cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of exercise and custom-made orthotics on blood pressure and heart rate variability: a randomized controlled pilot study.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study is to use randomized controlled research design to investigate the effect of an exercise program and custom-made flexible orthotics on heart rate variability and blood pressure at varying stages of exercise over a 5-month period. Methods Thirteen ping-pong players were recruited and randomly assigned into control and experimental groups. Both groups had the same exercise program, and only the experimental group wore custom-made flexible orthotics. Exercise effects were compared before and after the training using heart rate variability and blood pressure. The study lasted 5 months with 1 data collection per month except in the fourth month. Results Ten male players (6 in the experimental group) completed the study. The average age of the participants was 44 ± 16 years. The blood pressure in the experimental group significantly decreased after the 5-month study period and after each exercise session. The blood pressure did not change significantly after each exercise session in the control group. The heart rate was significantly increased immediately after exercise and remained at a higher level after the 20 minutes of rest at the end of each day's exercise session. The average resting heart rate decreased from 69.7 ± 1.708 to 66.8 ± 4.480 ( P P > .05) in the control group. The total power reflecting the total autonomic activity was significantly decreased immediately after exercise and after the 20-minute rest period at the end of the exercise session in both the control and experimental groups. Conclusions There were positive changes in cardiac and vascular autonomic regulations with exercise training when combined with foot orthotics.
Performance of Personality Assessment Inventory and Rorschach Indices of Schizophrenia in a Public Psychiatric Hospital

The present study investigated the performance of indices of schizophrenia from the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI-SCZ; L. C. Morey, 1991) and Rorschach (Rorschach SCZI; J. E. Exner, 1993) in a heterogeneous sample of 24 inpatients at a public psychiatric hospital in the southeastern United States. Results indicated modest agreement between the PAI-SCZ and Rorschach SCZI. More important, the PAI-SCZ but not Rorschach SCZI reliably differentiated inpatients with schizophrenic-spectrum diagnoses from inpatients with other psychiatric diagnoses. In settings in which psychotic disorders falling outside the schizophrenic spectrum are common, the PAI-SCZ may be better suited than the Rorschach SCZI to aid in the differential diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Gamma-ray signatures for state-of-health analysis and monitoring of widely-arrayed radiation portal monitor systems

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has deployed a large array of radiation portal monitors for the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These portal monitors scan incoming vehicles crossing the U.S. border and shipping containers leaving international ports for radioactive material via gamma-ray and neutron detection. Data produced and captured by these systems are recorded for every vehicle related to radiation signature, sensor/system status, local background, as well as a host of other variables. Within the Radiation Portal Monitor Project at PNNL, state-of-health observation and analysis for the whole RPM array using these data to determine functionality and performance is ongoing. Advanced state-of-health analysis and monitoring algorithms are being developed. Preparations are underway to incorporate the more difficult state-of-health monitoring of the mobile RPM and Advanced Spectroscopic Portals.
Analytical approximations for the evolution of non-equilibrium, stressed planar interfaces

Analytic expressions for the linear and parabolic growth rate constants, and for the time dependence of the interfacial compositions and interfacial velocity associated with the motion of a two-phase planar interface in a multicomponent system are obtained using a linearized gradient approximation for interfaces not in local thermodynamic equilibrium. System geometry is chosen to represent the growth of a plate-like precipitate from supersaturated solution or the growth of a new phase on a thick substrate. The interface is assumed to be coherent, and elastic deformation is allowed in both phases. The analytic expressions are compared to numerical solutions of the complete diffusion equations with a non-equilibrium interface for the binary case and are shown to be in good agreement for ideal solution behavior and moderate supersaturations.
Characterization of new focus projection and scan (FPS) vidicons for scientific imaging applications

Several new photoconductors now commercially available as targets in Type 7803 Focus Projection and Scan (FPS) electrostatically focused vidicons have been characterized for use as radiometric sensors in transient illumination and single frame applications. These include Saticon (Se + As + Te), Newvicon (ZnSe), Pasecon (CdSe), and Plumbicon (PbO). Samples from several domestic and foreign manufacturers have been evaluated for photoconductive response time and responsivity at selected narrow wavelength bands, including 410 nm, 560 nm, and 822 nm. These data are compared with performance data from older target materials including Sb/sub 2/S/sub 3/ and silicon. The effect of bias lighting on sensitivity and transfer curve slopes for single-event pulsed light stimulas are presented. Dynamic range and saturation limits as functions of beam aperture, target voltage, and filament current are also discussed. 6 refs., 17 figs., 3 tabs.
Electric field measurement by two-beam Doppler shift spectroscopy.

An optical diagnostic technique for electric field measurement in plasma is presented which is based on observing the Doppler shift in absorption lines due to ion drift.
Sleep related human growth hormone (GH) release: a test of physiologic growth hormone secretion in children.

