. Mean absorbed doses were estimated for selected, index lesions by conventional dosimetry and also by 3D SPECT-based dosimetry. Using a patient-specific dosimetry package, 3D-ID, dose-volume histograms were also generated to assess the spatial distribution of absorbed dose. This approach made it possible to obtain estimates of the minimum and maximum absorbed doses for individual tumors in addition to the mean. Results: Mean absorbed dose estimates obtained by patient-specific SPECT-based dosimetry using 3D-ID were within 2%–5% of estimates obtained by conventional dosimetry. None of the absorbed dose parameters (mean, minimum, maximum, uniformity) were found to have a significant correlation with tumor response. The total-body tumor burden did not impact on overall response or toxicity. Conclusion: This analysis represents the first full reported implementation of a patient-specific 3D dosimetry package. The absence of a dose-response relationship for tumors is surprising and suggests that absorbed dose is not the sole determinant of tumor response in these patients. The absence of a correlation between the total-body tumor burden and overall response or toxicity suggests that tailoring the milligram amount of administered antibody to patient tumor burden is not likely to improve response or reduce toxicity.
Consequences of sea level rise: Implications from the mississippi delta

Sea level rise is expected to increase worldwide over the coming decades, and its impacts are beginning to be felt in many areas. Two major direct impacts of sea level rise are submergence and salinity increase. Historically, the Mississippi River Delta has experienced a relative sea level rise (RSLR) and thus serves as an analogy or model for what can be expected elsewhere. Despite long term RSLR primarily due to subsidence, the Mississippi has grown in size over the past several thousand years since eustatic sea level stabilized. Within this century, the net positive growth rate has been reversed and net wetland loss rates as great as 100 km2 per year have occurred. Much of the wetland loss is associated with human activities that have resulted in a reduction of sediment input to wetlands. Because of this reduction, vertical accretion of the wetland surface is less than RSLR and plants are disappearing due to waterlogging and salinity increase. The resulting loss of wetland plant vigor complicates the problem because the production of plant roots is an important component of soil formation and vertical accretion of the wetland surface.
Job Counseling of the Epileptic

(1960). Job Counseling of the Epileptic. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 49, No. 1, pp. 123-132.
Repeatability in radiative shock tube experiments

Abstract We report here data gathered regarding radiative shock experiments carried out on October 23, 2008. This day featured a number of nominally identical experimental shots. We discuss the degree to which the shots qualitatively differed from one to another and to what degree quantitative measurements, such as shock position, proved to have repeatably obtainable values. In particular, we call attention to the use of radiative precursor-launched wall shocks as a diagnostic feature.
The discrete fundamental group of the order complex of Bn

A few years ago Kramer and Laubenbacher introduced a discrete notion of homotopy for simplicial complexes. In this paper, we compute the discrete fundamental group of the order complex of the Boolean lattice. As it turns out, it is equivalent to computing the discrete homotopy group of the 1-skeleton of the permutahedron. To compute this group we introduce combinatorial techniques that we believe will be helpful in computing discrete fundamental groups of other polytopes. More precisely, we use the language of words, over the alphabet of simple transpositions, to obtain conditions that are necessary and sufficient to characterize the equivalence classes of cycles. The proof requires only simple combinatorial arguments. As a corollary, we also obtain a combinatorial proof of the fact that the first Betti number of the complement of the 3-equal arrangement is equal to 2 n?3(n 2?5n+8)?1. This formula was originally obtained by Bjorner and Welker in 1995.
The effect of B12 on enzyme activity in E. coli mutant 113-3.

Abstract 1. 1. It is shown that the stimulation of enzyme activity in E. coli mutant 113-3 by vitamin B12 is markedly enhanced by the presence of glutathione. The further addition of glucose 6-phosphate and DPN is required for maximum stimulation of many enzymes. 2. 2. The fact that B12 is not required for the synthesis or activity of individual enzymes in freshly harvested cells suggests that it is not a cofactor in these reactions. 3. 3. The reactivation of enzymes by B12 after inactivation by aging suggests that B12 in conjunction with glutathione affects a reversible structural change common to these enzyme proteins.
Separation thresholds for colored bars with and without luminance contrast

