cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Real-world application of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in 507 patients with multiple sclerosis.

To investigate the results of real-world application of non-myeloablative autologous HSCT for multiple sclerosis (MS). Between July 2003 and October 2019 at a single center (Northwestern University), 414 patients with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) and 93 patients with newly diagnosed secondary progressive MS (SPMS) underwent non-myeloablative HSCT. There was one treatment-related death (0.19%) due to hospital-acquired legionella pneumonia, and one patient developed neutropenic bacteremia (Klebsiella pneumonia) without sepsis. Overall 5-year survival was 98.8%. Post HSCT secondary autoimmune diseases (2nd ADs) were idiopathic thrombocytopenia (ITP) and hypo or hyperthyroidism. ITP was highest with alemtuzumab (14%) and 0 to 2.8% for the non-alemtuzumab regimens. After HSCT, 16 patients developed hypothyroidism (3.5%) and 15 developed hyperthyroidism / Grave’s disease (3.3%). Relapse free survival (RFS) at 5 years for RRMS and SPMS was 80.1% and 98.1%, respectively, while progression free survival (PFS) at 4 years for RRMS and SPMS was 95% versus 66%, respectively. For patients with RRMS, the EDSS significantly improved (p < 0.0001) at each follow-up from a pre-HSCT mean of 3.87 to 2.51, 2.50, 2.41, 2.33, and 2.19 at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years, respectively. For SPMS, the EDSS improved significantly only at 1 year but not thereafter. For SPMS, the mean baseline EDSS of 5.09 changed post-HSCT to 4.85 (p = 0.04), 4.88 (p = 0.2), 4.92 (p = .27), 4.72 (p = 0.07), and 4.2 (p = 0.21) at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 years, respectively. In patients with RRMS, autologous non-myeloablative HSCT is an effective one-time therapy, while HSCT appears of less benefit for newly diagnosed SPMS.
The effect of valproic acid exposure throughout development on microglia number in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum.

Abstract Microglia serve as resident immune cells in the brain, responding to insults and pathological developments. They have also been implicated in shaping synaptic development and regulation. The present study examined microglial cell density in a number of brain regions across select postnatal (P) ages along with the effects of valproic acid (VPA) on microglia density. Specifically, C57BL/6JCx3CR1+/GFPmice were examined for microglial cell number changes on P7, P14, P30, and P60 under baseline conditions and following 400 mg/Kg VPA or saline. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus and cerebellum were observed. Under control conditions, the results showed a shift in the number of microglia in these brain areas throughout development with a peak density in the hippocampus at P14 and an increase in PFC microglial numbers from P15 to P30. Interestingly, VPA treatment enhanced microglial numbers in a region-specific manner. VPA at P7 increased microglial cell number in the hippocampus and cerebellum whereas P14 VPA treatment altered microglial density in the cerebellum only. Cerebellar increases also occurred after VPA at P30, and were attended by an effect of increased numbers in the PFC. Finally, animals treated with VPA at P60 exhibited decreased microglia density in the hippocampus only. These results suggest rapid VPA-induced increases in microglial cell density in a developmentally-regulated fashion which differs across distinct brain areas. Furthermore, in the context of prior reports that early VPA causes excitotoxic damage, the present findings suggest early VPA exposure may provide a model for studying altered microglial responses to early toxicant challenge.
Children’s Fractures

Screw fixation of fractures is rarely indicated in children but may occasionally be advantageous in an adolescent, particularly in those approaching the age of bone maturity ((Fig. 40-1 A) (Fig. 40-1 B) Fig. 40-1 C-E) and 40-2 A-D).
Alternative therapies for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy

Objective To review available evidence about the effectiveness of alternative therapies for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Data Sources MEDLINE and 13 additional US and international data bases were searched in 1996–1997 for papers that described use of alternative medicine in the treatment of pregnancy and pregnancy complications, specifically those addressing nausea, vomiting, and hyperemesis. Bibliographies of retrieved papers were reviewed to identify additional sources. Methods of Study Selection All relevant English language clinical research papers were reviewed. Randomized clinical trials addressing specifically the use of nonpharmaceutical and nondietary interventions were chosen for detailed review. Tabulation, Integration, and Result Ten randomized trials studying the effects of acupressure, ginger, and pyridoxine on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy were reviewed. Evidence of beneficial effects was found for these three interventions, although the data on acupressure are equivocal. Insufficient evidence was found for the benefits of hypnosis. Other interventions have not been studied. Conclusion There is a dearth of research to support or to refute the efficacy of a number of common remedies for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. The best-studied alternative remedy is acupressure, which may afford relief to many women; ginger and vitamin B6 also may be beneficial.
Of Frivolous Litigation and Runaway Juries: A View from the Bench

