cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Genetic Model of Substrate Reduction Therapy for Mucopolysaccharidosis

Inherited defects in the ability to catabolize glycosaminoglycans result in lysosomal storage disorders known as mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), causing severe pathology, particularly in the brain. Enzyme replacement therapy has been used to treat mucopolysaccharidoses; however, neuropathology has remained refractory to this approach. To test directly whether substrate reduction might be feasible for treating MPS disease, we developed a genetic model for substrate reduction therapy by crossing MPS IIIa mice with animals partially deficient in heparan sulfate biosynthesis due to heterozygosity in Ext1 and Ext2, genes that encode the copolymerase required for heparan sulfate chain assembly. Reduction of heparan sulfate by 30–50% using this genetic strategy ameliorated the amount of disease-specific biomarker and pathology in multiple tissues, including the brain. In addition, we were able to demonstrate that substrate reduction therapy can improve the efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy in cell culture and in mice. These results provide proof of principle that targeted inhibition of heparan sulfate biosynthetic enzymes together with enzyme replacement might prove beneficial for treating mucopolysaccharidoses.
Energetics of active transport in inverted membrane vesicles of Escherichia coli

Abstract Inside-out (ISO) membrane vesicles isolated from Escherichia coli are inverted (interior positive and acidic) with respect to right-side-out (RSO) membranes (interior negative and alkaline). As the membranes are coupled with an electron donor (D-lactate) as the energy source, ISO membranes exhibit a proton gradient (ΔpH) of 46.4 mV and an electrical potential (ΔΨ) of 63.3 mV, as measured by a flow dialysis method. This gives a proton electrochemical potential (Δ μ H+) of 110 mV across the membranes. The energetics of the formation of Δ μ H+ across ISO membranes were investigated by microcalorimetry in combination with oxygen uptake measurement. The results were compared with those previously obtained with RSO membranes. In these two types of membranes, the energetic parameters in the formation of Δ μ H+ (the enthalpy (ΔHm), the free energy (ΔGm) and the entropy (ΔSm) changes) exhibit similar positive signs. The observations suggest that the characteristics of the created Δ μ H+ across these membranes are analogous, regardless of the polarities across the membranes. The efficiency in the free energy transfer from the energy source (D-lactate oxidation reaction) to the creation of Δ μ H+ is essentially the same in ISO and RSO membranes, while the enthalpy transfer is much lower in ISO than in RSO membranes. The discrepancy in the enthalphy transfer is associated with the intrinsic difference between ISO and RSO membranes in the direction of proton movement. The employed thermochemical method can not only confirm the formation of Δ μ H+ across ISO membranes, but also reveals a significant difference in the value of ΔHm between ISO and RSO membranes, due to an opposite polarity across the membranes. This work provides an understanding of the role that membrane polarity plays in the energetics of active transport across membranes.
SU-FF-T-313: Impact On Tumor Dose Coverage Due to the Second Buildup for Lung Tumour Treatment Using An 18 MV Photon Beam

Purpose: Conformal radiotherapy requires accurate dose prediction in the planning target volume and organs at risk. This study is to investigate the target dose coverage in lungtumor treatment and to assess the impact of the second dose buildup as a function of irradiated field sizes when an 18 MV photon beam is used. Method and Materials: The Monte Carlo codes BEAMnrc/DOSXYZnrc are used to simulate photon beams from a Varian accelerator and to calculate dose distributions in a lung phantom. The dose distributions in lung and tumor were calculated for various field sizes to investigate the effect of the incident field size. The Monte Carlo calculated dose distributions are also compared with those predicted by commercial treatment planning systems. Results: There is no significant tumordose reduction ( 10×10cm2 for an 18 MV photon beam treated with parallel opposed beams. However there are about 4% to 12% dose reductions at the interface due to the second buildup when treatment fields are 7×7cm2 to 3×3cm2 respectively. The simple inhomogeneity correction methods (Batho and ETAR) employed in a commercial treatment planning system can give rise to inaccuracies up to 20% in the lung and tumordose for a small field. Conclusion: There is a benefit to using a higher energy 18 MV beam for larger treatment fields (>8×8 cm2) to reduce hot spots and there is negligible dose reduction at the interface due to the second buildup. However the second buildup can cause significant dose reduction at the interface for field sizes <7×7 cm2 and an 18 MV beam should be not be used for a small fields in the lung. Batho or ETAR correction methods result in large errors in predicting the dose in lung and tumor for a small field.
Ferric chloride, an anomerization catalyst for the preparation of alkyl α-glycopyranosides

Anhydrous FeCl3 in CH2Cl2 has been found to readily anomerize β-glycopyranosides to their corresponding α-anomers in good yields and selectivities at room temperatures. Acetyl- and benzoyl-protected oxygen sugars yielded the best results.
Measurement of triplet lifetime in a jet stream cw dye laser

Abstract By probing the laser dye subsequent to shutting off the pump beam, the triplet lifetime of Rhodamine 6G in ethylene glycol was determined under conditions of cw laser operation. The measured value of τ T is 125 ± 20 ns.
Methods determining phosphor imaging limits of quantitation in whole-body autoradiography rodent tissue distribution studies affect predictions of 14C human dosimetry.