Separation thresholds for rectangular bar targets were obtained for certain combinations of black, white and colored targets and grounds. Relatively low threshold separation scores were obtained with colored targets against white grounds with targets and ground equated in luminance. The results suggest that color contrast is sufficient but less efficient than luminance contrast for visual acuity.
Heterogeneous Dielectric and Hydrogen Bonding Environment of Transmembrane Peptides

A complex set of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions between the protein side chains and cellular membrane components is primary responsible for such important biophysical processes as initial protein binding/docking to cellular membranes, membrane insertion, folding, and the final adaptation of the correct transmembrane position. Although general concepts of membrane protein folding and thermodynamic stability are beginning to emerge, the experimental data on the transmembrane profile of the effective dielectric constant and the local hydrogen bond network formed by membrane protein side chains remain severely limited. Here we describe the use of an arsenal of modern spin-labeling EPR methods to profile heterogeneous dielectric and hydrogen bonding environment along a series of the alpha-helical chain of the alanine-rich WALP peptide that adopts a transmembrane orientation. Firstly, we have employed a recently described pH-sensitive cysteine-specific spin-label IMSTL (methanethiosulfonic acid S-(1-oxyl-2,2,3,5,5-pentamethylimidazolidin-4-ylmethyl) ester) to label a series of WALP cysteine mutants. EPR titrations of such peptides reconstituted into anionic lipid bilayers yield the magnitude of relative changes in the effective dielectric constant across the bilayer in the vicinity of the peptide alpha-helix. Secondly, perdeuterated and 15N-substituted nitroxides in combination with High Field EPR at 130 GHz (D-band) were used to assess local polarity and formation of hydrogen bonds for the same series of spin-labeled WALP mutants. Finally, the nature of the hydrogen bonds observed by EPR was ascertained by a series of HYSCORE X-band measurements. It was concluded that such combination of EPR techniques significantly expands the capabilities of spin-labeling methods in studies of membrane proteins as demonstrated by deriving profiles of heterogeneous dielectric and hydrogen bonding environment along a typical transmembrane alpha-helix. Supported by NSF-0843632 to TIS and NIH 1R01GM072897 to AIS.
Comprehensive Evaluation of the Absorption, Photophysical, Energy Transfer, Structural, and Theoretical Properties of α-Oligothiophenes with One to Seven Rings

A large basis set of α-oligothiophenes with two to seven rings (α2−α7), also including thiophene, α1, have been investigated in five solvents regarding absorption, fluorescence and phosphorescence, quantum yields of fluorescence (φF) and triplet formation (φT), lifetimes of fluorescence and the triplet state, quantum yields of singlet oxygen production (φΔ), all rate constants kF, kIC, kISC, and several of the foregoing as a function of temperature. Ten different theoretical calculations across several levels including three levels of ab initio have been carried out regarding which conformer is lowest in energy and the ΔH's among all conformers of α2, α3 and α5, as well as calculations of transitions energies of the α-oligothiophenes. We have shown that the (l) 1Bu state is the lowest singlet state for all α2−α7 in any solvent, in contradiction to previous predictions for the higher members. Based on absorption and fluorescence data and calculations of atomic charges in S0 and S1, the ground state is twis...
Ascorbic acid catabolism in Bantu with hemosiderosis (scurvy).

Abstract Significant numbers of South African male Bantu develop a scurvy-type skin, which appears after prolonged presence of hemosiderosis. This hemosiderosis is caused by a severe dietary iron overload. Ascorbic acid administered to the patients does not appear in the urine. Four patients with diagnosed hemosiderosis and scurvy were given 18–27-mg doses of ascorbic acid-1- 14 C per os . In 24 hr as much as 47% of a dose was excreted in 14 CO 2 and 20% in the urine, which accounted for a total of 67%. During a 168-hr period, the CO 2 and urine accounted for totals as high as 73% of the dose. Oxalic acid obtained from the first and second 24-hr urines contained 1% and 0.2% of the dose, respectively. The serum levels peaked at 2–4 hr after the dose. The data suggest that two rapid decarboxylation reactions, which were not related to rates of absorption occurred in these patients. Very small amounts of oxalate were formed by the splitting of the chain in the two positions to form glyoxylic acid, a precursor of oxalic acid. Six unidentified labeled components were found on autoradiographs of chromatograms of urine fractions.
Mixed Aortic Valve Disease in the Young: Initial Observations

