cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-Dose Methotrexate and Mucocutaneous Adverse Events: Results of a Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE Methotrexate (MTX) increases the risk of alopecia and stomatitis, but the prevalence of these adverse events among rheumatic patients taking MTX is poorly defined. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of alopecia and stomatitis with MTX in rheumatic diseases. METHODS We searched PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases for double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with an MTX monotherapy arm. Alopecia, stomatitis, and oral/mouth ulcers data were extracted. The quality of trials was assessed by 2 authors. We included trials published since 1990 that used at least 10 mg of MTX weekly, coadministered with folic or folinic acid. We estimated the prevalence using random-effects models because heterogeneity was anticipated. Two estimates of prevalence were included; the lower bound estimate included all trials (assuming no alopecia and stomatitis if not mentioned), and the upper bound estimate included only those that specifically described prevalence estimates of alopecia or stomatitis. RESULTS Of 3,954 studies identified, 20 RCTs were included, with a total of 24 MTX monotherapy arms, of which 10 reported the prevalence of alopecia (n = 1,113), and 21 reported stomatitis or mouth/oral ulcers (n = 2,056). The prevalence of alopecia was between 1.0% and 4.9%. The prevalence of stomatitis was between 5.7% and 8.0%. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis gives more precise estimates of mucocutaneous adverse events that occur in rheumatic disease patients taking MTX. These estimates will help inform patient decision-making regarding MTX.
Powerful statistical method to detect disease-associated genes using publicly available genome-wide association studies summary data.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have thus far achieved substantial success. In the last decade, a large number of common variants underlying complex diseases have been identified through GWAS. In most existing GWAS, the identified common variants are obtained by single marker-based tests, that is, testing one single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at a time. Generally, the basic functional unit of inheritance is a gene, rather than a SNP. Thus, results from gene-level association test can be more readily integrated with downstream functional and pathogenic investigation. In this paper, we propose a general gene-based p-value adaptive combination approach (GPA) which can integrate association evidence of multiple genetic variants using only GWAS summary statistics (either p-value or other test statistics). The proposed method could be used to test genetic association for both continuous and binary traits through not only one study but also multiple studies, which would be helpful to overcome the limitation of existing methods that can only be applied to a specific type of data. We conducted thorough simulation studies to verify that the proposed method controls type I errors well, and performs favorably compared to single-marker analysis and other existing methods. We demonstrated the utility of our proposed method through analysis of GWAS meta-analysis results for fasting glucose and lipids from the international MAGIC consortium and Global Lipids Consortium, respectively. The proposed method identified some novel trait associated genes which can improve our understanding of the mechanisms involved in β -cell function, glucose homeostasis, and lipids traits.
Graduate and Professional Education for Students with Disabilities: Examining Access to STEM, Legal, and Health Fields in the United States

People with disabilities have been historically marginalised and consistently underrepresented at all levels of education. In the U.S., the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) in the 1970s cha...
The Effectiveness of Cervical Medial Branch Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Facet Joint Syndrome in Patients Selected by a Practical Medial Branch Block Paradigm.

Background Cervical medial branch radiofrequency ablation (CMBRFA) is an effective treatment for facetogenic pain in patients selected by Spine Intervention Society (SIS) guidelines of 100% symptom improvement with dual medial branch blocks (MBBs) ± placebo block. Patient selection for CMBRFA using ≥80% symptom improvement after dual concordant MBBs is common; however, this has not been studied. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of CMBRFA and compare outcomes in individuals selected by 80-99% vs 100% symptom improvement with dual concordant MBBs. Design Cross-sectional cohort study. Methods Medical records of 87 consecutive patients were reviewed; 50 met inclusion criteria. A standardized telephone survey was performed at six or more months post-CMBRFA to query numerical rating scale (NRS) pain and patient global impression of change (PGIC) scores. The primary outcomes were the proportion of patients reporting ≥50% reduction of index pain. Results At a mean follow-up time of 16.9 ± 12.7 months, 54% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 35-73%) and 54% (95% CI = 32-74%) of the 80-99% and 100% MBBs groups, respectively, reported ≥50% pain reduction. Between-group comparison showed a relative risk of 0.99 (95% CI = 0.59-1.66) for meeting the primary outcome. Seventy percent (95% CI = 56-81%) of patients reported a PGIC score consistent with "improved or very much improved" at follow-up. Conclusions CMBRFA is an effective treatment in patients who report ≥80% symptom relief with dual concordant MBBs. The present study demonstrated an overall ≥50% pain reduction rate of 54% and no significant difference between those selected by 80-99% vs 100% symptom relief with dual concordant MBBs.
How E-mail Can Give You Back Your Life.

