cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
4-Substituted boro-proline dipeptides: synthesis, characterization, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV, 8, and 9 activities

The boroProline-based dipeptidyl boronic acids were among the first DPP-IV inhibitors identified, and remain the most potent known. We introduced various substitutions at the 4-position of the boroProline ring regioselectively and stereoselectively, and incorporated these aminoboronic acids into a series of 4-substituted boroPro-based dipeptides. Among these dipeptidyl boronic acids, Arg-(4S)-boroHyp (4q) was the most potent inhibitor of DPP-IV, DPP8 and DPP9, while (4S)-Hyp-(4R)-boroHyp (4o) exhibited the most selectivity for DPP-IV over DPP8 and DPP9.
Nonlocal Constrained Value Problems for a Linear Peridynamic Navier Equation

In this paper, we carry out further mathematical studies of nonlocal constrained value problems for a peridynamic Navier equation derived from linear state-based peridynamic models. Given the nonlocal interactions effected in the model, constraints on the solution over a volume of nonzero measure are natural conditions to impose. We generalize previous well-posedness results that were formulated for very special kernels of nonlocal interactions. We also give a more rigorous treatment to the convergence of solutions to nonlocal peridynamic models to the solution of the conventional Navier equation of linear elasticity as the horizon parameter goes to zero. The results are valid for arbitrary Poisson ratio, which is a characteristic of the state-based peridynamic model.
Reproduction of Displacement with Haptic Feedback in 3D Space

This paper studied the ability of human subjects to replicate hand displacements in the contralateral limb. In this task, the subject was asked to use the dominant hand to replicate the direction and distance of displacement felt by the non-dominant hand while a force was applied to the dominant hand. A three-factor within-subject repeated measures design was used. The three factors were force type (no force, small constant force, large constant force, small spring force, and large spring force), direction (right, left, up, down, front, and back), and distance (40 mm, 60 mm, and 70 mm). Each combination of factors was repeated 5 times so that each subject performed a total of 450 trials, in a randomized order. The results confirmed that human subjects are able to replicate the displacements and a better performance could be achieved when a resistance force was applied on the dominant hand. Performance of the task in the right and left directions was poor compared to the other four directions. On average, subjects overestimated the displacement except for movements to the right of body midline. The implications for self-tuning in haptic perception are discussed in the context of surgical simulation and training.
Amusing parents while nature cures otitis media with effusion.

Voltaire must have been thinking about otitis media with effusion (OME) when he noted ‘the art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease’. About 30% of OME resolves in several weeks without treatment, rising to about 90% spontaneous resolution in several months [14,20,23]. While nature cures OME physicians often ‘amuse’ parents with antibiotics, antihistamines, decongestants, or steroids even though a long-term benefit has never been shown for any of these drugs. Realizing the limitations of conventional therapies, frustrated parents may seek refuge in herbal remedies, vitamin preparations, or alternative medicine specialists. For the few children whom nature neglects, tympanostomy tubes become the court of last resort. The word ‘amusement’ as used herein is intended to reflect the spirit of Voltaire’s comment, not to belittle the impact of OME on families or the role of enlightened physicians in its management. Antibiotics are a particularly dangerous form of amusement, because of potential accelerated bacterial resistance from frequent or prolonged drug exposure. Although three independent meta-analyses have shown a small short-term boost in OME cure rates from antibiotic therapy, [15,19,22] none have demonstrated significant long-term benefits. Within several weeks of treatment, equivalent resolution rates occur regardless of whether antibiotic or placebo was given initially [9]. Because of these limitations, antibiotics are presently considered optional therapy for OME [19].
Inhibitory synapses turn exciting.

How activity-dependent synaptic plasticity shapes the development of inhibitory synapses has remained unclear. In this issue, Gillespie et al. show that in the developing rat auditory system, inhibitory synapses transiently co-release glutamate. The consequent activation of postsynaptic NMDA receptors may be critical for the plasticity mechanisms that determine tonotopic sharpening.
Topology and predictability of El Niño and La Niña networks.

We construct the networks of the surface temperature field for El Nino and for La Nina years and investigate their structure. We find that the El Nino network possesses significantly fewer links and lower clustering coefficient and characteristic path length than the La Nina network, which indicates that the former network is less communicative and less stable than the latter. We conjecture that because of this, predictability of temperature should decrease during El Nino years. Here we verify that indeed during El Nino years predictability is lower compared to La Nina years.
Are self-expanding metal mesh stents useful in the treatment of benign esophageal stenoses and fistulas? An experience of four cases

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to review the long-term results of treating benign esophageal fistula and stenosis using self-expanding metal stents. METHODS: We treated four patients using covered mesh or coiled stents. We removed the stents electively in two patients (one endoscopically and one during planned partial esophagectomy) and unexpectedly in one patient who developed bleeding. One stent migrated and required laparotomy for removal. RESULTS: Placement of self-expanding metal stents successfully sealed the benign fistula in two patients and reestablished swallowing in two other patients with complicated achalasia. Two patients were swallowing normally on long-term follow-up, one died of the underlying disease, and one required gastrostomy. CONCLUSION: Temporary use of self-expanding metal stents as a feasible option for treating benign esophageal stenosis and fistula in patients who have failed other conventional treatments.
Second-harmonic generation in KB 5 O 8 &#183; 4H 2 O from 217.1 to 315.0 nm

