cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The central tendency effect in stimulus generalization: Effects of establishing a “preexperimental” frame of reference

An experiment was performed to test the hypothesis that in a voluntary generalization task subjects encode the training stimulus (TS) in relation to the adaptation-level (AL) prevailing at the time of TS presentation. If so, then during a subsequent generalization test the point of maximal generalized responding should bear this same relationship to the AL of the generalization test series. To test this hypothesis, three major groups of subjects (n = 80) were given preexposures with dim lights (low preexperimental AL group), bright lights (high preexperimental AL group), or no preexposure (control group). Next, half of each group was exposed to a TS and a subsequent generalization (recognition) test including this brightness and four others. The other half of each group was exposed to the same TS and subsequent generalization stimuli, but their task was to rate the stimuli on a 7-point bright-dim scale. This provided AL measures which could be correlated with generalization performance in the comparable generalization groups. The preexposure condition was successful in producing the expected low or high preexperimental ALs, as reflected in different ratings of the TS when it was presented. Furthermore, these effects persisted throughout testing, as evidenced in ALs (i.e., rating scale midpoints) which reflected the preexposure condition. Finally, the difference between the point of maximal generalized responding and the AL of the generalization test series was highly and significantly correlated with the difference between the original rating of the TS and scale midpoint. This supports the maj or experimental hypothesis of the study.
Use of the Semantic Differential to Evaluate Long-Term Effects of Loss of Parent on Concepts of Family

Summary The concepts “mother,” “father,” “I myself,” “marriage,” “family,” and “divorce” were rated by 24 parent-loss and 24 parent-intact college students on a form of the Semantic Differential (SD), which identifies the dimensions of evaluation, potency, activity, and general “favorability.” Parent-loss students rated “mother,” “father,” “marriage,” and “family” less favorably than, “divorce” more favorably than, and “I myself not differently from parent-intact Ss. The SD distinguished between the two parent-status groups only on the global dimension of “favorability.” When both parent-status groups were combined, two patterns in the ratings of dimensions emerged, suggesting two dimensions of meaning attributed to family concepts.
Application of Social Science Knowledge to the Community Organization Field

(1967). Application of Social Science Knowledge to the Community Organization Field. Journal of Education for Social Work: Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 60-72.
Shed Membrane Fragment-Associated Markers for Endometrial and Ovarian Cancers

Abstract Objective. The objective of this study was to assess circulating tumor-derived membrane fragments (MFs) and specific proteins associated with them as diagnostic and prognostic markers for ovarian and endometrial cancers. Methods. The level of shed tumor-derived plasma MFs was analyzed chromatographically on high exclusion limit agarose-based gels, using sera from non-cancer-bearing female controls ( n = 50), women with ovarian disease (benign, n = 43, and stages III and IV ovarian cancer, n = 62), and women with early ( n = 10) and late ( n = 12) stage endometrial cancers. The presence of specific proteins on MFs associated with development and progression of cancer was examined by Western immunoblot, while the association of proteolytic enzymes with MFs was analyzed by zymography. Results. Shed MFs were demonstrated in the circulation of women with both ovarian (4.12 ± 1.46 mg/ml) and endometrial cancers (2.53 ± 0.34 mg/ml in women with stage I and 4.51 ± 1.33 mg/ml with late stage); however, they were not demonstrated in control sera or in sera from women with benign disease. In endometrial cancer, the level of MFs correlated with the tumor's progression. Specific proteins, including MMP-2, MMP-9, and Fas ligand (FasL), were present on MFs from both endometrial and ovarian cancer sera. However, FasL (3.2-fold) and MMP-2 and -9 (5.9× and 7.5×, respectively) levels were significantly elevated on MFs from late stage cancer. Conclusion. This study demonstrates the unique elevation of circulating MFs in ovarian and endometrial cancer patients. The levels of specific MF-associated proteins differentiate between early and late stage endometrial cancers and benign versus malignant ovarian disease.
Genetic inhibition of PKA phosphorylation of RyR2 prevents dystrophic cardiomyopathy

Aberrant intracellular Ca2+ regulation is believed to contribute to the development of cardiomyopathy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Here, we tested whether inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation of ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2) prevents dystrophic cardiomyopathy by reducing SR Ca2+ leak in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. mdx mice were crossed with RyR2-S2808A mice, in which PKA phosphorylation site S2808 on RyR2 is inactivated by alanine substitution. Compared with mdx mice that developed age-dependent heart failure, mdx-S2808A mice exhibited improved fractional shortening and reduced cardiac dilation. Whereas application of isoproterenol severely depressed cardiac contractility and caused 95% mortality in mdx mice, contractility was preserved with only 19% mortality in mdx-S2808A mice. SR Ca2+ leak was greater in ventricular myocytes from mdx than mdx-S2808A mice. Myocytes from mdx mice had a higher incidence of isoproterenol-induced diastolic Ca2+ release events than myocytes from mdx-S2808A mice. Thus, inhibition of PKA phosphorylation of RyR2 reduced SR Ca2+ leak and attenuated cardiomyopathy in mdx mice, suggesting that enhanced PKA phosphorylation of RyR2 at S2808 contributes to abnormal Ca2+ homeostasis associated with dystrophic cardiomyopathy.
Notes on Carbonate Reservoir Rocks, No. 4: Determination of Permeability of Carbonate Rocks from Thin-Section Analysis