Writing comments on individual papers is not only less efficient but also less effective than e-mail and oral feedback. E-mail can offer the same kind of two-way communication as oral feedback, either one-to-one or one-to-many, as is the case when a teacher responds to the whole class about common concerns that many writers need to address. But e-mail's main advantages over oral feedback are that it is asynchronous and it is written, thereby providing a record for students and the teacher. Using e-mail for getting feedback to students only requires that students and the teacher have Web-based e-mail, which they can access from any Internetworked computer. Another possible technology tool is the listserv, which can also provide one e-mail address for the whole class. When a class has both personal e-mail and group e-mail or a listserv, the teacher may respond to a student privately or publicly; likewise, a student may ask or respond to the teacher in the same way. Students may also write to one another privately or
Predicting treatment outcome of intracranial aneurysms using angiographic parametric imaging and recurrent neural networks

Angiographic Parametric Imaging (API) is a tool based on the parametrization of Time-Density Curves (TDCs) from Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA). Parameters derived from the TDCs correlate moderately with hemodynamics, yet underuse the hemodynamic information encoded in a TDC. To determine whether better diagnoses can be made through a more complete utilization of the information in the TDCs, we implemented an analysis using Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs). These are a class of neural networks that analyze and make predictions using time sequences such as the TDCs. We investigated the feasibility of using RNNs to make treatment outcome predictions using TDCs obtained from angiograms of Intracranial Aneurysms (IAs) treated with Pipeline Embolization Devices (PED). Six-month follow-up angiograms were collected to create binary labels regarding treatment outcome (occluded/un-occluded). API parameters obtained were Mean Transit Time, Time to Peak, Time to Arrival, and Peak Height. Parameters were used to simulate TDCs which were normalized to account for variability between interventions. An RNN was trained and tested to predict IA treatment outcome. A 20-fold Monte Carlo Cross Validation was conducted to evaluate robustness of the RNN. The RNN predicted occlusion outcome of IAs with an average accuracy of 74.4% (95% CI, 72.6%-76.1%) and 65.6% (63.4%- 67.2%) and average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.73 (0.70-0.76) and 0.56 (0.51-0.61) for normalized and un-normalized sub-groups respectively. This study proves the feasibility of using RNNs to predict treatment outcome of IAs treated with a PED using TDCs simulated from temporal features obtained through API.
Another Look at the Roses

with a postive integer. Little mention is made of the cases where is any positive real number. Also, no reference is made as to where these curves are used. This article has been written to provide a basis for a possible discussion of the roses in a mathematics club program. The ma terial presented could also serve as en richment for honors students in mathe matics. These curves were initially identified and named by Guido Grandi1* from their likeness to rose petals. Suardi2 and Ridolfi3 further analyzed their properties. Subsequently, they have been variously referred to as rhodonae, rosaces, rosettes, Rosenkurven, foliate curves, or star trochoids.4
The Interaction of Personality and Social Support on Prospective Suicidal Ideation in Men and Women With Late-Life Depression.

Abstract Objective Evidence suggests a cross-sectional association between personality traits and suicidal ideation in LLD. Yet, it is unclear how personality may influence suicidal ideation over time in LLD, or whether such an association would be moderated by psychosocial and biological individual differences. The present study had three aims: 1) to examine whether personality traits increase suicidal ideation in LLD over time, 2) to understand whether this relationship is influenced by subjective social support, and 3) to determine whether the potential relationship between social support, personality, and suicidal ideation is different for men and women. Design Participants were enrolled in the Duke University Neurocognitive Outcomes of Depression in the Elderly (NCODE), a longitudinal investigation of the predictors of poor illness course in LLD. Patients were initially enrolled in the NCODE study between December 1994 and June 2000 and were followed for an average of six years. Setting NCODE operates in a naturalistic treatment milieu. Participants One hundred twelve participants aged 60 and older with a current diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Measurements Annual assessments of depression, suicidal ideation, and social support (measured with the Duke Social Support Index). Participants also completed the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO-PI-R) providing measures of the five major personality dimensions (neuroticism, extraversion, openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness). Results Univariate logistic generalized linear mixed modeling (GLMM) analyses revealed that higher levels of depression at baseline, less subjective social support, higher neuroticism, and lower extraversion were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal ideation over time. While the relationship between these dimensions and suicidal ideation were no longer significant in multivariate analyses, there was a significant moderating effect of social support on the association between suicidal ideation and certain neuroticism and extraversion personality facets. Decreased subjective social support was associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal ideation in LLD patients with high (but not low) impulsiveness and low (but not high) gregariousness and positive emotions. Across all models, social support was beneficial to women, but not men, in decreasing the likelihood of future suicidal ideation. Conclusion Changes in social support may contribute to suicidal ideation in older depressed adults with certain personality traits. Irrespective of personality traits, changes in social support had a significant effect on the suicidal ideation of women but not men. These relationships were apparent even when controlling for depression severity, age, and history of suicide attempt.
Entanglement entropy for integer quantum Hall effect in two and higher dimensions