The short-term surgical results for mixed aortic valve disease (MAVD) and the long-term effects on the left ventricle (LV) are unknown. Retrospective review identified patients with at least both moderate aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic regurgitation (AR) before surgical intervention. A one-to-one comparison cohort of patients with MAVD not referred for surgical intervention was identified. The 45 patients in this study underwent surgical management for MAVD. A control group of 45 medically managed patients with MAVD also was identified. Both groups had elevated LV end-diastolic volume (EDV), elevated LV mass, a normal LV mass:volume ratio (MVR), and a normal ejection fraction. Both groups had diastolic dysfunction shown by early diastolic pulsed-Doppler mitral inflow/early diastolic tissue Doppler velocity z-score. The LV end-diastolic pressure (EDP) was correlated with age (R = 0.4; p = 0.03) and LV MVR (R = 0.4; p = 0.03) but not with AS, AR, or the score combining gradient and LV size. As shown by 6- to 12-month postoperative echocardiograms, aortic valve gradients and AR significantly improved (gradient 65 ± 17 to 28 ± 18 mmHg, p = 0.01; median regurgitation grade moderate to mild; p < 0.01), LV EDV normalized, and LV mass significantly improved (p < 0.01). Diastolic dysfunction was unchanged. Symptoms did not correlate with any measured parameter, but the preoperative symptoms resolved. In conclusion, despite diastolic dysfunction, systolic function is invariably preserved, and symptoms are not correlated with aortic valve function or LV EDP. Current surgical practice preserves LV mechanics and results in short-term improvement in valve function and symptoms.
Spectroscopic Study of the Fermi Level Electronic Structure of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

The electronic structure of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) is investigated by transmission spectroscopy of thin films. Hole-doping of SWNTs, as a result of purification, leads to free carrier absorption in the far-IR spectral range. Thermal cycling de-dopes SWNTs, transferring spectral weight from the far-IR to the interband transitions in the near-IR spectral range. After the nanotubes are de-doped, a diameter dependent peak in the far-IR is apparent at ∼100 cm-1, which we ascribe to a curvature induced energy gap in the DOS of nonarmchair metallic SWNTs.
MOSAIC: a new wavefront metrology

MOSAIC is a new wavefront metrology that enables complete wavefront characterization from print or aerial image based measurements. Here we describe MOSAIC and verify its utility with a model-based proof of principle.
The Effects of Topical Mitomycin on Glaucoma Filtration Surgery in Rabbits

A prospective, randomized, double-masked, and placebo controlled study was performed to examine the effects of topically applied mitomycin on the success of full thickness filtration surgery in 23 rabbits. Both eyes of each rabbit had surgery by the same surgeon. After surgery, the experimental eye received a single subconjunctival injection of mitomycin (0.2 mg), and 50 microliters of a 0.2 mg/cc solution of mitomycin topically four time daily. The fellow control eyes were treated with sterile water. The mean intraocular pressure reduction from baseline exhibited by the experimental eyes was greater than that observed for the control eyes. The difference in intraocular pressure reduction between the two groups was statistically significant from post-operative day three through day 21 (p less than .05). With survival analysis, fewer failures were noted in the experimental eyes compared to control eyes for each time period throughout the study (p less than .005). The experimental eyes also demonstrated a longer time to bleb failure although this difference did not achieve statistical significance (p less than .10). An additional five rabbits were treated with the experimental drop in one eye and sterile water in the fellow eye but underwent no surgery. No differences between eyes were noted with regard to intraocular pressure change or anterior segment pathology. These data demonstrated the efficacy of mitomycin in promoting filtration surgical success in rabbits.
Interactive Video Technology in Education: Past, Present, and Future:

Interactive video (IV) technology, with the combination of computers and video, represents a powerful tool in the field of instructional technology. This article first reviews the historical development of interactive technology. Then three major areas of current developments and future directions of IV technology are discussed: features of hardware and software, material design, and applications in education. Related issues like learner control, intelligent tutoring systems, material design strategies, and obstacles to educational applications are examined as well.
Separation of volatile organic compounds from dry and humidified nitrogen using polyurethane membranes