Abstract The permeability of 16 carbonate reservoir rocks was determined from thin sections, using both Teodorovich's and Lucia's techniques. There appears to be a great need for further research work in this area because of the large discrepancy between the results.
Quantitative assessment of coronary arterial diameter before and after balloon angioplasty of severe stenoses

In conclusion, when a coronary artery is severely narrowed and its distal portion filled by anterograde flow, the true luminal size of the distal vessel is often underestimated by the angiogram.
Destabilization of a creeping flow by interfacial surfactant: linear theory extended to all wavenumbers

Creeping flow of a two-layer system with a monolayer of an insoluble surfactant on the interface is considered. The linear-stability theory of plane Couette-Poiseuille flow is developed in the Stokes approximation. To isolate the Marangoni effect, gravity is excluded. The shear-flow instability due to the interfacial surfactant, uncovered earlier for long waves only (Frenkel & Halpern), is studied with inclusion of all wavelengths, and over the entire parameter space of the Marangoni number M, the viscosity ratio m, the interfacial velocity shear s, and the thickness ratio n (≥ 1). The complex wave speed of normal modes solves a quadratic equation, and the growth rate function is continuous at all wavenumbers and all parameter values. If M > 0, s ¬= 0, m 1, the small disturbances grow provided they are sufficiently long wave. However, the instability is not long wave in the following sense: the unstable waves are not necessarily much longer than the smaller of the two layer thicknesses. On the other hand, there are parametric regimes for which the instability has a mid-wave character, the flow being stable at both sufficiently large and small wavelengths and unstable in between
High temperature shock tube and theoretical studies on the thermal decomposition of dimethyl carbonate and its bimolecular reactions with H and D-atoms.

The shock tube technique was used to study the high temperature thermal decomposition of dimethyl carbonate, CH3OC(O)OCH3 (DMC). The formation of H-atoms was measured behind reflected shock waves by using atomic resonance absorption spectrometry (ARAS). The experiments span a T-range of 1053–1157 K at pressures ∼0.5 atm. The H-atom profiles were simulated using a detailed chemical kinetic mechanism for DMC thermal decomposition. Simulations indicate that the formation of H-atoms is sensitive to the rate constants for the energetically lowest-lying bond fission channel, CH3OC(O)OCH3 → CH3 + CH3OC(O)O [A], where H-atoms form instantaneously at high temperatures from the sequence of radical β-scissions, CH3OC(O)O → CH3O + CO2 → H + CH2O + CO2. A master equation analysis was performed using CCSD(T)/cc-pv∞z//M06-2X/cc-pvtz energetics and molecular properties for all thermal decomposition processes in DMC. The theoretical predictions were found to be in good agreement with the present experimentally derived rat...
Using Eye Movements in Driving Simulators to Evaluate Effects of PC-Based Risk Awareness Training:

Novice drivers have a fatality rate that is ten times higher than the most experienced group of drivers. The primary reason for this is the novice drivers' inability to predict the risks that appear in the roadway ahead. No driver education programs currently exist which teach risk awareness skills to novice drivers across a number of different scenarios. Such a program was developed and then evaluated in two experiments. In the first, 24 novice drivers completed a PC-based risk awareness training program which displayed plan views of 10 different risky scenarios. In the second, the risk awareness of these 24 trained novice drivers and an additional 24 untrained novice drivers was evaluated in an advanced driving simulator using measures of their eye movements. The set of PC trained novice drivers were more likely to recognize risks on the driving simulator, both in those scenarios studied in training and those not seen previously.
Model-based fault diagnosis and prediction for a class of distributed parameter systems

This paper deals with a novel model-based fault diagnostics and prognostics scheme for distributed parameter systems (DPSs) expressed by a series of partial differential equations (PDEs). Assume that system states are available, an observer is developed based on the PDE model of the system and to compare the detection residual, which is characterized as the different value between the output of the physical system and the observer, with a predefined threshold a fault can be detected. Then, the fault dynamics is approximated and its parameters are learned by a proposed update law using system state information. The parameter magnitudes together with the tuning update law are used to estimate the time to failure (TTF). Two output filters and one input filter are proposed to relax the demand of system state measurable. Finally, the act of the state and filter based diagnosis and prognosis scheme is demonstrated by using a heated rod with an actuator fault.
Benzodiazepine Exposure and Functional Status in Older People

