cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insertion mutations in Helicobacter pylori flhA reveal strain differences in RpoN-dependent gene expression

Flagellar biogenesis in the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori involves a transcriptional hierarchy that utilizes all three sigma factors found in this bacterium (RpoD, RpoN and FliA). Transcription of the RpoN-dependent genes requires the sensor kinase FlgS and response regulator FlgR. It is thought that FlgS senses some cellular cue to regulate transcription of the RpoN-dependent flagellar genes, but this signal has yet to be identified. Previous studies showed that transcription of the RpoN-dependent genes is inhibited by mutations in flhA, which encodes a membrane-bound component of the flagellar protein export apparatus. We found that depending on the H. pylori strain used, insertion mutations in flhA had different effects on expression of RpoN-dependent genes. Mutations in flhA in H. pylori strains B128 and ATCC 43504 (the type strain) were generated by inserting a chloramphenicol resistance cassette so as to effectively eliminate expression of the gene (ΔflhA), or within the gene following codon 77 (designated flhA77) or codon 454 (designated flhA454), which could allow expression of truncated FlhA proteins. All three flhA mutations severely inhibited transcription of the RpoN-dependent genes flaB and flgE in H. pylori B128. In contrast, levels of flaB and flgE transcripts in H. pylori ATCC 43504 bearing either flhA77 or flhA454, but not ΔflhA, were ~60 % of wild-type levels. The FlhA454 variant was detected in membrane fractions prepared from H. pylori ATCC 43504 but not H. pylori B128, which may account for the phenotypic differences in the flhA mutations of the two strains. Taken together, these findings suggest that only the N-terminal region of FlhA is needed for transcription of the RpoN regulon. Interestingly, expression of an flaB′-′xylE reporter gene in H. pylori ATCC 43504 bearing the flhA77 allele was about eightfold higher than that of a strain with the wild-type allele, suggesting that expression of flaB is not only regulated at the level of transcription but also regulated post-transcriptionally.
Extra cancellous bone induced by combined prostaglandin E2 and risedronate administration is maintained after their withdrawal in older female rats

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has been recognized for its marked anabolic effect on bone, but the bone gain is lost after the cessation of PGE2 treatment. In previous studies, we were successful in maintaining the new bone by administering a bisphosphonate after the withdrawal of PGE2 treatment. The objective of this study was to determine the fate of the extra bone induced by a combination with PGE2 and risedronate after discontinuing treatment. Ninety-six 9-month-old virgin female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 1 or 5 micrograms of risedronate/kg/twice weekly, 6 mg of PGE2/kg/day alone or 6 mg of PGE2/kg/day plus 1 or 5 micrograms of risedronate/kg/twice weekly for 60 days (day 0) and followed by 60 days without treatment (day 60). We have reported the results from the groups treated for 60 days previously. This report is restricted to the histomorphometric findings on the secondary spongiosa of the proximal tibial metaphysis in the groups after withdrawal for 60 days. We found that the only group that maintained the PGE2 induced new bone after withdrawal was the group treated with 6 mg of PGE2/kg/day plus 5 micrograms of risdronate/kg/twice a week. Withdrawal of this combined treatment depressed bone turnover (bone-based bone formation rate, activation frequency) and bone resorption (percent eroded perimeter). The tissue mechanisms responsible for the protection drew from the previously deposited risedronate.
Effectiveness of telemedical applications in postoperative follow-up after total joint arthroplasty

We hypothesized that a postoperative clinical telemedicine tool will be effective in reducing the total number of unscheduled postoperative clinic visits and calls while increasing patient satisfaction. The medical charts of 34 patients who underwent telemedicine follow-up during their postoperative care were compared to that of 44 patients who did undergo telemedicine follow-up. There were 14 unscheduled clinic visits in the non-telemedicine follow-up group compared to only 3 in the telemedicine follow-up group (P = 0.01). There were 40 in-clinic calls made by patients in the non-telemedicine follow-up group compared to only 6 made by patients in the telemedicine group (P < 0.01). In addition, patients who underwent telemedicine follow-up rated their postoperative satisfaction higher than those who did not undergo telemedicine follow-up.
The human Klüver‐Bucy syndrome

Twelve patients with the Kluver-Bucy syndrome (KBS) are described. The syndrome occurred in head trauma, Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease, and following herpes encephalitis. KBS was transient after head trauma but was a persistent feature of the postencephalitic syndrome. In all cases KBS was combined with aphasia, amnesia, or dementia. Human KBS resembles the monkey syndrome, but in humans there is a more elaborate complex of behavioral disturbances. The behavioral manifestations are produced by bilateral temporal lobe dysfunction. Partial expression of the syndrome may have localizing validity.
Generalized Traffic Sign Detection Model for Developing a Sign Inventory