Abstract Introduction: Radioluminography, or phosphor imaging, is often used in rodent quantitative whole-body autoradiography (QWBA) studies to determine the tissue distribution and pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of new pharmaceutical entities in rodents. The rodent tissue pharmacokinetics information are then used to predict human radiation exposure to 14 C or 3 H during human radioisotope mass balance studies. The human dosimetry estimation can be biased by the method used to determine the lower limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the phosphor imager. A survey of autoradiographers revealed that at least five different methods are used to determine phosphor imager LOQ. The objective of this study is to compare and evaluate the human dosimetry estimates obtained by applying those five LOQ methods to a single set of WBA data. Methods: Five different phosphor imager LOQ determination methods were applied to a single set of QWBA rodent tissue distribution data to produce five tissue concentration time profiles. Tissue PK parameters were determined for each profile and subsequently used to calculate the 14 C exposure for a proposed human 14 C mass balance study. Results: A threefold difference was observed among the five predictions of human 14 C exposure when the five different phosphor imager LOQ values were applied to the initial data set. Discussion: The method chosen to determine the phosphor imaging LOQ for QWBA rodent tissue distribution study could impact the human 14 C exposure estimates. The end result may either under- or overestimate the 14 C-tissue exposure in humans during radioisotope studies, depending on the method used to determine LOQ. We recommend two approaches to reduce the variations in the determination of rodent tissue distribution pharmacokinetics: (1) Set more sampling time points to cover the terminal phase to obtain more accurate t 1/2 and (2) use Method 3 or the small sized sampling tool of Method 5 for LOQ determinations because it is a balanced approach for both simplicity and accuracy.
Forced vibration analysis for dynamic coupling of finite-element spring-reduced suspension system

The current paper studies the dynamic behaviour of a coil spring in a vehicle suspension system. A portion of the coil spring is contacted with the top and bottom spring pads. The contact interface is modelled as a set of linear spring elements on the contact nodes of the coil spring. The eigensensitivity analysis is conducted to investigate the frequency variation of the stiffness-coupled system with respect to the contact stiffness variation. In the forced vibration analysis, the transfer function through the coil spring is obtained. The contribution of the coil spring modes to the load transfer is calculated by the modal contribution factor. It is shown that some of the longitudinal and bending vibration modes participate on the load transfer.
Improving detection of pediatric elbow fractures by understanding their mechanics.

Fractures around the elbow are among the most common fractures in children, but they can also be some of the most elusive to detect. Although elbow fractures result from a variety of stresses applied to the three bones constituting the elbow joint, hyperextension-rotation injuries with valgus or varus stress are the most common cause of elbow fractures. Less common are direct impact injuries to the posterior aspect of the elbow. Because all three bones and their articulations are morphologically different, the various traumatic forces applied result in distinctly different types of fractures in each of the bones. For example, hyperextension with vertical stress produces supracondylar fractures of the distal humerus, longitudinal linear ulnar fractures, and buckle fractures; hyperextension with valgus stress causes impaction fractions of the radial head and neck, transverse olecranon fractures, and medial epicondylar fractures, whereas varus stress produces Monteggia fractures, lateral condylar avulsion fr...
Coupling monolayers for protection of microelectronic circuits

Two polymeric coatings, a silicone gel (Dow Corning 6646) and an epoxy resin (Dexter FP 4402), were glob-top coated onto representative microelectronic circuits, AT&T Triple Track Testers (TTTs), and subjected to the Pressure Cooker Test (PCT). Coupling monolayers were self- assembled on the TTTs prior to encapsulation to improve the moisture protection capabilities of the coatings. Leakage current measurements were made to evaluate the effect of applied monolayers on the moisture protection capability. The moisture protection capability was assessed in short-term and long-term leakage current measurements. MHDA (16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid) and APS (gamma-aminopropyltriethoxysilane) monolayers, in combination with silicone gel and epoxy resin respectively, exhibited very good moisture protection performance.
The vapor state emission from a saturated amine

Abstract Emission from the saturated amine 1,4-diaza-bicyclo [2.2.2] octane excited at 2507 A in the gas phase at 25°C is reported. The emission, which is in the region 2850 – 3700 A, has a lifetime of 1040 nsec and a quantum yield of ca. 0.9 and is assigned as fluorescence. It is suggested that the emission originates from a weak V ← N state which is partially hidden by a more intense absorption system.
Improvement of paclitaxel-induced neuropathy by substitution of docetaxel for paclitaxel.