Plasma growth hormone (GH) concentration was measured in 46 healthy children ages 3–11 years and four subjects with known GH deficiency at 90 minutes after the onset of sleep and before breakfast the following morning. Thirty-nine of the subjects were hospitalized and seven were sampled in their homes. The mean ± se sleep plasma GH concentration was 17.7 ng/ml ± 1. 4 (range 7.0–48) as compared to a mean pre-breakfast GH concentration of 3.5 ng/ml ± 0.4 (range 0.6–10.0) p < 0.01. The results were comparable in all age groups whether hospitalized or non-hospitalized, and in male and female subjects. In only four children was the sleep-related level less than 10 ng/ml. The sleep levels compared closely with peak plasma GH concentrations observed in response to arginine provocation in 25 normal children (mean 17.6 ± 1.9, range +7.7–40.0). Since sleep-related GH rises occur without artificial stimulation, this test is an index of both the presence and physiologic release of GH by the pituitary. Therefore a sin...
Amphetamine, scopolamine and chlorpromazine interactions on delayed matching performance in monkeys

Two drug combinations, amphetamine-chlorpromazine and amphetamine-scopolamine, were examined in monkeys performing on a delayed matching test. Antagonism between the effects of amphetamine and chlorpromazine on both response rate and accuracy measures of performance was found. Amphetamine and scopolamine had antagonistic effects on response rate but synergistic effects on accuracy.
Progress in the systemic treatment of cancer. Concepts, trials, drugs, and biologics.

The effective treatment of systemic cancer began in the 1950s on two fronts, i.e., childhood leukemia and choriocarcinoma. These two diseases were successfully treated as a direct result of the use of antifolate methotrexate. The demonstration of complete durable remissions in these diseases quickly led to development of other anticancer drugs, tested using the prospective clinical trials. In the 1960s as the number of active drugs increased, combination chemotherapy was introduced. Other systemic cancers, such as Hodgkin's, large cell lymphoma, and testicular cancer, became curable in the 1970s. For the common low-growth fraction solid tumors, the curability of systemic disease remained elusive until the introduction of adjuvant therapy to treat micrometastases. The past decade of the 1980s has seen improvement in the outcomes for breast cancer, osteosarcoma, and possible colon cancer utilizing adjunctive chemotherapy. The 1980s also saw the introduction of biologic therapies that have further improved the outcomes of several leukemias and produced consistent responses in patients with renal cell and melanoma. The 1990s will undoubtedly see more improvements as the effects of current drugs will be enhanced not only by improved integration of systemic and local therapies but also by utilizing cytokines and biologic response modifiers in concert with cytotoxics. Moreover, as we understand more about the process of cancer induction, promotion, and progression, more specific anti-cancer approaches will be developed to control cancer even before clinical cancer is diagnosed. Underlying and facilitating the improvement in cancer therapy have been not only the experimental results of many laboratory scientists but also the outcomes from many controlled clinical trials, the laboratory of clinical scientists.
Subjective memory complaints prior to and following electroconvulsive therapy

Using the Squire Subjective Memory Questionnaire (SSMQ), depressed patients rated their memory functioning prior to a course of brief pulse, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) within the 1 week following the course and 2 months later. Normal controls made similar ratings at comparable intervals. Prior to ECT, patients reported poorer memory functioning than controls. There was marked improvements in the patients' self-reports shortly following ECT, and at 2-month follow-up SSMQ scores were generally comparable in patients and controls. At all time points, the severity of depressive symptoms was strongly associated with patients' reports of memory dysfunction. SSMQ subscales ("depression" and "ECT" items) were not differentially sensitive to effects of ECT or depression. Relations between ECT treatment parameters and changes in patients' self-evaluations only emerged after controlling for clinical state change. Shortly following ECT, there were no relations between SSMQ scores and objective measures of cognitive functioning. However, 2 months following ECT, there was a suggestion that greater retrograde amnesia for autobiographical memories was associated with self-rating of greater memory impairment.
Remote sensing of hydrologic recharge in the Peace‐Athabasca Delta, Canada

[1] Northern wetlands like Canada's Peace-Athabasca Delta (PAD) have global environmental significance, yet fundamental processes of hydrologic recharge critical to their functionality remain poorly understood. We use in situ water level and MODIS satellite data to examine how main-stem river level fluctuations drive inundation across the delta. Temporal covariance between the two datasets allows inference of hydrologic connectivity processes, not just inundation extent. A strong contrast is found between hydrologic connectivity properties in a high-water (2007) vs. low-water year (2006). Results suggest that existing theoretical models of floodplain recharge fail to capture observed patterns of inundation in the PAD. Instead, we find a dichotomy between the distributary channel network, which responds to summer high-water events, and floodplain lakes and wetlands, which do not. The latter occurs even where hydrologic connections do exist between the two. Results have strong management implications for the impact of proposed up-river water diversion on PAD hydrology.
Specificity of translational regulation by two DNA-binding proteins.