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between benzodiazepine exposure and functional status in older patients. DESIGN: A nonexperimental, observational study design. SETTING: Kaiser Permanente, Northwest Division, a health maintenance organization (HMO) providing prepaid, comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care for more than 410,000 persons. PATIENTS: Patients were the 4192 Social HMO Project members 65 years of age and older, enrolled for 1 full year, who returned their annual health status survey during 1990. MEASUREMENTS: Functional status was measured using self-reported activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Predictor variables were self-reported medical conditions and benzodiazepine exposure during the previous 12 months. RESULTS: Age, gender, and living status were associated with functional status. Severe memory loss, stroke, Parkinson's disease, circulation problems, lung problems, hip fracture, urinary problems, arthritis, heart trouble, diabetes, stomach/bowel problems, and cancer were associated independently with functional status. Persons exposed to a benzodiazepine scored lower on the functional status measure. Benzodiazepine exposure added significantly to the prediction of functional status after controlling for patients' sociodemographic characteristics and medical conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Age and medical conditions were the most significant predictors of functional status. Benzodiazepine exposure was associated with functional status to the same extent as several chronic medical conditions. When prescribing benzodiazepines for older people, caution should be taken to minimize the possibility of iatrogenic-functional limitations.
Age and sex preferences for social partners by juvenile bison bulls, Bison bison

Abstract Social interactions initiated by male calves and yearlings were examined to test predictions arising from two hypotheses concerning the function of juvenile social interactions. Subjects showed a preference for partners within their own age classes. Yearlings, but not calves, distinguished between male and female partners: they were more aggressive with males and initiated more olfactory investigations with females. The absence of sex-related weight differences within age classes suggests that partner preferences were based on sex rather than body mass. The results support the hypothesis that juvenile interactions in bison function as motor training for future behaviour rather than as competition for present resources. The choice of social partners by young bulls allows them to participate in vigorous encounters resembling those of adult bulls, while not being handicapped by large differences in size or competence. Experience gained in these interactions could be important when a bull reaches physical maturity and is competing for oestrous cows.
Characterization of Reactivation Products from Human Carbonic Anhydrase I Denatured in Various Concentrations of Guanidine Hydrochloride

Denaturation in 1.7 M guanidine hydrochloride (Gnd·HCl), thermostability tests, immunological tests and polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis were performed on the products of reactivation from human carbonic anhydrase I (CA I), initially denatured in various concentrations of Gnd·HCl. Reactivated protein from CA I denatured in 2 M Gnd·HCl exhibited different thermostability and immunological properties from the products of other Gnd·HCl concentrations. The CA I denatured in 2 M Gnd·HCl was found to be more heat stable and achieved complete inhibition at an antibody concentration one-fourth that of the other Gnd·HCl denaturation concentrations. These data suggest that 2 M Gnd·HCl produces a reactivation product with a different tertiary structure from 5 M or 0.5 M Gnd·HCl.
Dietary Recommendations During Cancer Treatment: Consistently Inconsistent?

Purpose/Objective(s): Recent data has shown that dietary factors may significantly influence outcomes in patients undergoing cancer treatment. However, patient-centered information on dietary recommendations during cancer treatment is limited. In this study, we sought to assess current nutritional recommendations for adult patients undergoing cancer treatment by reviewing dietary recommendations available on the websites of all National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) member institutions. Materials/Methods: We identified all NCCN-member institutions (excluding pediatric cancer centers) on www.nccn.org. We then thoroughly reviewed the web site of each of those institutions to evaluate nutritional guidance for patients undergoing cancer treatment. We tabulated the total number of sites that provided, or did not provide nutritional recommendations, and categorized advice as: meal frequency advice, general recommendations, macronutrient recommendations, and specific food-type recommendations. Results: Twenty-one NCCN member institutions were identified, and two members of the same comprehensive center were analyzed separately. In total, 38% (nZ8/21) NCCN member institution websites provided or referenced websites with specific nutritional information for patients during treatment. Nineteen percent (nZ4/21) NCCN institutions provided their own nutritional guidelines and 33% (nZ7/21) had links to external websites. Only 4 of these sites actually provided nutritional recommendations. Of the four NCCN member institutions that provided dietary guidelines, two promoted a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet, with recommendations of carbohydrate to fat ratios of 5:1 and 6:1. The other two institutions promoted weight maintenance during treatment, and their dietary recommendations endorsed a near 1:1 ratio of carbohydrate to fat. Of the nine external websites that were referenced by NCCN institutions, 4 gave nutrition guidelines during cancer treatment, and two of these also favored a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet, while the other two favored high-caloric intake to maintain weight. Conclusions: Online dietary and nutritional recommendations are lacking for patients during cancer treatment and vary significantly, not only within the NCCN websites, but also from the external nutritional websites they reference. There is a lack of consensus of dietary recommendations and future research is warranted to develop evidenced-based, accessible, and consistent guidelines. Author Disclosure: C.E. Champ: None. N. Ohri: None. M.V. Mishra: None. T.N. Showalter: None. S. Munro: None. A.P. Dicker: None. N.L. Simone: None.
National survey of professional practice in child sexual abuse

