cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and tolerability of twice-daily ciprofloxacin 750 mg in the treatment of patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and pneumonia

In a review of the US Bayer ciprofloxacin (CIP) database, an analysis was undertaken to summarize the effectiveness and tolerability of CIP 750 mg BID in the treatment of patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) and pneumonia. In five controlled studies, comparator (COMP) agents included ampicillin, intravenous cefuroxime/cefaclor, and other unspecified agents. Primary efficacy end points were clinical success (resolution plus improvement) and bacteriologic eradication at the end of therapy. The incidence of adverse events for CIP 750 mg BID was compared with that for COMP and with that in the CIP 500-mg-BID AECB and pneumonia clinical trials database. In five uncontrolled studies, 443 patients received CIP 750 mg BID; in 5 controlled trials comprising 344 patients, 169 received CIP 750 mg BID and 175 received COMP. Clinical success for CIP was 93% (368/396) and 99% (160/162), respectively, in the uncontrolled and controlled studies versus 98% (156/160) for COMP agents. Corresponding bacteriologic eradication rates for CIP 750-mg-BID-treated patients were 77% (273/356) and 95% (122/128), respectively, and 77% (96/125) for COMP agents. Overall bacteriologic eradication by organism for CIP 750 mg BID included Streptococcus pneumoniae 96% (51/53), Haemophilus influenzae 98% (92/94), Haemophilus parainfluenzae 100% (56/56), Moraxella catarrhalis 100% (14/14; 13 of 14 organisms were isolated in patients with AECB), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 66% (135/204). Drug-related adverse events were reported in 113 (26%) CIP 750-mg-BID-treated patients in uncontrolled trials and in 62 (37%) CIP 750-mg-BID- and 61 (35%) COMP-treated patients in controlled trials. In the combined data from the CIP 750-mg-BID uncontrolled and controlled trials, adverse events occurred with similar frequency compared with COMP except for nausea (CIP 10%, COMP 7%) and diarrhea (CIP 3%, COMP 13%). In conclusion, CIP 750 mg BID provided excellent clinical success rates in the treatment of patients with AECB and pneumonia. CIP 750 mg BID was well tolerated compared with the COMP agents administered.
Fabrication of DNA microarrays onto poly(methyl methacrylate) with ultraviolet patterning and microfluidics for the detection of low-abundant point mutations

Abstract We have developed a simple ultraviolet (UV)-photomodification protocol using poly(methyl methacrylate) and polycarbonate to produce functional scaffolds consisting of carboxylic groups that allow covalent attachment of amine-terminated oligonucleotide probes to these surface groups through carbodiimide coupling. Use of the photomodification procedure coupled to microfluidics allowed for the rapid generation of medium-density DNA microarrays. The method reported herein involves the use of poly(dimethylsiloxane) microchannels reversibly sealed to photomodified poly(methyl methacrylate) surfaces to serve as stencils for patterning the oligonucleotide probes. After array construction, the poly(dimethylsiloxane) stencil is rotated 90° to allow interrogation of the array using microfluidics. The photomodification process for array fabrication involves only three steps: (1) broadband UV exposure of the polymer surface, (2) carbodiimide coupling of amine-terminated oligonucleotide probes to the surface (via an amide bond), and (3) washing of the surface. The density of probes attached to this activated surface was found to be ∼41 pmol cm−2, near the steric-saturation limit for short oligonucleotide probes. We demonstrate the use of this procedure for screening multiple KRAS2 mutations possessing high diagnostic value for colorectal cancers. A ligase detection reaction/universal array assay was carried out using parallel detection of two different low-abundant DNA point mutations in KRAS2 oncogenes with the allelic composition evaluated at one locus. Four zip code probes immobilized onto the poly(methyl methacrylate) surface directed allele-specific ligation products containing mutations in the KRAS2 gene (12.2D, 12.2A, 12.2V, and 13.4D) to the appropriate address of a universal array with minimal amounts of cross-hybridization or misligation.
Tool-based approach to distributed database design: includes Web-based forms design for access to academic affairs data

This paper describes a tool-based approach for designing and prototyping a distributed database application. This approach is demonstrated for an Academic Affairs Information System (AAIS) to assist the Webster University main campus and its 70+ remote sites in managing the information required to admit students, approve programs, schedule courses, assign faculty, register students, and generate the required queries and reports. ORACLE Relational Database Management (RDBMS) tools and products for Windows NT were used to support AAIS requirements analysis, design, and prototype implementation. The Designer/2000 Process Modeler tool was used to document the top-level business functions, and the Data Modeler tool was used to develop a third normal form data model. The Developer/2000 Forms tool was used to prototype several user interface forms for main campus staff, remote staff, and students to enter and update student and program data. A Web Server was also installed, along with the Java software and AppletViewer, to test the prototype forms from a Web Browser.
CO as a vibrational probe of heme protein active sites.