Abstract The gene V protein of the filamentous bacteriophages f1, fd and M13, and the gene 32 protein of bacteriophage T4 share the property of binding strongly and co-operatively to single-stranded nucleic acids, especially DNA. Moreover, both are capable of repressing the translation of specific mRNAs (gene 32 protein its own, and gene V protein that of the filamentous phage gene II), both in vivo and in vitro . If the mechanism of repression by either of these proteins were based solely on its ability to bind single strands co-operatively, then the other would be expected to mimic or interfere with its effect in vitro . We have found no such mimicry or interference, even at protein concentrations high enough to have substantial non-specific effects on translation. This suggests that the sites of repression on the mRNAs must offer something other than simple “unstructuredness” for binding and repression to occur.
Gedachtes Wohnen: Heidegger and cultural geography

(2004). Gedachtes Wohnen: Heidegger and cultural geography. Philosophy & Geography: Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 237-249.
Mutual Respect and Civic Education

Contemporary theories of civic education frequently appeal to an ideal of mutual respect in the context of ethical, ethical and religious disagreement. This paper critically examines two recently popular criticisms of this ideal. The first, coming from a postmodern direction, charges that the ideal is hypocritical in its effort to be maximally impartial and fair. The second, which I associate with such ‘new atheists’ as Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins, argues that notions of mutual respect pose a threat to such basic goals of education as the cultivation of critical thinking.
Stroke surveillance: the concept of stroke team in diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

The Stroke Project in the Sacramento Medical Center has had two primary objectives. These were: (1) to create an atmosphere of stroke awareness by continuous feedback of relevant and reliable information to physicians who care for stroke patients, and (2) to introduce the concept of the stroke team in daily care of the stroke patient in the hospital and beyond. During a period of two years 171 stroke patients were admitted to the Project. The system devised provided a useful tool in planning objectively the appropriate course of action in patient education and training programs.
Retention of intact concanavalin A and Lens culinaris lectin in transformed lymphoblasts during mitogenic response.

Abstract The fate of cell bound mitogens during mitogenic response of mouse cortisone resistant thymocytes (CRT) was studied using 125 I-concanavalin A (Con A) and 125 I- Lens culinaris lectin (LcH). A majority of autoradiographic grains derived from 125 I-lectins bound to a CRT population were distributed in a single broad peak. Pulse labeling of CRT with 125 I-Con A or 125 I-LcH in the initial 60 min of incubation followed by 48 hr of culture with unlabeled mitogens revealed that transformed lymphoblasts carried over half of cell-bound 125 I-mitogens. 125 I-Con A and 125 I-LcH found in the lymphoblasts in the above pulse experiments were electrophoretically identical to the native mitogens. A significant loss of cell-bound 125 I-mitogens was observed only after extensive cell division.
A representation formula for the voltage perturbations caused by diametrically small conductivity inhomogeneities. Proof of uniform validity

Abstract We revisit the asymptotic formulas originally derived in [D.J. Cedio-Fengya, S. Moskow, M.S. Vogelius, Identification of conductivity imperfections of small diameter by boundary measurements. Continuous dependence and computational reconstruction, Inverse Problems 14 (1998) 553–595; A. Friedman, M. Vogelius, Identification of small inhomogeneities of extreme conductivity by boundary measurements: A theorem on continuous dependence, Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 105 (1989) 299–326]. These formulas concern the perturbation in the voltage potential caused by the presence of diametrically small conductivity inhomogeneities. We significantly extend the validity of the previously derived formulas, by showing that they are asymptotically correct, uniformly with respect to the conductivity of the inhomogeneities. We also extend the earlier formulas by allowing the conductivities of the inhomogeneities to be completely arbitrary L ∞ , positive definite, symmetric matrix-valued functions. We briefly discuss the relevance of the uniform asymptotic validity, and the admission of arbitrary anisotropically conducting inhomogeneities, as far as applications of the perturbation formulas to “approximate cloaking” are concerned.
Unitary transformations and pair energies

Abstract It is demonstrated that for BH the sum of the pair correlation energies depends on the choice of SCF orbitals. The pair correlation energy is defined as the energy improvement in a variational calculation using excitations of only one pair of orbitals. The sum of all pair energies approximates the total correlation energy. The sum of all pair energies is shown to vary with a unitary transformation among the SCF orbitals. Results are reported for the canonical SCF, Ruedenberg localized SCF, and pair energy optimized SCF orbitals.
Fate of spilled xylene as influenced by soil moisture content

