cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prolactinoma manifesting with symptomatic hydrocephalus

Prolactinomas are the most common secretory adenomas of pituitary origin. They typically manifest with symptoms referable to their endocrinologic effects or, if of sufficient size, to visual changes due to compression of the optic chiasm. Pituitary adenomas manifesting with hydrocephalus are rare. To our knowledge, only three such cases have previously been reported. We describe an 81-year-old woman with a pituitary adenoma that manifested with hydrocephalus. In addition, we review the literature and discuss therapeutic options.
Oxygen demand by a sediment bed of finite length

A model of sedimentary oxygen demand (SOD) for a sediment bed of finite length is presented. The responses of diffusive oxygen transfer in turbulent flow above the sediment surface and of microbial activity inside the sediment to a developing diffusive boundary layer are modeled numerically. The developing diffusive boundary layer above the sediment/water interface is modeled based on shear velocity and turbulent boundary layer concepts, and dissolved oxygen (DO) uptake inside the sediment is modeled as a function of the microbial growth rate. The model predicts that the diffusive boundary layer above the sediment/water interface thickens in flow direction, and that DO penetration depth into the sediment is practically constant over the length of the sediment bed. The effect of the developing diffusive boundary layer on SOD is minor, except at very low shear/flow velocities (shear velocity U* <0.01 cm∕s ) and/or high microbial density inside the sediment. The average SOD over the sediment bed therefore va...
Evaluation of an Alkyne-containing Analogue of Farnesyl Diphosphate as a Dual Substrate for Protein-prenyltransferases

The development of tools for proteomic analysis is an active area of research. Here, we report on the synthesis of 12-propargoxyfarnesyl diphosphate (1), an alkyne-containing analogue of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP), and its enzymatic incorporation into peptide substrates by both protein-farnesyltransferase (PFTase) and protein-geranylgeranyltransferase type I (PGGTase-I). Compound 1 was prepared from farnesol in 6 steps. Kinetic analyses indicate that 1 is incorporated into cognate peptide substrates by PFTase or PGGTase at concentrations and rates comparable to those of the natural lipid substrates for these enzymes, and mass spectrometric analyses proved the structures of the prenylated peptide products. Incubation of 1 in the presence of PFTase and PGGTase peptide substrates, and the cognate transferases, results in the simultaneous prenylation of both peptides emphasizing the dual substrate nature of 1. Thus, because 1 is a substrate for both enzymes, it can be used to introduce alkyne functionality into proteins that are normally either farnesylated or geranylgeranylated. This approach should be useful for a broad range of applications ranging from selective protein labeling to proteomic analysis.
International adoption and the formation of new family attachments

Abstract Clinical studies of children in international adoption reveal unique patterns of psychological adjustment to permanent family care. Pre‐adoption history often includes early object loss, medical and nutritional deprivation, multiple care‐giving disruptions, and the lack of primary care‐giving relationships. These factors and the age at the time of adoption are risks to positive emotional and cognitive development. Adoptive parents may be unprepared for the resulting developmental problems. Most significantly, parents and children are often at different points in readiness to establish an attachment relationship. The parents are eager to claim their child, but the child is unready to respond because of emotional fragility and lack of previous attachment experiences. Two clinical vignettes illustrate the importance of a developmental and medical framework in assessing the unique needs of these survivor children, as well as the necessity of an empathic therapeutic holding environment that can sustai...
A generalized theory of compositional changes and structural relaxation in amorphous materials