A sample of 276 professionals described how they spend their professional time, their attitudes and knowledge about etiology and treatment of sexual abuse. Professionals were also asked to respond to a case vignette where varied on two dimensions: age of the child victim and relationship of the offender to the victim. Agencies receiving the questionnaire were randomly assigned to one of the six possible scenario conditions resulting from the two dimensions.
Comparison of clinical findings between intensity-windowed versus CLAHE presentations of chest CT images

We are investigating how radiologists's readings of standard intensity windowed (IW) chest computed tomography (CT) films compare with readings of the same images processed with contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE). Previously reported studies where CLAHE has been tested have involved detection of computer generated targets in medical images. Our study is designed to evaluate CLAHE when applied to clinical material and to compare the diagnostic information perceived by the radiologists from CLAHE processed images to that from the conventional IW images. Our initial experiment with two radiologists did not yield conclusive results, due in part, to inadequate observer training prior to the experiment. The initial experimental protocol was redesigned to include more in-depth training. Three new radiologist observers were recruited for the follow-up study. Results from the initial study are reviewed and the follow-up study is presented. In the new study we find that while CLAHE and IW are not statistically significantly different overall, there are specific clinical findings where the radiologists were less comfortable reading CLAHE presentations. Advantages and disadvantages of using CLAHE as a replacement or as an adjunct to IW are discussed.
Graphite behavior and its effects on MSBR performance

Abstract Graphite behavior under Molten-Salt Breeder Reactor (MSBR) conditions is reviewed and its influence on MSBR performance estimated. Based on the irradiation behavior of small-sized graphite specimens, a permissible reactor exposure for MSBR graphite is about 3 × 1022 neutrons/cm2 (E > 50 keV). The stresses generated in the graphite due to differential growth and thermal gradients are relieved by radiation-induced creep, such that the maximum stress during reactor exposure is less than 1000 psi for reactor designs having a peak core power density of about 100 kW/liter and reactor exposures less than about 2 1 2 years. The corresponding power costs for single-fluid MSBR's would be about 3.1 mills/kWhr(e) based on a capital charge rate of 12% per year and an 80% load factor. Experimental data on graphite behavior also indicate that graphites with improved dimensional stability under irradiation can be developed, which would lead to improved reactor performance. The deposition of fission products on graphite does not appear to be large (10 to 35% of the “noble-metal” fission products based on MSRE experience); taking into account graphite replacement every two years, fission product deposition reduces the MSBR breeding ratio by about 0.002. Also, it appears that xenon poisoning can be kept at a 0.5% fraction poisoning level by using pyrolytic carbon as a pore impregnant which seals the surface of MSBR graphite and/or by efficient gas stripping of the fuel salt fluid by injection and removal of helium gas bubbles. It is concluded that good MSBR performance can be obtained by using graphite having combined properties presently demonstrated by small-size samples, and that development of MSBR graphite having such properties is feasible.
Inference generation during discourse and its relation to social competence: an online investigation of abilities of children with and without language impairment.

Purpose This study examined whether young children with typical language development (TL) and children with language impairment (LI) make emotion inferences online during the process of discourse c...
Megawatt infrared laser photochemistry of ketene

Abstract Multiphoton laser-induced decomposition is reported here for photolysis ketene with 9.260 μm radiation from a pulsed CO 2 TEA laser. Chemical end products of this photolysis were primarily H 2 and CO. Visible chemiluminescence, attributed to C 2 Swan band emission, was observed during the first ≈ 1 μs following photolysis. A collision-assisted dissociation, followed by rephotolysis of the transient products, is proposed to account for the results.
Internal Coordinates for Molecular Dynamics and Minimization in Structure Determination and Refinement

We present a software module which allows one to efficiently perform molecular dynamics and local minimization calculations in internal coordinates when incorporated into a molecular dynamics package. We have implemented a reference interface to the NIH version of the X-PLOR structure refinement package and we show that the module provides superior torsion-angle dynamics functionality relative to the native X-PLOR implementation. The module has been designed in a portable fashion so that interfacing it with other packages should be relatively easy. Other features of the module include the ability to define rather general internal coordinates, an accurate integration algorithm which can automatically adjust the integration step size, and a modular design, which facilitates extending and enhancing the module.
Inferring demographic processes from the genetic structure of a metapopulation of Boltonia decurrens (Asteraceae)