The hundreds of traffic sign types on the road and their various shapes and colors make it difficult to develop a generalized method of traffic sign detection. Consequently, agencies performing a sign inventory must manually review millions of roadway video log images. This paper proposes an innovative image processing model that automatically detects traffic signs and dramatically reduces the sign inventory workload. In a test of the proposed model using 37,640 images provided by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, 86 percent of the manual review efforts can be effectively saved. Our method is composed of (1) a generalized traffic sign model to represent the entire class of traffic signs; (2) a proposed new statistical traffic sign color model; (3) a traffic sign region of interest detection system using polygon approximation; and (4) traffic sign candidate decision rules based on shape and color distributions.
Pulmonary telemedicine—A model to access the subspecialist services in underserved rural areas

Abstract Background To describe the use of videoconference telemedicine for providing outpatient pulmonary consultation to a remote, underserved clinic site. Methods Analysis of data from the Milwaukee Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) pulmonary telemedicine clinic. Pulmonary physicians at the Milwaukee VAMC provide outpatient consultations with the use of videoconference technology to patients located at the Iron Mountain VAMC in Iron Mountain, MI (346 km or 215 miles from Milwaukee). Data on demographics, referral patterns, access to care, consultation process, and outcomes are presented. Results A total of 314 patients (684 visits) received telemedicine consultations between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2004. Common reasons for referral were abnormal radiology (38%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (26%), and dyspnea (13%). Physical exam was performed by the telemedicine registered nurse or respiratory therapists in 90% of visits. Common diagnoses were COPD (29%), benign pulmonary nodule (11%), bronchial asthma (6%), and lung cancer (6%). Telemedicine consultation resulted in a change in management for 41% of patients. Only 8% of patients required an in-person clinic visit at Milwaukee VAMC following a telemedicine visit. Telemedicine saved patients 473,340 km or 294,120 miles of travel over the study period. Conclusions The provision of subspecialty services using telemedicine to a remote underserved rural population provides improved patient access to subspecialty care. Physicians are able to rely on medical history and radiology to manage patients across a broad spectrum of complex pulmonary conditions with the assistance of a non-physician health care provider at the remote site.
The plight of the Lilliputians: an analysis of five European microstates

Abstract The mini- or microstate is an important but little studied phenomenon in political geography. This article seeks to redress the balance and give these entities some of the attention they deserve. In general, five microstates are examined; all are located in Western Europe—Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican. The degree to which each is autonomous in its internal affairs is thoroughly explored. And the extent to which each has control over its external relations is investigated. Disadvantages stemming from its small size strike at the heart of the ministate problem. And they have forced these nations to adopt practices which should be of use to large states.
Developing knowledge-based systems: A survey of its impact on graduate MBAs

Abstract This article reports the survey results from graduate MBA students who developed knowledge-based systems (KBS) in a business policy capstone course. The preliminary findings show that almost the entire response group felt that the KBS development project helped them to better understand decision making in their chosen KBS area. Approximately half felt thair general decision-making skills had been improved by the project and more than a quarter of the students actually used KBS in their work. Almost one-fourth credited the project with getting them a new job or promotion. The conclusions of this study discuss the benefits of using a KBS development exercise as an instructional device in MBA programs and have implications for curriculum researchers and MBA business course developers.
Feynman rules of quantum chromodynamics inside a hadron

We start from quantum chromodynamics in a finite volume of linear size $L$ and examine its color-dielectric constant ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{L}$, especially the limit ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{\ensuremath{\infty}}$ as $L\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$. By choosing as our standard ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{L}=1$ when $L=\mathrm{some}\mathrm{hadron}\mathrm{size} R$, we conclude that ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{\ensuremath{\infty}}$ must be 1; furthermore, from the fact that a free quark has not been observed we can estimate an upper bound: ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{\ensuremath{\infty}}1.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}\ensuremath{\alpha}$ where $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ is the fine-structure constant of QCD inside the hadron. A permanent quark confinement corresponds to the limit ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{\ensuremath{\infty}}=0$. The hadrons are viewed as small domain structures (with color-dielectric constant = 1) immersed in a perfect, or nearly perfect, color-dia-electric medium, which is the vacuum. The Feynman rules of QCD inside the hadron are derived; they are found to depend on the color-dielectric constant ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{\ensuremath{\infty}}$ of the vacuum that lies outside. We show that, when ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{\ensuremath{\infty}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$, the mass of any color-nonsinglet state becomes $\ensuremath{\infty}$, but for color-singlet states their masses and scattering amplitudes remain finite. These new Feynman rules also depend on the hadron size $R$. Only at high energy and large four-momentum transfer can such $R$ dependence be neglected and, for color-singlet states, these new rules be reduced to the usual ones.
Sliding Microindentation Fracture of Brittle Materials

The sliding indentation of ceramics by sharp rigid indenters is considered. A diamond conical indenter is used to scribe borosilicate and fused-silica glasses. The coefficient of friction and the median vent crack depth are measured. It is found that active lubricants are useful for controlling the friction and the vent crack depths. The principles of fracture are used to calculate stress intensity factors for surface-breaking cracks loaded by normal and frictional scribing forces. The implications of the results to the evolution of grinding-induced cracks in ceramics is discussed.
Marketing higher education across borders: a cross-cultural analysis of university websites in the US and China

