cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discrete Fractional Sumudu Transform by Inverse Fractional Difference Operator

In this paper, our aim is to develop the discrete Sumudu transform using generalized difference operator. As an application of this transform, the solutions for fractional difference equations with initial conditions are derived. Also, we have obtained discrete Sumudu transform of certain functions and properties are derived.
Relationship between burnout and mistreatment: Who plays a role?

Abstract Introduction Surgery residents have high burnout rates and mistreatment occurs during training. We hypothesized that residents who reported mistreatment would be more likely to experience burnout. Methods A multi-institutional observational study asked residents to complete the Maslach Burnout Inventory and to rate how often they experienced mistreatment. Scores in the high-risk range for emotional exhaustion or depersonalization were classified as burnout. Associations between mistreatment behaviors, program, sex, post graduate year(PGY), and clinical status were measured by Spearman's correlation, linear regression, and logistic regression. Results We invited 398 residents to participate; 180 responded(45%). 52%(n = 93) were female, there was an even distribution among PGY, and seven programs were represented. Almost half of the cohort (48%) reported high risk for burnout and 68% reported experiencing mistreatment. Mistreatment by senior physician team members were correlated with EE(rho = 0.184,p = 0.016) and DP(rho = 0.181,p = 0.016). Conclusion While overall burnout was not significantly associated with mistreatment behaviors, both burnout and mistreatment were commonly reported.
Independent Predictors of Mortality Among Patients With NAFLD Hospitalized With COVID-19 Infection.

The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among patients with chronic liver disease is unknown. Given the high prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), we determined the predictors of mortality and hospital resource use among patients with NAFLD admitted with COVID-19 by using electronic medical records data for adult patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in a multihospital health system who were discharged between March and December 2020. NAFLD was diagnosed by imaging or liver biopsy without other liver diseases. Charlson's comorbidity index (CCI) and Elixhauser comorbidity index (ECI) scores were calculated. In the study sample, among the 4,835 patients hospitalized for COVID-19, 553 had NAFLD (age: 55 ± 16 years, 51% male, 17% White, 11% Black, 58% Hispanic, 8% Asian, 5% from congregated living, 58% obese, 15% morbid obesity [body mass index ≥ 40], 51% type 2 diabetes, 63% hypertension, mean [SD] baseline CCI of 3.9 [3.2], and baseline ECI of 13.4 [11.3]). On admission, patients with NAFLD had more respiratory symptoms, higher body temperature and heart rate, higher alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase than non-NAFLD controls (n = 2,736; P 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with NAFLD infected with COVID-19 tend to be sicker on admission and require more hospital resource use. Independent predictors of mortality included higher FIB-4 and multimorbidity scores, morbid obesity, older age, and hypoxemia on admission.
When Worse Is Better: Strategic Choice of Vendors with Differentiated Capabilities in a Complex Co-Creation Environment

The increasing complexity of consulting, research and development, and information technology projects has resulted in close collaboration between clients and vendors, who co-create value through co-design and co-production. In such co-creation environments, the output is contingent on the positive efforts exerted by all parties involved. These collaborative settings often involve a client engaging with more than one vendor. However, existing research on collaborative value co-creation has mainly focused on the one-vendor scenario, while research on multi-vendor sourcing has rarely considered value co-creation. We study a scenario involving a client and two vendors, examining the trade-offs that arise in the strategic interactions among the three firms. We derive novel and interesting insights about how these interactions differ from those under one-vendor co-creation, and from those under traditional multi-vendor sourcing. Specifically, we determine the conditions under which the client prefers the two-vendor arrangement over one-vendor co-creation, and the effects of such a preference on the primary vendor. Several counter-intuitive results emerge from our model: The client can sometimes be better off by adding a new vendor less efficient than the primary one, and the primary vendor becoming more expensive can sometimes make the client less inclined to add the new vendor. We also show that the collaborative nature of the interaction results in the primary vendor benefiting from the addition of a new vendor whenever it is beneficial for the client to add this vendor. The conceptual and managerial insights drawn from our research contribute to a better theoretical and practical understanding of strategic decision-making by firms in multi-vendor co-creation environments that are increasingly prevalent.
How Does Invasive Breast Cancer Oncotype Dx Recurrence Score on Core Needle Biopsies Influence Neoadjuvant Treatment Decision? A Descriptive Study.

Background:Oncotype Dx (ODx) is a genomic assay which estimates the risk of distant recurrence and predicts adjuvant chemotherapy benefit in early stage breast cancer patients. Most ODx data is der...
MALDI-MS Analysis of Peptide Libraries Expands the Scope of Substrates for Farnesyltransferase.