Abstract A generalized theory of concurrent compositional changes and structural relaxation has been developed by combining the classical internal parameter description of the glassy state and the square gradient thermodynamics of inhomogeneous systems. The new formulation provides a rational basis to analyze coupling effects between compositional and structural changes. This coupling results from the equilibrium between local composition and local structure. The new formalism generalizes previous results about the strain energy effects in phase separation. It shows that irrespective of the physical nature of the internal parameters, the binodal and spinodal boundaries are always suppressed. Furthermore the new theory predicts some general results regarding the kinetics of compositional changes. For example the process of homogenization in single phase region is accelerated in the quenched state. On the other hand, the kinetics of spinodal decomposition in the immiscibility region is retarded in the quenched state (compared to that in the annealed state). Several other consequences pertaining to spinodal decomposition, nucleation and structural relaxation are discussed.
COCCOLITH CRYSTALS OF PLEUROCHRYSIS CARTERAE: CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC FACES, ORGANIZATION, AND DEVELOPMENT

The crystallographic and morphological configuration of the mineral ring associated with the coccoliths ofPleurochrysis carterae was determined by transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Mature Pleurochrysis coccoliths consist of an oval organic base plate, a distal rim of interlocking calcite crystals, and a narrow ribbon of organic material which tethers the mineral ring to the base plate. Crystals of two distinct forms (R and V units) alternate about the rim in a quasi regular manner; their crystallographicc-axes are aligned parallel to and inclined about 63° to the coccolith plane, respectively. The mineral ring has four platelike elements: the distal-shield and outer-tube elements which form the V unit, and the proximal-shield and inner-tube elements which form the R units. The platy surfaces of both tube elements correspond to the common (10\(\bar 1\)4) rhombohedral faces of calcite, and the plates of the proximal-shield element are prismatic (2\(\overline {11}\)0) faces. The plates of the distal-shield element are rather curved and their orientation does not correspond to a favorable calcite face; however, for convenience they are described as approximately (\(\bar 1\)108) faces, faces which rarely, if ever, develop in inorganic sources of calcite. During coccolith development the earliest habits observed for both V and R units correspond to rectangular parallelepipeds. Outgrowth from the initial V unit begins by expansion of (10\(\bar 1\)4) faces which form the platy surfaces of the outer-tube element. Throughout this period of development the mineral ring is flexible, at least in an isolated state. Subsequent outgrowth of the inner-tube and proximal-shield elements from the initial R unit produces a rigid interlocking ring. The unusual (\(\bar 1\)108) faces of the distal-shield element develop after the crystals are locked in place. Organic structures in intimate association with the mineral phase during its nucleation and growth include the coccolith ribbon, the calcium-polyanion particles, and the membrane of the coccolith vesicle. These structures are described in reference to their putative functions in regulating the development of V and R units.
Analysis of curvature sensing for large-aperture adaptive optics systems

This paper presents analysis of the curvature sensing method and the associated wavefront reconstruction problem for adaptive optics applications to telescopes with large aperture.
On the Origins of Cyanuric Acid Hydrolase: Purification, Substrates, and Prevalence of AtzD from Pseudomonas sp. Strain ADP

Cyanuric acid hydrolase (AtzD) from Pseudomonas sp. strain ADP was purified to homogeneity. Of 22 cyclic amides and triazine compounds tested, only cyanuric acid and N-methylisocyanuric acid were substrates. Other cyclic amidases were found not to hydrolyze cyanuric acid. Ten bacteria that use cyanuric acid as a sole nitrogen source for growth were found to contain either atzD or trzD, but not both genes.
Mass spectral analysis of murine epidermal growth factor

Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry has been used to characterize epidermal growth factor isolated from mouse submaxillary glands. The preparation is found to consist of two peptides, one of which has the average molecular weight predicted for the familiar gene product. The molecular weight of the second component is found to be reduced by the mass of one asparagine residue. These observations are discussed in light of previous reports of heterogeneity.
Quantifying the usefulness of CT in evaluating seniors with abdominal pain.