﻿The political case for tort reform is based in large measure on the perception that there are too many frivolous law suits and too many excessive jury awards. While there is considerable empirical evidence casting doubt on both these propositions, they remain the linchpins of the tort reform movement. Scholars, lobbyists, and legislators all have had a voice in the tort reform debates. The viewpoints of trial judges, however, have been largely absent. This is unfortunate because trial judges are the government officials with the closest view of the tort litigation system. They are the ones who see tort litigation on a day-in, day-out basis and are therefore uniquely qualified to comment on the extent of problems in the system. This study begins to fill this void by reporting on the views of Georgia Superior Court and State Court judges on tort litigation in their courts.
When nanoparticles meet biofilms—interactions guiding the environmental fate and accumulation of nanoparticles

Bacteria are essential components of all natural and many engineered systems. The most active fractions of bacteria are now recognized to occur as ‘biofilms’, where cells are attached and surrounded by a secreted matrix of “sticky” extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Recent investigations have established that significant accumulation of nanoparticles (NPs) occurs in aquatic biofilms. These studies point to the emerging roles of biofilms for influencing partitioning and possibly transformations of NPs in both natural and engineered systems. While attached biofilms are efficient “sponges” for NPs, efforts to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms guiding interactions between NPs and biofilms have just begun. In this mini review, special attention is focused on NP-biofilm interactions within the aquatic environment. We highlight key physical, chemical and biological processes that affect interactions and accumulation of NPs by bacterial biofilms. We posit that these biofilm processes present the likely possibility for unique biological and chemical transformations of NPs. Ultimately, the environmental fate of NPs is influenced by biofilms, and therefore requires a more-in depth understanding of their fundamental properties.
Impact synthesis of the RNA bases

Any discussion related to how life began on this planet inevitably invokes the question as to the origin of bio-organic molecules, a field called prebiotic chemistry (1). How did organic compounds come to populate the early Earth? Before 1953, this question itself was not widely considered within the realm of experimental science. However, since the pioneering results of the Miller–Urey experiment that produced amino acids from electrical discharges passing through simple gases (2), the field of prebiotic chemistry has been extremely prodigious in demonstrating abiotic syntheses for multitudes of organic compounds. However, it became apparent that prebiotic chemistry was faced with a more challenging question. How did the biomolecules of life get selected out of such complex, prebiotic mixtures?
Chronic infections by herpes simplex viruses and by the horse and cat herpesviruses.

Rabbit eyes experimentally infected with either type 1 or type 2 herpes simplex viruses occasionally released virus spontaneously. Injection of adrenalin was not highly effective for stimulating virus release but did seem to have a slight and erratic activating capacity. No spontaneous virus release were detected from the eyes of six cats infected with cat herpesvirus, but, when adrenalin was administered, an episode of virus release did ensue in one animal. Rabbit spinal cords could be chronically infected with either herpes simplex virus type 2 or equine herpesvirus type 2. The viruses could be reisolated over subsequent months from about half the animals without prior stimulation; the interval between inoculation of trypsinized spinal tissue into tissue cultures and the development of cytopathic effect was often long—more than 4 weeks in some cases.
Evaluation of a school for young mothers. The frequency of prematurity among infants born to mothers under 17 years of age, according to the mother's attendance of a special school during pregnancy.

Registration with a social agency, required attendance of prenatal care, a school lunch, supplemental milk, counseling, nutritional education, health education, group discussion, and selfgovernment are elements of a public school program for teen-age mothers. To study the health impact of this program, we located the birth certificates of children born to mothers who were 16 years of age and under and who attended the program. We matched these certificates with certificates of children of the same race and sex born to mothers of the same age living in similar socioeconomic census tracts who did not attend the school but who gave birth during the same period of time. This gave us a study and control group totaling 448 births to mothers 14, 15, and 16 years old. We defined low birth weight as under 2,501 gm and found 23.7% of the control group and 11.6% of the study group to be low birth weight infants. We defined gestation periods less than 37 weeks as premature and found 34.4% of the control group and 21.4% of the study group to be born prematurely. Both of these differences were statistically significant at the level of p smaller than .01. The slightly diminished frequency of prenatal care in the control group was not significantly associated with the differences in birth weight or gestational age. One infant died in the study group and eight infants died in the control group. The differences between the study group and the control group were most pronounced among the 14-year-old mothers.
Angiotensin II-related hypertension and eye diseases

Systemic vascular disease, especially hypertension, has been suspected as a risk factor for some eye diseases including, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Hypertension can contribute to chronic diseases by hemodynamic injury and/or cellular actions induced by hypertension-related hormones or growth factors. Among the most important is Angiotensin II (Ang II), which controls blood pressure and induces different cellular functions that may be dependent or independent of its effect on blood pressure. Importantly, as is true for heart, kidney and other organs, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is present in the eye. So, even in the absence of hypertension, local production of Ang II could be involved in eye diseases. The goal of this manuscript is to review the most relevant scientific evidence supporting the role of the RAS activation, in the development of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, and highlight the importance of Ang II in the etiology of these diseases.
A quasi-analytical direct transient Mie solution for spheres: The EM case