Protein farnesylation is a post-translational modification where a 15-carbon farnesyl isoprenoid is appended to the C-terminal end of a protein by farnesyltransferase (FTase). This modification typically causes proteins to associate with the membrane and allows them to participate in signaling pathways. In the canonical understanding of FTase, the isoprenoids are attached to the cysteine residue of a four-amino-acid CaaX box sequence. However, recent work has shown that five-amino-acid sequences can be recognized, including the pentapeptide CMIIM. This paper describes a new systematic approach to discover novel peptide substrates for FTase by combining the combinatorial power of solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) with the ease of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). The workflow consists of synthesizing focused libraries containing 10–20 sequences obtained by randomizing a synthetic peptide at a single position. Incubation of the library with FTase and farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) followed by mass spectrometric analysis allows the enzymatic products to be clearly resolved from starting peptides due to the increase in mass that occurs upon farnesylation. Using this method, 30 hits were obtained from a series of libraries containing a total of 80 members. Eight of the above peptides were selected for further evaluation, reflecting a mixture that represented a sampling of diverse substrate space. Six of these sequences were found to be bona fide substrates for FTase, with several meeting or surpassing the in vitro efficiency of the benchmark sequence CMIIM. Experiments in yeast demonstrated that proteins bearing these sequences can be efficiently farnesylated within live cells. Additionally, a bioinformatics search showed that a variety of pentapeptide CaaaX sequences can be found in the mammalian genome, and several of these sequences display excellent farnesylation in vitro and in yeast cells, suggesting that the number of farnesylated proteins within mammalian cells may be larger than previously thought.
Investigative Studies on the Possible Carcinogenic Action of the Laser

One of the hazards to be considered in laser therapy is the possibility of the carcinogenic property of the laser itself. Since this is a form of radiation, although mostly visible light, studies in carcinogenic properties should be considered. As yet, there is no evidence, that laser radiation is carcinogenic, even in animals used in laser experiments.
Effects of Fisheries Closures and Gear Restrictions on Fishing Income in a Kenyan Coral Reef

The adoption of fisheries closures and gear restrictions in the conservation of coral reefs may be limited by poor understanding of the economic profitability of competing economic uses of marine resources. Over the past 12 years, I evaluated the effects of gear regulation and fisheries closures on per person and per area incomes from fishing in coral reefs of Kenya. In two of my study areas, the use of small-meshed beach seines was stopped after 6 years; one of these areas was next to a fishery closure. In my third study area, fishing was unregulated. Fishing yields on per capita daily wet weight basis were 20% higher after seine-net fishing was stopped. The per person daily fishing income adjacent to the closed areas was 14 and 22% higher than the fishing income at areas with only gear restrictions before and after the seine-net restriction, respectively. Incomes differed because larger fish were captured next to the closed area and the price per weight (kilograms) increased as fish size increased and because catches adjacent to the closure contained fish species of higher market value. Per capita incomes were 41 and 135% higher for those who fished in gear-restricted areas and near-closed areas, respectively, compared with those who fished areas with no restrictions. On a per unit area basis (square kilometers), differences in fishing income among the three areas were not large because fishing effort increased as the number of restrictions decreased. Changes in catch were, however, larger and often in the opposite direction expected from changes in effort alone. For example, effort declined 21% but nominal profits per square kilometer (not accounting for inflation) increased 29% near the area with gear restrictions. Gear restrictions also reduced the cost of fishing and increased the proportion of self-employed fishers.
Homologous metalloregulatory proteins from both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria control transcription of mercury resistance operons.

Abstract We report the overexpression, purification, and properties of the regulatory protein, MerR, for a chromosomally encoded mercury resistance determinant from Bacillus strain RC607. This protein is similar in sequence to the metalloregulatory proteins encoded by gram-negative resistance determinants found on transposons Tn21 and Tn501 and to a predicted gene product of a Staphylococcus aureus resistance determinant. In vitro DNA-binding and transcription experiments were used to demonstrate those purified Bacillus MerR protein controls transcription from a promoter-operator site similar in sequence to that found in the transposon resistance determinants. The Bacillus MerR protein bound in vitro to its promoter-operator region in both the presence and absence of mercuric ion and functioned as a negative and positive regulator of transcription. The MerR protein bound less tightly to its operator region (ca. 50- to 100-fold) in the presence of mercuric ion; this reduced affinity was largely accounted for by an increased rate of dissociation of the MerR protein from the DNA. Despite this reduced DNA-binding affinity, genetic and biochemical evidence support a model in which the MerR protein-mercuric ion complex is a positive regulator of operon transcription. Although the Bacillus MerR protein bound only weakly to the heterologous Tn501 operator region, the Tn501 and Tn21 MerR proteins bound with high affinity to the Bacillus promoter-operator region and exhibited negative, but not positive, transcriptional control.
An optimal randomized routing algorithm for the mesh and a class of efficient mesh-like routing networks

We present an optimal oblivious randomized algorithm for permutation routing on the MIMD version of Mesh. Our routing algorithm routes n2 elements on an n×n Mesh in 2n+O(log n) parallel communication steps with very high probability. Further, the maximum queue length at any node at any time is at the most O(log n) with the same probability. Since 2n is the distance bound for the Mesh, our algorithm is indeed optimal. Generalization of this result to k-dimensional (for any k) Meshes yields an algorithm that runs in time equal to the diameter of the Mesh. A lower bound result of [Schnorr and Shamir 86] states that sorting of n2 elements takes at least 3n steps on an n × n MIMD Mesh (for indexing schemes of practical interest). Thus our algorithm demonstrates that routing is easier than sorting on the MIMD Mesh.
Conservation Easements as Charitable Property: Fiduciary Duties and the Limits of Charitable Self-Regulation