Abstract Carbon monoxide is a useful vibrational probe of heme binding sites in proteins, because FeCO backbonding is modulated by polar interactions with protein residues, and by variations in the donor strength of the trans ligand. This modulation is sensitively monitored by the CO and FeC stretching frequencies, which are readily detectable in infrared and resonance Raman spectra. The two frequencies are anticorrelated, and the νFeC/νCO position along the correlation line reflects the type and strength of distal polar interactions. Changes in the trans ligand donor strength shift the correlation to higher or lower positions. Illustrative applications of the νFeC/νCO diagram are reviewed for proteins bearing histidine and thiolate axial ligands. Steric crowding has not been found to affect the νFeC/νCO correlations significantly, except in the special case of cytochrome oxidase, where the heme-bound CO may interact with the nearby CuB center.
In Situ Determination of the Active Catalyst in Hydrosilylation Reactions Using Highly Reactive Pt(0) Catalyst Precursors

The mechanism of hydrosilylation using the highly active precatalyst Karstedt's precatalyst (Ptx(MvinylMvinyl)y, MvinylMvinyl = divinyltetramethyldisiloxane) was investigated using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and ultraviolet−visible (UV−vis) spectroscopy. Contrary to previous reports suggesting colloidal catalysts, we find that regardless of the stoichiometric ratio of hydrosilane to olefin, the catalyst is a monomeric platinum compound with silicon and carbon in the first coordination sphere. The platinum end product, however, is a function of the stoichiometry of the reactants. At excess olefin concentration, the platinum end product contains only platinum−carbon bonds, whereas at high hydrosilane concentration, the platinum end product is multinuclear and also contains platinum−silicon bonds. The two end products can interconvert by adding additional aliquots of the stoichiometrically deficient reagent. An explanation of the “oxygen” effect is ...
Risk Stratification of Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Moving Target

Known prognostic factors for rhabdomyosarcoma include primary site, stage, group (amount of tumor remaining after initial surgery before chemotherapy), lymph node involvement, age, and histology. These factors are taken into account when determining risk stratification for treatment allocation, with some differences between the European and U.S. approaches. The relationship of fusion status for PAX-3 of PAX-7 FOXO1 to outcome has been analyzed by a number of groups, but many of the studies are troubled by problems inherent in the use of convenience cohorts and the fact that patients in the analyzed groups are not always treated in a uniform fashion. One recent study analyzed outcome of patients treated in a similar fashion on the same protocol and found that patients with alveolar histology who were fusion negative had an outcome similar to those with embryonal histology. This article reviews many of the studies surrounding fusion status and outcome, risk stratification issues, and outcome of risk groups. The time is rapidly approaching in which fusion status will be used to allocate therapy for rhabdomyosarcoma.
Laboratory Management, Academic Production, and the Building Blocks of Academic Capitalism.

Academic capitalism has been among the most influential lines of research into markets in higher education. This paper takes up the distinct but related topic of academic production. This study makes use of a theory of fields and the concept of strategic action fields Fligstein and McAdam (Social Theory 29:1–26, 2011; A theory of fields, Oxford University Press, New York, 2012) and empirical evidence from a qualitative study of laboratory management at three research universities in the US to explore the how micro-dynamics of academic production may contribute to the establishment and maintenance of academic capitalism.
What Is Right With Scully Estimates of a Player’s Marginal Revenue Product:

Krautmann contends that Scully’s method for estimating the marginal revenue products of baseball players using team revenues is flawed. Krautmann suggests an alternate method that uses free-agent s...
Structural Changes in Bacteriorhodopsin during In Vitro Refolding from a Partially Denatured State

We report on the formation of the secondary and tertiary structure of bacteriorhodopsin during its in vitro refolding from an SDS-denatured state. We used the mobility of single spin labels in seven samples, attached at various locations to six of the seven helical segments to engineered cysteine residues, to follow coil-to-helix formation. Distance measurements obtained by spin dipolar quenching in six samples labeled at either the cytoplasmic or extracellular ends of pairs of helices revealed the time dependence of the recovery of the transmembrane helical bundle. The secondary structure in the majority of the helical segments refolds with a time constant of <100–140 ms. Recovery of the tertiary structure is achieved by sequential association of the helices and occurs in at least three distinct steps with time constants of 1), well below 1 s; 2), 3–4 s; and 3), 60–130 s (the latter depending on the helical pair). The slowest of these processes occurs in concert with recovery of the retinal chromophore.
Ingested (oral) alpha-MSH inhibits acute EAE.