Barrel size undisturbed monoliths of Weswood silt loam soil (Fluventic Ustochrept) were collected, instrumented, equilibrated at desired moisture contents, and treated with xylene by spilling it on the soil surface. Volatilization of xylene was measured using a chamber equipped with a granular activated carbon (GAC) vapor trap. Leachate was collected daily under − 33 kPa tension with a GAC vapor trap between each collection bottle and the vacuum source. Residual xylene was determined by collecting soil samples at the end of the leaching period and analyzing them for xylene. Degradation was estimated as the xylene applied less the sum of the xylene which remained, leached, and volatilized. Most of the observed volatilization occurred immediately after application and was greatest from the driest soil. An application rate of 7.2 × 10−2 m depth of xylene at the intermediate moisture content resulted in four times more volatilization than occurred from the 3.6 × 10−2 m application. Xylene appeared in the leachate collected at a depth of 0.78 m from all treatments within 12 hr after the xylene was applied. Initial soil moisture content greatly influenced the amount which passed through the soil. An average of 34% and less than 0.5% of the applied xylene moved through the wettest and driest soils, respectively. Doubling the xylene application depth resulted in a 10 to 17-fold increase in the amount of xylene in the leachate. Vapor traps in line with soil pore liquid samplers were essential, since for some treatments, an average of 95.1% of the xylene collected in the leachate was recovered from the vapor trap. The xylene which remained in the soil after 67 days ranged from 6.7 to 12.8%. Estimated degradation rates ranged from 45.7 to 137.8 g day−1 with the greatest degradation occurring in the soil with the highest application rate and the least degradation in the wettest soil with the lowest application rate.
Microwave emission from the coronae of late-type dwarf stars

VLA microwave observations of 14 late-type dwarf and subgiant stars and binary systems are examined. In this extensive set of observations, four sources at 6 cm (Chi-1 Ori, UV Cet, YY Gem, and Wolf 630AB) were detected and low upper limits for the remaining stars were found. The microwave luminosities of the nondetected F-K dwarfs are as small as 0.01 those of the dMe stars. The detected emission is slowly variable in all cases and is consistent with gyroresonant emission from thermal electrons spiraling in magnetic fields of about 300 gauss if the source sizes are as large as R/R(asterisk) = 3-4. This would correspond to magnetic fields that are probably in the range 0.001-0.0001 gauss at the photospheric level. An alternative mechanism is gyrosynchrotron emission from a relatively small number of electrons with effective temperature.
A model of prostatic carcinoma tumor kinetics based on prostate specific antigen levels after radiation therapy

Serial prostatic specific antigen values (PSA) were determined on 42 patients receiving definitive radiation therapy for localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate. The PSA declined exponentially in 25 patients. None of these patients experienced metastases. The PSA initially declined then increased exponentially in 17 patients. The rate of decline was similar to the rate of rise in all 17 patients. Five of these patients had distant metastases (P less than 0.02) within 2 years of treatment. The PSA values after radiation therapy were employed to formulate a model of tumor kinetics. This model predicts the mean duration of G0. This parameter is correlated with the development of distant metastases within 2 years of treatment. For those patients at low risk for relapse, the mean G0 is calculated to be 22.5, and 13.6 weeks for those who have relapsed or are at high risk for relapse.
Pharmacokinetics of imidocarb dipropionate encapsulated in carrier erythrocytes and use of carrier cells for babesiosis chemotherapy

Abstract Imidocarb dipropionate was encapsulated in murine carrier erythrocytes. Erythrocytes tolerated up to 1 mg/ml of drug with no untoward effects. Higher concentration of the drug reduced cell recovery and mean cell hemoglobin. Administration of imidocarb in carrier erythrocytes at 0.2 mg/kg reduced the susceptibility of mice to Babesia microti infection . Encapsulation of the drug in carrier erythrocytes resulted in higher drug levels in blood than in animals that had received free drug.
Developing standards for distortion product otoacoustic emission measurements.

Characteristics of distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) measurements were investigated by comparing responses from two different emission measurement systems in 40 volunteers (78 ears) and making test–retest measurements of each system in 20 ears. For transformation of results between systems, it was shown that the minimum data set consisted of input–output (growth) functions obtained by stepping stimulus levels across a wide range, for each set of stimulus frequencies (1–8kHz). Linear transformations were considered which involved either recalibration of the emission amplitude (vertical transformation) or of the stimulus levels (horizontal transformation). Horizontal transformations provided better agreement between growth functions from the two systems. For frequencies 4–8kHz, the means of the horizontal shifts required ranged from 8 to 14dB, clearly exceeding test–retest variability. The optimal horizontal transformation was derived and applied uniformly to all emission measurements; correla...
Fecundity and size in the housefly: investigations of some environmental sources and genetic correlates of variation

. Environmental sources and genetic correlates of variation in fecundity and size were studied in field and laboratory housefly populations in central Iowa, U.S.A. Electrophoresis of enzymatic proteins was used to monitor genotypes and heterozygosity. In the field, mean fecundity declined as adult densities increased. Fecundity varied greatly within breeding seasons. Fly body size varied spatially and temporally during summer and winter. Fecundity and size were positively correlated. Size was independent of genotypes at the six loci studied. No relationship was observed between heterozygosity and the magnitude or variability of body size.
High-fat diet prevents eating response and attenuates liver ATP decline in rats given 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol

Administration of the fructose analog 2,5-anhydro-d-mannitol (2,5-AM) stimulates eating in rats fed a low-fat diet but not in those fed a high-fat diet that enhances fatty acid oxidation. The eatin...
Phentermine and Fenfluramine: Preclinical Studies in Animal Models of Cocaine Addiction.