Suppose that Landowner purchased a twenty-acre parcel that is subject to a perpetual conservation easement that limits development to one residential structure. Donor’s objectives in granting the easement were to preserve open space, swampland, and a lake located on the parcel. Greenacres, a nonprofit charitable corporation with 501(c)(3) status, owns the right to enforce the easement. Donor claimed a charitable income tax deduction for the easement.
Glycosylation of the Al Protein from Myelin by a Polypeptide N-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferase IDENTIFICATION OF THE RECEPTOR SEQUENCE

Abstract A highly purified polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyl-transferase, from bovine submaxillary glands glycosylates a particular threonine residue in the A1 protein, derived from central nervous system myelin, forming a N-acetylgalactos-aminyl-O-threonine linkage. Only one major receptor site was found in the A1 protein; over 80% of the N-acetyl-galactosamine-14C was attached to a single threonine residue as part of the following sequence: Special significance can be ascribed to the remarkable arrangement of the Pro-Pro-Pro region, which provides a rigid bend in the peptide region adjacent to the threonine residue. This is a rare sequence in proteins which has been found in the heavy chain of immunoglobulin IgG adjacent to a glycosylated threonine residue. On the basis of the specificity of the enzyme, it was concluded that the submaxillary glycoprotein probably contains a sequence very similar to the receptor sequence of the A1 protein.
Metastases to and from the Lung

Because metastastic neoplasms to the lung are the most common tumor found in the lung, this chapter concentrates on this problem. At the end of the chapter, a discussion of primary lung tumors and their own metastases is included, but for contrast and comparison they are mentioned throughout the discussion of secondary tumors arriving in the lung. In autopsy studies, the lungs are involved with metastases in 20%–54%1–6 of cases of extrapulmonary malignancies, and in 15%–25%, the lung is the only site of such metastases.1 Some selected excellent reviews of the basics of metastases,7,8 their clinical, radiographic, and therapeutic details,7,9 and their presence in the lung and pleura7,9,10 are highly recommended for the interested reader.
FCODE-BETA|SS: a fuel performance code for stainless steel clad pressurized water reactor fuel

The FCODE-BETA/SS code, based on the Electric Power Research Institute’s FCODE-BETA, is constructed to model the thermal-mechanical performance of Type 304 stainless steel clad pressurized water re...
Iodipamide Hepatotoxicity in the Rat

Abstract Iodipamide meglumine (Cholografin) has been implicated in several cases of liver injury in patients. The present study was designed to assess the hepatotoxic potential of this drug in rats. Iodipamide administered intraperitoneally or intravenously caused a characteristic type of necrosis which began in the midzonal area and spread to the centrilobular region. Only rats weighing 400 g or more developed necrosis when the dose administered was 2 mmol/kg. Rats weighing 200 g failed to develop liver necrosis even when given 3 mmol/kg. Selenium deficiency and pretreatment with 3-methylcholanthrene protected against liver necrosis due to iodipamide. Phenobarbital pretreatment provided little or no protection. Kidney tubular necrosis was also observed but occurred in young rats and in selenium-deficient rats which developed no liver necrosis. These results indicate that iodipamide is a hepatotoxin in rats. There are a number of factors, age being the most striking, that modify its hepatotoxicity.
Discriminant Analysis of Multivariates Taken from a Single Population

The null hypothesis of a one-sample test of multivariate means states that the population centroid is equal to a vector of specified constants. If this hypothesis is rejected, then the distance from the population centroid to the hypothesized centroid is different from zero. The purpose of this paper is to present a linear function (analogous to a discriminant function) which will allow the data analyst to interpret the dimension of the line joining the two centroids. The statistics developed to interpret this dimension are the coefficients of a discriminant function and the correlation of each dependent variable with a discriminant score. A data example is also presented to demonstrate the material and contrast it with conventional methodology.
Isotopomer fractionation in the UV photolysis of N2O: Comparison of theory and experiment

In the photodissociation of N_2O, absorption cross sections differ with isotopic substitution, leading to a wavelength-dependent fractionation of the various isotopomers. Several models ranging from shifts by zero-point energy differences to propagation of wave packets on the excited electronic state potential energy surface have been proposed to explain the observed fractionations. We present time-independent fractionation calculations for the isotopomers 447, 448, 456, 546, and 556. Besides largely agreeing with the experimental data, these calculations have the advantage of not being computationally intensive, as well as satisfying the physical facts that the asymmetric stretch and the doubly degenerate bending vibration are the principal Franck-Condon active modes in the photodissociation. The latter is reflected in the actual dissociation and in the high rotational excitation and lack of vibrational excitation of the N_2 product. The calculations are based on a multidimensional reflection principle using an ab initio potential energy surface. The theory for the absorption cross section and isotopomer fractionation accompanying photodissociation is described. The absolute value of the theoretically calculated absorption cross section is very close (90%) to the experimentally observed value. The present computations also provide data for the slope of a three-isotope plot of the fractionation of 447/446 relative to 448/446, using the fractionations at different wavelengths. The resulting slope is compared with a perturbation theoretical expression for direct photodissociation given elsewhere.
Purple in a Black and White World: Self-Determination Theory and Transgender Military Service