Second-harmonic generation (SHG) has been observed in KB 5 O 8 ċ 4H 2 O (KB5) between 217.1 and 315.0 nm by angle tuning in a single crystal using a single cut. A conversion efficiency of 9.2 percent was observed for type I noncritical phase matching at 217.1 nm for a peak power of 15 kW at 434.2 nm. The nonlinear coefficients d 31 and d 32 are estimated to be approximately 1.1 \times 10^{-10} ESU ( 4.0 \times 10^{-25} m/V) and 0.08 \times 10^{-10} ESU ( 0.29 \times 10^{-25} m/V), respectively.
Diagnosis of late infantile neuronal “ceroid-lipofuscinosis” from histochemical and ultrastructural changes in dental pulp

Abstract Sections of dental pulp were removed from a tooth of a boy 3 years 10 months of age with myoclonic seizures. When stained with hematoxylin and eosin, these sections showed eosinophilic inclusions. Ultrastructurally, these inclusions were large cytosomes filled with whorls of electron-opaque substance. The opaque material consisted of bilaminate strands, approximately 15 nm in diameter, arranged in a curvilinear pattern compatible with that seen in the late infantile form of “ceroid-lipofuscinosis.” Most histochemical staining reactions were compatible with ceroid or lipofuscin, with the exception of the diamine silver reaction. Late infantile ceroid-lipofuscinois represents another disease in which asymptomatic accumulation of storage material occurs in the dental pulp.
State-mandated prenatal screening for human immunodeficiency virus at a large community hospital: the first 10 months

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the impact of state-mandated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening at a large community hospital. Study design: Beginning October 1,1999, HIV screening of all pregnant women was mandated by the Connecticut state legislature. Under this policy, all pregnant women are screened for HIV twice during pregnancy. Mothers without a documented HIV result on admission for delivery undergo HIV screening unless they refuse on religious grounds. In the absence of a documented maternal HIV result (antepartum or intrapartum), all newborns are screened for HIV. Results: 2,352 infants were born to 2,239 women between October 1999 and July 2000. Seven pregnant women (0.3%) tested positive for HIV. Two additional family members (child, spouse) were diagnosed as HIV positive following positive prenatal testing of the mother. We estimated that six of nine cases (66.6%) would have been missed under a policy of voluntary prenatal screening. HIV-positive pregnant women received aggressive antepartum and intrapartum therapy. All seven infants born to these women have tested negative for HIV. Assuming a 30% rate of vertical transmission of HIV without treatment, two neonatal cases of HIV were prevented. Conclusion: A policy of mandatory HIV prenatal screening is achievable and desirable. Benefits include: 1) prompt treatment of the affected mother; 2) earlier identification and treatment of HIV-infected relatives; and 3) prevention of vertically acquired neonatal HIV infection.
Compressing Polarized Boxes

The sequential nature of sequent calculus provides a simple definition of cut-elimination rules that duplicate or erase sub-proofs. The parallel nature of proof nets, instead, requires the introduction of explicit boxes, which are global and synchronous constraints on the structure of graphs. We show that logical polarity can be exploited to obtain an implicit, compact, and natural representation of boxes: in an expressive polarized dialect of linear logic, boxes may be represented by simply recording some of the polarity changes occurring in the box at level 0. The content of the box can then be recovered locally and unambiguously. Moreover, implicit boxes are more parallel than explicit boxes, as they realize a larger quotient. We provide a correctness criterion and study the novel and subtle cut-elimination dynamics induced by implicit boxes, proving confluence and strong normalization.
Interior-point methods for nonlinear complementarity problems

We present a potential reduction interior-point algorithm for monotone nonlinear complementarity problems. At each iteration, one has to compute an approximate solution of a nonlinear system such that a certain accuracy requirement is satisfied. For problems satisfying a scaled Lipschitz condition, this requirement is satisfied by the approximate solution obtained by applying one Newton step to that nonlinear system. We discuss the global and local convergence rates of the algorithm, convergence toward a maximal complementarity solution, a criterion for switching from the interior-point algorithm to a pure Newton method, and the complexity of the resulting hybrid algorithm.
Heterogeneous distributed database management: The HD-DBMS