Homogeneous polyurethane membranes, containing ether or ester soft segments, were examined for the vapor-phase separation of tetrachloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, toluene, p-xylene, hexane, and benzene/toluene/xylene mixtures from nitrogen. Both equilibrium sorption/desorption and organic/N2 separation experiments were carried out. The membranes performed best with aromatic and chlorine-containing organic compounds, with organic/dry N2 selectivities ranging from 30 to 210 and pressure-normalized permeabilities as high as 1.25 × 10-3 cm3 (STP)/(cm2 s cmHg) for saturated organic feeds at 23 °C and a downstream pressure of 0.005−0.01 atm. Organic/N2 selectivities and organic permeabilities were generally higher than those reported in the literature for poly(dimethylsiloxane) and aromatic polyimide membranes. Organic permeabilities in the ether soft segment polyurethane membranes were greater than those measured in the polyester films, due to higher organic solubility coefficients (more polymer ...
Preliminary Modeling, Control, and Trajectory Design for Miniature Autonomous Tailsitters

A tailsitter UAV has unique advantages over typical fixed wing aircraft or hovercraft. This paper highlights topics of interest in our preliminary research in developing a tailsitter UAV. An aerodynamic model and quaternion-based attitude and position control scheme is presented for controlling a tailsitter through hover maneuvers, with simulation results. Desired trajectories are also developed through feedback linearization of the dynamic equations, intended for quaternion-based attitude control. Finally, a hardware platform is proposed. bw Wing span, m cen Elevon chord length (may be a function of spanwise location), m cr Rudder chord length (may be a function of spanwise location), m cw Wing chord length (may be a function of spanwise location), m ct
Would Cows Vote Carnivore

Vegetarians and ‘animal rights’ activists argue that the human ‘exploitation’ of other species should be prevented in the interest of the animals and plants involved. But the human consumption of animal and vegetable products results in a larger population of these species than they could otherwise expect, William Shughart and Robert Tollison of the Center for Study of Public Choice at George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, ask whether cows, rabbits, rah and trees might prefer to be bred for human consumption.
Perforated cecal carcinoma presenting as thigh emphysema

Gastrointestinal perforation into the retroperitoneum may present as thigh emphysema. In the elderly, abdominal symptoms may be minimal. We report a patient with a perforated cecal carcinoma presenting as right hip pain with thigh emphysema. A diagnosis of perforated intra-abdominal viscus was suspected from the radiographs. The patient initially did well after surgery, which included a hemicolectomy and debridement of necrotic muscle down to the knee. He later succumbed from cardiac arrest following a dyspneic episode.
Nursing home residents with Alzheimer’s disease in special care units compared to other residents with Alzheimer’s disease:

The purpose of the study was to compare nursing home residents with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in special care units (SCUs) to other AD residents.We analyzed 49,627 admission assessments recorded in the Minimum Data Set during 2000 for residents with AD, with 11,311 in SCUs. We compared these two groups of AD residents for demographic characteristics, health status, and treatments.SCU residents were significantly more likely to be male, younger, white, married, and self pay than other AD residents. SCU residents were significantly more likely to have poorer cognitive function and communication skills while other AD residents were significantly more likely to be totally activities of daily living (ADL) dependent, more physically disabled, and have cardiac-related conditions. SCU residents were significantly more likely to receive daily anti-psychotic, anti-anxiety, or anti-depressant medications than other AD residents. Other AD residents were more likely to receive a range of treatments and procedures, whil...
Cellular and biochemical aspects of growth retardation in rat fetuses induced by maternal administration of selected anticancer agents.