We analyze the entanglement entropy, in real space, for the higher-dimensional integer quantum Hall effect on ${\mathbb{C}\mathbb{P}}^{k}$ (any even dimension) for Abelian and non-Abelian magnetic background fields. In the case of $\ensuremath{\nu}=1$ we perform a semiclassical calculation which gives the entropy as proportional to the phase-space area. This exhibits a certain universality in the sense that the proportionality constant is the same for any dimension and for any background, Abelian or non-Abelian. We also point out some distinct features in the profiles of the eigenfunctions of the two-point correlator that underline the difference in the value of entropies between $\ensuremath{\nu}=1$ and higher Landau levels.
Isolated Large Glenoid Fracture in Acute Glenohumeral Dislocation in the Elderly: A Novel Indication for Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Case Two elderly males presented with traumatic shoulder dislocation and bony Bankart fracture consisting of greater than 25% of the glenoid width. Due to several concomitant factors such as polytrauma, activity level, rotator cuff pathology, optimization of comorbidities, risk of complications, and potential for revision surgery, the patients were treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Conclusion RSA may be a satisfactory treatment option for isolated, large glenoid fractures associated with anterior glenohumeral instability in the elderly. These patients are susceptible to rapid deconditioning with prolonged immobilization and may not be medically suited to undergo the prolonged recovery period associated with open reduction internal fixation or potentially undergo revision operations.
The Second American Revolution: The Civil War-Era Struggle Over Cuba and the Rebirth of the American Republic

Recent histories of the American Civil War, such as those produced by Enrico Dal Lago and Steve Sainlaude, have usefully placed the conflict within a broader international context. In The Second Am...
Art of Prevention: Essential Oils - Natural Products Not Necessarily Safe

Aromatherapy is defined as the use of essential oils, through inhalation or direct application to the skin, to achieve physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. It has become an increasingly popular trend in modern-day holistic approaches to health care. Essential oils are thought to be natural and pure products, some of the most common being lavender, tea tree, peppermint, and ylang-ylang. In recent years, however, the composition of these oils has been found to be more complex than previously thought. Increased use has led to increasing reports of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to allergens in sensitized individuals. Inquiring about essential oil use is important when conducting clinical evaluations of suspected ACD. Herein, the authors seek to highlight the possibility that natural products may not be necessarily as safe as once thought and in particular seek to highlight ACD caused by essential oils.
Adverse Consequences of the Binding Constitutional Interest Rate Cap in the State of Arkansas

In the United States, the lowest interest rate cap on small-dollar installment loans17 percent is in Arkansas. No small-dollar installment lenders operate within Arkansas, while they do in all six states bordering Arkansasproviding a natural experiment to examine the effects of a binding interest rate cap. Arkansas residents obtain installment loans from lenders in other states. Arkansas residents in the perimeter counties hold 96.8 percent of these loans. We document an installment loan credit desert in the interior counties of Arkansas. Overall, Arkansas residents borrow $1,051, on average, and freely contract at an average annual percentage rate (APR) of 80 percent. Incorporating estimated travel costs, the average APR is 93 percent.
How unprecedented was the February 2021 Texas cold snap

Winter storm Uri brought severe cold to the southern United States in February 2021, causing a cascading failure of interdependent systems in Texas where infrastructure was not adequately prepared for such cold. In particular, the failure of interconnected energy systems restricted electricity supply just as demand for heating spiked, leaving millions of Texans without heat or electricity, many for several days. This motivates the question: did historical storms suggest that such temperatures were known to occur, and if so with what frequency? We compute a temperature-based proxy for heating demand and use this metric to answer the question "what would the aggregate demand for heating have been had historic cold snaps occurred with today's population?". We find that local temperatures and the inferred demand for heating per capita across the region served by the Texas Interconnection were more severe during a storm in December 1989 than during February 2021, and that cold snaps in 1951 and 1983 were nearly as severe. Given anticipated population growth, future storms may lead to even greater infrastructure failures if adaptive investments are not made. Further, electricity system managers should prepare for trends in electrification of heating to drive peak annual loads on the Texas Interconnection during severe winter storms.
Factors associated with delayed enteral nutrition in the intensive care unit: a propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study