Debye-Mie series solution is one of the most useful tools in time-harmonic analysis of electromagnetic scattering, and has found in extensive applications in both optics and electromagnetics. Their applications range from fields as diverse as light scattering from small particles to analysis of small antennas to photonics to biological applications. However, analytical solutions to scattering from a sphere only exist in the Fourier domain. Deriving their transient analogue is a challenge as it involves an inverse Fourier transform of the spherical Hankel functions (and their derivatives) that are convolved with inverse Fourier transforms of spherical Bessel functions (and their derivatives). Series expansion of these convolutions are highly oscillatory (therefore, poorly convergent) and unstable. Indeed, the literature on numerical computation of this convolution is very sparse.
Support for Genetic Association Between Variants in PPP3R1 and MAPT and Rate of Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease

combined analyses of cases and controls.Results: In the case+controls analyses, CLU rs11136000 was significantly associated with better scores for multiple phenotypes from Logical Memory, namely LMDR (b 1⁄4 0.94, p 1⁄4 0.0042), LMPR (b1⁄4 2.74, p1⁄4 0.01) and LMIR (b1⁄4 0.69, p1⁄4 0.03). Similar results for CLU were obtained in controls-only analyses, where LMDR (b 1⁄4 0.82, p 1⁄4 0.0067) and LMPR (b 1⁄4 1.87, p 1⁄4 0.015) associations were significant and that for LMIR (b 1⁄4 0.49, p 1⁄4 0.07) was marginal. No other significant associations were observed for the combined cases and controls, although marginal associations were noted for PICALM rs3851179 SNP in controls only for LMPR (b1⁄4 1.61, p1⁄4 0.046) and LMDR (b1⁄4 0.54, p1⁄4 0.09).Conclusions: Our results show that the CLU rs11136000 SNP, which is associated with reduced risk of AD, is also associated with improved memory scores in non-demented elderly subjects. Thus, in our dataset, the CLU locus had an influence on cognition that was detectable prior to clinical diagnosis of dementia. Though replication is needed, these results provide further support for CLU in AD and suggest a role for cognitive endophenotypes in genetic studies of dementia.
Clonal structure in the moss, Climacium americanum Brid.

The present study focussed on the moss species, Climacium americanum Brid., which typically grows in the form of mats or clumps of compactly spaced gametophores. In order to determine the clonal structure of these clumps, the distribution of genetic variation was analysed by an electrophoretic survey. Ten individua! gametophores from each of ten clumps were sampled in two locations in the Piedmont of North Carolina. These samples were assayed for allelic variation at six electrophoretically distinguishable loci. For each clump, an explicit probability of a monomorphic versus a polymorphic sample was estimated based on allele frequencies in our overall sample. Although allelic variation was detected within clumps at both localities, our statistical results showed that the level of polymorphism within clumps was less than would be expected if genetic variation were distributed at random within the overall population.
Electroweak Symmetry Breaking Studies at the pp Colliders of the 1990’s and Beyond

Within the conventional framework of a spontaneously broken gauge theory, general principles establish that the electroweak symmetry is broken by a new force that may be weak with associated new quanta below 1 TeV or strong with quanta above 1 TeV. The SSC parameters, \( \sqrt s= 40 \) TeV and ℒ = 1033 cm-2 s-1, define a minimal facility with assured capability to observe the signals of symmetry breaking by a strong force above 1 TeV. Foreseeable luminosity upgrades would not be able to compensate a much lower collider energy for these physics signals. If the strong WW scattering signal were seen at the SSC in the 1990’s it would provide a clear imperative for a collider with the physics reach of the ELOISATRON to begin detailed studies of the new force and quanta early in the next century.
DEVELOPMENT OF GLUE-TYPE POTENTIALS FOR THE Al-Pb SYSTEM: PHASE DIAGRAM CALCULATION

Abstract Empirical many-body potentials of the glue-type have been constructed for the Al–Pb system using the “force matching” method. The potentials are fitted to experimental data, physical quantities derived from ab initio linear muffin-tin orbitals calculations and a massive quantum mechanical database of atomic forces generated using ultrasoft pseudopotentials in conjunction with ab initio molecular statics simulations. Monte Carlo simulations using these potentials have been employed to compute an Al–Pb phase diagram which is in fair agreement with experimental data.
Functional test generation for hard to detect stuck-at faults using RTL model checking

At-speed functional testing has proven to be very effective at uncovering defective chips. However for processor testing, generating instruction level tests for covering all faults is a challenge given the issue of scalability. Data-path faults are relatively easier to control and observe compared to control-path faults. In this paper we present a novel method to generate instruction level tests for hard to detect control-path faults in a processor. We initially map the gate level stuck-at fault to the Register Transfer Level (RTL) and build an equivalent faulty RTL model. The fault activation and propagation constraints are captured using Control and Data Flow Graph of RTL as an Liner Temporal Logic (LTL) property. This LTL property is then negated and given to a Bounded Model Checker based on a Bit-Vector Satisfiability Module Theories (SMT) solver. From the counter-example to the property we can extract a sequence of instructions that activates the gate level fault and propagates the fault effect to one of the observable points in the design. Our approach is completely automatic and does not require any external information or manual intervention. Experimental results show that our method is robust and scalable for generating functional tests for hard to detect faults.
Marco Bellocchio: The Cinematic I in the Political Sphere