This cross-cultural analysis compares the visual elements of university websites in the US and China to determine whether culture might play a role in a university's marketing strategies. Results indicate that buildings, campus views, and university gates were the predominant visual elements on university websites in China, while single people and small groups of people were the most frequently used visuals on US sites. Overall, universities tend to sell from a perspective of “what we have” in China, whereas recruiting in the US comes from a position of “who we have”. Findings suggest that institutions need to tailor their marketing campaigns to a particular culture. For university websites that are designed to build and maintain relationships with multicultural audiences, how messages are delivered is as crucial as the information that is provided.
Marble track audio manipulator (MTAM): a tangible user interface for audio composition

We created a tangible user interface that allows children to create musical compositions through constructive play. Our Marble Track Audio Manipulator (MTAM) is an augmented marble tower construction kit where marbles represent sound clips and tracks represent different sound effects. To create musical compositions, children collaboratively build a marble tower and then play their compositions by dropping marbles into the tower. As marbles roll through the tower children can interact with the marbles and thus improvise and alter their musical compositions. By augmenting a popular toy, physically representing sound clips and effects as well as allowing improvisation, the MTAM system provides children with a creative, playful, and engaging encounter with music.
Decision Analysis, Public Health Policy, and Isoniazid Chemoprophylaxis for Young Adult Tuberculin Skin Reactors

• As part of a plan to eliminate tuberculosis in America, tuberculin skin testing was advised for all US citizens, with isoniazid chemopreventive therapy administered to appropriate positive reactors. Implementation of this plan, however, may be limited by concerns over which skin test reactors should receive isoniazid therapy. Recent decision analyses suggest that, contrary to American Thoracic Society guidelines, asymptomatic skin test reactors under age 35 years with normal chest roentgenograms and no predisposing conditions to tuberculosis reactivation will not benefit from isoniazid chemopreventive therapy. Repeated analysis of these studies reveals that calculated life expectancy depends on estimates of the probability of certain chance outcomes. If the isoniazid-related hepatitis case-fatality rate is below 1%, isoniazid chemopreventive therapy appears to be beneficial. A literature review suggests that this rate is indeed this low. If the tuberculosis case-fatality rate is above 6.7%, also supported by the literature, the advantages of isoniazid therapy are further increased. This repeated analysis should reassure physicians that isoniazid chemoprophylaxis for tuberculin skin test reactors is beneficial to the individual and consonant with public health policies. (Arch Intern Med. 1990;150:2517-2522)
Resonator performance analysis for a ring resonator FEL

The RF Linear Accelerator Free Electron Laser is usually operated in the oscillator mode. For high power operation, a ring resonator configuration with grazing angle incidence optics is the preferred choice. In this paper, we describe the modeling of such an oscillator configuration using full wave optics. The steady state mode structure of the resonator is obtained using Fox-Li type of calculation. We start with a gaussian field and propagate this field through the wiggler and the optical components of the resonator. The field at the end of one iteration through the resonator is compared with the field at the start of the iteration. This process is repeated until the field shape and the cavity power levels reach steady state reproducibility to within a couple of percent. The FEL interaction is modeled by tracking the motion of thousands of electrons through the wiggler and averaging their energy loss. Betatron motion of the electrons is taken into account as are any field and misalignment errors in the fabrication of the wiggler. We have used this numerical model to investigate the effects of (i) misalignment of mirrors, (ii) aberration of the mirrors, (iii) the efficacy of compensatory misalignment techniques, and (iv) the dependence of the performance of the FEL on the outcoupling fraction.
The Raf Inhibitor Paradox: Unexpected Consequences of Targeted Drugs

Three papers in Cell and Nature now report that dimeric RAF is a plastic enzyme: blocking one ATP-binding site paradoxically stimulates the kinase activity of the other protomer. This occurs only in "primed" cells bearing activated RAS and WT RAF, explaining the selective efficacy of RAF inhibitors for RAF mutant cells.
Image Formation Process

The image formation process has been an area of inquiry for more than 20 years. The process of image formation is intricately entwined with the destination selection process. Understanding the different techniques unitized to form destination images is necessary to developing an image consistent with what a destination has to offer. This paper present a typology of the different image formation agents, describes the process of touristic image formation and provides recommendations for selecting the appropriate image formation mix. It is an attempt to develop a theoretical basis for the touristic image formation process.
Cks1: Structure, Emerging Roles and Implications in Multiple Cancers