Abstract Ingested type I IFN and SIRS peptide administered orally inhibit EAE. We examined whether another immunoactive protein, tridecapeptide alpha-MSH, would have similar anti-inflammatory effects in EAE after oral administration. B6 mice were immunized with MOG peptide 35–55 and gavaged with 0.1 ml of control saline or alpha-MSH peptide starting on day − 7 preceding active immunization, and continuing through day +14 post-immunization. Alpha-MSH peptide delayed disease onset and decreased inflammatory foci. CNS lymphocytes showed decreases in Th1-like encephalitogenic cytokines IL-2 and IL12p70 in the alpha-MSH fed group compared to the mock fed group. For Th2-like counter-regulatory cytokines, there were increases in peripheral SDF-1 levels comparing alpha-MSH fed vs mock fed groups. There were decreases of chemokines MIP-1-α and MIP-1-γ in the CNS comparing alpha-MSH fed mice vs mock fed mice. Ingested (orally administered) alpha-MSH peptide can reduce clinical disease and inhibit CNS inflammation by decreasing migration of antigen driven CNS Th1 cells into the target organ.
Analysis of Semiconductor Laser Arrays

A theory is developed for an index-guided semiconductor laser array. This theory is based on the expansion of the laser field in terms of the passive array eigenmodes, and on the use of semiclassical laser theory to treat the interaction of these modes among themselves and with the active medium. It is valid for all values of coupling between lasers and for all array sizes. To illustrate the application of this theory, we use it to investigate the lockbands of a two-laser array.
Microscopic cluster theory for nuclear systems

Abstract Two subjects, based on the microscopic cluster theory, will be discussed: (i) multi-configuration resonating-group studies of few-nucleon systems, with the purpose being to gain an understanding of the intricate interplay of various cluster configurations, and (ii) effects of antisymmetrization in nuclear scattering, with the emphasis being to learn the influence of the Pauli principle on the effective nucleus- nucleus interaction.
Review: necessary for protection even in minimal-risk research.

SIR — Although I am sympathetic to the suggestion made in Scott Kim and colleagues’ Commentary (Nature 457, 534–535; 2009) that we deregulate minimal-risk research by treating it as exempt from assessment by institutional review boards (IRBs), I do not believe that their proposal provides adequate protection for human subjects.
Extension of the theory of linked functions to incorporate the effects of protein hydration.

Abstract The effect of a low-molecular weight substance on a macromolecular equilibrium may result from changes in hydration that accompany the macromolecular reaction, as well as from changes in the extent of binding of the added substance. An effect observed at low concentrations of the added substances (e.g. allosteric effects in enzyme control) is almost certainly the result of binding of the added substance, as has heretofore been suggested; but changes in hydration are likely to have an important role in effects observed at high concentrations of the added substance (e.g. the dissociation of hemoglobin by the addition of salt).
CO hydrogenation catalyzed by magnesia-supported osmium derived from Os3(CO)12

Abstract A catalyst prepared by the reaction of [Os3(CO)12] with the surface of magnesia exhibited infrared spectra in the carbonyl region suggestive of the formation of the supported cluster [HOs3(CO)10OMg ]. After oxidation in air, the sample exhibited a spectrum indicative of a mononuclear osmium carbonyl complex. The catalyst, initially present in either the original or oxidized form, was active for CO hydrogenation; the products at low conversions were C1C4 paraffins formed at a rate of about 10−3 molecules/(Os atom · s) at 300 °C and 31.8 atm with a 4:1 H2:CO ratio. The infrared spectrum of the used catalyst is suggestive of a trinuclear osmium carbonyl cluster, and we propose that a cluster is the catalytically active species.
Diffusion within Dynamic Populations

Few concepts, theories or techniques have been suggested for researching diffusion within populations which exhibit "turn-over." The population for a diffusion study is usually confined to a set of persons or groups which are potential acceptors at the time an innovation first appears within a given social setting. But probably more often than not, new members enter and old members leave a group or society after the innovation has begun to diffuse within that group or society. This paper suggests that the concept precocity can aid research on diffusion within such "dynamic" populations.
Symmetric periodic solutions for a class of differential delay equations with distributed delay

We consider the nonlinear distributed delay equation x 0 (t) = f Z t d t 1 g(x(s)) ds , d2 (0, 1), where g and f are smooth, bounded, and odd and satisfy a positive and a negative feedback condition, respectively. Using elementary fixed point theory we prove the ex- istence of a nontrivial periodic solution of period 2 + 2d satisfying certain symmetries, given certain growth conditions on f and g near zero.
Gate-field-induced carrier heating in Si MOSFET's

We have used Si MOSFET's to study the variation of the channel Hall mobility and noise temperature with the gate voltage. From the Hall mobility measurements, a new empirical expression is found to describe the mobility degradation with gate voltage over a wide range of transverse electric field. By measuring the thermal noise, it is found that the channel carriers appear to be heated by the gate electric field and that the excess noise temperature varies quadratically with gate field.
Genetic architecture of adaptive differentiation in evolving host races of the soapberry bug, Jadera haematoloma