Clodagh J. Brook, (2010) (Toronto: University of Toronto Press), 1-272 pp, ISBN 9780802097101, $65.00, hard cover Clodagh Brook's book Marco Bellocchio: The Cinematic I in the Political Sphere is a...
Fabrication and characterization of three-dimensional carbon electrodes for lithium-ion batteries

This paper presents fabrication and testing results of three-dimensional carbon anodes for lithium-ion batteries, which are fabricated through the pyrolysis of lithographically patterned epoxy resins. This technique, known as Carbon-MEMS, provides great flexibility and an unprecedented dimensional control in shaping carbon microstructures. Variations in the pattern density and in the pyrolysis conditions result in anodes with different specific and gravimetric capacities, with a three to six times increase in specific capacity with respect to the current thin-film battery technology. Newly designed cross-shaped Carbon-MEMS arrays have a much higher mechanical robustness (as given by their moment of inertia) than the traditionally used cylindrical posts, but the gravimetric analysis suggests that new designs with thinner features are required for better carbon utilization. Pyrolysis at higher temperatures and slower ramping up schedules reduces the irreversible capacity of the carbon electrodes. We also analyze the addition of Meso-Carbon Micro-Beads (MCMB) particles on the reversible and irreversible capacities of new three-dimensional, hybrid electrodes. This combination results in a slight increase in reversible capacity and a big increase in the irreversible capacity of the carbon electrodes, mostly due to the non-complete attachment of the MCMB particles.
Dizinc Enzyme Model/Complexometric Indicator Pairs in Indicator Displacement Assays for Inorganic Phosphates under Physiological Conditions

A dizinc phosphohydrolase enzyme model complex employing the dinucleating ligand 2,6-bis-[(bis-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-amino)methyl]-4-methylphenol (L1) was tested for binding to a series of 11 commercially available complexometric indicators in aqueous N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N‘-2-ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) buffer at pH 7.4, with the aim of determining the applicability of these indicators in indicator displacement assays (IDAs) under physiological conditions. Dissociation constants (Kd) were determined for 11 indicator−Zn2L1 complexes, spanning 2 orders of magnitude from 2.8 × 10-4 M (alizarin red S) to 2.7 × 10-6 M (bromo pyrogallol red). Phosphate and pyrophosphate were tested for their ability to displace bound indicator and produce a detectable colorimetric response. Three indicators (bromo pyrogallol red, mordant blue 9, and zincon) complex to Zn2L1 to form an indicator displacement assay selective for pyrophosphate over phosphate. Because selection of an indicator/analyte pair having appropriate re...
Antigen-induced hyperresponsiveness to methacholine in ventilated, anesthetized guinea pigs.

Guinea pigs were actively sensitized to ovalbumin and exposed 2–3 weeks later to an aerosol of ovalbumin or saline. Changes in lung function were assessed 0.5, 1, 6, 24 and 72 h later by measuring the peak increase in pulmonary inflation pressure induced by i.v. methacholine during constant-volume ventilation. Responses to methacholine were significantly potentiated at 0.5, 1, 6 and 24 h but not at 72 h following exposure to antigen. Hyperresponsiveness to methacholine was maximal at 0.5–1 h and, in terms of magnitude, comparable to the early increase in airway reactivity found in mild asthmatics after allergen challenge. Whether the hyperresponsiveness to methacholine induced by antigen in the guinea pig can be attributed solely to an increase in airway reactivity or is due, at least in part, to decreased lung compliance requires further study.
Bioassays based on molecular nanomechanics

Recent experiments have shown that when specific biomolecular interactions are confined to one surface of a microcantilever beam, changes in intermolecular nanomechanical forces provide sufficient differential torque to bend the cantilever beam. This has been used to detect single base pair mismatches during DNA hybridization, as well as prostate specific antigen (PSA) at concentrations and conditions that are clinically relevant for prostate cancer diagnosis. Since cantilever motion originates from free energy change induced by specific biomolecular binding, this technique is now offering a common platform for label-free quantitative analysis of protein-protein binding, DNA hybridization DNA-protein interactions, and in general receptor-ligand interactions. Current work is focused on developing “universal microarrays” of microcantilever beams for high-throughput multiplexed bioassays.
Healthcare-related correlates of recent HIV testing in New York City.