Deregulation of the cell cycle results in loss of normal control mechanisms that prevent aberrant cell proliferation and cancer progression. Regulation of the cell cycle is a highly complex process with many layers of control. One of these mechanisms involves timely degradation of CDK inhibitors (CKIs) like p27Kip1 by the ubiquitin proteasomal system (UPS). Cks1 is a 9 kDa protein which is frequently overexpressed in different tumor subtypes, and has pleiotropic roles in cell cycle progression, many of which remain to be fully characterized. One well characterized molecular role of Cks1 is that of an essential adaptor that regulates p27Kip1 abundance by facilitating its interaction with the SCF-Skp2 E3 ligase which appends ubiquitin to p27Kip1 and targets it for degradation through the UPS. In addition, emerging research has uncovered p27Kip1-independent roles of Cks1 which have provided crucial insights into how it may be involved in cancer progression. We review here the structural features of Cks1 and their functional implications, and also some recently identified Cks1 roles and their involvement in breast and other cancers.
Antinociception following lesion-induced hyperemotionality and conditioned fear.

Abstract Hyperemotionality and antinociception (during hyperemotional states) followed lesioning of the septal area in rats. Both of these behaviors showed parallel decreases with daily handling as well as significant positive correlations between them. Tail-flick latencies were also elevated when fear was conditioned to the environmental cues associated with the tail-flick procedure. Fear-induced antinociception was very resistant to extinction, being present across 9 daily extinction trials. These results are interpreted as demonstrations of the behavioral activation of endogenous antinociceptive mechanisms and are in agreement with the postulates of centrifugal control of nociception of the gate control theory of pain.
The history of stereotactic neurosurgery.

In his keynote address, the author presents a detailed history of the development of stereotactic and functional neurosurgery worldwide, with particular emphasis on the pioneering scientist in the field. He outlines the early days of stereotaxis in North and South America, Europe and Asia and supplements his history with an extensive list of early references (Editor''s Abstract).
Specificity of anti-DNA antibodies induced in normal mice by immunization with bacterial DNA.

Abstract To determine the specificity of anti-DNA antibodies induced in normal mice by immunization with bacterial DNA, sera from BALB c mice immunized with single-stranded DNA from Escherichia coli (EC) were tested for binding to a panel of synthetic DNA and RNA homopolymers as well as duplexes. Results of these studies indicate that sera from EC DNA immunized mice preferentially bind certain DNA and RNA homopolymers as well as DNA duplexes. Furthermore, the specificity of the antibodies from immunized mice resembled those of sera from autoimmune MRL - lpr lpr mice in terms of the synthetic antigens recognized, although some differences were noted in the magnitude of the response to individual duplexes. These results suggest that anti-DNA antibodies induced by bacterial DNA bind to DNA structures dependent on both the base and the sugar phosphate moieties of the nucleic acid antigen and may resemble some anti-DNA antibodies expressed in spontaneous autoimmune disease in these binding properties.
Nasal cholinergic hyperresponsiveness in atopic subjects studied out of season.

Abstract Background: Atopic individuals have previously been shown to have an autonomic imbalance consisting of heightened cholinergic responsiveness in the lung, skin, and eyes, and β-adrenergic hyporesponsiveness in the lungs, eyes, and vasculature. This array of abnormalities is often accompanied by nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness, as well as α-adrenergic hyperresponsiveness in individuals with asthma. Methods: To determine whether atopic individuals have intrinsic nasal airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine, 21 nonatopic subjects and 37 subjects with allergic rhinitis were studied. All subjects were studied out of their allergy seasons, and all allergy-related medications were discontinued before the study began. Subjects underwent nasal challenge with methacholine (1 to 25 mg), and lavaged nasal secretions were analyzed for total protein, the plasma marker albumin, and the glandular marker lactoferrin. Results: Atopic subjects demonstrated increased glandular responsiveness to methacholine as evidenced by an increase in the secretion of lactoferrin in response to individual doses of methacholine. Although the maximal lactoferrin secretion did not increase, glandular sensitivity to methacholine was heightened because the dose of methacholine required to induce lactoferrin secretion achievable by 60% of the study population was significantly lower in the atopic group. The volume of lavaged secretions recovered and congestion scores were also higher in the atopic group as compared with the normal control group. Conclusions: These data strongly suggest that atopic individuals have intrinsic nasal glandular hyperresponsiveness to cholinergic stimulation.
Incorporating active learning into a psychiatry clerkship: does it make a difference?