Combined dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) releasers such as phentermine (PHEN) and fenfluramine (FEN) are reported, in open label studies, to reduce craving for alcohol and cocaine and to prevent relapse. The objective of the studies reported here was to assess the actions of these agents alone and in combination in various animal models of drug addiction. Study 1. in vivo microdialysis experiments demonstrate that these agents preferentially release mesolimbic DA (PHEN) and 5-HT (FEN). Patients who relapse and use cocaine while taking these medications report diminished cocaine-like subjective effects. Microdialysis experiments were performed in awake rats, and dialysate samples were analyzed for DA and 5-HT. PHEN (1 mg/kg, intravenously (i.v.)) elevated DA (2-3-fold) for over 1.5 hr. Administration of cocaine (3 mg/kg, i.v.) increased DA 6-fold in saline-treated rats, but only 3-fold in PHEN-treated rats. PHEN did not reduce cocaine-induced increases in 5-HT. Study 2. These agents were assessed in a mouse model of cocaine-conditioned motoric activity (CCMA). Pretreatment with non-activating doses of PHEN (4.6 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)) enhanced CCMA, whereas non-depressing doses of FEN (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) did not alter CCMA or the PHEN-induced increase in CCMA. In contrast, sub-effective doses of FEN reduced CCMA stereotypy-like locomotion, whereas sub-effective doses of PHEN were without effect. PHEN reversed the FEN-induced increase in CCMA stereotypy-like locomotion. Study 3. PHEN and FEN were assessed in the conditioned place preference model. FEN produced marked aversions for an environment previously associated with its administration and the minimum dose producing this effect was 3.0 mg/kg. In contrast, administration of PHEN, amphetamine (1.0-3.0 mg/kg) or morphine (3.0-5.0 mg/kg) produced dose-related preferences for the drug-paired place. However, the magnitude of the response to PHEN was less than that produced by the other prototypic drugs of abuse. In rats that received FEN (0.3 or 3.0 mg/kg) in combination with PHEN (3.0 mg/kg), the conditioned rewarding effects of PHEN were abolished. These data demonstrate that the rewarding effects of PHEN can be conditioned to stimuli previously associated with its administration. However, the conditioned response to this agent is less then that produced by prototypic drugs of abuse. The finding that PHEN-induced place preferences were attenuated by doses of FEN demonstrates that the combination of FEN/PHEN is devoid of motivational effects. The preclinical data obtained with PHEN/FEN in various models of drug provide a strong rationale for pursuing controlled clinical trials in humans with agents that act via a similar mechanism of action.
The issue of multiplicity in noninferiority studies

Background In a clinical study to evaluate noninferiority (NI) of an experimental drug relative to an established therapy, it is common to further test superiority of the experimental drug after NI is established. It has been shown that no multiplicity issue exists between NI and superiority tests of the primary endpoint. However, when there is an additional, or secondary, endpoint that will be tested for superiority in a hierarchical fashion to the NI testing of the primary endpoint, it is not clear whether the overall type I error rate is strictly controlled among all the tests. Purpose In this article, our goal is to evaluate if the family-wise type I error rate is strictly controlled in this setting. We also evaluate a multiplicity adjustment procedure based on the Hochberg procedure. Methods We use the closed testing principle to evaluate the family-wise type I error rate. Some simulations are performed to appreciate the magnitude of the potential inflation of the type I error rate. Results It is demonstrated that the family-wise type I error rate is not controlled and an appropriate multiplicity adjustment procedure must take into account the NI and superiority tests of the two endpoints. When the test statistic used for superiority testing of the primary endpoint is the same as that for the NI testing, a multiplicity adjustment method using the popular Hochberg procedure is shown to be potentially conservative. Limitation The assessment is based on a simplified set-up where there is only one secondary endpoint tested for superiority in addition to the primary endpoint. Conclusion It is necessary to evaluate the issue of multiplicity in non-inferiority studies to assure strict control of the family-wise type I error rate.
Cerebral blood flow changes induced by CO2 in anxiety

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured twice with the 133Xenon inhalation technique, under resting conditions and during 5% CO2 inhalation, in 13 patients with generalized anxiety disorder and a group of normal volunteers of comparable age and sex distribution. CO2 inhalation was associated with similar increases in end-tidal CO2 (PECO2) and CBF. Neither group showed statistically significant increases in state anxiety. However, when subjects (both patients and controls) who became anxious during CO2 inhalation were compared with those who did not, on associated CBF changes, significant differences emerged. The former showed less marked CBF increase as compared to the latter in the absence of any significant differences between the two groups on PECO2 during the second measurement. Changes in state anxiety and CBF showed a statistically significant inverse correlation for the entire group.
Must Physicians Reveal Their Wounds

The physician–patient relationship is anchored in trust. Historically the relationship has been a paternalistic one, with the patient expected to trust the physician's training and skills in doing what is “best” for the patient. But medical knowledge has expanded, as have treatment options and knowledge of the risks of treatment. The physician must now possess volumes of specialized knowledge about procedures and treatments, side effects and alternatives, drugs and their contraindications. Information has become a companion to trust. The patient, while still dependent on the physician's expertise, now wants information about choices and hazards in treatment. Expanded choice has made the patient a consumer of healthcare and its risks rather than a passive recipient of treatment from the professional.
Automated Assessment of Spoken Modern Standard Arabic