Boltonia decurrens(Asteraceae), a federally listed, threatened floodplain species, requires regular flooding for suitable habitat and seed dispersal. Flood suppression and habitat destruction have resulted in fewer than 25 populations remaining throughout its 400 km range. Because individual populations are widely interspaced (>10 km) and subject to frequent extinction and colonization, seed dispersal along the river, not pollen flow, is likely the primary determinant of population genetic structure. We used neutral genetic markers (isozymes) assayed for fourteen populations to determine which demographic processes contribute to the genetic structure of B. decurrens. Significant genetic differentiation was detected among populations (FST=0.098, P 0.05), suggesting that long-distance dispersal events occur and involve seed from a small number of populations. Correspondingly, we found no evidence of isolation by distance, and admixture analyses indicate that colonization events involve seed from 3 to 5 source populations. Individual populations exhibited high levels of fixation (mean FIS=0.192, P< 0.05), yet mean population outcrossing rates were high (tm=0.87–0.95) and spatial autocorrelation analyses revealed no fine-scale within population structure, indicating that inbreeding alone cannot explain the observed fixation. Rather, genetic bottlenecks, detected for 12 of 14 populations, and admixture at population founding may be important sources of fixation. These observations are consistent with a metapopulation model and confirm the importance of regular flooding events, capable of producing suitable habitat and dispersing seed long distances, to the long-term persistence of B. decurrens.
Effects of intranigral injections of dopamine agonists and antagonists, glycine, muscimol and N- methyl-D,L-aspartate on locomotor activity

Abstract Previously it has been shown that bilateral intranigral injections of dopamine into rats pretreated with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor induced prolonged stimulation of locomotor activity, while bilateral intranigral injections of haloperidol reduced the locomotor stimulation evoked by systemic amphetamine. In the present studies, the role of the substantia nigra in locomotor activity was further investigated using a variety of dopaminergic and other agonists and neuroleptics. Ergometrine, epinine, (±)-2-amino-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronapthalene hydrobromide (ADTN), 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6,7,-dihydroxyisoquinoline hydrochloride (THIQ), muscimol and glycine elicited locomotor activity when injected into the substantia nigra pars reticulata bilaterally. Additionally the non-dopaminergic agonists also elicited a degree of stereotyped behavior. Locomotor activity induced by intranigral ergometrine was blocked by systemic haloperidol but was not affected by intranigral haloperidol. Locomotor activity elicited by systemic amphetamine was blocked by bilateral intranigral α-flupenthixol, but that elicited by bilateral intra-accumbens ergometrine was not affected by α-flupenthixol or haloperidol injected into the substantia nigra pars reticulata bilaterally. The results provide further evidence that alterations of neuro-transmission in the substantia nigra exert effects on locomotor activity.
Expression and transcriptional control of human KCNE genes

Potassium channels are essential for a variety of cellular processes ranging from membrane excitability to cellular proliferation. The KCNE genes (KCNE1-5) encode a family of single-transmembrane-domain proteins that modulate the properties of several potassium channels, suggesting a physiologic role for these accessory subunits in many human tissues. To investigate the expression and transcriptional control of KCNE genes we mapped transcription start sites, delineated 5' genomic structure, and characterized functional promoter elements for each gene. We identified alternatively spliced transcripts for both KCNE1 and KCNE3, including a cardiac-specific KCNE1 transcript. Analysis of relative expression levels of KCNE1-5 in a panel of human tissues revealed distinct, but overlapping, expression patterns. The coexpression of multiple functionally distinct KCNE genes in some tissues infers complex accessory subunit modification of potassium channels. Identification of the core promoter elements necessary for transcriptional control of the KCNE genes facilitates future work investigating factors responsible for tissue-specific expression as well as the discovery of promoter variants associated with disease.
Building a learning organization: communities of practice, self‐directed learning, and continuing medical education

Learning organizations may provide a mechanism by which physicians can meet the challenges currently occurring in the medical profession, such as the emergence of HMOs, increased concern over medical costs, and the need to maintain continuing competence in increasingly complex environments. Learning organizations are generative; they are respon- sive and have been used effectively during times of rapid change and in chaotic, highly competitive environments. This paper describes the learning organization and discusses how self-directed learning and communities of practice provide the beginnings for the establish- ment of a learning organization in the medical profession. Continuing medical education (CME) is seen as the mechanism to transfer new knowledge across all members of the com- munity of practice and become a key component in building learning organizations.
Culturally responsive interventions to enhance immunosuppressive medication adherence in older African American kidney transplant recipients.

Context—Immunosuppressive medication nonadherence is variable among older kidney transplant recipients and is a problem in African American recipients despite the severe consequences of this behavior. Many factors place older African American recipients at risk for medication nonadherence.Objective—To provide an overview of interventions to enhance immunosuppressive medication adherence in older African American kidney transplant recipients using a culturally responsive model. Culturally sensitive, innovative, and transformation interventions are discussed. Situations when each intervention would be most and least appropriate are described.Conclusion—Moving culturally appropriate interventions forward into practice and testing their effectiveness in improving adherence outcomes in vulnerable, older African American kidney transplant recipients is a worthy practice and research goal for transplant nursing.
Broad Protection against Avian Influenza Virus by Using a Modified Vaccinia Ankara Virus Expressing a Mosaic Hemagglutinin Gene