Objective Medical students’ satisfaction with the psychiatry clerkship, sense of preparedness for an institutional Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE), expressed likelihood of choosing psychiatry as a specialty, and National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) psychiatry shelf-examination scores were compared after a curriculum based on Active Learning (AL) techniques was introduced.
Staphylococcus aureus Peptidoglycan Tertiary Structure from Carbon-13 Spin Diffusion

The cell-wall peptidoglycan of Staphylococcus aureus is a heterogeneous, highly cross-linked polymer of unknown tertiary structure. We have partially characterized this structure by measuring spin diffusion from 13C labels in pentaglycyl cross-linking segments to natural-abundance 13C in the surrounding intact cell walls. The measurements were performed using a version of centerband-only detection of exchange (CODEX). The cell walls were isolated from S. aureus grown in media containing [1-13C]glycine. The CODEX spin diffusion rates established that the pentaglycyl bridge of one peptidoglycan repeat unit of S. aureus is within 5 A of the glycan chain of another repeat unit. This surprising proximity is interpreted in terms of a model for the peptidoglycan lattice in which all peptide stems in a plane perpendicular to the glycan mainchain are parallel to one another.
Über eine Abschätzung der Amplituden in freien Schwingungs-problemen veränderlicher Kreisfrequenz

Consider any differential equation of the form given under (1) below and, ifx(t) is any solution of (1) which is real-valued and does not vanish identically, letC be a ‘half-wave’a≦t≦b of the curvex=x(t) in a (t, x)-plane [by this is meant thatx(a)=0 andx(b)=0 but |x(t)|>0 ifa<t<b]. Then ana priori upper limitation, involving the ‘moments’ of the coefficient function of (1) [cf. the three integrals in formula (2) of the text, wherea=0 andb=h], is obtained for the ratiom/f. Herem denotes the maximum amplitude occurring inC, andf the area of the region surrounded by the segmenta≦t≦b on thet-axis and the graph ofC in the (t, x)-plane (this region is always convex).
Online Decision-Making in Receiving Spam Emails Among College Students

Decision-making in the real world has been extensively studied, whereas decision-making in the cyber world is relatively unknown. The present study investigated how email users made their decisions to read or delete spam emails, unsolicited junk emails sent indiscriminately, when they received various kinds of emails in the everyday life. An experimental survey was designed to manipulate two variables, decision-making strategy (intuitive or rational decision) and information availability (limited or detailed information), and administrated via a professional survey website PsycData to 171 college students. It was found that (a) rational decision strategy outperformed intuitive decision strategy, (b) better decision was made with detailed information than with limited information, (c) the effect size of information availability was approximately ten times as large as that of decision-making strategy, and (d) no interaction effects was present between decision-making strategy and information availability. Practical implications are discussed.
Iron-mediated formation of an oxidized adriamycin free radical.

Abstract Electron paramagnetic resonance studies are reported which demonstrate that the reduction of Fe 3+ to Fe 2+ by adriamycin results in the formation of an oxidized adriamycin free radical with an EPR signal at g =2.004. A transient iron-adriamycin free radical complex is also observed at g =2.34. The free radical is quantitated and its aerobic stability is determined. Observation of the oxidized adriamycin free radical signal confirms that adriamycin donates an electron to the bound Fe 3+ . In the presence of glutathione the drug-mediated reduction of Fe 3+ to Fe 2+ is bypassed, and the oxidized adriamycin radical signal is not observed. The oxidized adriamycin radicals and reduced oxygen radicals which are formed are two different mediators, whose relative concentrations could modulate the therapeutic and toxic effects of adriamycin.
Radio over fiber for picocellular network architectures

Picocellular network designs at lower frequencies up to 6 GHz are compared to implementations at 60 GHz. System design aspects are discussed, including the implementation of MIMO. Very high bit rates of ≫10 Gb/s are achieved in mm-wave OFDM RoF systems.
Solid-state structure dependence of the molecular distortion and spectroscopic properties of the Cu(I) bis(2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) ion.

The relation between the geometry and spectroscopic properties of a series of salts of the Cu(I) bis(2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) ion, (Cu(I)(dmp)2)+, is explored. The distortions from the idealized D2d geometry, which include flattening, rocking of the dmp ligands, and displacement of the Cu atoms out of the dmp planes, show considerable variation, indicating the importance of packing forces in the crystalline environment. The change in the absorption spectra upon flattening of the complex, expressed as the variation of the angle between the dmp planes, which varies from 88° in the BF4 and tosylate salts to 73° in the picrate, agrees qualitatively with parallel DFT calculations. No correlation is found between ground state geometry and luminescence lifetimes, recorded both at room temperature and at 16 K. The low temperature lifetimes vary by a factor of 8 among the (Cu(I)(dmp)2)+ salts examined, the longest lifetime (2.4 μs at 16 K) being observed for the tosylate salt.
Optimal order for approximation of derivatives

Abstract In this note, we show that the central difference formula for approximating f ′(0) using the information { f ( jh ): − r ⩽ j ⩽ r } has maximal order of accuracy among all algorithms using this information. The technique used is an adaptation of the order-of-information approach of Wozniakowski.
The snare-assisted technique for transcatheter coil occlusion of moderate to large patent ductus arteriosus: immediate and intermediate results