Proficiency testing is an important ingredient in successful language teaching. However, repeated testing for course placement, over the course of instruction or for certification can be time-consuming and costly. We present the design and validation of the Versant Arabic Test, a fully automated test of spoken Modern Standard Arabic, that evaluates test-takers' facility in listening and speaking. Experimental data shows the test to be highly reliable (test-retest r=0.97) and to strongly predict performance on the ILR OPI (r=0.87), a standard interview test that assesses oral proficiency.
Heterothallism in Sphaerotheca pannosa var. Rosae

Two rose cultivars, Dwarf Crimson Rambler and Dr Huey, and two Rosa species, R. rugosa and R. multiflora, were inoculated with pairs of isolates of Sphaerotheca pannosa var. rosae each derived originally from a single conidium. Heterothallism was demonstrated by the many cleistothecia which formed when an isolate designated RR1 was paired with two other isolates. In nine other combinations cleistothecia did not form. In these, the paired isolates differed in host specificity and were reisolated when the experiment was terminated. Therefore, the failure of these isolates to form cleistothecia could not be explained by their inability to grow on the inoculated host. The results indicated that the virulence of compatible strains on a mutual host was necessary for ascocarp formation, but that fruiting may require physiological stimulation by the host. Some cleistothecia formed on one plant inoculated with RR1 alone, but this could not be explained by the presence of contaminating conidia of other races. Cleistocarps retrieved from this culture were morphologically normal, but asci either contained only two ascospores or undifferentiated cytoplasmic material. The possibility of monokaryotic fruiting in this culture is discussed.
Morphology of development in the primate: Blastocyst to villous placental stage

Examination of plastic-embedded rhesus monkey and baboon blastocysts through the implantation period has provided information on normal differentiation and development. The blastocysts show many features in common with non-primate laboratory animals, including differentiation of endoderm and its extension beyond the inner cell mass prior to implantation. However, there appears to be more cell death, and more aberrations in development. Implantation involves the adherence of trophoblast to healthy uterine luminal epithelial cells, and intrusion of syncytial trophoblast between these cells, followed by lateral expansion of the site of invasion prior to penetration of the uterine epithelial basal lamina. An amnionic cavity is formed within the inner cell mass, and is preceded by establishment of cell polarity. The definitive yolk sac is formed by an aggregation of endodermal cells adjacent to the inner cell mass. The trophoblast does not give rise to mesodermal cells, but some of these cells may be formed from endoderm prior to primitive streak formation. In both rhesus monkey and baboon, syncytial trophoblast taps the maternal vascular system relatively rapidly. In the baboon in particular large blood-filled spaces elevate the implantation site from the level of the endometrium at the stage of primary and secondary villus formation.
Protein kinase inhibitors reduce GABA but not glutamate release in the nucleus accumbens

We investigated the role of endogenous protein kinase activity on synaptic transmission in the rat nucleus accumbens slice. The isoquinolinesulfonamide H-7 (50muM), a non-selective serine/threonine protein kinase inhibitor, had no effect on pharmacologically isolated glutamatergic EPSCs. However, it reduced GABA release in a dose-dependent manner. This effect of H-7 was not mimicked by the selective cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor H-89, the PKC inhibitor Bisindolylmaleimide-1, or the cGMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor KT5823. However, bath application of the myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) inhibitor, ML-7, significantly reduced IPSC amplitudes and partially occluded the reduction in IPSCs observed following bath application of H-7. These results suggest that endogenous protein kinase activity, specifically MLCK activity, regulates GABA, but not glutamate release, onto medium spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens.
Surveillance colonoscopy or chemoprevention with COX-2 inhibitors in average-risk post-polypectomy patients : a decision analysis

Objectives: Clinical trials are currently underway evaluating the efficacy of COX-2 inhibitors in decreasing the incidence of adenomas and colorectal carcinoma in ‘average’ risk individuals. Aim: To use decision analysis to compare the cost-effectiveness of celecoxib to surveillance colonoscopy in ‘average’ risk patients who had undergone prior adenoma resection. Methods: A model of the natural history of adenomas after endoscopic polypectomy was constructed using probabilities from the literature. Cost estimates were obtained from available Medicare reimbursement rates and supplemented by the literature. Three strategies were evaluated: (i) no surveillance; (ii) colonoscopic surveillance; and (iii) celecoxib chemoprevention. We compared total costs and performed cost-effectiveness analysis between these strategies. The outcome measures were years of life saved and ‘high-grade’ adenoma prevented. Sensitivity analyses were performed on selected variables. Results: Our base-case analysis assumed a 50% risk reduction in the incidence of adenomas among patients using celecoxib. No surveillance was associated with a cost of $1014 per patient, and colonoscopic surveillance with a cost of $1572 per patient, whereas celecoxib use was associated with a total cost of $11 503. Ten years after the index colonoscopy, 15% of patients in the no surveillance strategy developed ‘high-grade’ lesions compared to 13% of patients in the colonoscopic surveillance group and 6% in the celecoxib group. There was a small gain in years of life saved (0.006) favouring celecoxib over colonoscopic surveillance. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of celecoxib vs. colonoscopy was $141 871 per ‘high-grade’ adenoma prevented and $1 715 199 per year of life saved. The most important variables in determining the cost-effectiveness of celecoxib were its cost and its efficacy. Conclusion: Chemoprevention with COX-2 inhibitors in ‘average-risk’ postpolypectomy patients is a more expensive strategy compared to colonoscopic surveillance.
Long-term comparison of 3 controller regimens for mild-moderate persistent childhood asthma: The Pediatric Asthma Controller Trial