Abstract Objectives (1) Determine if older patients with abdominal pain who receive emergency department (ED) abdominal CT have changes in diagnosis and/or disposition more often than similar patients without CT; (2) compare physician confidence in diagnosis and disposition for patients with versus without CT; (3) document factors that most influence physician's decision to order abdominal CT in this population. Methods ED patients 60 years of age or older, with acute non-traumatic abdominal pain were enrolled over a 6-week period. Physicians documented a preliminary and final ED diagnosis and disposition, along with pre- and post-evaluation confidence levels. Decision to order CT, along with clinical information most influencing that decision, was noted. Physician confidence levels and percent change in diagnosis and disposition were compared for patients with versus without CT. Results One hundred and twenty-six patients comprised study sample. Abdominal CT rate was 59% (95%CI, 50–67%). CT was associated with an increased change in diagnosis (46%; 95%CI, 4–58% versus 29%; 95%CI, 16–42%), but no change in disposition between patients with versus without CT. Preliminary diagnostic confidence was lower for EPs who ordered a CT than for those who did not ( p Conclusion Patients with CT had a change in diagnosis more often than those without. Preliminary diagnostic confidence was lower in CT group. Percent change in disposition did not differ between groups. Physicians most often ordered CT based on history and did not order CT when other diagnostic evaluation supported a specific diagnosis.
Influence of ionic current on Na+ channel gating in crayfish giant axon.

In studies of nerve excitation it is important to examine the possible interaction of voltage-sensitive gating mechanisms with components forming the pathway of ionic channels. There is evidence that permeant ions and gating are independent in Na+ channels1,2 of nerve fibres, but not in K+ channels3. Of interest in this and other studies of excitability is the determination of the physical basis for the resistance in series with the axon membrane (Rs)4. In an attempt to determine whether an appreciable Rs is associated with individual Na+ channels5, we have compared gating kinetics in conditions in which the ionic current through individual channels is varied while the total membrane current remains constant. The number of conducting Na+ channels, and thus their contribution to Rs, was lowered by addition of tetrodotoxin6. We report here that no more than 10% of the resistance in ‘series’ with activation gates is associated with the Na+ channel, and give some preliminary estimates for minimum distances between gates and ion-binding sites within the Na+ channel.
Human Males Appear More Prepared Than Females to Resolve Conflicts with Same-Sex Peers

The aim of the study was to investigate sex differences in proximate mechanisms that precede the termination of conflicts. In Study 1, we asked women and men to report their intensity of anger in response to hypothetical, common transgressions involving a same-sex roommate. Direct verbal and physical aggression elicited the highest-intensity anger for both sexes, although overall women reported more intense anger than men to all transgressions. In Study 2, we examined sex differences in subjective and physiological reactions to a conflict using a role-playing scenario. Following recall of a conflict involving direct aggression and role-playing a reaction to it, compared with men, women reported their anger would dissipate less quickly and they would take longer to reconcile. Women also exhibited increased heart rate, but little change in cortisol, whereas men exhibited little change in heart rate but increased cortisol production. We interpret the results as indicating that women are less prepared than men to resolve a conflict with a same-sex peer.
Edge critical currents of dense Josephson vortex lattice in layered superconductors

We calculate the field dependence of the critical current for the dense Josephson vortex lattice which is created by a large magnetic field B applied along the layers of atomically layered superconductors. In clean samples a finite critical current appears due to the interaction of the lattice with the boundaries. The boundary induces an alternating deformation of the lattice decaying inside the sample at the typical length, which is larger than the Josephson length and increases proportionally to the magnetic field. The exact shape of this deformation and the total current flowing along the surface are uniquely determined by the position of the lattice in the bulk. The total maximum Josephson current has an overall $1/B$ dependence with strong oscillations. In contrast to the well-known Fraunhofer dependence, the period of oscillations corresponds to adding one flux quantum per two junctions. Due to the interaction with the boundaries, the flux-flow voltage for slow lattice motion also oscillates with field, in agreement with recent experiments.
Surgical outcomes after cardiac surgery in liver transplant recipients.