Abstract OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of using a snare-assisted technique to coil occlude the moderate to large size patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). BACKGROUND Transcatheter occlusion of small PDAs using Gianturco coils is safe and effective. However, in larger size PDAs and/or those with short PDA length, the procedure still carries risks of coil embolization, incomplete occlusion and failure to implant the coil. METHODS From January 1994 to June 1997, the records of 104 consecutive snare-assisted coil occlusions of moderate to large PDAs (minimum diameter >2.0 mm) were reviewed. Immediate and intermediate outcomes including complete and partial occlusion, failure to implant and complications were analyzed with respect to ductal type and size. RESULTS Patient age ranged from 0.1 to 70.1 years (median 3.3 years). Minimum PDA diameter ranged from 2.1 to 6.8 mm (mean 3.0 ± 0.9 mm). Angiographic types were A-62, B-13, C-6, D-14 and E-9. Using the snare-assisted technique, coil placement was successful in 104/104 patients (100%), irrespective of size or angiographic type. Immediate complete closure was observed in 73/104 (70.2%) and was related to smaller PDA size, but not to angiographic type. Complete closure was documented in 102/104 (98.1%) at 2- to 16-month follow-up. Successful closure was unrelated to PDA size or type. Coil embolization to the pulmonary artery occurred in 3/104 (2.9%) patients and was not related to PDA size or type. The need for multiple coils was found in 28/104 patients (26.9%), and was related to larger PDA size, but not to angiographic type. CONCLUSIONS The snare-assisted delivery technique allows successful occlusion of moderate to large PDAs up to 6.8 mm, irrespective of angiographic type. This technique permits improved control and accuracy of coil placement, and facilitates delivery of multiple coils.
A Typology of Incest and Possible Intervention Strategies

Recent research on incest suggests that it is a complex phenomenon which assumes a variety of forms in different situations. A tentative typology based on prior research and clinical reports is presented. A preliminary framework for recognizing and dealing with various types of incest is outlined and a discussion of intervention and prevention strategies is provided.
Antizyme prevents ornithine decarboxylase-mediated cell death in human fibroblasts

Abstract Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is a key enzyme of polyamine biosynthesis essential for growth-related cellular functions. Apart from its physiological role in cell proliferation, ODC also contributes to the induction of apoptosis under certain conditions, e.g. following growth factor withdrawal. The rate of cell death is a function of its enzyme activity. ODC activity is inhibited by a regulatory protein antizyme, also known to suppress polyamine uptake. We report that forced expression of ‘antizyme’ prevents ODC-mediated cell death in human gingival fibroblasts under very low serum conditions. These data suggest an important antiapoptotic role for antizyme in cell survival.
An automated colorimetric microassay for neuronotrophic factors.

Abstract A microassay is described for determining the number of neurons surviving after 24 h in response to added neuronotrophic factors. Neuronal cultures in 96-well microtiter plates are supplied with a yellow tetrazolium derivative, MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide), which is taken up selectively by viable neurons and converted to a blue formazan product. The amount of blue color development can be rapidly quantified using an automatic microplate spectrophotometer. The resulting optical density is directly proportional to the number of viable neurons. The spectrophotometer has been interfaced with a computer allowing a print out of individual absorbance values and calculation of half-maximal (one trophic unit) neuronal survival. The assay has been used for the quantification of the trophic activities of nerve growth factor and ciliary neuronotrophic factor using, respectively, dorsal root and ciliary ganglionic neurons from 8-day chick embryos. Assay parameters were optimized so that about 2000 individual cultures of ganglionic neurons can be set up and analyzed each day, thus allowing the serial titration in duplicate of 80–120 separate samples. The determination of neuronal number and titer calculation steps now requires about 2 min per microplate (96 cultures), a 50-fold reduction in time over existing methods.
On the Temporally Varying Northward Penetration of Mediterranean Overflow Water and Eastward Penetration of Labrador Sea Water

Abstract Historical hydrographic data in the eastern North Atlantic are used to suggest a connection between the northward penetration of Mediterranean Overflow Water (MOW) and the location of the subpolar front, the latter of which is shown to vary with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). During persistent high-NAO periods, when the subpolar front moves eastward, waters in the subpolar gyre essentially block the northward-flowing MOW, preventing its entry into the subpolar gyre. Conversely, during low NAO periods, the subpolar front moves westward, allowing MOW to penetrate past Porcupine Bank into the subpolar gyre. The impacts of an intermittent penetration of MOW into the subpolar gyre, including the possible effect on water mass transformations, remain to be investigated.
TlBa1.2La0.8CuO5: A superconductor produced by reduction, rather than oxidation, of the CuO2 planes

Abstract Doping of La3+ for Ba2+ in TlBa2CuO5, to introduce holes into the CuO2 planes, leads to superconductivity in the material TlBa1.2La0.8CuO5 (with Tc ≈ 52 K). The structure (P4/mmm) has been refined using neutron powder diffraction data collected at 305 K ( a = 3.8479 (3) A and c = 9.0909 (6) A ) and 15 K ( a = 3.8444 (1) A and c = 9.0744 (3) A ). An increase in the Cu-O in-plane bond distance from that in TlBa2CuO5 is consistent with a lowering of the formal oxidation state of copper from its value of 3+. Substantial static site disorder is observed in the Tl-O (3) planes, presumably to allow for better Tl3+-O coordination. Examination of the thermal parameters for the CuO6 octahedra shows that this disorder in turn produces a local tilting of the octahedra and a resultant puckering of the CuO2 planes.
Near-Field Discrimination of Sound Source Distance in the Rabbit