We offer a theoretical framework to advance our understanding of the psychology of transgender service members—the most understudied and mysterious class of US military personnel. Using grounded theory methods with interview data collected from clandestinely-serving active-duty, guard and reserve military members from the US Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps who self-identified as transgender or transsexual, we reveal a latent structure of Self Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985; Deci & Ryan, 2000; Ryan & Deci, 2000). The variance in our data heavily centers around the concepts of autonomy, competence and relatedness, illustrating how post-DADT military personnel policy, which excludes open transgender service, impacts the mental well-being of transgender service members.
Fine structure of granule cells and related interneurons (termed Golgi cells) in the cochlear nuclear complex of cat, rat and mouse.

This paper describes the fine structure of granule cells and granule-associated interneurons (termed Golgi cells) in the cochlear nuclei of cat, rat and mouse. Granule cells and Golgi cells are present in defined regions of ventral and dorsal cochlear nuclei collectively termed ‘cochlear granule cell domain’. The granule cells are small neurons with two or three short dendrites that give rise to a few branches with terminal expansions. These participate in glomerular synaptic arrays similar to those of the cerebellar cortex. In the glomeruli the dendrites form short type 1 synapses with a large, centrally-located mossy bouton containing round synaptic vesicles and type 2 synapses with peripherally located, smaller boutons containing pleomorphic vesicles. The granule cell axon is thin and beaded and, on its way to the molecular layer of the DCN, takes a straight course, which in the ventral nucleus is parallel to the pial surface. Neurons of the second category resemble cerebellar Golgi cells and occur everywhere interspersed among the granule cells. They are usually larger than the granule cells and give rise to dendrites which may branch close to and curve around the cell body. The dendrites contain numerous mitochondria and are laden with thin appendages, giving them a hairy appearance. Both the cell body and the stem dendrites participate in glomerular synaptic arrays. Golgi cell glomeruli are distinguishable from the granule cell glomeruli by unique features of the dendritic profiles and by longer, type 1 synaptic junctions with the central mossy bouton. The Golgi cell axon forms a beaded plexus close to the parent cell body. The synaptic vesicle population of the mossy boutons suggests that they are a heterogeneous group and may have multiple origins. Apparently, each of the various classes participates in both granule and Golgi cell glomeruli. The smaller peripheral boutons with pleomorphic vesicles in the two types of glomeruli may represent Golgi cell axons which make synaptic contacts with both granule and Golgi cells. The Golgi cell dendrites, on the other hand, are also contacted by small boutonsen passant with round synaptic vesicles, which may represent granule cell axons. A tentative scheme of the circuitry in the cochlear granule cell domain is presented. The similarity with the cerebellar granule cell layer is striking.
Optical Characterization Of Sea Ice Structure Using Polarized Light Techniques

Optical properties of sea ice depend to a greater or lesser extent on its crystalline properties and on the size, shape, and distribution of brine inclusions systematically trapped in the ice crystals. Here we demonstrate the use of polarized light techniques to examine the internal structure of sea ice. Using both naturally occurring and laboratory simulated sea ice we show how the crystalline and salinity components originate including discussion of the mechanisms by which first-year ice desalinates and recrystallizes into multi-year ice exhibiting optical properties significantly different from those of first-year ice.
α-Adrenergic Receptor–Stimulated Hypertrophy in Adult Rat Ventricular Myocytes Is Mediated via Thioredoxin-1–Sensitive Oxidative Modification of Thiols on Ras

Background— α-Adrenergic receptor (αAR)–stimulated hypertrophy in adult rat ventricular myocytes is mediated by reactive oxygen species–dependent activation of the Ras-Raf-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Because Ras is known to have redox-sensitive cysteine residues, we tested the hypothesis that αAR-stimulated hypertrophic signaling is mediated via oxidative modification of Ras thiols. Methods and Results— The effect of αAR stimulation on the number of free thiols on Ras was measured with biotinylated iodoacetamide labeling. αAR stimulation caused a 48% decrease in biotinylated iodoacetamide–labeled Ras that was reversed by dithiothreitol (10 mmol/L), indicating a decrease in the availability of free thiols on Ras as a result of an oxidative posttranslational modification. This effect was abolished by adenoviral overexpression of thioredoxin-1 (TRX1) and potentiated by the TRX reductase inhibitor azelaic acid. Likewise, αAR-stimulated Ras activation was abolished by TRX1 overexpression and potentiated b...
Responsiveness in Network Governance: Revisiting a Fundamental Concept: Symposium Introduction