Abstract Objective To examine healthcare-related correlates of recent HIV testing among New York City (NYC) residents, controlling for socio-demographic and HIV-related risk factors. Methods Using the NYC 2007 Community Health Survey (population-based telephone survey, n = 8911), recent HIV testing was examined for its association with healthcare-related variables, including medical screening for other conditions, controlling for other HIV testing correlates using multiple logistic regression. Results Factors associated with a recent HIV test included: provider recommendation for an HIV test (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 10.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]:7.6–13.5), Medicaid versus private insurance (AOR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.1), and having a personal doctor (AOR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.3–2.1). The proportion of HIV tests attributed to each factor (attributable-fraction [AF]) was 49% for provider recommendation, 33% for having a personal doctor, and 8.3% for Medicaid insurance. Among subgroups eligible for other medical screening, factors associated with recent HIV testing included recent receipt of blood lipid testing (AOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.6–3.0; AF: 45%), and Pap smear (AOR: 2.7, 95% CI: 2.1–3.5; AF: 52%). Recent receipt of mammography and colonoscopy was not associated with recent HIV testing. Conclusions A substantial proportion of recent HIV testing coverage among New Yorkers may be attributable to healthcare-related factors. Joint medical screening may provide opportunities to increase population HIV testing coverage.
Analysis of multiparticle production using split-bin correlation functions.

We discuss the study of correlations in multiparticle processes, using split-bin correlation functions (SBCF's). We show how SBCF's can be used to study different production mechanisms, such as production via jetlike or resonancelike sources. We illustrate some possibilities with calculations of various SBCF's in simple models. One of the main advantages of SBCF's is the possibility of using transverse-energy correlations as well as multiplicity correlations in order to differentiate the various mechanisms of particle production. We show that in general the transverse-energy SBCF's and the multiplicity SBCF's are very similar, but also discuss some models for which these classes of SBCF's will be different. Finally, we provide useful formulas for the analysis of SBCF data using simple analytic models, including effects due to curvature of the single-particle distribution.
The search for heterogeneity in insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus: Evidence for familial and nonfamilial forms

Using five different published sets of data, we looked at the distribution of HLA-DR genotypes among diabetic probands. It was possible to reject dominant inheritance at the HLA-associated locus, but some of the data were compatible with recessive inheritance while some were not. An attempt to reconcile the conflicting data by proposing a three-allele model apparently failed. It proved possible to resolve some of the conflicting data by proposing that simplex families represent primarily a recessive form of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) while multiplex families represent primarily two other subforms: one showing three-allele inheritance and one not. We also propose that the HLA locus involved in IDDM mediates the effect of an environmental agent on a second disease locus.
Studies on the interaction of heparin with thrombin, antithrombin, and other plasma proteins.

Abstract The interaction of heparin with plasma proteins was studied by gel chromatography using elution profile analysis to determine binding constants. A commercial heparin preparation was found to bind 100- to 200-fold more tightly to antithrombin than to either albumin or fibrinogen. With tri- or tetrapeptide nitroanilides as substrates, this heparin preparation proved to be an apparent mixed competitive inhibitor of thrombin and other serine proteases with K i 's of approximately 10 −5 m . At 3 × 10 −8 m , it caused 50% loss in the activity of human thrombin on fibrinogen. However, at 10 −5 m it did not inhibit the esterase activity of human thrombin on N -tosyl arginine methyl ester. These observations suggest that in the presence of heparin the size of the substrate able to bind at the thrombin-active site is restricted. When this commercial heparin was chromatographed on immobilized antithrombin, thrombin, albumin, and fibrinogen, measurable binding occurred only to the antithrombin and thrombin affinity materials. The heparin purified by chromatography on immobilized antithrombin had a greater affinity for antithrombin and a greater anticoagulant activity than unfractionated heparin but the same K i for thrombin (using a peptide nitroanilide substrate). Heparin purified on immobilized thrombin also had the same K i for thrombin as unfractionated heparin but had a lower affinity for antithrombin and a lower anticoagulant activity. These findings indicate that heparin binds to antithrombin with greater specificity than it does to thrombin.
Macroscopic vasovasostomyre-examined

Results of 273 consecutive macroscopic vasovasostomy procedures performed at a single institution over a nine-year period between 1978 and 1987 were reviewed. When patients operated on less than five years after vasectomy were compared with those in whom more than five years had elapsed since vasectomy, significant declines in technical success rates as measured by return of sperm to the ejaculate (93 % vs. 74 %, p < 0. 004), biologic recovery as measured by mean sperm counts (55 million vs. 35 million) and mean progressive sperm motility (30 % vs. 13 %), and clinical success as measured by pregnancy rates (52% vs. 30%, p < 0.02), were observed. Examination of complications of vasovasostomy showed a 7.7 percent overall complication rate and a 1.5 percent incidence of major complications.
Interactions of CCCH Zinc Finger Proteins with mRNA BINDING OF TRISTETRAPROLIN-RELATED ZINC FINGER PROTEINS TO AU-RICH ELEMENTS AND DESTABILIZATION OF mRNA