The acoustical cues and physiological processing mechanisms underlying the perception of the distance of sound sources are not well understood. To understand the relation between physiology and behavior, a first step is to use an animal model to study distance sensitivity. The goal of these experiments was to establish the capacity of the Dutch-belted rabbit to discriminate between sound sources at two distances. Trains of noise bursts were presented from speakers that were located either directly in front of the rabbit or at a 45 ° angle in azimuth. The reference speaker was positioned at distances of 20, 40, and 60 cm from the subject, and the more distant test speaker was systematically moved to determine the smallest difference in distance that could be reliably discriminated by the subject. Noise stimuli had one of three bandwidths: wideband (0.1–10 kHz), low-pass (0.1–3 kHz), or high-pass (3–10 kHz). The mean stimulus level was 60 dB sound pressure level (SPL) at the location of the rabbit’s head, and the level was roved over a 12-dB range from trial to trial to reduce the availability of level cues. An operant one-interval two-alternative non-forced choice task was used, with a blocked two-down-one-up tracking procedure to determine the distance discriminability. Rabbits were consistently able to discriminate two distances when they were sufficiently separated. Sensitivity was better when the reference distance was 60 cm at either azimuth (distance ratio = 1.5) and was worse when the reference distance was 20 cm (distance ratio = 2.4 at 0 ° and 1.75 at 45 °).
Van Swieten and the renaissance of the Vienna Medical School

The period until 1745 found the Viennese medical system languishing far behind advances made in other major European centers. This chaotic situation was reversed by the foresight and breadth of vision of the Empress Maria Theresa, who initiated considerable reform in Austria by actively recruiting the best minds of the time to reduce the intellectual and technologic differences. Her ability to entice one of Boerhaave's most eminent pupils, Gerard van Swieten, to leave Leiden for Vienna, particularly benefited the Vienna Medical School. In 1745 van Swieten assumed responsibility for reconfiguration of the patronage and nepotism-ridden medical system of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. As a first task, he swiftly expunged the influence of the Jesuits and other religious orders from medicine and established formal training and examinations, transforming the medical discipline into a meritocracy. Excelling as a physician and an innovative teacher, he also established a close personal relationship with the Empress and became her medical confidante. To a large part, the success of this first great Viennese medical school was owed to de Haen, who left Leiden to implement Boerhaave's method of clinical teaching. As a result of these innovations and with considerable support from the Empress, the University of Vienna, particularly its medical school, within a few decades achieved recognition throughout Europe as a seat of learning and scholarship. Van Swieten would not be remembered today if his contribution had been only scholarly or scientific achievements. He propelled Austrian medicine to a level commensurate with that of other European states of the day by 27 years of dedicated and industrious service.
Identification of glycogen as the major xylose acceptor in polysomal preparations from chick embryo cartilage cultures.

Abstract UDP-[14C]xylose was used to label polysome preparations from chick embryo cartilage cultures derived from limb mesenchymal cells. The highest xylose incorporation was found to be coincident with light polysomes. Chemical and enzymatic characterization of the labeled material suggests that glycogen can serve as a xylose acceptor. Furthermore, glycogen appears to be responsible for virtually all the xylose acceptor activity in these preparations. This glycogen and its associated transferase activity was not associated with polysomes but independently sedimented to a characteristic region of the polysomal gradient. Evidence is discussed which suggests that glycogen synthetase catalyzes the transfer of xylose to glycogen.
Bibliographies on radiation chemistry: V. radiolysis of heterogeneous systems

Abstract Since the earliest days of experimental studies in radiation chemistry, effects of ionizing radiation on colloidal systems have provided biologists, chemists and physicists with interesting and often puzzling observations. Impetus for much of this work involved a consideration of colloids as models for certain biological systems. Since these early studies of physical and chemical effects in colloids, continuing interest in heterogeneous radiation chemistry has been directed to specific reactions occurring at a solid-liquid, solid-gas or liquid-liquid interface. Localization by adsorption at a surface has enabled the identification, by epr techniques, of radiation-produced intermediates and made possible studies of their behavior. The characterization of radiation-produced paramagnetic centers in the solid phase and measurements of their reactivity with adsorbed molecules have been accomplished for many systems. A renewal of interest in radiation effects in colloids has resulted from new results which demonstrate a role for colloidal particles as catalysts in reactions involving free radicals produced by radiolysis. This bibliography includes approximately 450 references obtained primarily from searches of Data Center files. References are included through August 1981. Keywords used in the searches were: colloids, sols, suspensions, interface, surface, heterogeneous systems, catalysts, alpha particles, beta rays, electrons, gamma rays, neutrons and x-rays. The selected references describe physical and chemical effects in colloidal systems, reactions occuring at a solid-liquid or solid-gas interface upon radiolysis, characterization and behavior of intermediates produced at the interface and reactions of an adsorbate at the surface of a preirradiated solid. Exclude were polymerizations (except in the presence of a solid-liquid interface), emulsions, micellar systems and purely biological systems. Theses, patents, agency reports and symposia reports were also excluded. Some of the early citations are of primarily historical interest. The references are listed chronologically in each of the categories: colloids; reactions at an interface; intermediates at the interface; pre-irradiated solids.
The Teaching of the Past Tenses in the Indicative Mood in Romance Languages