Single ip injections of 600 mg/kg 5-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazeno)-imidazole-4-carboxamide (DIC) and 900 mg/kg 5- [3,3-bis(2-chlorethyl)-1-tria-zeno] -imidazole-4-carboxamide (BIC) were given to pregnant Wistar rats at day 12 and the animals were killed 4 hafter injection and at days 13–17 of gestation. Fetal tissues were used to determine total DNA, RNA, and protein and the data used to derive cell number and cell weight, RNA, and protein/ cell, Both compounds reduced total fetal body weight, DNA, RNA, and protein But reduction of RNA by BIC was not statistically significant These effects were observed 4 h after injection, increased with age (days 13-17X and were 3-4 times greater for DIC than BIC. By using the value of 6.2 μμg DNA/ cell, cell number and percell values for weight, RNA, and protein, and weight: DNA, RNA: DNA, and protein: DNA ratios were coinputed. The percell values and ratios in the DIC-exposed animals were 8–44% greater and in BIC-treated animals 0–11% greater than control animals of the same gestational age. Percentage of body water was the same in the experimental and control animals. The differences in DNA, RNA, and protein are believed to be related to drug-induced growth retardation incident to total fetal DNA reduction resulting in diminished cell number.
Class E Colpitts oscillator for low power wireless applications

A class E Colpitts oscillator for low power wireless applications, operating around 900 MHz, is reported for the first time. A microstrip design of the oscillator demonstrates a maximum drain efficiency of 46.5 , with an output power of 8.5 dBm, at a supply voltage of 1.2 V. Simulation predicts that a miniaturised design of the oscillator with lumped element components would achieve a drain efficiency of over 60%.
A universal competitive fluorescence polarization activity assay for S-adenosylmethionine utilizing methyltransferases

A high-throughput, competitive fluorescence polarization immunoassay has been developed for the detection of methyltransferase activity. The assay was designed to detect S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy), a product of all S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet)-utilizing methyltransferase reactions. We employed commercially available anti-AdoHcy antibody and fluorescein-AdoHcy conjugate tracer to measure AdoHcy generated as a result of methyltransferase activity. AdoHcy competes with tracer in the antibody/tracer complex. The release of tracer results in a decrease in fluorescence polarization. Under optimized conditions, AdoHcy and AdoMet titrations demonstrated that the antibody had more than a 150-fold preference for binding AdoHcy relative to AdoMet. Mock methyltransferase reactions using both AdoHcy and AdoMet indicated that the assay tolerated 1 to 3 microM AdoMet. The limit of detection was approximately 5 nM (0.15 pmol) AdoHcy in the presence of 3 muM AdoMet. To validate the assay's ability to quantitate methyltransferase activity, the methyltransferase catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and a known selective inhibitor of COMT activity were used in proof-of-principle experiments. A time- and enzyme concentration-dependent decrease in fluorescence polarization was observed in the COMT assay that was developed. The IC(50) value obtained using a selective COMT inhibitor was consistent with previously published data. Thus, this sensitive and homogeneous assay is amenable for screening compounds for inhibitors of methyltransferase activity.
Should laparoscopy be the standard approach used for radical nephrectomy

Since its inception in June 1990, laparoscopic radical/total nephrectomy for renal tumor has been successfully applied worldwide to hundreds of patients. Recent 5-year follow-up data have shown this procedure to produce cancer control identical to that of open radical/total nephrectomy. Although in most centers the cost of the procedure remains higher than open surgery, the patient benefits of decreased pain, reduced hospitalization, less blood loss, and more rapid convalescence appear to be universal. At this time, we believe that laparoscopic radical/total neph-rectomy for the treatment of renal tumors should become the new standard of care.
Routine Prostaglandin Assay by GC-MS in Multiwell Tissue Culture Plates: Application to Human Synoviocytes and Chondrocytes

Abstract Prostanoids can he assayed by the highly sensitive and reproducible gas chromatography-negative ion chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (GC-NICI-MS) technique. This paper describes a simplified method applied to the quantification of prostaglandins (PG) in the surpernatants of limited amounts of cells, cultured in multiwell plates (30,000 cells/well). The culture medium was extracted on C2 columns and the derivatization was performed in three steps. Prostanoids were then analyzed by GC-NICI-MS within 10 min. The storage conditions at each step were tested in order to achieve maximal yields. This procedure allowed the determination and quantification of PG produced by cultured human synovial cells and chondrocytes at the basal level as well as after interleukin-1 stimulation. PGE2, PGF2α, and 6-keto-PGF1α, the stable form of PGI2, were the main PG detected. Derivatization and GC-MS analyses of 18 samples could easily be performed in 1 day. The simplified GC-NICI-MS method can thus be routinely applied for assaying PG in any cell line cultured in multiwells.
The neuroactive steroid 3-α-ol-5-β-pregnan-20-one hemisuccinate, a selective NMDA receptor antagonist improves behavioral performance following spinal cord ischemia