Macrophages derived from tristetraprolin (TTP)-deficient mice exhibited increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) release as a consequence of increased stability of TNFalpha mRNA. TTP was then shown to destabilize TNFalpha mRNA after binding directly to the AU-rich region (ARE) of the 3'-untranslated region of the TNFalpha mRNA. In mammals and in Xenopus, TTP is the prototype of a small family of three known zinc finger proteins containing two CCCH zinc fingers spaced 18 amino acids apart; a fourth more distantly related family member has been identified in Xenopus and fish. We show here that representatives of all four family members were able to bind to the TNFalpha ARE in a cell-free system and, in most cases, promote the breakdown of TNFalpha mRNA in intact cells. Because the primary sequences of these CCCH proteins are most closely related in their tandem zinc finger domains, we tested whether various fragments of TTP that contained both zinc fingers resembled the intact protein in these assays. We found that amino- and carboxyl-terminal truncated forms of TTP, as well as a 77 amino acid fragment that contained both zinc fingers, could bind to the TNFalpha ARE in cell-free cross-linking and gel shift assays. In addition, these truncated forms of TTP could also stimulate the apparent deadenylation and/or breakdown of TNFalpha mRNA in intact cells. Alignments of the tandem zinc finger domains from all four groups of homologous proteins have identified invariant residues as well as group-specific signature amino acids that presumably contribute to ARE binding and protein-specific activities, respectively.
An improved iterative method for solving a class of coupled conductive-radiative heat-transfer problems

Abstract Newton's method of iteration is used along with the P N method, also called the spherical-harmonics method, and Hermite cubic splines to develop an iterative solution to a class of nonlinear problems in radiative transfer. Anisotropic scattering and specularly and diffusely reflecting boundaries are allowed for the steady-state, combined-mode, conductive-radiative, heat-transfer problem considered.
Dosimetric Comparison of Simultaneous Integrated Boost Regimen Using Flexible Inflatable Multi-Channel Versus Single Channel Vaginal Applicator in the Management of Gynecologic Cancer

overall survival (2-yr overall survival 94% vs 63%, p50.002) following definitive salvage therapy. Conclusions: Salvage image-based HDRB shows excellent tumor control and acceptable morbidity for vaginal recurrences of endometrial cancer. Anticipated salvage rates must be taken in the context of primary risk factors including the widely quoted salvage rates from PORTEC 1 which included primarily intermediate risk stage I patients.
Extracellular calcium potentiates the inhibitory effects of magnesium on parathyroid function in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells

We studied the relative potencies of extracellular calcium and magnesium in inhibiting PTH release and dopamine-stimulated cAMP accumulation in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells. At 1.0 mmol/L calcium, PTH release was half-maximally suppressed by 1.8 mmol/L magnesium. At calcium concentrations in the subphysiologic range (less than or equal to 100 mumol), on the other hand, magnesium was markedly less potent as an inhibitor of these parameters. With 1.0 mmol/L EGTA and no added calcium (free calcium less than 10(-8) mol/L), half-maximal inhibition of PTH release accumulation occurred at 10 to 15 mmol/L magnesium. Extracellular calcium also markedly potentiated the inhibitory effects of extracellular magnesium on dopamine-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation. Low magnesium concentrations (less than 1 mmol/L), on the other hand, had little effect on the sensitivity of parathyroid cells to calcium. These results do not fit a model in which calcium and magnesium independently and additively inhibit PTH release in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells. Instead, they demonstrate that the inhibition of PTH release and agonist-stimulated cAMP accumulation by magnesium are critically dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium but not vice versa. These data suggest that extracellular calcium may play an important role in the mechanism(s) by which extracellular magnesium modulates parathyroid function, perhaps through a magnesium-induced uptake of extracellular calcium.
Decision analysis in damaged forest plantations

Abstract The economic consequences of re-establishment decisions in partially destroyed even-aged plantations are analyzed using a general model derived from the land expectation-value formula of Faustmann. Examples are presented which indicate that the proportion of a stand destroyed before the economically optimum is to replant is strongly influenced by discount rate. plantation age, site index, and, to a lessr extent, planting density. The same parameters also impact the opportunity cost of an incorrect replant/no-replant decision. The model provides an economically objective criterion against which forest managers can measure the correctness of the replanting decision.
Mechanism of microhomology-mediated end-joining promoted by human DNA polymerase θ

Microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ) is an error-prone alternative double-strand break-repair pathway that uses sequence microhomology to recombine broken DNA. Although MMEJ has been implicated in cancer development, the mechanism of this pathway is unknown. We demonstrate that purified human DNA polymerase θ (Polθ) performs MMEJ of DNA containing 3' single-strand DNA overhangs with ≥2 bp of homology, including DNA modeled after telomeres, and show that MMEJ is dependent on Polθ in human cells. Our data support a mechanism whereby Polθ facilitates end-joining and microhomology annealing, then uses the opposing overhang as a template in trans to stabilize the DNA synapse. Polθ exhibits a preference for DNA containing a 5'-terminal phosphate, similarly to polymerases involved in nonhomologous end-joining. Finally, we identify a conserved loop domain that is essential for MMEJ and higher-order structures of Polθ that probably promote DNA synapse formation.
Oblique multiwavelet bases: examples