Author's Summary— The sharp difference in Romance grammar between “action,” an event the incipiency of which one sees in narrative, and “state,” a situation the beginning of which is not observable in narrative. “Action” is expressed by preterite or present perfect, “state” by imperfect indicative.)
INCREMENTAL AND REVOLUTIONARY STRATEGIC CHANGE: AN EMPIRICAL TEST OF COMMON PREMISES

Two views of organizational change dominate the management literature. The incremental view holds that organizations experience large‐scale strategic changes quite slowly while the revolutionary view proposes that organizations experience long periods of relatively little strategic variation punctuated by short, intense periods of major change. Commonalties among the two change theories provide the basis for a study of 101 businesses over a six year period. The research examines two theoretical implications: change is bimodally and discretely distributed and skewed toward incremental strategic change, and firms undergoing revolutionary strategic change will be more likely to experience simultaneous changes on multiple organizational dimensions than firms undergoing incremental strategic change. Consistent with Proposition 1, it was found that change is skewed toward incremental, but also that change is unimodal and continuously distributed, contrary to Proposition 1. Contrary to Proposition 2, revolutionary change on multiple dimensions was found to be rare.
The Gender Gap in Attitudes and Beliefs about the Place of Women in American Political Life: A Longitudinal, Cross-Generational Analysis

Support for gender equality in the United States has gradually increased from the 1970s onward. Nonetheless, significant and varying gender gaps in this support become evident when we analyze public opinion over time and across generations. I utilize longitudinal survey data from national samples of three generations that came of age in the pre–women's movement era, during the era, and in the postmovement era, respectively. Three main indicators of attitudes about gender equality are employed and two types of gaps are formulated. Contemporaneous gender gaps—the differences between men and women at a given time—tended to increase over time and across succeeding generations. Longitudinal gaps, the differences in support between men and women across generations at different points in time, took the form of women becoming more liberal than men. Signs of growing resentment or ambivalence about gender equality among men appeared in the postmovement generation. A combination of generation and period effects accounts for these dynamics, the key factor being the interaction of gender with generational location and secular tides.The most recent support for the research reported here comes from the National Science Foundation and the Academic Senate of the University of California, Santa Barbara. I thank Lia Roberts and Kuang-hui Chen for their technical assistance. The data used here are available through the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research at the University of Michigan. An earlier version of this article was presented as a paper at the Dilemmas of Democracy Conference, Loyola Marymount University, 2003.
High throughput in vivo phenotyping: The zebrafish as tool for drug discovery for hematopoietic stem cells and cancer

The zebrafish is an important model for the study of development and disease. Its miniature size, large numbers and optical clarity make it advantageous for high-throughput in vivo phenotyping. In this review we will highlight how the zebrafish contributes to drug discovery by in vivo chemical screening and as a disease model.
A Maximally Parallel Balancing Algorithm for Obtaining Complete Balanced Binary Trees

We present a new iterative balancing algorithm for binary trees of size N = 2n -1 by exploiting the similarity of pointer restructuring at each level. We also extract parallelism from this algorithm to yield a constant time complexity balancing algorithm for an N-processor configuration. This achieves the theoretical limit of speedup possible.
Maternal race/ethnicity and survival experience of children with congenital heart disease.

Objective To investigate the existence of racial/ethnic disparity in mortality risk among children with individual congenital heart defects and identify any other risk factors. Study design The study cohort, comprising children born between 1983 and 2006 with a selected congenital heart defect, was matched to death records to ascertain vital status. The birth and maternal risk factors were obtained from birth certificates. Results After adjusting for covariates using a multivariate regression model, the risk of mortality was significantly higher in children of non-Hispanic black mothers with transposition of the great arteries (hazard ratio (HR), 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07-1.60), tetralogy of Fallot (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.06-1.69), and coarctation of the aorta (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.10-1.79), compared with children of non-Hispanic white mothers. Time trends analysis examining the mortality risk by survival age and birth period found a significant decrease in 5-year mortality risk from 1983 to 2003 births, with a nearly 50% reduction for hypoplastic left heart syndrome and coarctation of the aorta across 3 maternal racial/ethnic groups examined. Conclusion Our findings may help identify at-risk populations and mortality risk factors and thereby contribute to improved survival and quality of life for these children across the lifespan.