Abstract Background Although the combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin has a better therapeutic index than the combination of paclitaxel and cisplatin, peripheral neuropathy often occurs and remains the most chronic toxicity of this therapy. Cases Six patients with ovarian or peritoneal carcinoma who developed grade 2 peripheral neuropathy during chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin had decreased or resolution of their neuropathy after their therapy was changed to docetaxel and carboplatin. Conclusion Changing the taxane from paclitaxel to docetaxel in combination with carboplatin resulted in decreased or resolution of established peripheral neurotoxicity. This is one strategy to allow continued taxane therapy in the face of progressing peripheral neuropathy.
Easily fabricated magnetic traps for single-cell applications

We describe a simple and inexpensive method of fabricating single cell magnetic traps within a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) device. These traps were developed as part of an automated system that captures individual yeast cells in a microfluidic device and analyzes each cell as it buds. To make the traps, PdCl2 catalyst is rubbed with vinyl foam onto plasma-patterned PDMS, and then Co-Ni-B alloy is electrolessly deposited onto the catalyst at a moderate temperature. We demonstrate individual yeast cell capture and estimate the capture force (1.9−4.4 pN) by measuring the flow speed required to remove the cell from its trap in a microfluidic channel.
Relationships among DNA sequences of the 1.3 kb EcoRI family of mouse DNA

The genome of the mouse (Mus musculus) contains a family of repeated DNA sequences defined by a 1.3 kb EcoRI fragment. Resqtriction maps of ten cloned fragments from this family have been determined. The fragments were of seven different types, based on the patterns of digestion obtained with AvaII, HindIII, and TaqI restriction enzymes. These seven unique sets of sequences fell into two classes, as defined by the position of a single HindIII site. Portions of fragments from each of the two classes were sequenced. Although certain regions of the repeat were highly conserved between classes, there was more intraspecific sequence divergence among the sequenced regions than has been observed for the short interspersedAlu family of repeated sequences sin mammals. Sequences of both HindIII classes were found to be present within the mouse X chromosome; we can conclude that both classes must also be present on other mouse chromosomes.
Glomus mosseae, endomycorrhizal with Liquidambar styraciflua L. seedlings retards NO3, NO2 and NH4 nitrogen loss from a temperate forest soil

The influence of a mycorrhizal fungus on downward movement of NH4, NO2, and NO3 nitrogen in forest soil was determined by establishing combinations of soil, fungus and seedlings in plastic pipes and monitoring the nitrogen content of water percolating to two depths. Compared with controls of soil alone and of soil + seedling alone, treatments containing the mycorrhizae showed a significant reduction of NH4-N loss from 5 and 25 cm depths and significant reduction of NO3-N loss from the 5 cm depth. No significant effect was observed on nitrite loss. re]19750603
Epinephrine Inhibits Thyrotropin-Stimulated Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate Accumulation in Cat Thyroid Tissue*

The effect of epinephrine on in vitro cat thyroid tissue cAMP accumulation was examined in both the presence and absence of added TSH. Epinephrine alone had no significant effect on cat thyroid cAMP accumulation. However, in the presence of phentolamine, an a-adrenergic antagonist, epinephrine (1 × 10−5 m), elicited an increase in thyroid cAMP levels which was evident within 2 min, declining to basal levels within 10 min. In contrast, in the presence of propranolol, a β-adrenergic antagonist, the addition of epinephrine elicited a prompt 30% reduction in thyroidal cAMP levels which was sustained throughout the incubation period. Preexposure of cat thyroid tissue slices to epinephrine resulted in a significant 20−60% reduction in the subsequent TSH stimulation of cAMP accumulation and a similar reduction in the activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity. A similar inhibition of TSH action was observed with norepinephrine but not with adrenochrome or dopamine. The inhibitory action of the catechol...
An instrument to assess adolescent alcohol involvement.

This study was the beginning of a validation process for the Presley Adolescent Alcohol Scale (PAAS). The instrument is intended for youth of ages 11 to 24 and involves six subscales: Quantity and Frequency of Use, School Functioning, Family Functioning. Social Functioning, Driving and Legal Functioning, Physical and Psychological Functioning. Items identify Use, Misuse, Problematic Use, and Dependency. Three groups of students in Southern Illinois were used (N = 216): high school students in grades 7 to 12 (N = 51), undergraduate students at Southern Illinois University (N = 129), and patients at an adolescent alcohol inpatient treatment center (N = 36). ANOVA showed a significant difference between these three groups (p < .0001). In general, results from the study supported initial validity and reliability for the PAAS.
Role of Cell-to-Cell Variability in Activating a Positive Feedback Antiviral Response in Human Dendritic Cells