Background Guidelines recommend enteral nutrition (EN) within 48 h of admission to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) in appropriate patients. However, delayed EN is still common. Objectives This study sought to identify risk factors for delayed EN ordering in the ICU and to examine its association with patient outcomes. Methods This was a retrospective study from 2010-2018. Adult patients were included if they were admitted to the medical ICU for >48 h, were appropriate for EN, and had an order for EN placed within 30 d of admission. The primary outcome was ordering of EN, classified as early if ordered within 48 h of ICU admission and otherwise as delayed. Propensity score matching was used to examine the relation between delayed EN and ICU-free days, and outcomes such as length of ICU admission, length of hospitalization during 30 d of follow-up, and mortality. Results A total of 738 (79%) patients received early EN and 196 (21%) received delayed EN. The exposures most strongly associated with delayed EN were order placement by a Doctor of Medicine compared with a dietitian [adjusted OR (aOR): 2.58; 95% CI: 1.57, 4.24] and use of vasopressors within 48 h of ICU admission (aOR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.59). After propensity score matching to balance baseline characteristics, delayed EN ordering was significantly associated with fewer ICU-free days, longer ICU admissions, and longer hospitalizations, but not mortality, compared with early EN. Conclusions Provider-level factors were associated with delayed ordering of EN which itself was associated with worse outcomes. Interventions directed at providers may increase timely EN in the ICU and improve outcomes.
Basis Scaling and Double Pruning for Efficient Transfer Learning.

Transfer learning allows the reuse of deep learning features on new datasets with limited data. However, the resulting models could be unnecessarily large and thus inefficient. Although network pruning can be applied to improve inference efficiency, existing algorithms usually require fine-tuning and may not be suitable for small datasets. In this paper, we propose an algorithm that transforms the convolutional weights into the subspaces of orthonormal bases where a model is pruned. Using singular value decomposition, we decompose a convolutional layer into two layers: a convolutional layer with the orthonormal basis vectors as the filters, and a layer that we name "BasisScalingConv", which is responsible for rescaling the features and transforming them back to the original space. As the filters in each transformed layer are linearly independent with known relative importance, pruning can be more effective and stable, and fine tuning individual weights is unnecessary. Furthermore, as the numbers of input and output channels of the original convolutional layer remain unchanged, basis pruning is applicable to virtually all network architectures. Basis pruning can also be combined with existing pruning algorithms for double pruning to further increase the pruning capability. With less than 1% reduction in the classification accuracy, we can achieve pruning ratios up to 98.9% in parameters and 98.6% in FLOPs.
Role of Thoracic Radiotherapy in Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (ES-SCLC) in the Immunotherapy Era: A National Hospital-Based Registry Analysis.

Purpose/objective(s) Immunotherapy has shaped the treatment for a number of metastatic cancer types. Based on IMPower 133 and CASPIAN results, chemoimmunotherapy has become standard of care for de-novo ES-SCLC, with increase in median survival of approximately 2-3 months compared to prior standard of care platinum-based doublet therapy with etoposide. However, neither of these trials allowed consolidative thoracic radiotherapy (TRT). Prior to chemo-immunotherapy trials, addition of consolidative TRT to standard chemotherapy improved 2 years survival in patients with any response to chemotherapy. At present, there is no prospective data of role of TRT in ES-SCLC with chemoimmunotherapy. We undertook this study to examine any benefit of TRT in patients with ES-SCLC who received chemoimmunotherapy. Materials/methods We queried the National Cancer Database (NCDB) for patients with ES-SCLC between the ages of 18-90 years treated between 2012-2017 treated with combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy at the time of diagnosis, and with and without TRT. We excluded patients with unknown treatment status or follow-up time. Overall survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier method and compared between treatment groups utilizing log-rank testing. An optimal-full propensity-score match was performed utilizing clinical and demographic covariates to reduce the impact of potential confounders of overall survival on the probability of receipt of TRT. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify predictors of overall survival. Results A total of 244 patients were identified meeting selection criteria, treated between 2012 and 2016. There were 63 patients that received TRT and 181 patients that did not. The median age was 65 (40-90) years. The median follow-up was 9.68 (range 0.7-48.3) months. After propensity score matching by age, gender, race, comorbidity score, and type of chemotherapy, there was a trend towards improved median survival from 9 to 11 months and 2 year OS at 18.1% with the addition of TRT vs 12.0% with chemoimmunotherapy alone (P = 0.067). On multivariable analysis only female gender was significantly associated with improved OS after adjustment for age, race, comorbidity score, gender, and receipt of TRT (HR = 0.67 (95% CI 0.51 - 0.89), P = 0.01). Conclusion In patients with ES-SCLC, the addition of TRT to chemoimmunotherapy is associated with a trend towards improved median and 2 year OS on the order of magnitude of the addition of immunotherapy to chemotherapy as reported in recent trials, though this was not statistically significant in the context of a limited sample size from a non-randomized cohort. Data from prospective, randomized trials are needed to help identify which patients may benefit from TRT in the immunotherapy era.
Entgrenzung akademischen Lernens mit mobilen Endgeräten Nutzungspraktiken Studierender in ihrer persönlichen Lernumgebung