To explore genetic architecture and adaptive evolution, we conducted environmental and genetic experiments with two recently (ca. 100 generations) diverged, geographically adjacent races of the soapberry bug. One race occurs on a native host plant species, the other on an introduced host. We focused on three traits: length of the mouthparts, body size and development time. The first experiment was an environmental manipulation, comparing individuals of each population reared on one or the other host species (‘cross-rearing’) and estimating three evolutionary rates for each trait. The first rate, ‘evolutionary path’ compares ancestral-derived populations when both were reared on the introduced host. The second, ‘current ecological contrast’ compares populations with each reared on its natal host. The third, ‘evolved tradeoff’ compares the two races when reared on the native host. Differences among these rates are striking and informative. For example, development time, which appears to be relatively undifferentiated phenotypically, has actually evolved very rapidly via countergradient selection. The pattern differs for each trait, and clear developmental tradeoffs have evolved as quickly as adaptation to the new host in each. The second experiment was a two-generation ‘line cross’ study. With joint-scaling analyses, we compared purebred, hybrid and backcrossed individuals to describe genetic architecture. Additive genetic variance for mouthpart length was consistently large (ca. 60%), but the interaction of dominance, maternal effects and epistasis was important in the other traits. Rearing host strongly affected genetic architecture. There was no clear relationship between genetic architecture and rate of evolution. Selection has produced both additive and nonadditive differentiation between the host races with surprising speed, consistent with theoretical predictions about evolution in fitness-associated traits.
Implementing evidence-based interventions in health care: application of the replicating effective programs framework

We describe the use of a conceptual framework and implementation protocol to prepare effective health services interventions for implementation in community-based (i.e., non-academic-affiliated) settings. The framework is based on the experiences of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Replicating Effective Programs (REP) project, which has been at the forefront of developing systematic and effective strategies to prepare HIV interventions for dissemination. This article describes the REP framework, and how it can be applied to implement clinical and health services interventions in community-based organizations. REP consists of four phases: pre-conditions (e.g., identifying need, target population, and suitable intervention), pre-implementation (e.g., intervention packaging and community input), implementation (e.g., package dissemination, training, technical assistance, and evaluation), and maintenance and evolution (e.g., preparing the intervention for sustainability). Key components of REP, including intervention packaging, training, technical assistance, and fidelity assessment are crucial to the implementation of effective interventions in health care. REP is a well-suited framework for implementing health care interventions, as it specifies steps needed to maximize fidelity while allowing opportunities for flexibility (i.e., local customizing) to maximize transferability. Strategies that foster the sustainability of REP as a tool to implement effective health care interventions need to be developed and tested.
The Index of Innovation: A New Tool for Regional Analysis

Attempts to create an index of innovation have focused almost exclusively on countries or states. These existing indices also weigh various drivers of innovation equally without regard to their relative effect on economic development. This article has two distinct parts. In Part I the authors develop an index of innovation at the county level. They describe the rationale for selecting innovation measures based on the literature. This section goes into detail about measures and data. Part II statistically analyzes the data for all U.S. counties to assess the relative importance of the innovation factors on GDP-per-worker growth. The researchers also investigate whether the relative importance of the drivers of innovation differ depending on county scale and other characteristics that are often used to differentiate rural from urban. Initial analysis suggests that innovation influences can vary depending on the size of the county and the rural—urban divide.
An empirical study of incorporating cost into test suite reduction and prioritization

Software developers use testing to gain and maintain confidence in the correctness of a software system. Automated reduction and prioritization techniques attempt to decrease the time required to detect faults during test suite execution. This paper uses the Harrold Gupta Soffa, delayed greedy, traditional greedy, and 2-optimal greedy algorithms for both test suite reduction and prioritization. Even though reducing and reordering a test suite is primarily done to ensure that testing is cost-effective, these algorithms are normally configured to make greedy choices with coverage information alone. This paper extends these algorithms to greedily reduce and prioritize the tests by using both test cost (e.g., execution time) and the ratio of code coverage to test cost. An empirical study with eight real world case study applications shows that the ratio greedy choice metric aids a test suite reduction method in identifying a smaller and faster test suite. The results also suggest that incorporating test cost during prioritization allows for an average increase of 17% and a maximum improvement of 141% for a time sensitive evaluation metric called coverage effectiveness.
Elections in Algeria and the French Colonies Under the Third Republic.

The representation of colonies in the French parliament is one of the many oddities characterizing France's colonial system. Nothing similar is found in the political institutions of any other European colonial power. This representation is a direct result of the doctrines of the French Revolution, which preached the equality of man irrespective of race, color, or political education. Thus during the years of the National Assembly delegates from Santo Domingo, Martinique, and Guadeloupe were admitted, and on August 22, 1792, all of the colonies were given representation in the national parliament.' This equality lasted until the advent of Napoleon and the constitution of the Year VIII, which suppressed the colonial deputies entirely for nearly fifty years. The political idealists of 1848 not only freed all slaves in the colonies, but also gave them the political rights of French citizens.2 In good Bonapartist tradition, Napoleon III, in 1852, put an end to this political experimentation, and only Algeria participated in the plebiscites of 1852 and 1870.3 When the Government of National Defense succeeded the Second Empire and by the decree of September 8, 1870, called an election on the basis of the electoral law of March 15, 1849, Algeria and the colonies regained their political representation at Paris; and they have kept it until the present time. In a number of decrees, the Government of National Defense allotted six deputies to Algeria, two each to the colonies of Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Reunion, and one each to those of French Guiana, Senegal, and French India.4 The National Assembly, in
Incentive Schemes for Attended Home Delivery Services