The initial response to an ischemic event is the rapid release of excitatory amino acid's followed by the activation of the “ischemic cascade”. It has been suggested that neurosteroids, which act as negative modulators of excitatory amino acid receptors, may improve behavioral functions and promote neuronal survival following ischemia. The present study evaluated the pharmacological effects of 3-α-ol-5-β-pregnan-20-one hemisuccinate (ABHS), a neurosteroid that inhibits excitatory amino acid receptor function, in a rabbit reversible spinal cord ischemia model (RSCIM). ABHS was administered (25 mg/kg) intravenously (i.v.) 5 or 30 min following the start of occlusion to groups of rabbits exposed to ischemia induced by temporary occlusion of the infrarenal aorta. The group P50 represents the duration of ischemia (min) associated with a 50% probability of resultant permanent paraplegia. Quantal analysis indicated that the P50 of the control group was 23.44±4.32 min. Using the RSCIM, neuroprotection is observed if a drug significantly prolongs the P50 compared to the control group. Treatment with ABHS (25 mg/kg) 5 min post-occlusion significantly (p<0.05) prolonged the P50 of the group to 49.18±10.44 min, an increase of 110%. The effect of ABHS was not durable following a single injection since a significant difference between the control and ABHS-treated groups was not measurable at 48 h. However, if ABHS was injected 5 min following the start of ischemia and again 24 h after ischemia, there was a persistent effect of the drug at 48 h. Moreover, ABHS also increased the tolerance to ischemia if administered 30 min following the start of occlusion. Our results suggest that neuroactive steroids such as ABHS, which are selective NMDA receptor antagonists, may have substantial therapeutic benefit for the treatment of ischemic injuries including spinal cord neurodegeneration and stroke.
Giving Feedback: Development of Scales for the Mum Effect, Discomfort Giving Feedback, and Feedback Medium Preference.

Research in organizational behavior and human resources promotes the view that it is critical for managers to provide accurate feedback to employees, yet little research addresses rater tendencies (i.e., the mum effect) and attitudes that influence how performance feedback is given. Because technology has changed the nature of communication in organizations (e.g., feedback given by e-mail), there is a need to determine how a feedback giver's preference for the delivery medium might influence the message. In this article, we develop three scales measuring the mum effect, discomfort with giving feedback, and feedback medium preference to determine feedback givers' tendencies, which may be used to improve feedback delivery. We then used these scales in a feedback situation. Findings are reported and practical implications discussed.
The relation between alternative choices of monetary policy tool and information variable

Abstract This paper develops the intuition of the use of a monetary information variable more completely than has been done thus far. The analysis involves the possibility of some seemingly perverse policy reactions. A new diagram is presented which clarifies and substantially qualifies the nature of the equivalence between an interest rate policy, with the money supply as the information variable, and the reverse assignment of variables.
Electrical resistivity of monolayers and bilayers of alkanethiols in tunnel junction with gate electrode

Abstract The tunneling resistances of monolayers and bilayers of n-alkanethiols in macroscopic Hg–Hg junctions with an electrochemical gate are reported. The resistances near zero bias calculated per 1 hydrocarbon chain vary from (5 ± 4) × 1012 Ω for n-nonanethiol to (4 ± 2) × 1016 Ω for n-octadecanethiol. These values indicate that monolayers of hydrocarbons in Hg–Hg junctions are substantially more resistive as compared to measurements employing microscopic tunnel junctions. The tunneling resistances of monolayer junctions are approximately 1 order of magnitude larger than those of bilayer junctions containing the same number of atoms indicating inefficient electronic coupling across the non-bonded –CH3|Hg interface. The symmetric current–voltage curves observed for the asymmetric junctions of Hg–S–(CH2)n–CH3|Hg type suggest that these junctions do not behave as molecular diodes. Additional experimental evidence for the nature of the –CH3|Hg interface in the Hg–S–(CH2)n–CH3|Hg junction is also presented.
Case report: patient portal versus telephone recruitment for a surgical research study.