The proliferation of different DBMS and advances in computer networking and communications have led to increasing heterogeneous distributed DBMS network scenarios. Major heterogeneity problems and challenges include: different database models, syntactically and semantically different DBMS, different types of controls (recovery, etc.), etc. We address herein the long-range goal for a heterogeneous distributed DBMS (HD-DBMS) to be able to support a network in which any user in any node can be given an integrated and tailored view or schema, while in reality the data may reside in one single database or in physically separated databases, managed individually by the same type of DBMS (by the only one the user understands) or by different DBMS. We cite the major approaches to data sharing and accessing: from the primitive commercial file and database unload/load and PC download, to common interfaces on top of existing DBMS, to the R&D and prototype efforts toward the long-range desires. Commercial availability of the more encompassing thrusts may become a reality with the mounting problems, opportunity costs, and demand for data sharing in the heterogeneous world. Major research and development projects in this arena are leading toward some partial attainment of the long-range objective. The UCLA HD-DBMS project is highlighted herein, with a presentation of its status, progress, and plans. It is a longer range project, with the unique feature of allowing any user in the network to use a preferred database model and DML to access or update any data in the heterogeneous network. HD-DBM5 is to provide a multilingual interface to heterogeneous distributed databases.
A structural perspective on the emergence of network organizations

A network analytic approach to the study of organizational response to crises is used to determine the existence and form of integrated crisis management units (ICMUs). ICMUs are network organizations that emerge in response to severe crises such as major oil spills, earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural and man made disasters. Although ICMUs have received considerable attention from scholars in the form of empirical case studies, much remains unclear as to their nascent interorganizational structure and structural evolution. In this paper, we outline a network analytic framework for the study of ICMUs and demonstrate how some of the predictions of previous research can be more rigorously quantified and compared. We then apply our framework to the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. The Valdez case study provides an illustration of the analytic framework and suggests some interesting directions for further research on emergent organizational forms. Results demonstrate (1) the emergence of a network organizat...
Communicating Change: A Review and Critical Analysis of Programmatic and Participatory Implementation Approaches

This work advances a stronger conceptual understanding of two broad, conceptual communicative treatments for implementing change: programmatic and participatory. These theoretical approaches are elucidated respectively through established communication models, activities, and strategies advanced by previous scholarship within the business and communication disciplines. Additionally, conclusions are drawn about the presupposed limitations and benefits of using these change implementation approaches in applied organizational settings. This article concludes with potential strategies for advancing research in this area.
Analysis of dose-response in relation to mechanism of pulmonary tumor induction in mice.

In the short paper by Heston and Schneiderman that appeared on page 109, SCIENCE, January 30, there is an error at about the middle of column 2. The chemical name for the mustard oil should be "allyl iso-thiocyanate" and not "ethyl iso-thicyanate," as printed. This is our error.
DIFFERENT SMALLHOLDER TYPES AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT NEEDS

A simulation model is used to demonstrate (i) that the same technology is not equally attractive to two smallholders with different resources and objectives; and (ii) that they have opposite reactions to the extension of two maize varieties in the absence of credit. Resume LES ARGUMENTS CONTRE LES NORMES MINIMALES OBLIGATOIRES La legislation qui interdit la vente de marchandises qui ne sont pas conformes aux normes minimales impose des charges elevees aux producteurs, distributeurs et consommateurs, tandis que le principal avantage, c'est a dire ube reduction dans les couts d'investigation, est sans importance a moins que la norme n'affecte la sante ou la securite. Des avantages se produisent aussi lorsque quelqu'un d'autre que le consommateur supporte le cout de marchandises inferieures. A plus longue perspective, les niveaux et methodes de production peuvent changer mais les couts economiques resteront probablement au-dessus des niveaux du marche libre. Dans un avenir proche ou loin-tain il se peut que les consommateurs retirent un avantage des lors qu'ils pourront acheter des marchandises de meilleure qualite au meme prix, mais cela est peu probable et il incombe done au legislateur de justifier ces normes obligatoires. Zusammenfassung DIE STREITFRAGE UM DEN ZWANGSMASSIGEN MINIMUMSTANDARD Um den Kauf von Gutern zu verbieten, die nicht dem Minimum-standard entsprechen, erlegt die Gesetzgebung den Produzenten, dem Grosshandel und den Konsumenten erhebliche Kosten auf, aber der Hauptnutzen, eine Verringerung der Prufungskosten, ist unwichtig, sofern nicht der Standard die Gesundheit oder Sicherheit betrifft. Vorteile ergeben sich auch, wenn jemand anderes als der Konsument die Kosten der inferioren Guter tragt. Auf langere Sicht gesehen, erreicht die Produktion das gleiche Niveau, und die Methoden mogen sich verandern, aber die wirtschaftlichen Kosten bleiben wahrscheinlich uber dem Niveau des freien Marktes. Auf kurze oder lange Sicht mogen die Verbraucher davon profitieren, dass sie Guter besserer Qualitat zum gleichen Preis kaufen konnen, was jedoch unwahrscheinlich ist, und so liegt die Verantwortung beim Gesetzgeber, einen solchen Standard zu rechtfertigen.
An unforgettable surgery.