The increasing importance of network governance challenges researchers to rethink the meaning of responsiveness in the theory and practice of public administration. This article, as an introduction to a mini-symposium on this topic, presents an overview of the concept, the theme, and the symposium. It briefly reviews the concept of responsiveness in recent public administration theories, outlines how network governance affects our thinking of responsiveness, and introduces the four symposium articles.
Labor Demand and Economic Development Policy

Neoclassical theory presumes that the demand for labor is a function of its real wage. Many local development agencies have taken this proposition as an article of faith, designing policies that effectively lower the real cost of labor. Empirical evidence for the textiles and electronics industries in a set of states in the USA provides only limited support for this theory and its implied policy menu. Alternative models of the demand for labor are explored, including neo-Keynesian fixed-price quantity-adjustment models. Analysis is based on a set of time-series adjustment models which emphasize the dynamics of labor demand.
Development of a novel 32P-postlabeling method for the analysis of 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine

3'-Azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) was the first anti-retroviral nucleoside analog to be used in the treatment and prevention of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). A novel (32)P-postlabeling assay, based upon thymidine kinase (TK) instead of the conventional T(4) polynucleotide kinase, has been developed for the detection of the levels of AZT incorporated into DNA. After enzymatic digestion of DNA to deoxynucleoside 3'-monophosphates, AZT was isolated by ethyl acetate extraction. The ethyl acetate was evaporated and the AZT was postlabeled by 5'-phosphorylation with [gamma-(32)P]ATP and TK. AZT was detected at a level of 51.5+/-6.3 (mean+/-SD; n=4) AZT molecules/10(5) nucleotides following in vitro incorporation of the drug into high-molecular-weight rat-liver DNA. The (32)P-postlabeling method was further validated by the detection of AZT in lung and liver DNA from neonatal mice treated with AZT. The levels of AZT in lung and liver DNA were proportional to the dose, with the levels in lung DNA being two-fold higher than those for liver DNA. The limit of detection for the assay was 8 AZT molecules/10(7) nucleotides using 10 microg of DNA.
On the Numerical Implementation of Elastoplastic Models

On donne une solution fermee pour l'evolution des contraintes au cours d'une etape elastoplastique dans des conditions de durcissement ou d'adoucissement purement cinematique. Lorsqu'on inclut des effets isotropes l'analyse devient plus difficile et on developpe alors une solution de perturbation. Comparaison avec des algorithmes d'elements finis
The graded response to stimulation of medullary respiratory neurons.

Abstract The discharge activity of medullary respiratory neurons was measured concurrently with pulmonary ventilation in decerebrated and anesthetized cats. Resting values in animals breathing room air were compared with responses evoked by hypercapnia, hypoxia and hyperoxia. During CO 2 stimulation, changes in total spike output of both inspiratory and expiratory neurons directly correlated with changes in minute ventilation and the impulse frequency of the spike discharge correlated with tidal volume. Recruitment was a minor component of graded medullary respiratory activity, and the number of active respiratory units remained nearly constant over wide ranges of ventilation from near apnea to substantial hyperpnea. In individual neurons, the frequency response to different levels of stimulation was graded but often nonlinear and its magnitude differed from cell to cell. Some neurons discharged with maximal frequency at relatively low levels of ventilation whereas others augmented their frequency only as much larger tidal volumes were produced. Hypoxia induced less consistent neuronal responses than did either hypercapnia or hyperoxia, and depressed expiratory units. The vagus influenced equally the number of impulses discharged by both inspiratory an expiratory neurons and modified the graded response chiefly by limiting the duration of each burst of impulses and the number of impulses in the burst. It appears that the medullary respiratory neuron population regulates the magnitude of ventilation primarily by changes in the impulse frequency and total number of discharges of already active cells rather than by increasing or decreasing the number of cells actively discharging during each breath.
Apolipoprotein E levels in vegetarians

Vegetarians are known to have low lipoprotein lipid and apolipoprotein AI and B levels. Since dietary cholesterol has recently been shown to have important effects on apolipoprotein E (apo E) metabolism, we measured plasma apo E levels in three groups of vegetarians. Group I (n = 36) consumed < 10 mg cholesterol daily and 42% of calories as fat (P:S ratio 2.6). Group II (n = 10) and Group III (n = 18) consumed 97 and 179 mg cholesterol daily, and 35% of calories as fat (P:S ratios 0.7 and 0.9) respectively. Compared to control values, vegetarian plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels were decreased by 10%–30% and 30%–55%. Plasma apo E levels were decreased equally in all groups by 35% (2.4 ± 0.1 mg/dl versus 3.6 ± 0.1 mg/dl, p < .001). Plasma apo E levels were increased in parallel with lipid levels in pregnant vegetarians but were not different from non-lactating vegetarians in postpartum lactating women. Decreased apo E levels did not correlate with relative body weight, P:S ratio or intake of fat, carbohydrates or protein. Since all vegetarian diets studied were low cholesterol diets, decreased cholesterol intake may contribute to the low apo E levels. The apparent modification of apo E metabolism by vegetarian diets may be important in mediating effects of lipid lowering diets on atherogenesis.
Sustainability of a non-timber forest product: Effects of alternative leaf harvest practices over 6 years on yield and demography of the palm Chamaedorea radicalis