Betrachtet man die veranderten Mediennutzungspraktiken von Jugendlichen und jungen Erwachsenen, so zeigt sich, dass diese sich gerade mit Blick auf die Freizeit und den Bereich der Unterhaltung, Information und Kommunikation deutlich gen Online-Medien entwickeln (mpfs 2012; van Eimeren/Frees 2012; Initiative D21 2013). Doch neben Fragen der Mediensozialisation, die hiermit verbunden sind, erscheint es auch sinnvoll, im Schnittfeld von Mediensozialisation und Mediendidaktik danach zu fragen, inwiefern mit der sich verandernden Medienausstattung und -nutzung Konsequenzen fur die Gestaltung von Lehr- und Lernprozessen einhergehen konnen und moglicherweise mussen. Dabei wird hier keinesfalls unterstellt, dass Lernende – und im vorliegenden Kontext medienaffine Studierende – ihre jahrelang erprobten Lernstrategien und Praktiken des Wissenserwerbs von heute auf morgen verandern. Doch zeigt sich beispielsweise an der vermehrten Nutzung von kollaborativen Werkzeugen und computervermittelter Kommunikation im Studium, dass ein Wandel der Arbeits- und Lerngewohnheiten langsam vonstattengehen kann.
Social Development and Social Relationships in Middle Childhood

This chapter provides a broad overview of the social lives of children during middle childhood, the period between ages 5–6 and 11–12 years. Middle childhood has been described as a time of skill consolidation between two periods of striking developmental change and has been the focus of less research attention than these other developmental periods. Our review suggests, however, that middle childhood is a time of considerable change, when social competencies, essential for the development of close and harmonious social relationships, are practiced and refined. Middle childhood also is a period when children's social worlds expand and when children spend increasing amounts of time outside the direct supervision of parents or other care givers. As such, self-regulation and control and the ability to read and understand the expectations of new social settings are essential for successful functioning. Finally, middle childhood is a time when children first become seriously involved in work–school work in industrialized countries and paid work or family work in other societies—and children's social competencies will be central to their success in these endeavors. Keywords: social cognition; social competence; social development; social developmental processes; social relationships in middle childhood
DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF A BUSINESS INFORMATION VISUALIZATION SYSTEM FOR MANUFACTURING PRODUCTION PLANNING SUPPORT

In most management domains, problem-solving and decision-making are overwhelming because of the high volume of complicated data, the multiple complex relationships among data, the negotiability of the constraints, the changing environment, and time pressure. Most existing computer systems, such as expert systems, decision support systems, and simulation systems, have built-in functionalities and cannot reflect the changing environment and possibilities for negotiation. Although they can generate reports, they are very limited in providing superior solutions for complex problems. Human beings are in control in the process of problem-solving and decisionmaking. A useful decision support system should incorporate human problem-solving processes, support human information need during the processes, consider human cognition and perception characteristics, and provide insight into generated or collected data. This paper describes our preliminary results on the design and evaluation of an information visualization system for the support of manufacturing production planning. It introduces the domain problem, information visualization research methodology from a usercentered perspective, and the design and implementation of a prototype system based on a proposed visualization model that emphasizes human-information interaction. A lab experimental study shows that the visualization system cooperated with planners’ problem-solving strategies, provided the relevant information at the relevant abstract levels that planners need during the planning processes, and was easy to understand and use. Compared with a traditional manufacturing production planning support system, the visualization system supported planners with more alternative solutions, more efficient changes in raw planning data, more confidence about domain tasks, and more satisfaction with solutions.
HCMDP: A hierarchical solution to Constrained Markov Decision Processes

Constrained Markov Decision Processes offer a principled way to tackle sequential decision problems with multiple objectives. Although they could be very valuable in numerous robotic applications, to date their use has been quite limited. One of the reasons is that their solution requires to solve constrained linear programs with a large number of variables and this is computationally demanding, especially when considering dynamic environments. In this paper we propose a hierarchical approach to solve large CMDPs. States are clustered into macro states and relevant parameters like transition probabilities and costs are extracted with a Monte Carlo approach. Macro states are created with the objective of grouping together states with similar costs while preserving feasibility. We illustrate the value of our findings in a path planning scenario where the robot moves through an environment characterized by different risk levels. Our approach largely outperforms the non-hierarchical method and we also show how it prevails over methods based on fixed partitioning strategies.
Multiple active forms of thrombin. II. Mechanism of production from prothrombin.