Background More evidence is needed on which to base recommendations for treatment of mild-moderate persistent asthma in school-aged children. Objective The Pediatric Asthma Controller Trial (PACT) compared the effectiveness of 3 regimens in achieving asthma control. Methods A total of 285 children (ages 6-14 years) with mild-moderate persistent asthma on the basis of symptoms, and with FEV 1 ≥ 80% predicted and methacholine FEV 1 PC 20 ≤ 12.5 mg/mL, were randomized to 1 of 3 double-blind 48-week treatments: fluticasone 100 μg twice daily (fluticasone monotherapy), fluticasone 100 μg/salmeterol 50 μg in the morning and salmeterol 50 μg in the evening (PACT combination), and montelukast 5 mg in the evening. Outcomes included asthma control days (primary outcome), exacerbations, humanistic measurements, and pulmonary function measurements. Results Fluticasone monotherapy and PACT combination were comparable in many patient-measured outcomes, including percent of asthma control days, but fluticasone monotherapy was superior for clinic-measured FEV 1 /forced vital capacity ( P = .015), maximum bronchodilator response ( P = .009), exhaled nitric oxide ( P .001), and PC 20 ( P .001). Fluticasone monotherapy was superior to montelukast for asthma control days (64.2% vs 52.5%; P = .004) and for all other control outcomes. Growth over 48 weeks was not statistically different (fluticasone, 5.3 cm; PACT combination, 5.3 cm; montelukast, 5.7 cm). Conclusion Both fluticasone monotherapy and PACT combination achieved greater improvements in asthma control days than montelukast. However, fluticasone monotherapy was superior to PACT combination in achieving other dimensions of asthma control. Growth was similar in all groups. Clinical implications Therefore, of the regimens tested, the PACT study findings favor fluticasone monotherapy in treating children with mild-moderate persistent asthma with FEV 1 ≥ 80% predicted, confirming current guideline recommendations.
Alternative diaspirins for modification of hemoglobin and sickle hemoglobin

Studies of modification of hemoglobin and of sickle hemoglobin by alternative aspirins have been extended to a series of new bis esters with a variety of substituted bridging diacids and to a group of mono esters with polar acyl groups. Rates of hydrolysis of these alternative aspirins have also been examined, and they reveal that a careful balance between stability and reactivity is essential for optimal activity. Four-carbon bridging groups have been found to be particularly effective, two of these raising the minimum gelling concentration of sickle hemoglobin by as much as 100%.
Outcomes of spinal fusion following autologous stem cell transplantation.

Patients who have undergone myeloablative chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for conditions such as multiple myeloma, Hodgkin’s disease, and primary amyloidosis may be at higher risk for failure of spinal fusion. As HSCT care and outcomes continue to improve, it is increasingly likely that neurosurgeons will encounter patients post-HSCT who require spinal procedures. To our knowledge there are no published data on fusion outcomes in this unique patient population. We report three patients who underwent spinal fusion following an autologous HSCT. Spinal surgery was performed, on average, 4.5 years after autologous HSCT. No patients were on immunosuppressant chemotherapy at the time of the procedure, although one patient was being treated with rituximab for disease progression peri-operatively. Average radiographic confirmation of fusion was 37 months and all patients ultimately demonstrated fusion, although not without incident. Our results suggest that spinal fusion can occur in patients who have previously undergone myeloablative chemotherapy followed by autologous HSCT.
The Development of a Novel Tooth-root Implant Material

Polyacrylic acid-alumina composites have been developed in this laboratory and were found to be biocompatible and resistant to biodegradation. These composites can be designed to apply a predetermined pressure on the bone interface which was found beneficial for stimulation of new bone formation and increased bone densification at the implant interface. Optimization of the physical and mechanical properties is presented, and a brief summary of the subcutaneous and oral implantation is reported.
Inhibitors of endocytosis, endosome fusion, and lysosomal processing inhibit the intracellular proteolysis of the amyloid precursor protein

Degradation of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by lysosomes has been proposed to be the mechanism for generation of the beta/A4 polypeptide which is the major constituent of amyloid plaques. In this report, we use inhibitors to elucidate the steps involved in the lysosomal degradation of APP in PC12 cells. Monensin treatment significantly elevated the level of immature APP. Reducing the temperature to 17 degrees C, adding cytochalasin B and colchicine, or exchanging K+ for Na+ resulted in a substantial accumulation of both mature and immature APP isoforms. The inhibitor of autophagy, 3-methyladenine, had no effect on the level of APP isoforms. These results suggest that changes in ionic balance, membrane fluidity or vesicle fusion may affect APP processing.
Loss of cortical granules in mouse ova activated in vivo by electric shock.