For more than 50 years, Cancer has explored every facet of malignant disease, including morphology, therapy, epidemiology, biology, historical perspective, and basic science. However, the Editors of Cancer believe that the human beings who bear the burden of this illness have much to teach us, and we now solicit essays from patients and family members about their experience. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Toward A Deweyan Theory of Ethical and Aesthetic Performing Arts Practice

ABSTRACTThis article formulates a Deweyan theory of performing arts practice that relies for its support on two main things: (1) the unity Dewey ascribed to all intelligent practices (including artistic practice) and (2) the observation that many aspects of the work of performing artists of Dewey’s time include features (“dramatic rehearsal,” action, interaction and habit development) that are part of Dewey’s characterization of the moral life. This does not deny the deep import that Dewey ascribed to aesthetic experience (both in art and in life) but it does suggest that we might use his theory of ethical practice in conjunction with his theory of art as experience in order to create a more robust and unified Deweyan theory of what the performing artist does.
Mechanistic studies of sequential injection of cationic liposome and plasmid DNA

Abstract We previously reported that sequential injection of cationic liposome and plasmid DNA leads to notably reduced inflammatory toxicity and improved transfection in the lung (Y. Tan et al ., 2001, Mol. Ther. 3, 673–682). The purpose of the current study was to explore the mechanism involved in sequential injection. It was observed that sequential injection resulted in dramatically lower DNA uptake by the liver and higher DNA levels in the lung than the lipoplex injection. In vitro experiments with macrophage cells further showed that sequential addition of liposomes and DNA could diminish the cellular uptake of DNA by these cells. The contributions of serum to the enhanced bioactivity and decreased toxicity were examined by injecting mice with samples of premixed liposome with serum and then DNA (LSD sample), and the resulting activities were compared to those obtained with injection of lipoplex–serum mixtures (LDS sample). LSD yielded 80% lower TNF-α levels and over 10-fold higher transfection than lipoplex, which is consistent with the reported findings with sequential injection. In contrast, LDS resulted in the same TNF-α levels and comparable transfection with lipoplex. Thus, the results suggest that the primary interaction of serum with liposome is a critical factor contributing to the superior activity and reduced toxicity of sequential injection. Studies on the interaction between mouse serum, liposomes, and DNA showed that DNA could bind negatively charged liposome–serum complex to form a ternary complex, which has a density similar to that of the ternary complex formed between lipoplex with serum. Further in vitro tests showed that LSD and LDS were similar in particle size and protein content, but different in protein composition as observed by 2-D gel electrophoresis. In addition, DNA in LSD was more readily displaced by dextran sulfate, an anionic polymer, than in LDS. The above findings suggest that the inhibition of opsonin protein binding on the particle surface with the sequential injection may contribute to the reduced macrophage uptake and cytokine induction and that the high ability of DNA release from the particles formed after sequential injection may contribute to the improved lung gene transfection.
Skinner's Walden Two: An anticipation of positive psychology?

B. F. Skinner's, 1948 novel, Walden Two has some remarkable parallels to the growing Positive Psychology movement which emphasizes the promotion of subjective well being, the development of charact...
The Contrasting Effects of Ad Libitum and Restricted Feeding of a Diet Very High in Saturated Fats on Sex Ratio and Metabolic Hormones in Mice

Skewing of the sex ratio towards males occurs among pups born to mice fed a very high saturated fat (VHF) diet. In the present study, we tested whether the fat content of the VHF diet rather than the number of calories consumed is responsible for this effect. Eight-week-old NIH Swiss mice were placed on the VHF diet either ad libitum (VHF) or in a restricted manner (VHF-R). The VHF-R mice gained weight at a similar rate to controls fed a standard chow diet. Mice were bred at 15 wk and subsequently at 26 wk and 35 wk of age. Overall, the VHF, VHF-R, and control groups delivered 244, 242, and 274 pups, respectively, with male proportions of 0.60, 0.43, and 0.48, respectively. The pup sex ratios of the VHF group (favoring males) and VHF-R group (favoring females) each differed from 0.5 (P < 0.01). The sex ratios also differed (P < 0.0001) between the VHF and control groups, and between the VHF and VHF-R groups. Within the diet groups, maternal body weight had no effect on sex ratio. Serum leptin concentrations among the dams were similar in the VHF and VHF-R groups but higher than in the control group, while the IGF1 and corticosterone levels were comparable in all three groups. Therefore, the atypical sex ratios of offspring born to dams on the VHF diet seem to be influenced by the amount of fat consumed. Since males fed the VHF diet had neither more Y-sperm nor sired more sons than daughters, the dietary effects are manifested exclusively through the female.
Acquired methemoglobinemia. The relationship of cause to course of illness.