Many companies with consumer direct service models, especially grocery delivery services, have found that home delivery poses an enormous logistical challenge because of the unpredictability of demand coupled with strict delivery windows and low profit margin products. In this paper, we examine the use of incentives to influence consumer behavior to reduce delivery costs. We propose optimization models for two forms of incentives and demonstrate their value and impact through simulation studies. We conclude with a presentation of insights resulting from our efforts.
Dimensional changes of upper airway after rapid maxillary expansion: a prospective cone-beam computed tomography study

Introduction The aim of this prospective study was to use cone-beam computed tomography to assess the dimensional changes of the upper airway in orthodontic patients with maxillary constriction treated by rapid maxillary expansion. Methods Fourteen orthodontic patients (mean age, 12.9 years; range, 9.7-16 years) were recruited. The patients with posterior crossbite and constricted maxilla were treated with rapid maxillary expansion as the initial part of their comprehensive orthodontic treatments. Before and after rapid maxillary expansion cone-beam computed tomography scans were taken to measure the retropalatal and retroglossal airway changes in terms of volume, and sagittal and cross-sectional areas. The transverse expansions by rapid maxillary expansion were assessed between the midlingual alveolar bone plates at the maxillary first molar and first premolar levels. The measurements of the before and after rapid maxillary expansion scans were compared by using paired t tests with the Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons. Results After rapid maxillary expansion, significant and equal amounts of 4.8 mm of expansion were observed at the first molar ( P = 0.0000) and the first premolar ( P = 0.0000) levels. The width increase at the first premolar level (20.0%) was significantly greater than that at the first molar level (15.0%) ( P = 0.035). As the primary outcome variable, the cross-sectional airway measured from the posterior nasal spine to basion level was the only parameter showing a significant increase of 99.4 mm 2 (59.6%) after rapid maxillary expansion ( P = 0.0004). Conclusions These results confirm the findings of previous studies of the effect of rapid maxillary expansion on the maxilla. Additionally, we found that only the cross-sectional area of the upper airway at the posterior nasal spine to basion level significantly gains a moderate increase after rapid maxillary expansion.
Anatomy of successfully separated thoracopagus–omphalopagus conjoined twins

The birth of conjoined twins occurs in approximately 1 in 50,000 to 1 in 100,000 deliveries, and the majority are either stillborn or die early in life. Approximately 184 successful separations have been described. The authors describe the preoperative radiologic evaluation of a set of thoracopagus-omphalopagus twins and their successful surgical separation. Preoperative radiologic imaging demonstrated that the twins did not share myocardium, but an ectopic cordis was present. The inferior vena cavae entered the right atria at more acute angles than normal. The liver was fused, two gallbladders were present, and there was a large bridging portal vein that crossed the hepatic isthmus of one twin to the conjoined twin's portal venous system. Replaced hepatic arteries originated from the superior mesenteric arteries. Each twin had separate kidneys, colons, and rectums. Preoperative tissue expansion was necessary, and the twins were separated at 5 1/2 months of life. Successful separation of twins conjoined by several organ systems requires a multispecialty approach. Preoperative knowledge of shared anatomy is necessary for adequate preparation and planning. Despite meticulous preoperative investigations, certain anatomy can only be discovered at the time of surgery, and the ability to adjust to these findings is imperative.
New Pentasaccharides for Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis: Pharmacology

Fondaparinux is the first of a new class of antithrombotic compounds, the synthetic pentasaccharides. By binding rapidly and strongly to antithrombin, its sole physiologic target in plasma, fondaparinux catalyzes specifically the inhibition of factor Xa, which results in effective and linear dose-dependent inhibition of thrombin generation. Fondaparinux does not bind to platelets. Its antithrombotic effect has been demonstrated in several animal models of arterial and venous thrombosis. At equivalent antithrombotic concentrations, fondaparinux induced less bleeding than unfractionated heparin in experimental bleeding models. Furthermore, it did not cross-react with sera from patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Administered subcutaneously, the absorption of fondaparinux is complete, rapid, and independent of dose. It has a linear pharmacokinetic profile, and its half-life of approximately 17 h allows for once-daily dosing. Fondaparinux is almost completely excreted by the kidneys. Owing to the limited intrasubject and intersubject variability, routine monitoring and dose adjustments should not be required for most patients. Fondaparinux has been approved for use in thromboprophylaxis after major orthopedic surgery, where it has demonstrated its efficacy compared to a low-molecular-weight heparin. Its clinical development in other indications is ongoing.
N-Benzylimidazole carboxamides as potent, orally active stearoylCoA desaturase-1 inhibitors

A potent, small molecule inhibitor with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile to allow for sustained SCD inhibition in vivo was identified. Starting from a low MW acyl guanidine (5a), identified with a RapidFire High-Throughput Mass Spectrometry (RF-MS) assay, iterative library design was used to rapidly probe the amide and tail regions of the molecule. Singleton synthesis was used to probe core changes. Biological evaluation of a SCD inhibitor (5b) included in vitro potency at SCD-1 and in vivo modulation of the plasma desaturation index (DI) in rats on a low essential fatty acid (LEFA) diet. In addition to dose-dependent decrease in DI, effects on rodent ocular tissue were noted. Therefore, in rat, these SCD inhibitors only recapitulate a portion of phenotype exhibited by the SCD-1 knockout mouse.
The role of hydrosalpinx in IVF: simply mechanical?