A critical failure in our preparedness for an influenza pandemic is the lack of a universal vaccine. Influenza virus strains diverge by 1 to 2% per year, and commercially available vaccines often do not elicit protection from one year to the next, necessitating frequent formulation changes. This represents a major challenge to the development of a cross-protective vaccine that can protect against circulating viral antigenic diversity. We have constructed a recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) that expresses an H5N1 mosaic hemagglutinin (H5M) (MVA-H5M). This mosaic was generated in silico using 2,145 field-sourced H5N1 isolates. A single dose of MVA-H5M provided 100% protection in mice against clade 0, 1, and 2 avian influenza viruses and also protected against seasonal H1N1 virus (A/Puerto Rico/8/34). It also provided short-term (10 days) and long-term (6 months) protection postvaccination. Both neutralizing antibodies and antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were still detected at 5 months postvaccination, suggesting that MVA-H5M provides long-lasting immunity. IMPORTANCE Influenza viruses infect a billion people and cause up to 500,000 deaths every year. A major problem in combating influenza is the lack of broadly effective vaccines. One solution from the field of human immunodeficiency virus vaccinology involves a novel in silico mosaic approach that has been shown to provide broad and robust protection against highly variable viruses. Unlike a consensus algorithm which picks the most frequent residue at each position, the mosaic method chooses the most frequent T-cell epitopes and combines them to form a synthetic antigen. These studies demonstrated that a mosaic influenza virus H5 hemagglutinin expressed by a viral vector can elicit full protection against diverse H5N1 challenges as well as induce broader immunity than a wild-type hemagglutinin.
Pathogenetic mechanisms of atherosclerosis: effect of lipid lowering on the biology of atherosclerosis

Numerous trials have demonstrated that cholesterol-lowering therapy leads to marked reductions in cardiovascular and overall mortality and in the need for coronary revascularization. Angiographic regression trials have shown that cholesterol lowering can reduce progression and, in some instances, achieve regression of coronary atherosclerotic lesions. However, recent studies have contradicted the traditional view that the clinical course of coronary artery disease is closely linked to the severity of coronary artery stenosis. It is now apparent that stenoses responsible for myocardial infarction or unstable angina are typically mild rather than severe. These observations suggest that regression may not be the principal mechanism by which cholesterol lowering affects cardiovascular risk. Two mechanisms—plaque stabilization and improved endothelial function—have been examined in this regard. Basic studies suggest that cholesterol lowering favorably alters those features of atherosclerosis that promote plaque stability. Recent clinical studies have clearly established that aggressive lipid-lowering therapy improves endothelial function and reduces myocardial ischemia in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
The aldol condensation of aromatic aldehydes with n‐acetyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone: Synthesis of 3‐arylidene‐2‐pyrrolidinones

The synthesis of several 3-arylidene-2-pyrrolidinones (V) by aldol condensation between aromatic aldehydes and N-acetyl-2-pyrrolidinone is reported. The UV-spectra of structures of type V compounds are discussed and compared with those of the corresponding α -arylidene-γ-butyrolactones.
Real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation of aortic valve perforation.

Objectives This study evaluated the feasibility of real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3DTEE) in the diagnosis and localization of aortic valve perforation. Methods Aortic valve perforation was diagnosed in 12 patients by multiplane two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE). We studied the feasibility of RT3DTEE using en face view in detection and precise localization of the aortic valve perforation. The artifactual dropout on RT3D images of aortic valve can mimic perforation and lead to a false positive diagnosis. We defined a true perforation as the hole with thicker margin and its visibility in both systole and diastole. We combined the RT3D images from 10 subjects with relatively normal aortic valve without perforation (test group) with the 12 with perforation for a blind review by an experienced echocardiographer. Results There were 14 perforations in 12 patients. The perforation was located in the left coronary cusp in 1, the noncoronary cusp in 7, and the right coronary cusp in 6 patients. In the subgroup of 9 patients with 11 perforations, all were confirmed at surgery. In test group the artifact mimicking perforation was frequently encountered (7/10 or 70%). However, they did not meet the criteria for true perforation except in 1 (1 false positive). All true perforations were correctly recognized. Conclusions En face imaging with RT3DTEE can be used to confirm aortic valve perforation and its spatial location. However, RT3D should be used as an extension to comprehensive 2DTEE and color flow imaging.
What's new in musculoskeletal oncology.

Advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer have been rapid on both the basic and the clinical research front. This review will highlight recent discoveries and innovations and also will discuss refinements in established techniques in the field of musculoskeletal oncology. The dates and locations of future tumor-related meetings are included, and relevant web sites are listed. The diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal tumors have been increasingly aided by techniques used by interventional radiologists. The ability to perform less invasive procedures often allows more efficient, less painful, and more cost-effective patient care. The trend toward the diagnosis of tumors on the basis of small tissue samples will be discussed. The role of arterial embolization of highly vascular tumors such as giant-cell tumor, multiple myeloma, and metastatic renal-cell carcinoma will be reviewed. Radiofrequency ablation has become the standard treatment for patients with osteoid osteoma, but this technique is being expanded to assist in the palliative treatment of patients with painful bone metastasis. Finally, minimally invasive techniques such as kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty, and acetabuloplasty may provide an alternative to major reconstructive surgery for patients with metastatic disease. ### Needle Biopsy The original method of obtaining a histologic diagnosis of a bone or soft-tissue tumor was open incisional biopsy. For most pathologists, this method remains the so-called gold standard for making a diagnosis because it provides the best chance of obtaining representative tissue. However, the trend at many major musculoskeletal tumor centers over the past ten to fifteen years has been to use smaller amounts of tissue for diagnosis. The benefits of needle biopsy include cost efficiency, patient convenience, and avoidance of the problems associated with poor open biopsy techniques. Smaller, more specialized biopsy tools have been developed, leading to an 85% to 90% rate of accuracy1. Conscious sedation of the patient allows …
Generalized BRST quantization of gauge field theory