In the first few hours following Newcastle disease viral infection of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells, the induction of IFNB1 is extremely low and the secreted type I interferon response is below the limits of ELISA assay. However, many interferon-induced genes are activated at this time, for example DDX58 (RIGI), which in response to viral RNA induces IFNB1. We investigated whether the early induction of IFNBI in only a small percentage of infected cells leads to low level IFN secretion that then induces IFN-responsive genes in all cells. We developed an agent-based mathematical model to explore the IFNBI and DDX58 temporal dynamics. Simulations showed that a small number of early responder cells provide a mechanism for efficient and controlled activation of the DDX58-IFNBI positive feedback loop. The model predicted distributions of single cell responses that were confirmed by single cell mRNA measurements. The results suggest that large cell-to-cell variation plays an important role in the early innate immune response, and that the variability is essential for the efficient activation of the IFNB1 based feedback loop.
The base rates and factors associated with reported access to firearms in psychiatric inpatients.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to define whether specific patient demographic groups, diagnoses or other factors are associated with psychiatric inpatients reporting firearms access. Methods A retrospective medical records review study was conducted using information on access to firearms from electronic medical records for all patients 16 years and older admitted between July 2007 and May 2008 at the Mayo Clinic Psychiatric Hospital in Rochester, MN. Data were obtained only on patients providing authorization for record review. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses accounting for gender, diagnostic groups, comorbid substance use, history of suicide attempts and family history of suicide/suicide attempts. Results Seventy-four percent (1169/1580) of patients provided research authorization. The ratio of men to women was identical in both research and nonresearch authorization groups. There were 14.6% of inpatients who reported firearms access. In univariate analysis, men were more likely ( P P =.02). Multiple logistic regression analyses controlling for other factors found females and patients with history of previous suicide attempt(s) less likely to report access, while patients with a family history of suicide or suicide attempts reported increased firearms access. Diagnostic groups were not associated with access on univariate or multiple logistic regression analyses. Conclusions Men and inpatients with a family history of suicide/suicide attempts were more likely to report firearms access. Clinicians should develop standardized systems of identification of firearms access and provide guidance on removal.
Identification of a Glycosaminoglycan Binding Region of the Alpha C Protein That Mediates Entry of Group B Streptococci into Host Cells

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) frequently colonizes the human gastrointestinal and gynecological tracts and less frequently causes deep tissue infections. The transition between colonization and infection depends upon the ability of the organism to cross epithelial barriers. The alpha C protein (ACP) on the surface of GBS contributes to this process. A virulence factor in mouse models of infection, and prototype for a family of Gram-positive bacterial surface proteins, ACP facilitates GBS entry into human cervical epithelial cells and movement across cell layers. ACP binds to host cell surface glycosaminoglycan (GAG). From crystallography, we have identified a cluster of basic residues (BR2) that is a putative GAG binding area in Domain 2, near the junction of the N-terminal domain of ACP and the first of a series of tandem amino acid repeats. D2-R, a protein construct including this region, binds to cells similarly to full-length ACP. We now demonstrate that the predicted charged BR2 residues confer GAG binding; site-directed mutagenesis of these residues (Arg172, Arg185, or Lys196) eliminates cell-binding activity of construct D2-R. In addition, we have constructed a GBS strain expressing a variant ACP with a charge-neutralizing substitution at residue 185. This strain enters host cells less effectively than does the wild-type strain and similarly to an ACP null mutant strain. The point mutant strain transcytoses similarly to the wild-type strain. These data indicate that GAG-binding activity underlies ACP-mediated cellular entry of GBS. GBS entry into host cells and transcytosis of host cells may occur by distinct mechanisms.
Explaining the Origins of Public Relations: Logics of Historical Explanation

This study reviews a major body of research—historical explanations for the emergence of public relations as a social institution. This review of public relations histories identifies three distinct logics of historical explanation—a functionalist logic, an institutional logic, and a cultural logic. It then describes how these three logics are used in public relations histories and explores the theoretical and methodological challenges that each of these approaches presents.
BREAST CANCER IN YOUNG WOMEN AND USE OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES: POSSIBLE MODIFYING EFFECT OF FORMULATION AND AGE AT USE

AbstractA case-control study of 314 breast cancer patients aged <37 at diagnosis and 314 individually matched controls was done to assess the influence of oral-contraceptive (OC) use on the risk of the disease. Long-term use before age 25 of combination-type OCs with a "high" content of the progestogen component was associated with increased risk of breast cancer: the relative risk was approximately 4 after 5 years of such use, and 9 cases and no controls had used such combination-type OCs for more than 6 years before age 25. Use of combination-type OCs with a "low" progestogen component appears to increase breast-cancer risk little or not at all.
Biosynthesis in vivo of testosterone and Δ4-androstenedione from dehydroepiandrosterone-sodium sulfate by the canine testis and ovary

Abstract Dehydroepiandrosterone-sodium sulfate (DHEA-sodium sulfate) labeled with tritium in 7α position has been infused at a constant rate by the left ovarian or spermatic artery in anesthetized dogs pretreated with human chorionic gonadotropin for 10 days. Testosterone and Δ 4 -androstenedione were isolated in the venous blood from the gonads in both sexes, while free dehydroepiandrosterone was isolated only in the female animal. 1. 1. The canine ovary and testis are able to convert DHEA-sodium sulfate to testosterone and Δ 4 -androstenedione in vivo . 2. 2. No conversion from DHEA-sodium sulfate to estrogens could be detected. 3. 3. The significance of this reaction is discussed.
Race/ethnic disparities in left ventricular diastolic function in a triethnic community cohort.