I read with interest the manuscript by De Wit et al. (1998) which sheds a new light on the hotly debated subject of the adverse role that hydrosalpinx plays in in-vitro fertilization (IVF). The authors need to be congratulated for successfully showing that women with hydrosalpinges are indeed a heterogeneous group: when hydrosalpinges are clearly visualized by ultrasound, the implantation rate (IR) and pregnancy rate (PR) are markedly reduced compared with other women with hydrosalpinges that were identified by hysterosalpingography or laparoscopy, but not seen on ultrasound. It is unfortunate that in this retrospective study no measurements of the size of the hydrosalpinx were taken, a point also missed in the first study using ultrasound as the diagnostic method for hydrosalpinx (Andersen et al., 1994). Prior investigations, unfortunately again not using size measurements, suggest that women with ‘marked’ distension of one or both Fallopian tubes have a poorer outcome compared to women with ‘slight’ distension (Strandell et al., 1994). However, Andersen et al. (1996), without reporting on measurements, could not find a difference ‘in the largest diameter of the hydrosalpinx between those patients who conceived as compared to those who failed to conceive’. Clearly the impact of the size of the hydrosalpinx needs to be assessed in the ongoing prospective trials to clarify this controversy. While some of the definitions used in De Wit’s manuscript are not shared by most investigators (such as ‘giving a score of one implantation for cases of miscarriages before ultrasonography was performed, in cases of ectopic pregnancy, and when no gestational sac was observed’), the conclusions are critical nonetheless. With more recent publications showing no embryonic toxicity of the hydrosalpinx fluid in humans (Granot et al., 1998; Strandell et al., 1998), unlike earlier studies in mice (Mukherjee et al., 1996; based on which the authors’ recommended ‘prophylactic salpingectomy’), it is clear that the most likely effect of hydrosalpinx is simply mechanical. It is logical to assume that embryonal apposition to the endometrial surface will be compromised when a fluid interface exists. De Wit’s data also indicate that surgical therapy (salpingectomy or proximal tubal interruption) should
Circadian intervention of obesity development via resting-stage feeding manipulation or oxytocin treatment

The obesity pandemic can be viewed as a result of an imbalanced reaction to changing environmental factors. Recent research has linked circadian arrhythmicity to obesity and related diseases; however, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we found that high-fat diet (HFD) feeding strikingly promoted daytime rather than nighttime caloric intake in mice, leading to feeding circadian arrhythmicity. Using scheduled feeding with a defined amount of daily HFD intake, we found that an increase in the ratio of daytime to nighttime feeding promoted weight gain, whereas a decrease of this ratio rebalanced energy expenditure to counteract obesity. In identifying the underlying mechanism, we found that hypothalamic release of anorexigenic neuropeptide oxytocin displayed a diurnal rhythm of daytime rise and nighttime decline, which negatively correlated with the diurnal feeding activities of normal chow-fed mice. In contrast, chronic HFD feeding abrogated oxytocin diurnal rhythmicity, primarily by suppressing daytime oxytocin rise. Using pharmacological experiments with hypothalamic injection of oxytocin or oxytocin antagonist, we showed that daytime manipulation of oxytocin can change feeding circadian patterns to reprogram energy expenditure, leading to attenuation or induction of obesity independently of 24-h caloric intake. Also importantly, we found that peripheral injection of oxytocin activated hypothalamic oxytocin neurons to release oxytocin, and exerted metabolic effects similar to central oxytocin injection, thus offering a practical clinical avenue to use oxytocin in obesity control. In conclusion, resting-stage oxytocin release and feeding activity represent a critical circadian mechanism and therapeutic target for obesity.
Commitment and self-control in a prisoner's dilemma game.

Humans often make seemingly irrational choices in situations of conflict between a particular smaller–sooner reinforcer and a more abstract, temporally extended, but larger reinforcer. In two experiments, the extent to which the availability of commitment responses—self-imposed restrictions on future choices—might improve self-control in such situations was investigated. Participants played a prisoner's dilemma game against a computer that played a tit-for-tat strategy—cooperating after a participant cooperated, defecting after a participant defected. Defecting produced a small–immediate reinforcer (consisting of points convertible to gift cards) whereas cooperating increased the amount of subsequent reinforcers, yielding a greater overall reinforcer rate. Participants were normally free to cooperate or defect on each trial. Additionally, they could choose to make a commitment response that forced their choice for the ensuing five trials. For some participants, the commitment response forced cooperation; for others, it forced defection. Most participants, with either commitment response available, chose to commit repeatedly despite a minor point loss for doing so. After extended exposure to these contingencies, the commit-to-cooperate group cooperated significantly more than a control group (with no commitment available). The commit-to-defect group cooperated significantly less than the control group. When both commitment alternatives were simultaneously available—one for cooperation and one for defection—cooperation commitment was strongly preferred. In Experiment 2, the commitment alternative was removed at the end of the session; gains in cooperation, relative to the control group, were not sustained in the absence of the self-imposed behavioral scaffold.
Optimal Multi-Agent Coordination Under Tree Formation Constraints