Orthogonal, semiorthogonal and biorthogonal wavelet bases are special cases of oblique multiwavelet bases. One of the advantage of oblique multiwavelets is the flexibility they provide for constructing bases with certain desired shapes and/or properties. The decomposition of a signal in terms of oblique wavelet bases is still a perfect reconstruction filter bank. In this paper, we present several examples that show the similarity and differences between the oblique and other types of wavelet bases. We start with the Haar multiresolution to illustrate several examples of oblique wavelet bases, and then use the Cohen-Daubechies-Plonka multiscaling function to construct several oblique multiwavelets.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Patient Safety and Transitions of Care Curriculum for Third-Year Medical Students

The elderly are the most vulnerable to adverse events during and after hospitalization. This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a curriculum on patient safety and transitions of care for medical students during an Internal Medicine-Geriatrics Clerkship on students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The curriculum included didactics on patient safety, health literacy, discharge planning and transitions of care, and postdischarge visits to patients. Analysis of pre- and postassessments showed afterwards students were significantly more comfortable assessing a patient's health literacy and confident performing a medication reconciliation, providing education regarding medications, and identifying barriers during transitions. More students were able to identify the most common source of adverse events after discharge (86% vs. 62% before), risk factors for low health literacy (28% vs. 14%), and ways to assess a patient's health literacy (14% vs. 2%). It was feasible to implement a postdischarge visit assignment in an urban tertiary care setting and only required on average of approximately an one and one half hours for students to complete.
Hybrid methods for multisource information fusion and decision support

This paper presents the progress of an ongoing research effort in multisource information fusion for biodefense decision support. The effort concentrates on a novel machine-intelligence hybrid-of-hybrids decision support architecture termed FLASH (Fusion, Learning, Adaptive Super-Hybrid) we proposed. The highlights of FLASH discussed in the paper include its cognitive-processing orientation and the hybrid nature involving heterogeneous multiclassifier machine learning and approximate reasoning paradigms. Selected specifics of the FLASH internals, such as its feature selection techniques, supervised learning, clustering, recognition and reasoning methods, and their integration, are discussed. The results to date are presented, including the background type determination and bioattack detection computational experiments using data obtained with a multisensor fusion testbed we have also developed. The processing of imprecise information originating from sources other than sensors is considered. Finally, the paper discusses applicability of FLASH and its methods to complex battlespace management problems such as course-of-action decision support.
Opportunities for genetics in research on non-human primates

Genetics can make a major contribution to research on non-human primates. If genetic differences and similarities are taken into account, animals can be selected so that their natural genetic variation can be controlled, and this, in turn, can often reduce the number of animals required to obtain significant results. However, genetics cannot be applied effectively unless primate breeding facilities maintain accurate pedigree records. A large number of genetic markers have now been described in some non-human primate species. These markers make it possible to keep accurate pedigree records of captive populations. The survival of many primate species is threatened; if they are to survive, judicious steps to minimize inbreeding depression and to preserve natural variation must be taken immediately.
The Role of Culture in Creative Execution in Celebrity Endorsement: The Cross-Cultural Study

ABSTRACT In advertising literature, an area rarely explored is cross-cultural studies on celebrity endorsements. A good deal may be learned from understanding how a culture's communication style can shape the type of advertising most effective for that culture. This study examines the creative styles (creative executional factors) found in the advertising of Korea and America. The two countries represent two distinct cultures—Korea being a collectivistic culture and the United States being individualistic. Both cultures affect the norms and rules that guide their inhabitants’ behavior, directly affecting communication styles. The study finds that embedded in the use of celebrity endorsement are cross-cultural characteristics. The details of these findings will be useful to international advertisers executing celebrity endorsement campaigns in different cultural settings.
Reverse Osmosis Concentration of Aqueous‐Phase Citrus Juice Essence

Dilute aqueous essences of 2 to 20% ethanol obtained from commercial orange juice evaporators when concentrated to 31% ethanol by reverse osmosis resulted in increased concentration of the small aroma molecules and acetaldehyde. Rejection of ethanol varied from 90% at 2% ethanol to 40% at the highest concentration achieved (31%). Acetaldehyde rejection varied from about 65% at 2% ethanol, to an extrapolated low value of 25% at 31% ethanol. Rejection was generally greater than 85% for larger aroma molecules, e.g., ethyl butyrate, hexanal and terpenes. Permeate flux rates followed a first order decay with increasing ethanol concentration, from greater than 300 at 0.01% ethanol to 26 L/H/module at 31% ethanol, 8.3 MPa, 30°C.
First Principles Molecular Dynamics Studies of a-Si and a-Si:H

We give a brief description of the various classes of molecular dynamics simulations and then describe what we have learned from our simulations recently. This includes information on the nature of defects in a–Si:H including positions in the energy gap and localization, relaxation and rearrangement effects, light induced defects, and the motion of H atoms and Si dangling bonds.
Cyclical Inflationary and Contractionary Biases in Latin America and the Caribbean: Evidence and Implications

In a sample of 32 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, the evidence indicates the existence of a kinked supply curve, implying positive demand shocks feed predominantly into prices while negative demand shocks mainly affect output. High variability of aggregate demand in these countries, frequently exposed to shocks, tends to create an upward bias on inflation and a downward bias on real output growth, on average, over time. The analysis highlights the benefits of eliminating structural rigidities responsible for the kinked nature of the supply curve and points to the dangers of pro-cyclical macroeconomic policies.
Penetration of Cefoxitin into Cerebrospinal Fluid and Treatment of Meningitis Caused by Gram-Negative Bacteria