Background Racial-ethnic disparities exist in cardiovascular risk factors, morbidity, and mortality. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is a predictor of mortality and of cardiovascular outcome including incident heart failure. We sought to assess whether race-ethnic differences in diastolic function exist. Such differences may contribute to the observed disparities in cardiovascular outcomes. Methods Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed in 760 participants (539 Hispanic, 117 non-Hispanic black, 104 non-Hispanic white) from the Cardiac Abnormalities and Brain Lesions study. Left ventricular diastolic function was assessed by standard Doppler flow profile and tissue Doppler imaging. Early (E) and late (A) transmitral diastolic flow, and mitral annulus early diastolic velocities (E′) were recorded; and E/A and E/E′ ratios were calculated. Results Blacks and Hispanics had higher body mass index ( P = .04, P P s ≤ .05) and diabetes (both P s P s P = .01), lower E′, and higher E/E′ (both P s P P = .09) compared with whites. These race-ethnic differences in diastolic function were attenuated in multivariate models adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusions Differences in left ventricular diastolic function exist between race-ethnic groups. However, modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and sociodemographic variables, rather than intrinsic race-ethnic heterogeneity, seem to explain most of the observed differences.
Clinically Important Features of Porphyrin and Heme Metabolism and the Porphyrias

Heme, like chlorophyll, is a primordial molecule and is one of the fundamental pigments of life. Disorders of normal heme synthesis may cause human diseases, including certain anemias (X-linked sideroblastic anemias) and porphyrias. Porphyrias are classified as hepatic and erythropoietic porphyrias based on the organ system in which heme precursors (5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), porphobilinogen and porphyrins) are chiefly overproduced. The hepatic porphyrias are further subdivided into acute porphyrias and chronic hepatic porphyrias. The acute porphyrias include acute intermittent, hereditary copro-, variegate and ALA dehydratase deficiency porphyria. Chronic hepatic porphyrias include porphyria cutanea tarda and hepatoerythropoietic porphyria. The erythropoietic porphyrias include congenital erythropoietic porphyria (Gűnther’s disease) and erythropoietic protoporphyria. In this review, we summarize the key features of normal heme synthesis and its differing regulation in liver versus bone marrow. In both organs, principal regulation is exerted at the level of the first and rate-controlling enzyme, but by different molecules (heme in the liver and iron in the bone marrow). We also describe salient clinical, laboratory and genetic features of the eight types of porphyria.
Macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue: initiation, propagation and remodeling

It has long been known that adipose tissue in obesity is in a heightened state of inflammation. Recently, our understanding of this has been transformed by the knowledge that immune cells such as macrophages and T cells can infiltrate adipose tissue and are responsible for the majority of inflammatory cytokine production. These seminal findings have opened up a new area in biology that is garnering the interest of scientists involved in research relating to cell motility, inflammation, obesity, physiology, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Some important general questions relevant to this field are: how are macrophages recruited to adipose tissue in obesity? What are the physiological consequences of macrophage-adipocyte interactions? Do these inflammatory macrophages contribute to pathophysiological conditions associated with obesity, such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, diabetes and cardiovascular disease? This review focuses on the first of these important questions.
Employment Smoothing Capital Accumulation with Production for Stochastic Demand

We consider the problem of periodically choosing production quantity and manufacturing capacity with the latter constraining the former. It is assumed that capacity can be altered at a cost that is proportional to the amount of change and that other capacity costs are proportional to the capacity. Other manufacturing costs are assumed to be proportional to the quantity manufactured. We summarise inventory costs with a convex expected holding and penalty cost function; excess demand is backlogged. The model includes a possibly random change in capacity labor force attrition or depreciation of capital each period. We characterize optimal policies when the criterion is the minimization of expected discounted costs. The characterizations also apply when the unit costs of capacity change are stochastic with a known distribution that may be correlated in any period with the demand in the preceding period.
Clinical Intestinal Transplantation: New Perspectives and Immunologic Considerations