• To better characterize methemoglobinemia in children, we reviewed the charts of 17 patients who were admitted to a children's hospital over the last 10 years. Two distinct groups were identified: (1) The endogenous group (n = 9) included patients with methemoglobinemia associated with an intercurrent illness. (2) The exogenous group (n = 8) included patients with methemoglobinemia secondary to drug exposure. Despite similar initial methemoglobin levels in the endogenous (mean, 29%) and exogenous (mean, 28%) groups, children in the endogenous group had more acidosis (serum bicarbonate levels of 5.9 vs 19.1 mmol/L and arterial pH of 7.01 vs 7.35). All the children in the exogenous group with methemoglobinemia secondary to an accidental ingestion stayed only 1 day in the hospital, while children in the endogenous group were admitted for an average of 19 days. Children with methemoglobinemia secondary to a drug exposure have a more benign illness with a shorter duration than children with methemoglobinemia associated with an intercurrent illness. It appears that the absolute level of methemoglobin is not as important as the underlying cause in determining both the course and severity of illness. ( AJDC . 1990;144:1229-1230)
Optimal bit allocations for lossless video coders: motion vectors vs. difference frames

We present a simple frame-adaptative procedure for minimizing the total rate in classical block based, motion-compensated lossless video coders. Our method can be applied to compress digital video for applications where no distortion is tolerated in the original video data. In motion-compensated video coding, motion vectors are used to improve the prediction of the current frame to be coded and must themselves be encoded with bits. We find an expression for the total rate of the current frame as a function of the number of bits allocated to the motion vectors. Then, we analytically derive the optimal motion bit allocations that minimize the total rate. We implement the video coder and present results on real video sequences, and discuss the potential applications of this work to the more interesting case of lossy video coding.
A Second Nearctic Species of the Fungus Gnat Genus Acomopterella Zaitzev (Diptera: Mycetophilidae)

Abstract. A second Nearctic species of the recently erected fungus gnat genus Acomopterella Zaitzev was discovered in the eastern United States. The only currently recognized Nearctic congener of the new species occurs in the far western United States and Canada. One adult male flew to a Malaise trap in an ecotone between swamp and second-growth forest dominated by black ash (Fraxinus nigra Marshall), paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marshall), red maple (Acer rubrum L.), and black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrhart).
Window Query Processing with Proxy Cache

A location dependent query (LDQ) result set is valid only in a specific region called the validity region (VR). While limiting the validity of a particular result set to a given area, the VR may also be used in caching implementations to determine if cached results satisfy semantically equivalent queries. Existing LDQ caching schemes rely on the database servers to provide the VR at a cost of high computational overhead. Alternatively, a LDQ proxy cache, which approximates the VR can be employed, freeing the database servers from the high cost of calculating the VR. A LDQ proxy cache architecture is proposed to compute an estimated validity region (EVR) based on the observed querying history at the proxy server. We present an algorithm - Window_EVR - for the LDQ proxy to compute the EVR for a window query result set. The simulation results show that LDQ proxy caching using the Window_EVR algorithm significantly reduces both the window query response time and the workload at the database servers while maintaining query result set accuracy.
Heart rate variability and diastolic heart failure.

Diastolic heart failure accounts for up to 40% of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), and is associated with a better prognosis as compared to patients with systolic dysfunction. Nevertheless, patients with diastolic dysfunction have a significantly higher mortality as compared to the normal population. Reduced heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of autonomic dysfunction, is associated with increased mortality in patients with systolic heart failure. We therefore sought to determine to what extent HRV is altered in a population of patients with diastolic heart failure. Twenty-four hour ambulatory (Holter) recordings were performed in 19 consecutive patients with diastolic heart failure, in 9 patients with systolic heart failure, as well as in 9 healthy volunteers (normal controls). Time and frequency domain HRV variables were obtained for all three groups of patients. Both Time and Frequency domain variables were found to be reduced in both heart failure groups compared to normal controls. When compared with each other, patients with diastolic function had relatively higher values of HRV variables, compared to those with systolic dysfunction (SDNN, Total power, ULF power, all P ≤ 0.05). Patients with diastolic dysfunction have reduced HRV, suggesting a disturbed sympathetic-parasympathetic balance. Nevertheless, values for HRV are not as profoundly reduced as in patients with systolic dysfunction. The relative preservation of sympathetic-parasympathetic balance may explain the better prognosis in this patient population. (PACE 2004; 27:299–303)
On the development of variable-separable asymptotic elastoplastic solutions for interfacial cracks

Abstract The problem of a plane strain crack lying along the interface between an elasticplastic power-law hardening material and a rigid substrate is analysed in detail. The possibility of elastoplastic asymptotic crack tip solutions that are separable in r and θ is explored, where ( r , θ) are polar coordinates at the crack tip. It is found that such variable-separable solutions do exist, and the first two terms in the asymptotic expansion of the stress and displacement fields in the neartip region are obtained. It is shown that both the first and the second terms in the stress expansion are singular in r as r → 0. The asymptotic solution is studied in detail for values of the hardening exponent n near n = 1 via a small perturbation of the governing equations about the linear problem; it is shown that the leading and second order singular terms in the stress expansion branch from the mode-I and mode-II linear elastic solutions respectively. The predictions of the asymptotic solution are compared with the results of detailed finite element calculations. The region of dominance of the asymptotic solution is found to depend strongly on the geometry of the structure considered and the type of the applied loading.
Organizational evolution at Lybrand, Ross Bros. and Montgomery in the twentieth century