Two patients with meningitis caused by antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were treated successfully with intravenous cefoxitin plus oral probenecid. A total of 25 patients with central nervous system disorders that required a diagnostic spinal tap were also given cefoxitin, with or without probenecid, for determination of the degree of penetration into cerebrospinal fluid. In patients with uninflamed meninges, little or no cefoxitin entered after a single dose of 4-6 g. After three doses of 4 g each over a 6-8-hr period, penetration was considerable (average, 7% of the simultaneous serum level). In patients with inflamed meninges, a similar concentration was achieved rapidly after a single 2-g dose. After a day of therapy, cerebrospinal fluid levels equivalent to 30%-70% of the simultaneous serum levels were found; as the inflammation subsided, cerebrospinal fluid levels fell to around 15% of those in serum. Probenecid did not appear to influence greatly the degree of penetration.
Household Composition and Brazilian Food Purchases: An Expenditure System Approach

The use of household level data for food demand analysis requires the researcher to address issues such as purchase censoring and the impacts of household age/gender composition on such demand. This analysis adopts an estimation approach to modeling censored food expenditures. The major methodological contribution of this analysis is our incorporation of an endogenous equivalence scale measure within the expenditure system. Our empirical application is concerned with Brazilian household food expenditures. We use the estimated adult equivalence scales to evaluate a measure of household welfare represented by per-adult equivalent food expenditures. We find a significant shift of the distribution of per capita food distributions when comparing member count versus adult equivalent-based per capita distributions. L'utilisation de donnees sur les menages pour analyser la demande d'aliments exige ddu chercheur qu'il aborde diverses questions comme la censure des achats et l'incidence de la composition du menage (âges/sexes) sur la demande. Pour leur analyse, les chercheurs ont recouru a une technique d'estimation qui modelise les achats d'aliments censures. Le principal apport methodologique de leur approche est l'integration d'une echelle d'equivalence endogene au systeme de depenses. La methode a ete appliquee de maniere empirique au budget d'alimentation de la famille bresilienne. Les auteurs ont utilise les echelles d'equivalence adulte pour evaluer le bien-etre des menages d'apres leurs achats d'aliments par equivalent adulte. On constate un deplacement important de la distribution des aliments par habitant quand on compare celle-ci par personne plutot que par equivalent adulte.
Cross Cultural Perspectives in Mental Health: Toward a Synthesis

This paper discusses some of the similarities and differences between Pacific-Asian and Western cultures and their influence on the construct of mental health. Culturally sensitive social work practice may need to expand from the traditional treatment perspectives of the West to ones that include mental health consumers, their families, social networks and communities; approaches currently being used in non-Western cultures.
Cross-species replication of a resistin mRNA QTL, but not QTLs for circulating levels of resistin, in human and baboon

Resistin has been associated with inflammation and risk for cardiovascular disease. We previously reported evidence of a QTL on chromosome 19p13 affecting the abundance of resistin (RETN) mRNA in the omental adipose tissue of baboons (L0D score 3.8). In this study, whole genome transcription levels were assessed in human lymphocyte samples from 1240 adults participating in the San Antonio Family Heart Study, using the Sentrix Human-6 Expression Beadchip. Lymphocytes were surveyed, as it has been proposed that their expression levels may reflect those in harder to ascertain tissues, such as adipose tissue, that are thought to be more directly relevant to disease procesn was conducted to detect loci affecting RETN mRNA levels. We obtained significant evidence for a QTL influencing the RETN expression (LOD score 10.7) on chromosome 19p. This region is orthologous/homologous to the region previously localized on baboon chromosome 19. The strongest positional candidate gene in this region is the structural gene for resistin, itself. We also found evidence for a QTL influencing resistin protein levels (LOD score 5.3) on chromosome 14q. This differs from our previously reported QTL on chromosome 18 in baboons. The different QTLs for circulating protein suggests that post-translational processing and turnover may be influenced by different or multiple genes in baboons and humans. The parallel findings of a cis-eQTL for RETN mRNA in baboon omental tissue and human lymphocytes lends support to the strategy of using lymphocyte gene expression levels as a surrogate for gene expression levels in other tissues.
Reproductive Cycle of the Red Shiner, Notropis lutrensis, in Central Texas and South Central Oklahoma

Abstract The breeding season of red shiner extended from April to September in south central Oklahoma and central Texas in both 1976 and 1977. Ovarian regression occurred in midsummer of 1977; this coincided with hot, dry weather. In Oklahoma, but not in Texas, ovarian regression was followed by recrudescence during a brief period of rainfall. The midseason regression did not occur during the cooler, wetter summer of 1976. However, length frequency distributions suggest two discrete periods of maximum spawning activity in both years. Some individuals survive through two winters and breed in two successive years. Very few or none breed during their year of hatching.