Abstract Bovine prothrombin has been purified by modifications of existing procedures. The purified protein is effectively homogeneous in four analytical gel electrophoresis systems, and is stable during storage in 50% glycerol-H2O at -20°. The specific activity of the protein when assayed by a modified two-stage procedure is 1,100 to 1,300 NIH thrombin units per mg. The molecular weight of the proenzyme determined by gel filtration in both 6 m guanidinium chloride, and electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate is 72,000 ± 5,000. The activation of prothrombin in 25% sodium citrate-defibrinated plasma has been studied by monitoring molecular weight changes and the production of enzymatic activity toward fibrinogen and N-α-tosyl-l-arginine methylester. The results of this study are consistent with a mechanism in which prothrombin is first cleaved to an intermediate of 65,000 daltons. This intermediate is subsequently cleaved to produce two single chain molecules of 39,000 daltons and 24,000 daltons. The 39,000-dalton chain is thrombogenic, giving rise to an active thrombin composed of two disulfide-linked chains (33,000 and 6,000 daltons). Further cleavages in this molecule result in two 28,000-dalton thrombins; one composed of two disulfide-linked chains (18,000 and 10,000 daltons) and the other composed of three disulfide-linked chains (14,000, 4,000, and 10,000 daltons). The thrombins produced in the activation system are chromatographically and electrophoretically indistinguishable from those in Parke-Davis topical thrombin.
Chemical Constituents and Comparative Toxicity of Aspilia africana (Pers) C. D ADAMS LEAF Extracts Against Two Leafspot Fungal Isolates of PAW-PAW (C arica papaya L.)

The toxicity of chloroform, Petroleum ether and Methanol leaf extracts of Aspilia africana against Collectotrichum gloesporiodes and Curvularia lunatus , the pathogens of leafspot disease of paw-paw was investigated. The fungi were cultured in potato dextrose-leaf extract agar medium at the concentrations of 20mg/ml, 40mg/ml, 80mg/ml, 160mg/ml, 320mg/ml and the mycelial extension growth rate were observed. All the extracts showed significant (p<0.05) activity and concentration-dependent growth inhibition against the leafspot fungi with the percentage inhibition range from 35-100% at various concentrations. Only methanol extract gave 100% inhibition of fungal growth at 160mg/ml and 320mg/ml. C. lunatus was more sensitive to the extract than C. gloeosporioides . Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, saponins, tannins and terpenes in varying degrees. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the extracts showed a complex mixture of compounds which included 8 in methanol and petroleum ether extracts and 7 in chloroform extract. The implication of these findings is that extracts of A. africana could be a good antifungal agent with potential applications in agriculture against foliar diseases of paw-paw so as to improve production.
Expanding the Horizons of Information Systems Development

Advances in information systems technologies and applications and new realities in the business and economic climate are changing the nature of information systems development. In particular, the areas of electronic commerce and Web-based applications challenge our notions of the role of the information systems function in the development process. This essay explores the impact of several of these changes on information systems development, and on developers themselves, and suggests how developers must adapt to meet these new requirements.
The United States and the Security Council: Collective Security since the Cold War

This book describes the rules governing international security decision-making and examines the different understandings of collective security in the post-Cold War world. The post-Cold War world has largely been a struggle over which rules govern global security. Discussions and decisions following the events of 9/11 have highlighted differences and disputes in the United Nations Security Council. Where Russia, China, and France prefer ‘procedural’ collective security, in which all enforcement attempts must be explicitly authorized by the Security Council, the US and Britain prefer ‘substantive’ collective security, in which particular countries can sometimes take it upon themselves to enforce the rules of the global community. Using a constructivist theory of global security to analyze a series of case studies on Iraq (1990-91); Somalia, Rwanda, and Haiti; Bosnia and Kosovo; Afghanistan and Iraq (2003), the author demonstrates how competing interpretations of collective security recur. Challenging the claim that 9/11 fundamentally changed world politics, Brian Frederking argues that the events exacerbated already existing tensions between the veto powers of the UN Security Council. The United States and the Security Council will be of interest to students and researchers of American foreign policy, security studies and international organizations.
Determination of White Spotting in Dogs: An Investigation of Candidate Genes

In dogs, white spotting is of interest because in some cases of extreme white spotting, in which a dog is nearly entirely white, dogs may also have health disorders including blindness and deafness. Nine candidate genes were tested for association with spotting in dogs, including SOX-10, MCOLN3, EDN3, KITLG, PAX3, MITF, ASIP, ADAMTS20, and SNAI1. These genes were either ruled out (SOX-10, MCOLN3, EDN3, KITLG, PAX3), were not useful in the families in this study (ASIP, ADAMTS20, SNAI1), or studied further (MITF). A genetic mutation called a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the microphthalmiaassociated transcription factor gene (MITF) was discovered and genetic tests were designed to classify the dogs (Beagle crosses and Newfoundlands) into their different genotypes (the combination of alleles located on paired chromosomes that determines a specific characteristic or trait). Studies showed an association between the genotypes and the observed white spotting in the dogs’ coat color. Results suggest that MITF may predict spotting in these breeds.
Solution of the l/sub 1/ MIMO control problem without zero interpolation