This paper presents a framework for studying the centralized optimal multi-agent coordination problem under tree formation constraints. The geodesic equations characterizing the optimal coordinated motions are derived in a suitably chosen coordinate system for general tree formation constraints. The solutions to these equations, however, may fail to be optimal once extended beyond certain points called the conjugate points due to the failure of the second-order optimality condition. For the particular class of star formations, two methods for computing the conjugate points along a natural candidate solution are introduced. Using these methods, we derive analytically the conjugate points, as well as the better solutions once the candidate solution is extended beyond its first conjugate point. The optimal centralized coordinated motions derived in this paper will yield a performance lower bound for those generated by decentralized algorithms.
In vitro activity of cephalosporins against methicillin-resistant, coagulase-negative staphylococci

The in vitro activity of five cephalosporins, gentamicin, and vancomycin was determined against 41 clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant, coagulase-negative staphylococci. Results obtained with disk diffusion and agar dilution methods failed to show complete cross-resistance between methicillin and four of the five cephalosporins despite the use of a high-salt medium and a large inoculum. Thirty-six (88%) of the 41 isolates were sensitive to cephalothin by a standardized disk diffusion method, whereas 23 isolates (56%) were sensitive to cephalothin with use of an agar dilution method and a large inoculum. Of these 23 isolates, only 11 (47%) were both inhibited and killed by less than or equal to 6.25 microgram of cephalothin/ml. The inhibitory and bactericidal activity of gentamicin was greater than that of vancomycin and cephalothin. These results suggest that the disk diffusion technique has limitations in determining the in vitro activity of cephalosporins against methicillin-resistant, coagulase-negative staphylococci and that cephalothin exhibits poor bactericidal activity against these same isolates.
Seasonal and Ontogenetic Variation in the Diet and Daily Ration of Estuarine Red Drum as Derived from Field-Based Estimates of Gastric Evacuation and Consumption

Abstract The application of ecosystem-based approaches in fisheries management has been limited by a lack of empirical data for quantifying the ecological interactions among many common and valuable fishery species. The red drum Sciaenops ocellatus, a large, carnivorous member of estuarine communities, is experiencing population recovery throughout its range in the U.S. South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Using a field-based approach, we determined seasonal and ontogenetic variation in the contribution of valuable fishery resource species to red drum diets, estimated red drum daily ration, and quantified per capita and population-level predation by juvenile and subadult red drum in a North Carolina estuarine system. Despite seasonal, interannual, and ontogenetic variation in diet composition, red drum fed mainly on macrocrustaceans and juvenile fishes, including several economically important resource species (e.g., blue crab Callinectes sapidus, penaeid shrimp, and Atlantic menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus). ...
The Importance of Parity to Major Maternal Morbidity in the Eclamptic Mother with Hellp Syndrome

Objective: To determine if the rate of major morbidity from severe preeclampsia with/without hemolypis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome differs by parity. Methods: Retrospective investigation of 970 gravidas with severe preeclampsia with and without HELLP syndrome analyzed according to parity. Results: Altogether 609 (63%) patients were nulliparous and 361 (37%) parous. Between groups there was no significant difference in the incidence of overall major morbidity (21% vs 19%, p = 0.467), or specific morbidities including hematologic/coagulopathic (13.6% vs 11.9%, p = 0.442), cardiopulmonary (8.9% vs 7.2%, p = 0.362), CNS/visual (1.8% vs 2.8%, p = 0.319), or hepatorenal (0.8% vs 2.2%, p = 0.068). Although eclampsia was significantly more common in nulliparas (10.2%) than in parous patients (5.5%, p = 0.012), the latter significantly more often demonstrated major maternal morbidity associated with eclampsia (50%) than did nulliparous patients (25%, p = 0.043). Conclusions: Unless p...
Pulmonary Function Improves After Expandable Metal Stent Placement for Benign Airway Obstruction

Study objective: To determine whether expandable metal stent placement for benign airway lesions improves pulmonary function. Design: Case series. Setting: University medical center. Patients: Nine patients who underwent balloon-mediated expandable metal stent deployment for airway obstruction due to benign etiologies. Results: All nine patients had expandable stents deployed for benign airway lesions using fiberoptic bronchoscopy and fluoroscopic guidance. Pulmonary function improved after stent placement. The mean FVC increased by 388 mL (95% confidence interval [CI], 30 to 740 mL), the mean peak expiratory flow (PEF) increased by 1,288 mL (95% CI, 730 to 1,840 mL), the mean FEV1 increased by 550 mL (95% CI, 240 to 860 mL), and the mean forced expiratory flow between 25% and 50% of vital capacity (FEF25‐75%) increased by 600 mL (95% CI, 110 to 1,090 mL). Corresponding relative measurements included increases in FVC (12%), PEF (95%), FEV1 (38%), and FEF25‐75% (87%). The complete characterization of a benign airway obstruction generally required a multimodal approach. Conclusions: Expandable metal stent placement appears to be an effective therapy for benign airway obstruction.
Peasants, Entrepreneurs, and Social Change