Background: Patient portal adoption has rapidly increased over the last decade. Most patient portal research has been done in primary care or medical specialties, and few studies have examined their use in surgical patients or for recruiting research subjects. No known studies have compared portal messaging with other approaches of recruitment. Objectives: This case report describes our experience with patient portal versus telephone recruitment for a study involving long-term follow up of surgical patients. Methods: Participants were recruited for a study of recurrence after ventral hernia repair through telephone calls and patient portal messaging based on registration status with the portal. Potential subjects who did not have a portal account or whose portal messages were returned after 5 days were called. The proportion of participants enrolled with each method was determined and demographics of eligible patients, portal users, and participants were compared. Results: 1359 patients were eligible for the hernia study, and enrollment was 35% (n=465). Most participants were recruited by telephone (84%, n=391); 16% (n=74) were recruited through portal messaging. Forty-four percent of eligible participants had a registered portal account, and 14% of users responded to the recruitment message. Portal users were younger than non-users (55 vs. 58 years, p<0.001); participants recruited through the portal versus telephone were also younger (54 vs. 59 years, p=0.001). Differences in the sex and racial distributions between users and non-users and between portal and telephone recruits were not significant. Conclusions: Portal versus telephone recruitment for a surgical research study demonstrated modest portal recruitment rates and similar demographics between recruitment methods. Published studies of portal-only recruitment in primary care or medical-specialty patient populations have demonstrated higher enrollment rates, but this case study demonstrates that portal recruitment for research studies in the surgical population is feasible, and it offers convenience to patients and researchers.
Responses to prey chemicals by a lacertid lizard,Podarcis muralis: Prey chemical discrimination and poststrike elevation in tongue-flick rate

The ability to discriminate prey chemicals from control substances and the presence of a poststrike elevation in tongue-flicking (PETF) rate are experimentally demonstrated in the lacertid lizard,Podarcis muralis, The tongue-flick attack score, a composite index of response strength, was significantly higher in response to integumental chemicals from cricket than to cologne or distilled water. The cricket chemicals additionally elicited a significantly greater rate of tongue-flicking and higher proportion of attacks by the lizards than did control stimuli. PETF combined with apparent searching movements strongly suggest the presence of strike-induced chemosensory searching (SICS). Experimental evidence indicates that both PETF and SICS occur in insectivorous representatives of three families of actively foraging autarchoglossan lizards, suggesting their widespread occurrence in such lizards. The adaptive roles of chemosensory behavior in the foraging behavior of P.Muralis are discussed. It is proposed that these lizards may form chemical search images and that PETF and SICS may have been present in the lacertilian ancestors of snakes.
Long-term experience with the double-cuff AMS 800 artificial urinary sphincter

Abstract Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of the double-cuff artificial urinary sphincter over a long-term period. Methods Ninety-five patient charts were reviewed from December 1986 to November 1995. Data on the degree of urinary incontinence and complications were compiled and tabulated. Results There were 10 cuff erosions (10.5%) and one infection (1.1 %) requiring removal of the double-cuff system, with one death from unrelated causes. Two patients in the erosion group had a double-cuff system reinserted at a later date. Eighty-six patients have a double-cuff system, with 97.6% remaining dry. Conclusions A tandemly placed double-cuff artificial urinary sphincter is safe and effective in the treatment of severe postprostatectomy urinary incontinence.
Arachidonic acid induces human platelet-fibrin retraction: The role of platelet cyclic endoperoxides

Abstract Arachidonic acid (0.2–0.8 mM) retracts clots formed in human citrated platelet-rich plasma by batroxobin. Extracellular calcium ions, but not the secretion of ADP by platelets, are required. AA-induced clot-retraction requires cyclo-oxygenase but not thromboxane synthetase activity since the retraction is inhibited by aspirin but not by selective inhibitors of thromboxane synthesis. The data indicate that endogenous cyclic endoperoxides mediate the retraction. Moreover, intact endoperoxide/thromboxane receptors also seem to be necessary because clot retraction is inhibited by thromboxane receptor antagonists.
Variation between penicillin-tolerant and penicillin-sensitive states in Streptococcus faecium ATCC9790

Lineage studies of single-colony isolates from the ATCC9790 strain of Streptococcus faecium are consistent with a reversible high-frequency variation between a penicillin-tolerant and a penicillin-sensitive state. Tolerant and sensitive derivatives have been partially characterized.
Average inhomogeneities in Milky Way SNII and the PAMELA anomaly