This article examines the evolution of practice strategy and organizational structure at the US accounting firm Lybrand, Ross Bros. & Montgomery from its inception in 1898 through to its merger with Price Waterhouse in 1998. We focus on the interaction between the firm and its broader economic, social and political contexts as we analyze key drivers of organizational change. The accounting enterprise developed a dual strategy involving both horizontal integration and service diversification for adapting successfully to changes in markets, professional knowledge, technology and regulation. Organizational learning was fundamental to its successful evolution in scale and scope as it enabled the firm to develop strategies and structures that responded effectively to changing external challenges and opportunities.
Hierarchical storage management for relational databases

The author describes a prototype that integrates a database management system (DBMS) with a storage management system, allowing simple, cost-effective access to large volumes of data stored in a tape archive. The prototype study suggests that it is feasible from both technical and cost perspectives to store not just metadata, but large satellite images in a DBMS. The actual location of the data, whether in the DBMS, file system, or tape archive, is transparent to clients, allowing cost/performance optimization to be performed without affecting the interface to the client. Further, in common cases where database inserts can be bypassed, the performance of the prototype is equivalent to file system input/output (I/O). >
Cognition and Elderly People

An overview of the experimental literature on ageing and cognition in the areas of sensation and perception, attention and performance, learning and memory, and intelligence and problem solving is provided. The review indicates definite deficits in most functions, and therefore provides a basis for understanding the origin of the stereotypes of the elderly as senile, obsolete, and useless. However, when viewed in a broad, integrated perspective, there seems to be grounds for a less pessimistic outlook than most people have. The most positive findings are some recent ones in the area of memory, which show that the elderly are able to make use of the knowledge they have accumulated over a lifetime to perform some tasks as good as or better than younger adults. Some researchers have begun to lay plans for the development of intervention programmes for the elderly, and we suggest some areas which may be profitable for further development. There are, however, some difficult motivational issues that need to be dealt with. It seems that many elderly persons claim to be functioning to their own satisfaction, from a cognitive perspective.
Spiritual Survival in the Arctic: Atxam Taligisniikangis of the Aleutian Islands

Watching a gathering of Athabaskan, Yup'ik, Inupiaq, Tlingit/Haida, Siberian Yup'ik, and Sugpiaq dancers, musicians, and artists, the author wonders if "authentic" Native dance still exists in Alaska. This question is asked with the knowledge that these performances were reconstructed after the Aleutian Island peoples were severely stressed by internment during World War II.
Reply to Dr. Francis Tayie and Dr. Claire Zizza.

Dear Editor, Drs. Tayie and Zizza draw attention to the lack of an association between food insecurity and hyperlipidemia observed in our recent study (1). They point out that this finding is not consistent with another recent study examining the association between food insecurity and hyperlipidemia using a subsample of the same data we used for our study (2). Drs. Tayie and Zizza suggest in their letter a number of reasons for the discrepancies in our findings. First, any associations between marginal food insecurity and hyperlipidemia could have been obscured by our collapsing marginal food security with food security. This is true. However, our decision to consider these categories together was based on USDA recommendations for scaling the Food Security Survey Module. Marginal food insecurity may be more closely related to food security than food insecurity in terms of changes in eating behaviors or dietary intake, although research in this area is ongoing (3). Although the study they cite does demonstrate associations between marginal food insecurity and some measures of hyperlipidemia, it does not demonstrate an association between marginal food insecurity and LDL cholesterol elevation (except among women, and only in adjusted analysis) or total cholesterol elevation. Our results do not therefore seem to conflict with their results. Our study also differs from the cited study in the study population. Unlike the Tayie and Zizza study (2), we restricted our analysis to a low-income sample (household income ≤200% of the federal poverty) to create more comparable groups of food-secure and food-insecure participants. This restriction increases the homogeneity of our sample with respect to unmeasured confounders but also limits our statistical power. As Drs. Tayie and Zizza point out, there are a total of 7 lipid measures available in NHANES. Using 7 measures for hyperlipidemia, in addition to measures of diabetes and hypertension, presented a multiple comparisons problem for our overall analysis. We therefore a priori chose the 2 most clinically relevant measures of hyperlipidemia, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol. We also chose not to gender stratify our results because of similarities between men and women in all analyses. Both our crude and adjusted relative risks statistically adjust for gender. However, we agree with Drs. Tayie and Zizza that substratified analysis of food insecurity and hyperlipidemia may indeed demonstrate associations that we did not observe. Finally, we agree that not including smoking as a covariate in our regression analyses may have had a small effect on our estimate of the association between food insecurity and hyperlipidemia. We chose the covariates included in our final regression analyses a priori.
FAVORABLE EXPERIENCE WITH A SIMPLE TECHNIQUE TO CREATE A CONCEALED UMBILICAL STOMA