Abstract Gauge fixing terms of the form 1 2 F α γ αβ F β are considered, where γαβ is field-dependent. It is shown in general that Nielsen's recently proposed quantization rules are consistent with the usual Faddeev-Popov rules and that the S-matrix is both unitary and independent of the choice of Fα and γαβ. A specific example in scalar chromodynamics is given and one-loop unitarity is demonstrated explicitly.
Proportional Tracking with Clipped-input Matched Filters

A proportional boresight-error measurement is described for tracking systems that is applicable to envelope-producing matched filters with hard-limited inputs. The error response is derived as a function of input SNR and the filter output SNR is estimated.
Development and characterization of eighty-four microsatellite markers for the red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) using Illumina paired-end sequencing

Abstract Eighty-four microsatellite loci were isolated from red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, using Illumina paired-end sequencing and a direct ‘Seq-to SSR’ approach. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 7 to 30 and estimates of expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.466 to 0.967 (n = 30). Genotype frequencies at 7 loci deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg expectations; the departure at 4 of these loci likely reflects the segregation of null alleles. The markers characterized in this work will be applied to linkage mapping and genetic studies involved in the domestication and stock enhancement of red snapper. Development of the 84 microsatellites required screening approximately 1.5 M paired-end reads, highlighting the potential of this method for rapid and cost-effective development of new homologous microsatellites in emerging aquaculture species.
Retinitis pigmentosa and related disorders: Phenotypes of rhodopsin and peripherin/RDS mutations

Retinitis pigmentosa comprises a group of clinically variable and genetically heterogeneous inherited disorders of the retina. It is estimated that approximately 1.5 million people throughout the world are affected by this disease. It is a slowly progressive disorder and causes loss of night vision and peripheral visual field in adolescence. It can be inherited through an autosomal dominant, recessive, or X-linked mode; the autosomal dominant form is considered to be the mildest form. Molecular genetic studies on the autosomal dominant disorder have shown that, in some families, genes encoding the rhodopsin and peripherin/RDS map very close to the disease loci identified previously by the systematic linkage analyses. These results, together with the observation that a recessive nonsense mutation in the Drosophila opsin gene causes photoreceptor degeneration, prompted an extensive search for the alterations in the human rhodopsin and peripherin/RDS genes in families with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. As a result, several distinct rhodopsin and peripherin/RDS mutations have been found in approximately 30% of all autosomal dominant cases. A wide variety of clinical expression of the disorder even within a family with the same mutation, its late onset, slow progression, and cone degeneration clearly suggest that some other factors or genes in addition to rhodopsin are responsible for the phenotypic expression of the disorder. In this article, an attempt is made to highlight some of these recent developments and to correlate the various mutations and the phenotypes.
Suicide ideation, attempts and abuse among incarcerated gang and nongang delinquents

The present study examines suicide ideation and attempts as well as reported levels of physical and sexual abuse among gang and nongang-involved incarcerated youth. The self-report survey data were collected from 334 males and 61 females who were incarcerated in Nevada youth correctional facilities in the summer of 1994. Over half (58.3 percent) of the males and nearly half (45.2 percent) of the females reported being gang members. Surprisingly high rates of abuse (more than 70 percent for both physical and sexual abuse) were found among the incarcerated females of this study. Females reported significantly more suicide attempts and were more likely to have been physically and sexually abused than males. Nongang males reported significantly more suicide attempts and were more likely to report sexual abuse than gang-involved males. Among the gang-involved delinquents, females reported significantly more suicide attempts than males. In addition, gang members who reported sexual abuse were more likely to have higher levels of suicide ideationand to have attempted suicide. Implications for youth correction specialists and social workers are discussed.
Additional human remains from Blombos Cave, South Africa: (1999-2000 excavations).