Abstract Rural people worldwide rely on non-timber forest products (NTFP) to generate income to meet livelihood needs. Ecological impacts of harvest are unknown in most cases, despite interest in NTFP for sustainable development and concerns over over-exploitation. Moreover, most studies are ≤2 years in duration, so may not capture long-term harvest impacts or reveal sustainable harvest levels, especially for long-lived species or when impacts are likely to be cumulative. We examined the effects of several leaf harvest regimes on the demography of the understory palm, Chamaedorea radicalis, whose leaves are harvested for use in the international cut-greens industry. From 1999 to 2005, we exposed 100 adult palms to each of five leaf harvest treatments (N = 500): control (no harvest), 1× (harvest once/year), 2× (harvest twice/year), 4× (harvest four times/year), and a modified 4× treatment (4×m) where only one leaf was removed per harvest and no palms were completely defoliated. Leaf production, leaf length, palm survival, and reproductive activity were monitored throughout the study. These data were incorporated with demographic data on seeds, seedlings, and juveniles to parameterize stage-based transition matrices for each year × treatment combination to estimate λ, the finite rate of population growth. Leaf harvest increased mortality rates, and reduced palm growth and reproductive activity. Three of the harvest treatments reduced λ compared to the control treatment, and two of these (2×, 4×) significantly below the replacement rate of 1.0. Only in the 4×m treatment was λ not significantly different than the control. No differences in leaf yield were found among the harvest treatments; though yield generally averaged ≤1 leaf per palm per year, it did not decline over the 6 years. Incorporating the price of leaves with leaf yield indicated that income generated per hectare per year ranged from US$ 7–31. Since the 1× and 4×m treatments had yields comparable to more intense harvest treatments with fewer ecological impacts, these treatments could serve as a foundation for the development of sustainable palm harvest and management plans. Harvesting only once per year is the most efficient strategy, as comparable yield is obtained in the fewest days of work. Conservation strategies, such as not harvesting from reproductively active plants, should enhance C. radicalis recruitment, with minimal impact on harvester income. Our findings indicate that sustainable C. radicalis harvest can be achieved with few modifications of current harvest practices. In general our conclusions are similar to those based on a two-year intensive study. It is not clear whether these findings apply to other harvested Chamaedorea species, since species differ in life history, habitats, and leaf selection criteria.
A pilot controlled trial of transdermal nicotine in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Summary: Objective: To test the hypothesis that transdermal nicotine would be efficacious for the treatment of children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Method: ...
Plantlet regeneration and stability from callus cultures of Freesia × hybrida Bailey cultivar ‘Royal’

Abstract True-to-type plantlets of Freesia × hybrida Bailey cultivar ‘Royal’ were generated from callus after 27 months of sub-culture in liquid medium. Callus was initiated from young flower pedicels cultured on semi-solid Linsmaier—Skoog (LS) medium supplemented with 5 mg/l of 2,4-D and 0.5 mg/l kinetin, and transferred to the same medium in liquid form without hormones and thereafter sub-cultured every 7–10 days. Liquid cultures with 2.4–4.3 g of callus per 25 ml medium produced largest increases in callus fresh weight. Callus generated the most shoots when cultured on LS medium supplemented with 5 mg/l of kinetin and incubated in the light, while fewer plantlets were produced when no growth regulator or GA 3 or PBA were used. Callus cultures incubated in continuous darkness did not form shoots.
Persistent left superior vena cava demonstrated by angiocardiography

Abstract A persistent left superior vena cava was demonstrated by angiocardiography during the preoperative evaluation of a patient with aortic stenosis for valvular surgery. This rare anomaly produces no physiologic disturbance unless there are associated malformations, or unless the anomalous vein enters the left atrium. It may, however, interfere with successful cardiac catheterization, produce obstruction at the time of cardiac surgery, or call attention to the presence of other congenital malformations.
Factors Impacting the Implementation of Enterprise Content Management Systems

Enterprise content management (ECM) is a new and fast growing area. It is still undergoing the same defining process as predecessor systems such as decision support and enterprise resource systems. A qualitative case study was conducted to identify key factors that impact the success of ECM systems implementations. A theoretical framework was developed from the information systems (ISs) literature resulting in a research model defining five categories of factors that impact ECM implementation success with these questions: Are there managerial, user, task, technological and content related factors that impact ECM implementation success? The research model was tested using a mix methods approach. Content analysis of the project documentations and interviews of 15 team leads and members that implemented ECM systems within their departments in their organization. The results included 12 factors that were supported by the interview data as well as the content analysis of related project documents.
Creating Personal Dispositions for a Professional Counseling Program.