The aim of this paper is to provide a new approach for the solution for the l/sub 1/ optimal control problem in the MIMO case which avoids zero interpolation in the numerical solution. While exact optimal solutions may not be computed, solutions which are arbitrarily close to optimal are obtained. Duality theory is utilized to provide converging upper and lower bounds for the optimal l/sub 1/ norm.
Structure and evolution guided investigations of terpene synthase mechanism (769.11)

Structure and evolution guided investigations of terpene synthase mechanism Reuben J. Peters Department of Biochem., Biophys. & Mol. Biol., Iowa State University Terpene synthases catalyze wonderfully complex reactions, involving cyclization and/or rearrangements of isoprenyl diphosphate precursors. These reactions are driven by carbocationic cascades, which can be initiated in two distinct ways. Class I terpene synthases catalyze heterolytic cleavage of an allylic diphosphate ester bond to initiate their reactions, while class II terpene synthases utilize protonation for the same purpose. Building on our recent determination of high-resolution crystal structures for both classes of terpene synthases, along with the conservation pattern underlying the evolution of novel function, we are probing the underlying enzymatic structure-function relationships. Our results have revealed the ability of single residues changes to dramatically remodel reaction outcome, highlighting the role of electrostatic effects a...
Otter - The CADE-13 Competition Incarnations

This article discusses the two incarnations of Otter entered in the CADE-13 Automated Theorem Proving System Competition. Also presented are some historical background, a summary of applications that have led to new results in mathematics and logic, and a general discussion of Otter.
Identity of a Uniparental Race of Trichogramma pretiosum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

The current status of the taxonomy of Trichogramma is very confusing because of the great variation in the criteria used to separate species of this genus (Quednau 1960, Telenga 1959). Harland and Atteck (1933) stated that only an extensive study of the biological characteristics, crossing relationships, cytology, and genetics of the various races would determine the number of Trichogramma species that really existed. Hochmut and Martinek (1963) used differences in the ovipositor as characteristics for separating some species of Trichogramma, and Nagarkatti and Nagaraja (1968) used characters of the male genitalia as distinguishing features of some species. However, Dobzhansky (1951) mentioned that genitalic differences may not be consistent species characteristics. He wrote: “Among insects, differences in the genitalia were assumed to mark species, but such differences may be present in races and absent in species.” Flanders and Quednau (1960) attempted to establish guidelines for the problems in the taxonomy of Trichogramma . It is important to note that these authors did not mention either humidity or light in their report. Quednau (1960) used 30°C, 80% RH and “complete darkness” for the determination of developmental period and 27°C, 80% RH and “complete darkness” for the determination of the parasitization rhythm. Kot (1964), using the idea of Meyer (1941), that even different populations of the same race might respond differently to temperatures and humidities outside the optimum range, disagreed with Quednau (1960) on using 30°C and 80% RH because Kot believed that these were not optimum conditions. Further, Kot would not accept Qucdnau's idea that the length of the development cycle is genetically fixed. Quednau (1957) concluded that light does not affect fecundity, the developmental period, or the mortality rate. However, contrary results have been obtained from studies on the effect of light on the biology of Trichogramma (Orphanides 1969).3
Benzodiazepine antagonist, CGS-8216, in diazepam- or pentobarbital-dependent and non-dependent rats

CGS-8216, a benzodiazepine antagonist, was administered to rats acutely dosed with diazepam, and to rats chronically dosed with diazepam or pentobarbital. The effects of an acute dose of diazepam were antagonized by CGS-8216 but signs of precipitated abstinence were not observed. An apparent arousing effect was seen in non-dependent rats when CGS-8216 was administered after placebo, but no arousal was observed when Ro15-1788 was administered after placebo in non-dependent rats. A precipitated abstinence syndrome was elicited with CGS-8216 in rats chronically dosed with diazepam and was very similar to the abstinence syndrome precipitated by Ro15-1788 in diazepam-dependent rats. Like Ro15-1788, CGS-8216 elevated Precipitated Abstinence Scale (PAS) scores in a dose-related manner until a plateau was reached with 5 mg/kg. No signs of precipitated abstinence were observed when CGS-8216 was administered to rats dependent on phenobarbital.
Notes on the Biology and Effectiveness of Karpinskiella paratomicobia Parasitizing Adults of Dendroctonus pseudotsugae