A consistent response of mammalian ova to penetration by sperm is the total or nearly total loss of cortical granules; this has been designated the cortical reaction. The phenomenon appears important in preventing polyspermic fertilization. This cortical reaction is not a constant feature of parthenogenetic activation of mammalizn ova. Ova activated by other methods retain cortical granules or lose only some of them. The occurrence of the cortical reaction in mouse ova activated by electric shock in vivo is reported. Swiss mice were induced to ovulate by ip injection of pregnant mares serum gonadotropin followed after 44-48 hours by 5 IU of human chorionic gonadtoropin. 2-3 1/2 hours after assumed ovulation electric stimulation of 40 volts was applied to 1 ampulla. The contralateral ampulla served as a control. 1-8 hours after electric shock ova were fixed in situ or flushed from the oviducts and prepared for electron microscopy. Of 89 ova recovered from stimulated oviducts 36 were found to be in various stages of activation with completion of the 2nd stage of meiotic division. Controls and nonactivated ova all showed numerous cortical granules. The cortical or cortical bus cytoplasm of control ova also contained prominent Golgi complexes apparently involved in the synthesis of cortical granules. Of the activated ova 33 of 36 showed total or nearly total absence of cortical granules and absence or atrophy of Golgi complexes. Under favorable conditions ova activated by electric shock in vivo can attain development only up to the 8-somite stage.
Employment Outcomes and PTSD Symptom Severity

A diagnosis of chronic war-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked consistently to poor employment outcomes. This study investigates the relation further, analyzing how symptom severity correlates with work status, occupation type, and earnings. Study participants were male Vietnam veterans with severe or very severe PTSD who received treatment in the Department of Veterans Affairs system (N = 325). Veterans with more severe symptoms were more likely to work part-time or not at all. Among workers, more severe symptoms were weakly associated with having a sales or clerical position. Conditional on employment and occupation category, there was no significant relation between PTSD symptom level and earnings. Alternative PTSD symptom measures produced similar results. Our findings suggest that even modest reductions in PTSD symptoms may lead to employment gains, even if the overall symptom level remains severe.
Perinatal grief online.

OBJECTIVE To describe and interpret the culture of an online perinatal loss group. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS This qualitative study used ethnography, the study of culture. Methods included participant-observation, review of 447 e-mails, and participants' feedback about the findings. The setting was online in a perinatal loss listserv consisting of mothers and one grandmother who had experienced a perinatal loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death. In this changing group, there were between 82 to 87 participants from North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. FINDINGS The essence of the culture was Shared Metamorphosis. The Internet connected grieving women who otherwise would likely not have met. Participants shared virtual identities, created a community, and brought meaning to their perpetual losses. Their grief was a process of remembrance and memories, and they used symbols to represent the deceased babies; angels were a commonly discussed symbol. For bereaved mothers "life would never be the same," but joining the community of the perinatal loss listserv meant they would never be alone. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The culture of online support can link individuals who are geographically distant but share common issues, in this case a perinatal loss. Professionals can use this study to better understand what women experience after a perinatal loss, and what their role can be in validating and supporting these new "mothers of angels."
Live surgical demonstrations: an old, but increasingly controversial practice.

Objective To survey a group of leading academic urologists from North America and abroad about their opinions regarding the educational value, safety, and ethics of live surgical demonstrations. Materials and Methods An anonymous survey pertaining to live clinical demonstrations was sent to all active members of the American Association of Genitourinary Surgeons (AAGUS). Results Ninety (50%) members completed the survey. Most respondents had performed at least one live surgical demonstration (93.2% at away institution, 81.5% at home institution). Overall anxiety level as a visiting professor was rated as moderate, high, and very high by 29.8%, 25.0%, and 17.9% of respondents, respectively. Anxiety while performing demonstrations at one's home institution was reported as moderate, high, and very high by 28.2%, 9.9%, and 8.5% of respondents, respectively. Excessive conversation in the operating room was cited as a major distraction by 41.3% of respondents. Concern over the appropriateness of selected cases was reported often (43.9%) and always (13.4%) of the time. Only 28.2% of AAGUS members would let a visiting faculty member operate on them or a family member. Most (70.9%) respondents felt live surgical demonstrations are morally ethical, but only 30.1% stated they should continue indefinitely in their present form. Conclusion No studies have been published within the urological literature about live operative demonstrations. Results from the present survey support concerns within the cardiothoracic and endoscopy literature about the continued use of live operative demonstrations. A formal review culminating in the development of an explicit policy statement by urologists should be undertaken.