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs requires counselor training programs to undergo systematic evaluation of trainees. This evaluation can be challenging at times. The authors posit the use of dispositions as a tool for ongoing assessment of student development by detailing the process used to establish dispositions in a counselor training program. Using an N= 1 intensive case study approach, they provide information about the relevance of dispositions in counselor training, the origin of dispositions for the program, and ongoing efforts to evaluate the dispositions in terms of their relevance to student growth. Implications for counselor training and curriculum development are discussed.
Preparation of peptide-loaded dendritic cells for cancer immunotherapy

Dendritic cell-based vaccines are being evaluated in clinical trials to determine their ability to activate clinically relevant tumor antigen-specific immune responses. Although some groups isolate dendritic cells from peripheral blood, most have found it more efficient to generate large numbers from peripheral blood progenitors, particularly plastic adherent or CD14+ monocytes, in media supplemented with GM-CSF and IL-4. These DC may then be matured, if desired, and loaded with antigen, such as tumor-associated peptides, prior to administration. We describe the scheme that we are currently using to generate peptide-loaded dendritic cells for our clinical trials of cancer immunotherapy.
Signal intensities and T 1 calculations in multiple-echo sequences with imperfect pulses

Formulas are derived for longitudinal magnetization in multiple-echo inversion recovery (IR), saturation recovery, and progressive saturation pulse sequences with imperfect pulses. The effects of imperfect pulses on the signal intensities and on the calculated T1 relaxation times are discussed. Relaxation data from all three methods can be fitted with an equation of the form: Signal intensity=[a+b exp(−TX/T1)]/[1+c exp(−TX/T1)], where TX is a variable delay time and the values of T1, a, b, and c are adjusted to optimize the fit. Only three parameters need to be fitted for progressive saturation with no echoes because b=−a. For modified fast IR (with constant repetition time TR), c=0 and a three-parameter fit suffices even if several non–steady-state signals are acquired and a range of flip angles is present within the sample. The advantages of the modified fast IR method for multiple-slice measurements of T1 in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are reviewed. Other applications of these formulas include estimating errors in T1 calculations, finding the flip angles (“Ernst angles”), echo spacing, and TR that maximize the signal-to-noise ratio in multiple-echo sequences, optimizing contrast between tissues in MRI, and determining how quickly a steady state is approached. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson 11: 29–49, 1999
On sampling designs for integral estimation of a random process

Abstract In this paper the problem of finding exactly optimal sampling designs for estimating the weighted integral of a stochastic process with a product covariance structure (R(s,t)=u(s)v(t), s<t) is discussed. The sampling designs for certain standard processes belonging to the product class are calculated. An asymptotic solution to the design problem also follows as a consequence.
SEX-SPECIFIC DIFFERENCES IN LEFT VENTRICULAR REMODELING AS A PREDICTOR OF HEART FAILURE IN THE COMMUNITY

Prior investigators have established the prognostic significance of left ventricular (LV) remodeling, yet whether there are sex-specific differences is less clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the sex-based relationship of LV geometry with future heart failure (HF). A prospective
The suppressor effects of life events on locus of control as a predictor of weight loss

Measures of locus of control and life events during the past 6–12 months were both found to be important predictors of weight loss for mothers involved in a child and family obesity treatment program. Life events were important, however, in their suppressor characteristics upon the relationship between locus of control and weight loss. It is concluded that the degree to which locus of control predicts individuals' weight loss may be enhanced if the “nuisance” influence of recent life events is removed from control beliefs.
The reliability of P values.

Jon Cohen's articles on the vaxgen hiv vaccine (“AIDS vaccine trial produces disappointment and confusion,” News of the Week, 28 Feb., p. [1290][1]; “Vaccine results lose significance under scrutiny,” News of the Week, 7 March, p. [1495][2]) raise concerns about the reliability (or lack of
A Peptide against Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase α1: A New Approach to Treating Prostate Cancer

Among the many identified androgen-regulated genes, sGCα1 (soluble guanylyl cyclase α1) appears to play a pivotal role in mediating the pro-cancer effects of androgens and androgen receptor. The classical role for sGCα1 is to heterodimerize with the sGCβ1 subunit, forming sGC, the enzyme that mediates nitric oxide signaling by catalyzing the synthesis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate. Our published data show that sGCα1 can drive prostate cancer cell proliferation independent of hormone and provide cancer cells a pro-survival function, via a novel mechanism for p53 inhibition, both of which are independent of sGCβ1, NO, and cGMP. All of these properties make sGCα1 an important novel target for prostate cancer therapy. Thus, peptides were designed targeting sGCα1 with the aim of disrupting this protein’s pro-cancer activities. One peptide (A-8R) was determined to be strongly cytotoxic to prostate cancer cells, rapidly inducing apoptosis. Cytotoxicity was observed in both hormone-dependent and, significantly, hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells, opening the possibility that this peptide can be used to treat the usually lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer. In mouse xenograft studies, Peptide A-8R was able to stop tumor growth of not only hormone-dependent cells, but most importantly from hormone-independent cells. In addition, the mechanism of Peptide A cytotoxicity is generation of reactive oxygen species, which recently have been recognized as a major mode of action of important cancer drugs. Thus, this paper provides strong evidence that targeting an important AR-regulated gene is a new paradigm for effective prostate cancer therapy.
Ocular Manifestations in Avitaminosis: Changes Observed in Adult Albino Rats During Acute Avitaminosis A