Abstract Background: Although tacrolimus-based immunosuppression has made intestinal transplantation feasible, the risk of the requisite chronic high-dose treatment has inhibited the widespread use of these procedures. We have examined our 1990–1997 experience to determine whether immunomodulatory strategies to improve outlook could be added to drug treatment. Study Design: Ninety-eight consecutive patients (59 children, 39 adults) with a panoply of indications received 104 allografts under tacrolimus-based immunosuppression: intestine only (n = 37); liver and intestine (n = 50); or multivisceral (n = 17). Of the last 42 patients, 20 received unmodified adjunct donor bone marrow cells; the other 22 were contemporaneous control patients. Results: With a mean followup of 32 ± 26 months (range, 1–86 months), 12 recipients (3 intestine only, 9 composite grafts) are alive with good nutrition beyond the 5-year milestone. Forty-seven (48%) of the total group survive bearing grafts that provide full (91%) or partial (9%) nutrition. Actuarial patient survival at 1 and 5 years (72% and 48%, respectively) was similar with isolated intestinal and composite graft recipients, but the loss rate of grafts from rejection was highest with intestine alone. The best results were in patients between 2 and 18 years of age (68% at 5 years). Adjunct bone marrow did not significantly affect the incidence of graft rejection, B-cell lymphoma, or the rate or severity of graft-versus-host disease. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that longterm rehabilitation similar to that with the other kinds of organ allografts is achievable with all three kinds of intestinal transplant procedures, that the morbidity and mortality is still too high for their widespread application, and that the liver is significantly but marginally protective of concomitantly engrafted intestine. Although none of the endpoints were markedly altered by donor leukocyte augmentation (and chimerism) with bone marrow, establishment of the safety of this adjunct procedure opens the way to further immune modulation strategies that can be added to the augmentation protocol.
Experiential Avoidance as a Mediator of Relationships Between Cognitions and Hair-Pulling Severity

Cognitive-behavioral models suggest that certain cognitions and beliefs are functionally related to hair pulling in persons with trichotillomania (TTM), but little empirical data have been collected to test such claims. This study assessed dysfunctional beliefs about appearance, shameful cognitions, and fear of negative evaluation and their relation to hair-pulling severity in a sample of individuals self-reporting a diagnosis of TTM. Results showed significant correlations between these cognitions and hair-pulling severity; however, relations diminished or disappeared when controlling for experiential avoidance, a tendency to avoid or escape from unwanted private events. These findings suggest that treatments targeting cognitions may benefit from focusing on experiential avoidance more broadly.
An involution permuting Floer homology.

We give an example of an irreducible homology sphere with an involution acting non-trivally on Floer homology.
Nursing Simulation: A Review of the Past 40 Years

Simulation, in its many forms, has been a part of nursing education and practice for many years. The use of games, computer-assisted instruction, standardized patients, virtual reality, and low-fidelity to high-fidelity mannequins have appeared in the past 40 years, whereas anatomical models, partial task trainers, and role playing were used earlier. A historical examination of these many forms of simulation in nursing is presented, followed by a discussion of the roles of simulation in both nursing education and practice. A viewpoint concerning the future of simulation in nursing concludes this article.
Clouds and Shortwave Fluxes at Nauru. Part I: Retrieved Cloud Properties

Abstract The datasets currently being collected at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program's sites on the islands of Nauru and Manus represent the longest time series of ground-based cloud measurements available in the tropical western Pacific region. In this and a companion paper, a shortwave flux closure study is presented using observations collected at the Nauru site between June 1999 and May 2000. This paper presents frequency of occurrence of nonprecipitating liquid and ice clouds detected by the millimeter wavelength cloud radar (MMCR) and statistics of retrieved microphysical properties. The companion paper presents results from a closure study in which the retrieved cloud properties are input to a radiative transfer model, and the modeled surface fluxes are compared to observations. The liquid cloud properties are retrieved from MMCR and microwave radiometer (MWR) measurements using a Bayesian retrieval technique. Properties of ice phase clouds are retrieved from MMCR measurements usi...
Cognitive Radio Protocols Based on Exploiting Hybrid ARQ Retransmissions

This paper addresses user coexistence in cognitive radio systems by taking advantage of opportunities that arise during ARQ retransmission. It is shown that if these opportunities are properly exploited, nontrivial rates can be made available to a secondary (cognitive) pair while impinging little or no interference on the primary pair. This can be accomplished with an oblivious primary system and without assuming any non-causal information at the secondary about the primary data. Several protocols are devised that work with varying amounts of channel state information about the cognitive and primary links. The protocols are further extended to the scenario where multiple cognitive receivers exist. Performance analysis of the protocols is presented and their effectiveness is verified via simulations.
Deciphering the Diplomatic Archives of Fifteenth-Century Italy

This article examines the repercussions of the explosion of paper documents generated by new developments in diplomatic practice in Italian city-states between 1450 and 1500. With the proliferation of resident ambassadors whose daily duties centered around writing and receiving letters and other documents, a flood of written material was produced. The management and archiving of all this material triggered the formation of new institutions, of new methods of working, and of new personnel. Though the results of the efforts at archiving were often fitful and incomplete, the governments of the Italian peninsula henceforth sought to collect, control and preserve diplomatic documents so that they could be referenced in the future.
BGP routing dynamics revisited