AbstractPurpose: After using different sites for continent urinary diversion stomas the umbilicus became the preferred site. Experience with a simple technique to place the continent diversion stoma at the umbilical site is reported.Materials and Methods: Cutaneous continent urinary diversion was performed in 95 patients with placement of the stoma at the umbilical site. A triangular skin flap is elevated to the right of the umbilicus a 1 cm. piece of the umbilical scar is excised and the apex of the skin flap is anastomosed to the spatulated appendix, tapered ileum or gastric tube.Results: All patients had satisfactory cosmetic results, 3 required simple revision and 4 needed dilation. These 7 patients as well as all others easily catheterized the urinary pouch.Conclusions: This simple technique results in good cosmesis and it is associated with a minimal need for stomal revision.
The novel carbohydrate tumor antigen C2-O-sLex is upregulated in canine gastric carcinomas.

Sialyl Lewis x–modified core 2 branched O-glycans (C2-O-sLe x ) on human leukocytes mediate much higher-affinity adhesion to selectins on activated vascular endothelium than does sialyl Lewis x on other structures. In some canine and human carcinomas, high expression of sLe x -decorated carbohydrates has been associated with metastasis and, in humans, a poor prognosis, but detection in canine gastric carcinomas is unreported. The authors hypothesized that these carbohydrates are highly expressed in more malignant types of canine gastric carcinomas, they promote metastasis, and they are associated with a poorer prognosis for dogs. The objectives were to determine the presence and importance of C2-O-sLe x expression in canine gastric carcinomas. Routine histological sections of 16 canine gastric carcinomas were categorized on the basis of 3 classification schemes: World Health Organization, Lauren, and Goseki. Serial sections were stained with antibodies directed against C2-O-sLe x (CHO-131 monoclonal antibody), cytokeratin (Lu-5 monoclonal antibody), and stains to detect neutral and acid mucins (periodic acid–Schiff and alcian blue). Whereas normal gastric mucosal epithelial cells were negative for C2-O-sLe x , 56% of the tumors examined were positive for C2-O-sLe x . Importantly, the majority of more poorly differentiated tumor types had more numerous and larger intensely stained areas of C2-O-sLe x expression compared with moderate to well-differentiated tumor types. Signet ring–type carcinomas had markedly higher distribution and intensity of periodic acid–Schiff and alcian blue staining than did tubular carcinomas. These findings suggest that C2-O-sLe x is a tumor-associated antigen that may play a role in the invasiveness and metastatic potential of certain types of canine gastric carcinomas.
Controlling the Apparent Inertia of Passive Human-Interactive Robots

Passive robotic devices may exhibit a spatially varying apparent inertia perceptible to a human user. The apparent inertia is the projection of the inertia matrix onto the instantaneous direction of motion. The spatial variation is due to the configuration dependence of the inertia matrix and relevant to many passive mechanisms, including programmable constraint machines or "cobots," which use low-power steering actuators to choose the direction of motion. We develop two techniques for controlling the apparent inertia in cobots to emulate the desired inertial properties of a virtual object or mechanism. The first is a path-limiting method, which constraints the cobot to steer along certain paths where the apparent inertia and desired inertia are equivalent. The second uses a low-power actuator to control the apparent inertia by driving the device along its direction of motion. We illustrate these ideas for a two-link cobot we have built for experiments in human motor control and rehabilitation. For the actuated control method, we show that the power actuator can be relatively low power compared to the actuators of a traditional robot performing similar tasks.
Recruitment and accrual of women in a randomized controlled trial of spinal manipulation

Abstract Objective: To report on recruitment efforts and accrual rates for a nonmusculoskeletal chiropractic clinical trial. Design: Information regarding the method of recruitment was collected for each individual who responded to an advertisement and completed an interviewer-administered telephone screening. Setting: A suburban chiropractic teaching clinic with recruitment efforts extending throughout the larger metropolitan area. Patients: A total of 2312 women were screened for participation and the advertisement source was noted for each. Of these, 138 women were recruited and fulfilled all study requirements. Main Outcome Measures: The numbers of responses and accrual rates were determined for 8 different recruitment methods: newspaper advertisements, community referrals, radio advertisements, community colleges, press releases, a community electronic sign, public television, and local posters. Results: The most effective recruitment methods were newspaper advertisements, community referrals, and radio advertisements; the least effective methods were public television and local posters. Conclusions: The effort required for the recruitment of subjects was underestimated in this study. Based on the information gained, future recruitment methods for study participants will primarily focus on low-effort, high-yield methods such as newspaper and radio advertising, followed by press releases, campus electronic signs, and public television. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2001;24:79-83)
Review : Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury: New Approaches

Damage to the spinal cord has devastating consequences because injury induces neuronal death, and the severed neural pathway does not regenerate. One of the major challenges in this field is to rescue injured neurons and to stimulate the regrowth of severed axons. An equally important task is the re-establishment of precise connections by regenerating axons with their targets and remyelinating the regenerated axons so that they can propagate action potentials. In our view, the major hurdles that must be overcome to restore function after spinal cord injury can be viewed as a recapitulation of steps normally taken during development. Recent basic research advances provide cautious optimism that therapies will be available for acute and chronic spinal cord injury. The Neuroscientist 1:321-327, 1995
EVOLUTION OF A NONLINEAR ION ACOUSTIC WAVE.