Peasants, Entrepreneurs, and Social Change: Fronteir Development In Lowland Bolivia. Lesley Gill. Boulder: Westvlew, 1987. 210 pp. $26.50 (paper). ISBN 0-8133-7339-5
Brand Tourists: How Non-Core Users Enhance the Brand Image by Eliciting Pride

This research examines how core consumers of selective brands react when non–core users obtain access to the brand. Contrary to the view that non–core users and downward brand extensions pose a threat to the brand, this work investigates the conditions under which these non–core users enhance rather than dilute the brand image. A distinction between two types of non–core users based on how they are perceived by current users of core products is introduced: “brand immigrants” who claim to be part of the in-group of core users of the brand and “brand tourists” who do not claim any membership status to the brand community. A series of studies show that core consumers respond positively to non–core users when they are perceived as brand tourists. The brand tourism effect is mediated by core users’ pride and moderated by brand patriotism and selectiveness of the brand.
Dynamically generating conceptual browsing interfaces for digital libraries

A system is described that supports the dynamic generation of conceptual browsing interfaces. These interfaces are comprised of interacting visual components that contain different views onto a concept space that can be modeled as nodes and links. This algorithm uses a combined approach of tree--based processing with a grid--based drawing system to automatically generate the visual components. This algorithm is part of a larger digital library service, the NSDL Strand Map Service, which aims to provide educators and learners with conceptual browsing interfaces that help them to locate and use learning resources in educational digital libraries.
Regulatory Affairs and the University Research Scientist

AbstractThe independent University-based research scientist conducting research neither involving human subjects nor dealing with safety has been excluded from the drug regulatory affair process. This poses problems in terms of preclinical studies with potentially regulated “test articles”. These problems involve quality control, records and documentation of research data, confidentiality, investigator compliance and the need for external monitoring. Quality control can be provided by use of appropriate “control articles”. Guidelines are needed from sponsors of preclinical studies regarding documentation and retention of research data. Confidentiality is an ethical issue not subject to regulation and investigator compliance remains an unresolved problem. All of these problems suggest one ultimate final solution — the need for external monitoring of all preclinical studies with “test articles” which ultimately may be subject to regulation.
Temporal characterization of a self-modulated laser wakefield accelerator

Because electrostatic fields in a plasma wave (E > 100 GV/m) can exceed those in conventional RF linacs, plasma - based accelerators can potentially offer a compact method for accelerating high energy electrons.
Performance of Backshort-Under-Grid Kilopixel TES Arrays for HAWC+

We present results from laboratory detector characterizations of the first kilopixel BUG arrays for the High- resolution Wideband Camera Plus (HAWC+) which is the imaging far-infrared polarimeter camera for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). Our tests demonstrate that the array performance is consistent with the predicted properties. Here, we highlight results obtained for the thermal conductivity, noise performance, detector speed, and first optical results demonstrating the pixel yield of the arrays.
Prevalence of Transgender Depends on the “Case” Definition: A Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate how various definitions of transgender affect prevalence estimates. Aims To evaluate the epidemiology of transgender and examine how various definitions of transgender affect prevalence estimates and to compare findings across studies that used different methodologies, in different countries, and over different periods. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and Medline were searched to identify studies reporting prevalence estimates of transgender in a population. All studies were grouped based on the case definition applied to the numerator. Summary estimates were derived using a random-effects model for total prevalence of transgender and for male-to-female and female-to-male subgroups. Overall and stratum-specific meta-prevalence estimates (mPs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were accompanied by tests for heterogeneity and meta-regressions to assess sources of heterogeneity. Main Outcome Measures The main outcome measure was population prevalence of transgender. Secondary outcomes included gender-specific prevalence estimates for male-to-female and female to male subgroups. Results Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria for systematic review. Of those, 27 studies provided necessary data for a meta-analysis. Overall mP estimates per 100,000 population were 9.2 (95% CI = 4.9–13.6) for surgical or hormonal gender affirmation therapy and 6.8 (95% CI = 4.6–9.1) for transgender-related diagnoses. Of studies assessing self-reported transgender identity, the mP was 871 (95% CI = 519–1,224); however, this result was influenced by a single outlier study. After removal of that study, the mP changed to 355 (95% CI = 144–566). Significant heterogeneity was observed in most analyses. Conclusion The empirical literature on the prevalence of transgender highlights the importance of adhering to specific case definitions because the results can range by orders of magnitude. Standardized and routine collection of data on transgender status and gender identity is recommended.