Abstract A model is presented to estimate the fraction of Supernova Type-II events (SNII) occurring inside vs. outside a spiral arm for a given star formation episode. The probability distribution function (PDF) for this fraction is given for use in models similar to those of Shaviv et al. [13] , [11] . The calculated PDF for the SNII fraction, SNII in / total , defined as the number of SNII inside a spiral arm divided by the total number of SNII from a star formation event, provides a constraint on the magnitude of supernova remnant (SNR) concentrations used in cosmic ray propagation models attempting to explain the PAMELA anomaly. Despite the concentration of star formation within spiral arms, this model predicts the majority of SNII events actually occur in inter-arm regions and calls into question the SNR concentration assumption of Shaviv et al.
Increased intraocular pressure and hypothermia following injection of calcium into the rabbit third ventricle

Abstract Calcium administration into the third ventricle of rabbits resulted in a dose-dependent elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) and reduction in deep body temperature. These responses were not inhibited by pretreatment with atropine, phentolamine, propanolol or indomethacin. Pretreatment with agents which reduce aqueous humor production, acetazolamide and non-anesthetic doses of phenobarbital, prevented the elevation of IOP but not the induced hypothermia. Imidazole, an agent which alters calcium kinetics, blocked the hypothermia response but not the IOP elevation.
Reply to Comment on ‘Energy and air emission implications of a decentralized wastewater system’

Complementing centralized water-related infrastructure with decentralized facilities is being considered in some communities and a life-cycle perspective is needed for informed decision making. Our 2012 study presents a framework for analyzing the environmental effects of decentralized wastewater systems. While the analysis framework could be applied to cases with a variety of sizes, we evaluated two currently operating systems in California, one decentralized and one centralized plant with a much larger capacity. The disparate scales of the two plants represent an ‘off-the-grid’ suburban neighborhood-scale system compared with a similarly sized neighborhood connecting to an adjacent large centralized plant. Deciding whether or not to connect expanding developments to nearby centralized plants is a realistic scenario for future growth, making the treatment plants evaluated in our study a realistic choice for comparison.
Integration, Verification, Validation, Test, and Evaluation (IVVT&E) Framework for System of Systems (SoS)☆

Abstract The traditional systems engineering (SE) methodologies for integration, verification, validation, test and evaluation (IVVT&E) throughout the lifecycle are focused on expected outcomes (behavior, capabilities), which may not necessarily apply for system of systems (SoS), where some emergent behavior and knowledge may be needed in untested scenarios (unknown environments). Next-generation SoS consisting of partially or fully decentralized systems are incorporating advances in computing, sensing, and communications operations to address uncertainty and emergence in SoS. Thus, current standardized and formalized IVVT&E methodologies will need to be modified, adapted, or an evolutionary IVVT&E framework for SoS is required to test and evaluate integrated SoS capabilities in unknown scenarios. This paper discusses several potential strategies and explores possible methodologies that may be applied to develop a SoS IVVT&E framework, as applied to an unmanned aerial system (UAS), based on existing architectural frameworks such as Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF).
An Instructional Design Strategy to Develop CAI in Rule Learning

The article identifies an instructional design strategy for achieving a type of high order learning, rule learning. The strategy includes the use of an advance organizer, a defining rule, and program examples/exercises. Application of the strategy is then made to the development of CAI in learning the rule for “average speed.” Significant to the intent of the article is the emphasis given to the use of sound instructional design principles to guide the development of instruction for the microcomputer (or for any other medium), especially when the intent is to create an environment for high order learning.
Influence of negative affect on smoking cessation treatment outcome: a pilot study.

Summary In order to determine whether baseline depression was related to initial success or failure in smoking cessation, we prospectively examined mood self-ratings in a pilot study of 43 unselected smokers attempting to quit smoking in an outpatient program. Mean pretreatment POMS depression scores in the subjects who were unable to quit were significantly higher compared to those successful in initially relinquishing smoking. These preliminary results suggest that a negative-affect group at high risk for failure in nicotine dependence treatment might be identified in advance by an assessment of mood done prior to treatment.