Ocular symptoms of avitaminosis A will reveal themselves as early as the fourth week in albino adult rats maintained on a vitamin A deficient diet.Common ocular symptoms of acute vitamin A deficien...
Control of the ToxR virulence regulon in Vibrio cholerae by environmental stimuli

Many bacterial pathogens regulate the expression of virulence genes in a co-ordinate manner in response to changes in the environment. For example, the human pathogen, Vibrio cholerae, possesses a virulence regulon composed of over 20 genes involved in colonization, toxin production and bacterial survival within the host, which are co-ordinately regulated by external stimuli, such as temperature, pH and osmolarity. Although the expression of the regulon is dependent upon the transcriptional activator ToxR, most of these genes are controlled by a second transcriptional activator, ToxT, which is itself positively regulated by ToxR. The mechanisms by which environmental stimuli influence the ToxR regulon are not yet understood, but ToxR-mediated control over the expression of toxT clearly plays a role. The recent finding that the global regulator cAMP-CRP also influences the expression of the ToxR regulon under various environmental conditions raises new issues regarding the pathways and mechanisms by which this regulation is achieved and indicates that multiple overlapping systems are involved.
Unsteady flow of semi-concentrated suspensions using finite deformation tensors

Abstract The interest in the theoretical investigation of the flow behavior of fiber suspensions during manufacturing processes has increased considerably due to the increased interest in the use of composite materials. The unsteady flow of semi-concentrated fiber suspensions in two dimensions is investigated using the Generalized Eulerian-Lagrangian (GEL) formulation. The integral constitutive relation proposed by Dinh and Armstrong is used to express the stress tensor. Currie approximation is then used to express the integral expression using a differential expression involving the finite deformation (Finger and Cauchy) tensors and their invariants. A semi-implicit finite difference scheme is developed which expresses the finite deformation tensors in terms of the kinematics of the flow. The evolution of fiber orientation is also likewise expressed in terms of the flow kinematics. In order to determine the accuracy of the semi-implicit finite difference scheme, numerical results are compared with exact analytic solutions for a radially diverging source flow. The numerical efficiency and ease of implementation of the method are discussed. The method is then used to simulate the filling of a simple two-dimensional injection molding cavity.
Pulmonary embolectomy for acute massive pulmonary embolism.

Background Acute massive pulmonary embolism usually results in death if not diagnosed early and treated aggressively. Thrombolytic therapy and catheter embolectomy are increasingly used as definitive management. Emergent open embolectomy is often reserved as a last resort when less invasive methods have failed or the patient is in cardiopulmonary arrest. Methods We reviewed our experience with early open pulmonary embolectomy in patients with acute massive pulmonary embolism from January 1998 to February 2004. Results Eleven patients underwent early pulmonary embolectomy. Five (45%) patients were men, and the average age was 48 years. In 4 (36%) patients, a massive pulmonary embolism occurred after a surgical procedure or trauma. The remaining 7 patients had chronic medical diseases. The diagnosis was established primarily by clinical findings along with spiral computerized tomography or transesophageal echocardiography. Eight (73%) patients survived and were discharged from the hospital. The 3 patients who died suffered cardiac arrest preoperatively and were taken to the operating room with cardiopulmonary resuscitation in progress. Only 1 patient survived after preoperative cardiac arrest. Conclusions Early open pulmonary embolectomy using cardiopulmonary bypass is an effective form of treatment for acute massive pulmonary embolism with excellent long-term results. Preoperative cardiac arrest is associated with a high mortality. Spiral computerized tomography and transesophageal echocardiography are important diagnostic tools.
1153 ATYPICAL NERVE HISTOLOGY IN A CASE OF FAMILIAL DYSAUTONOMIA TYPE II

Familial sensory neuropathy with anhydrosis is a clinical complex in the group of conditions characterized by autonomic dysfunction and impaired perception to pain. We had the opportunity to study a patient who presented some features of this syndrome but whose sural nerve histology was strikingly different from that reported to date in this condition. P.R. came to our attention at the age of 6 mos. because of failure to thrive, frequent episodes of unexplained fever and indifference to pain. Intradermal histamine test was abnormal and methacholine test produced a miotic response. Anhydrosis and alacrima were present as were slowing of femoral nerve velocities and lower motor neuron denervation. Indifference to pain was present since birth and was evidenced by multiple scars on his lips and fingers. The fungiform, circumvallate papillae and taste perception were present. Abnormal EEG and a moderate delay in overall development were noted. The sural nerve biopsy showed an extremely small nerve and a virtual absence of unmyelinated nerve fibers with absence of Schwann cells but no evidence of a degenerative process. Clinically this case is best classified as FD type II in which absence of myelinated fibers only has been described. Absence of unmyelinated nerve fibers in a peripheral nerve appears to be a previously unpublished finding in this group of disorders, and might suggest that the process is developmental rather than degenerative.