Nonlinear ion acoustic wave evolution in Vlasov plasma to prove large amplitude compressive pulses steepen and develop discontinuities
Perennial habitat fragments, parasitoid diversity and parasitism in ephemeral crops

Summary 1. Agricultural intensification has led to the removal of semi-wild, perennial vegetation in agricultural landscapes. However, in short-cycle crops, frequent disturbance from insecticides, harvesting and tillage disrupts the establishment of resident communities of natural enemies of pests. Semi-wild perennial vegetation may provide critical habitat for mobile arthropods supporting ecosystem services and sustainable agriculture. 2. We sampled tachinid parasitoids, an important taxon for biological control of vegetable pests, in 35 organic farm fields situated within a mosaic of agricultural, residential and preserved lands in coastal California. Using a GIS, we characterized land-use and vegetative cover within 500 and 1500 m, including grasslands, chaparral, oak woodlands and coniferous forests. 3. The abundance and species richness of tachinid flies captured in Malaise traps in spring and summer were positively associated with the cover of semi-wild perennial vegetation, especially in mesic habitats. The effective number of tachinid species (e H ) was correlated positively with semi-wild perennial vegetation cover and negatively with annual crop cover in the landscape in September and May. 4. The richness of parasitoids emerging from sentinel lepidopteran pests exposed on potted plants within farm fields was negatively associated with annual cropland cover. Parasitism rates dropped precipitously as percentage annual crop cover exceeded species-specific thresholds. 5. Synthesis and applications. Maintaining semi-wild, perennial habitat fragments as refugia to support parasitoids can increase biodiversity and provide ecosystem services in annual and short-cycle crop fields. Our results indicated that crop pests escaped parasitism by two important tachinid species in landscapes with greater than 38% and 51% cover of annual cropland, respectively. Landscape-level research is critical for integrating science and policy to conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable agroecosystems and evaluate new anti-wildlife vegetation removal campaigns that may harm biological control agents while targeting microbial food
Extraction of Phospholipids from Human Erythrocyte Membranes by Hemoglobin Oxidation Products

This investigation examines oxidation conditions under which hemoglobin extracts membrane phospholipid from erythrocytes and model membranes. In erythrocytes made echinocytic with exogenous phospholipid, addition of hemoglobin oxidized with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or Vitamin C (conditions that result in the formation of significant quantities of choleglobin), but not ferricyanide (which produces predominantly methemoglobin), induced dose-dependent shape reversion to less echinocytic forms, consistent with extraction of phospholipids from the exofacial side of the membrane. Erythrocytes preloaded with radiolabeled phosphatidylcholine or NBD-labeled phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol or phosphatidic acid, exhibited greatest extraction of radiolabel or fluorescence signal with exogenous hemoglobin oxidized via H2O2 or Vitamin C, but not ferricyanide. However, with NBD-phosphatidylserine (a preferential inner monolayer intercalator), significantly less extraction of labeled lipid occurred with oxidized hemoglobin prepared under all three oxidizing conditions. In dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes containing radiolabeled phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine or phosphatidylethanolamine, subsequent addition of hemoglobin oxidized with H2O2 or Vitamin C extracted radiolabeled lipid with significantly greater efficiency than ferricyanide-treated hemoglobin, with enhanced extraction detectable at levels approaching physiological plasma oxidant concentrations. Radiolabeled lipid extraction was comparable for phospholipids containing saturated acyl chains between 12 and 18 carbons but diminished significantly for oleoyl-containing phospholipids. Hemoglobin dimerization occurred at very low levels with H2O2 treatment, and even lower levels with Vitamin C treatment, and thus did not correlate to the high efficiency and consistent levels of lipid extraction observed with these treatments. These findings indicate that choleglobin extracts lipids from cell membranes regardless of headgroup or acyl chain length, through a process of direct hydrophobic interaction with the membrane surface.
Dextromethorphan: An update on its utility for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders

Dextromethorphan (DM) is a commonly used antitussive and is currently the only FDA-approved pharmaceutical treatment for pseudobulbar affect. Its safety profile and diverse pharmacologic actions in the central nervous system have stimulated new interest for repurposing it. Numerous preclinical investigations and many open-label or blinded clinical studies have demonstrated its beneficial effects across a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, the optimal dose and safety of chronic dosing are not fully known. This review summarizes the preclinical and clinical effects of DM and its putative mechanisms of action, focusing on depression, stroke, traumatic brain injury, seizure, pain, methotrexate neurotoxicity, Parkinson's disease and autism. Moreover, we offer suggestions for future research with DM to advance the treatment for these and other neurological and psychiatric disorders.