Abstract The uppermost Middle Stone Age (MSA) layers at Blombos Cave contain high densities of Still Bay bifacial points. Information from other regional sites places the Still Bay prior to the Howiesons Poort industry, which has been dated at 65–70 ka. The Blombos Cave MSA strata have yielded nine human teeth or dental fragments. Four that were recovered during the 1997–1998 excavations have been published elsewhere. The remaining five were discovered during the 1999–2000 field seasons; these are described here. Three of the new specimens are deciduous teeth, and two are permanent premolar and molar crown fragments. The entire dental sample probably represents at least five and as many as seven individuals. The deciduous teeth from the upper MSA levels are likely to have been exfoliated in the cave. One deciduous tooth and the permanent tooth fragments from the lower MSA levels probably represent three individuals who died in or near the cave. The Blombos Cave premolars preserve horizontal circum-cervical striae suggestive of palliative tooth pick use. Approximately half of the permanent and deciduous crown diameters exceed those of recent Africans; for the remainder, the fossil values fall among modern African sample means. The Blombos Cave tooth crowns tend to be smaller than the majority of penecontemporaneous Neandertal teeth. The morphology of the Blombos Cave di1is comparable to MSA homologues from the nearby, and presumably somewhat younger site of Die Kelders Cave 1.
Beyond H2: exploiting 2-hydroxypyridine as a design element from [Fe]-hydrogenase for energy-relevant catalysis

The unique primary and secondary coordination environments surrounding the active site of hydrogenase enzymes play a crucial role in H2 activation and transfer reactions. [Fe]-hydrogenase contains a 2-hydroxypyridine ligand motif, and many researchers have incorporated this design element into synthetic catalysts. Transition metal complexes supported by 2-hydroxypyridine scaffolds are catalysts for chemical conversion schemes relevant to alternative energy applications and, in addition to hydrogenase-type reactivity, find new uses in other chemical domains. In this review, the current status of 2-hydroxypyridine-derived catalysts is described with an emphasis on design features that lead to lower energy catalytic pathways.
Quinone reductases of higher plants

NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase (DT-diaphorase) was detected in 100000 x g supernatant fractions of extracts of a wide variety of higher plants. Smaller amounts were also found in microsomes and chloroplast fractions. The enzyme was partially purified from soluble extracts of several plants and the quinone reductase from Catharanthus roseus was enriched 25-fold. Plant quinone reductases have molecular weights in the range of 38000-53000 as determined by gel filtration. The plant enzyme is far less sensitive to dicoumarol than its mammalian counterpart and it is inhibited by superoxide dismutase. Quinone reductase is capable of reducing simple p-benzoquinone and naphthoquinone including vitamins K3 and K1. These results indicate that, although the plant enzyme exhibits a similar substrate specificity, it is distinguishable from mammalian DT-diaphorase particularly with respect to its mechanism of reduction.
Comparison of radioimmunoassay and ELISA methods for detection of antibodies to chromatin components

A solid phase radioimmunoassay has been compared with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for efficacy in measuring anti-chromatin antibodies. The low backgrounds achieved with the radioimmunoassay method produced a high signal-to-noise ratio and enabled detection of the human test antiserum at a dilution of 1:102,400. By contrast, the ELISA could detect the same antiserum only at a dilution of 1:3200 and above. The radioimmunoassay was consistently more sensitive than the ELISA for detection of anti-chromatin antibodies in a number of human and mouse sera and ascites fluid containing a monoclonal antibody. Factors affecting sensitivity in both assays are discussed.
Effect of cerulein hyperstimulation on the paracellular barrier of rat exocrine pancreas

Abstract Background/Aims: Cerulein-induced pancreatitis causes a rapid increase in pancreatic enzyme levels in serum and decreases in pancreatic duct secretion and interstitial edema. One mechanism to explain these early events is disruption of the actin tight junction paracellular seal of acinar and intralobular pancreatic duct cells. Methods: To examine the paracellular barrier of the proximal exocrine pancreas, rats were hyperstimulated with 5.0 μg · kg −1 · h −1 of cerulein. Actin was visualized with rhodamine phalloidin and by electron microscopy and tight junctions were visualized with antibodies to the tight-junction protein ZO-1. Paracellular permeability was measured by movement of horseradish peroxidase from interstitium into duct or acinar lumens. Results: In controls, linear actin and ZO-1 staining occurred along the apical membrane of intralobular duct cells and extended to the apical pole of acinar cells. Hyperstimulation caused progressive disruption of the linear staining of f-actin and ZO-1. Actin disruption in duct cells was confirmed by electron microscopy. Horseradish peroxidase entered intralobular ducts and acinar lumens of hyperstimulated animals more frequently than those of controls. Conclusions: The structure and function of the paracellular barrier of acinar and intralobular pancreatic duct cells are disrupted early during cerulein pancreatitis and may contribute to early clinical features.
The teacher and the world: A study of cosmopolitanism as education

In this book, David Hansen makes a case for giving a cosmopolitan orientation to the work of teachers at all levels of the educational system. What seems to motivate this proposal is the fact that ...
The role of double parton collisions in soft hadron interactions

Abstract We have examined charged multiplicities arising from p−p and p− p collisions over the range of center of mass energies, s , from 30 GeV to 1800 GeV. Results from Tevatron experiment E735 support the presence of double parton interactions. These processes can be seen to account for a large fraction of the increase in the non single diffraction inelastic cross section from energies of about 200 GeV to 1800 GeV.