Understanding BGP routing dynamics is critical to the solid growth and maintenance of the Internet routing infrastructure. However, while the most extensive study on BGP dynamics is nearly a decade old, many factors that could affect BGP dynamics have changed considerably. We revisit this important topic in this paper, focusing on not only comparing with the previous results, but also issues not well explored before. We have found that, compared to almost a decade ago, although certain characteristics remain unchanged (such as some temporal properties), BGP dynamics are now 'busier,' and more importantly, now have much less pathological behavior and are 'healthier'; for example, forwarding dynamics are now not only dominant, but also more consistent across different days. Contributions to BGP dynamics by different BGP peers-which are not proportional to the size of a peer's AS-are also more stable, and dynamics due to policy changes or duplicate announcements are usually from specific peers
Fractionated total‐body irradiation preceding high‐dose cytosine arabinoside as a preparative regimen for bone marrow transplantation in children with acute leukemia

Twenty children with acute leukemia between 3 and 19 years of age underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from HLA-matched sibling donors after conditioning with total-body irradiation (1,200 cGy in six fractions of 200 cGy twice daily for 3 days) and high dose cytosine arabinoside (3 g/m 2 given every 12 hours for 12 doses). Three patients died with acute toxicity. Six patients developed grade II acute graft versus host disease. With a median follow-up of 68 months (range 26-96 months), thirteen children (65%) are alive and in remission with Karnofsky scores of 90-100%. A patient with AML in resistant relapse went into remission but relapsed and died 5 months post-transplantation. Three other patients relapsed, 8, 12, and 16 months post BMT. Our results suggest that this conditioning regimen is associated with high but manageable acute toxicity and may be highly effective in controlling leukemia resistant to conventional chemotherapy.
Do priority effects benefit invasive plants more than native plants? An experiment with six grassland species

Invasive, non-native plant species often outcompete native species and reduce biodiversity. Invasive plants frequently begin growth before native plants, yet few studies have examined whether invasives win in competition partly by colonizing disturbed sites more quickly or by beginning growth earlier in the season than native plants (i.e. due to priority effects). We hypothesized that invasive plant species would benefit more from priority effects than would comparable native species and that earlier growth of invasive species would decrease plant biodiversity. To test this hypothesis, we grew three pairs of invasive and native plant species from three different functional groups/plant families (C3 grasses/Poaceae, non-leguminous forbs/Asteraceae, and legumes/Fabaceae). We seeded each of the species 3 weeks before seeding the other five species into large pots in a greenhouse. Consistent with our hypothesis, we found much stronger priority effects with invasive than native species. Each invasive species formed a near-monocultures when seeded first (97.5 % of total biomass, on average) whereas native species did not similarly dominate (29.8 % of total biomass, on average). Similarly, Simpson’s species diversity was 81 % higher when the initially sown species was native rather than invasive. The literature suggests that invasive species in the field often begin growth earlier in the spring than native species and that climate change may increasingly allow invasives to begin growth before native species, indicating invasive priority effects may become increasingly common.
Structuring Investments by Foreign Persons in U.S. Real Estate

This article describes the basic principles of U.S. federal income tax liability under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 (FIRPTA) and the withholding mechanism that ensures collection of the tax. In addition, it sets forth some structuring alternatives to limit a foreign investor's tax exposure with respect to the ownership and subsequent disposition of U.S. real estate.
Central Nervous System

Complex actions, thoughts, and emotions are made possible by the actions of the central nervous system, which coordinates all the incoming sensory information from inside and outside the body, and prepares and instructs the effectors throughout the body to make a coordinated response. The effect of aging on this system apparently underlies many of the age differences observed in cognitive functioning, including memory, learning, problem solving, information processing, and intelligence.
Decollectivization and Democratization: Law Practice in Romania Today

Why have decollectivized Romanian lawyers failed to become important actors in the consolidation of their nation's democracy? Interviews of legal professionals in four Romanian cities suggest that their failure to participate in civil society inhibits avocats from becoming agents of change. Notwithstanding the 1990-2002 statutes privatizing the bar, daily Romanian law practice differs little from collectivized practice. A similar resemblance to United States solo and small-firm practice is so striking as to belie the influence of the communist past in determining the behavior of typical Romanian lawyers today. The economics of law practice seem to explain consistent behavior in both countries. Decollectivization has affected avocats' outlook on their profession. Enduring rapidly changing statutes in new fields, avocats yearn for stability and clarity in the law that would diminish the need for interpretation by judges, who are too often corrupt. Privatization has not modified the negative attitudes toward civic engagement generated during the communist era. Romanian lawyers are largely nonparticipants. This is in stark contrast to lawyers in the United States who actively volunteer in organizations to build their careers and out of a sense of social obligation, professional self-image, and response to community expectations. Romanian lawyers lack these non-economic motivations. However, if the financial/careerist justifications for civic activity were stronger, avocats' small but growing sense of professionalism could nudge them into community activities. In that new role they could strengthen Romanian democracy.
Aquatic Fungi of Iceland: Comparative Morphology of Achlya Radiosa, A. Pseudoradiosa, And A. Stellata

Isolates of Achyla radiosa, A. pseudoradiosa, and A. stellata were propagated in various cultural conditions on hempseed and semisolid nutrient media. Structural modifications in size, density, and...
Restricting minors' access to tobacco: a review of state legislation, 1991.