The first record of insect parasitism of adult Dendroctonus Erichson is reported. Karpinskiella paratomicobia Hagen and Caltagirone has been reared from parent adults of the Douglas-fir beetle, D. pseudotsugae Hopkins, in southern Utah and northern Arizona. Examination of parent beetles during late summer disclosed that 58.1% were parasitized. Of the female beetles 61% and of the male beetles 54% were parasitized. The parasitized beetles numbered 6.1 per square foot of infested bark, but only 3.3 adult parasites emerged per square foot over winter. Sex ratio of the emerged adult parasites was nearly equal. The parasite usually emerged before the host species. In the laboratory, parasitized female beetles laid 61.5 fewer eggs per beetle (significant) and their galleries averaged 3.0 inches shorter (not significant) than those of beetles not exposed to parasites. Apparently, growth of the parasite within the abdomen of the host impeded egg deposition before other vital physiological processes were affected. Wherever K. paratomicobia occurred, tree killing may actually have increased because parasitism lessened competition among beetle brood and thereby increased their survival rate.
Calculation of complete multi-fragment events in a statistical model for nuclear disassembly

Abstract A quantitatively useful approximation method is developed for generating complete multi-fragment events in a statistical model for nuclear disassembly. The method consists in factorizing the exclusive microcanonical probability distribution into successively dependent one-fragment inclusive distributions, each of which is approximated by its respective truncated grand canonical equivalent.
The genetics of complex diseases

Genetic factors influence virtually every human disorder, determining disease susceptibility or resistance and interactions with environmental factors. Our recent successes in the genetic mapping and identification of the molecular basis of mendelian traits have been remarkable. Now, attention is rapidly shifting to more-complex, and more-prevalent, genetic disorders and traits that involve multiple genes and environmental effects, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and schizophrenia. Rather than being due to specific and relatively rare mutations, complex diseases and traits result principally from genetic variation that is relatively common in the general population. Unfortunately, despite extensive efforts by many groups, only a few genetic regions and genes involved in complex diseases have been identified. Completion of the human genome sequence will be a seminal accomplishment, but it will not provide an immediate solution to the genetics of complex traits.
Elaborative and behavioral rehearsal in the acquisition of fire emergency skills and the reduction of fear of fire

Two training procedures (behavioral rehearsal and elaborative rehearsal) were assessed for relative effectiveness in the acquisition of fire emergency skills, and for reducing fear associated with being in fires. Both trained groups were also compared to untrained controls. We predicted that behavioral and elaborative rehearsal would lead to comparable skill acquisition, but that elaborative practice would decrease fear more than behavioral rehearsal. The subjects were 46 third-grade children, randomly assigned to conditions, whose behavioral performance and fear level were assessed before and immediatly after training. Significant performance gains were found for both trained groups but not for the controls. Elaborative rehearsal brought significantly more fear reduction than did behavioral rehearsal — which did not surpass that of controls. The results affirmed the value of elaborative rehearsal in reducing children's fear of responding and in improving actual performance.
The Use of A Mobile Television Monitoring Unit in an Enforcement Program

The Mobile Television Monitoring Unit operated by the Federal Communications Commission at the present time is being used as an instrument of co-operative enforcement. Discrepancies are called to the attention of the station's technical people, working with them in a positive effort to improve the situation with the mutual goal of providing better TV service for the general public. TV station inspection is combined with technical monitoring observations and cooperative corrective action has usually been taken when discrepancies have been noted.
Safety and biodistribution studies of an HSV multigene vector following intracranial delivery to non-human primates

Malignant glioma is a fatal human cancer in which surgery, chemo- and radiation therapies are ineffective. Therapeutic gene transfer used in combination with current treatment methods may augment their effectiveness with improved clinical outcome. We have shown that NUREL-C2, a replication-defective multigene HSV-based vector, is effective in treating animal models of glioma. Here, we report safety and biodistribution studies of NUREL-C2 using rhesus macaques as a model host. Increasing total doses (1 x 10(7) to 1 x 10(9) plaque forming units (PFU)) of NUREL-C2 were delivered into the cortex with concomitant delivery of ganciclovir (GCV). The animals were evaluated for changes in behavior, alterations in blood cell counts and chemistry. The results showed that animal behavior was generally unchanged, although the chronic intermediate dose animal became slightly ataxic on day 12 postinjection, a condition resolved by treatment with aspirin. The blood chemistries were unremarkable for all doses. At 4 days following vector injections, magnetic resonance imaging showed inflammatory changes at sites of vector injections concomitant with HSV-TK and TNFalpha expression. The inflammatory response was reduced at 14 days, resolving by 1 month postinjection, a time point when transgene expression also became undetectable. Immunohistochemical staining following animal killing showed the presence of a diffuse low-grade gliosis with infiltrating macrophages localized to the injection site, which also resolved by 1 month postinoculation. Viral antigens were not detected and injected animals did not develop HSV-neutralizing antibodies. Biodistribution studies revealed that vector genomes remained at the site of injection and were not detected in other tissues including contralateral brain. We concluded that intracranial delivery of 1 x 10(9) PFU NUREL-C2, the highest anticipated patient dose, was well tolerated and should be suitable for safety testing in humans.