Currently, 46 states and the District of Columbia prohibit the sale of tobacco products to minors, and the minimum age requirement differs by state. In general, these laws are poorly enforced and inadequately prevent youth from obtaining tobacco. According to a four-part classification scheme used in this article, no states have comprehensive laws banning access to tobacco, four states have moderate laws, 37 states and the District of Columbia have basic laws, five states have nominal laws, and the remaining four states have no regulations. We recommend 11 important elements for laws that would adequately restrict minors’ access to tobacco products.
“Maximal” thymectomy for myasthenia gravis: Results

Thymectomy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. The logical goal of operation has been complete removal of the thymus, but there has been controversy about the surgical technique and its relation to results. Surgical-anatomic studies have shown gross and microscopic thymus widely distributed in the neck and mediastinum. We believe that an en bloc transcervical-transsternal "maximal" thymectomy is required to remove all thymic tissue predictably. Ninety-five patients with generalized myasthenia gravis underwent "maximal" thymectomy consecutively between 1977 and 1985 and were evaluated 6 months to 89 months after operation. In Group A (N = 72), myasthenia gravis without thymoma, the uncorrected data revealed that 96% (69) had benefited from operation: 79% (57) had no symptoms; 46% (33) were in remission; 33% (24) were symptom free when receiving minimal doses of pyridostigmine; and none were worse. Life table analysis yielded a remission rate of 81% at 89 months. In group B (N = 8), myasthenia gravis without thymoma for which patients underwent reexploration for incapacitating weakness after earlier transcervical or transsternal operations, residual thymus was found in all. One patient was in remission, two were symptom free when receiving medication, one was unchanged, and none were worse. In group C (N 15), myasthenia gravis and thymoma, two patients were in remission and nine were symptom free when receiving medication. Two patients in this group died 2 and 4 years postoperatively in crisis. Response to thymectomy in group A was greater in patients with mild myasthenia gravis and may have been better in patients who had symptoms for less than 60 months preoperatively, but the response did not depend on age, sex, presence or absence of thymic hyperplasia or involution, or titers of acetylcholine receptor antibodies. The response to thymectomy in group B was striking but slower than in group A, perhaps because symptoms were more severe and of longer duration. The response in group C was also less good than in group A and proportionately fewer benefited. These results support the recommendation for thymectomy in the treatment of patients with generalized myasthenia gravis and indicate the desirability of a maximal procedure. For persistent or recurrent severe symptoms after previous transcervical or submaximal transsternal resections, reoperation by this technique is also recommended.
Introduction to the Indigenous Water-Management System in Afghanistan

Afghans, like many other members of agrarian societies, have developed a system of water management to address their needs to ensure fair distribution of water to their fields or lands. The Mir-Aab system is an indigenous water-management system that has been used in Afghanistan for centuries. This system is the result of community engagement and cooperation to sustain their lives and manage their water dependency through a collective decision of all stakeholders in a village. One person, a Mir Aab is entrusted with making vital and fair decisions on the distribution of the most precious natural resource. This chapter informs the reader of the water-management system that Afghans have been using and how it could be made more useful with the help of the government and the introduction of the latest water-management techniques that supplement the already accepted norms and systems of water distribution. The traditional wells, underground karezes, and constructed canals are explained, along with the best insights developed from the irrigation systems, as well as the historical development phases of irrigation in the country, and the historical events and factors that have affected the traditional Mir-Aab systems.
Microfibrillar Structure, Radical Formation, and Fracture of Highly Drawn Crystalline Polymers

The highly drawn crystalline polymer with the almost perfectly oriented fibrous structure differs from the unoriented more or less spherulitic material not only in the orientation of crystal lattice and crystal lamellae but also in the basic structural elements: stacks of parallel lamellae in the latter and well-aligned microfibrils in the former case. This difference explains very well not only the anisotropy of mechanical properties but also the superior elastic modulus and strength of fibrous material. The extremely long and thin macrofibril consists of folded chain crystal blocks connected axially with a great many tie molecules. At the ends of microfibrils the axial molecular connection in the fiber is interrupted. Under tensile load such point vacancies yield microcracks — — about 1015 per cm3 — — thus concentrating the stress on adjacent microfibrils. Depending on the ratio of microfibril strength and autoadhesive forces between adjacent microfibrils the coalescence and growth of microcracks occurs by axial (longitudinal) cracks along the boundary between the microfibrils or by radial (transverse) cracks through adjacent microfibrils. In the former case, very few and in the latter case a great many tie molecules are ruptured producing radicals detectable by ESR. Polyethylene and polypropylene with weak Van der Waals forces between adjacent microfibrils yield few and nylon 6 and 66 with stronger hydrogen bridges a great many radicals in excellent suppport of the microfibrillar model of fibrous structure.