Objective This was a single-center retrospective study to assess the surgical outcomes and predictors of mortality of liver transplant recipients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods From 2000 to 2010, 61 patients with a functioning liver allograft underwent cardiac surgery. The mean interval between liver transplantation and cardiac surgery was 5.4 ± 4.4 years. Of the 61 patients, 33 (54%) were in Child-Pugh class A and 28 in class B. The preoperative and postoperative data were reviewed. Results The overall in-hospital mortality was 6.6%. The survival rate was 82.4% ± 5.1% at 1 year and 50.2% ± 8.2% at 5 years. Cox regression analysis identified preoperative encephalopathy (odds ratio, 5.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-15.5; P = .003) and pulmonary hypertension (odds ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-9.4; P = .045) as independent predictors of late mortality. The preoperative Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores of patients who died in-hospital or late postoperatively were significantly greater statistically than the scores of the others (in-hospital death, 23.7 ± 7.8 vs 13.1 ± 4.5, P P = .038). The Youden index identified an optimal MELD score cutoff value of 13.5 (sensitivity, 56.0%; specificity, 67.6%). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis successfully demonstrated that the survival rate of the MELD score less than 13.5 (MELD 13.5 group (MELD 13.5 group, 66.9% ± 9.6% at 1 year and 46.1% ± 11.1% at 5 years; P = .027). In contrast, the survival rate when stratified by Child-Pugh class (class A vs B) was not significantly different. Conclusions Cardiac surgery in the liver allograft recipients was associated with acceptable surgical outcomes. Preoperative encephalopathy and pulmonary hypertension were independent predictors of late mortality. The cutoff value of 13.5 in the MELD score might be useful for predicting surgical mortality in cardiac surgery.
CEO founder status and firm financial performance

Founders create their organizations, yet are often expected to eventually become liabilities to these same organizations. Past empirical research on the relationship between CEO founder status (i.e., is the CEO also the founder?) and firm performance has yielded inconsistent results. This study of 94 founder- and nonfounder-managed firms finds that founder management has no main effect on stock returns over a 3-year holding period, but that firm size and firm age moderate the CEO founder status–firm performance relationship. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
wishful thinking Encodes a BMP Type II Receptor that Regulates Synaptic Growth in Drosophila

We conducted a large-scale screen for Drosophila mutants that have structural abnormalities of the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ). We recovered mutations in wishful thinking (wit), a gene that positively regulates synaptic growth. wit encodes a BMP type II receptor. In wit mutant larvae, the size of the NMJs is greatly reduced relative to the size of the muscles. wit NMJs have reduced evoked excitatory junctional potentials, decreased levels of the synaptic cell adhesion molecule Fasciclin II, and synaptic membrane detachment at active zones. Wit is expressed by a subset of neurons, including motoneurons. The NMJ phenotype is specifically rescued by transgenic expression of Wit only in motoneurons. Thus, Wit appears to function as a presynaptic receptor that regulates synaptic size at the Drosophila NMJ.
Microorganisms associated with immature Prionus laticollis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Abstract Alcaligenes sp., Bacillus cereus var. mycoides, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus sp., Escherichia intermedia, Enterobacter aerogenes, Flavobacterium sp., Streptomyces sp., and 2 unidentified gram-negative rods were isolated from the digestive tracts of 24 field-collected larvae of Prionus laticollis kept in the laboratory for 1 week or more. B. cereus var. mycoides, E. aerogenes, E. intermedia, and the unidentified rods were isolated from each larva examined within 24 hr of collection. Other types of micro-organisms were not isolated on the culture media used. Attempts to culture anaerobic bacteria from 12 larvae gave no results. B. cereus var. mycoides and a species of Cephalosporium were isolated from dead pupae and Paecilomyces (= Isaria) farinosa was found on dead last stage larvae (prepupae).
Model-Based Self-Adaptive Embedded Programs with Temporal Logic Specifications

We propose a model-based framework for developing a self- adaptive embedded program, which monitors its own execu- tion and reconfigures itself at runtime to avoid failure and improve performance. Our approach uses formal methods at different design stages to reduce the complexity of devel- oping a self-adaptive embedded program. In our framework system requirement is rigidly encoded in temporal logics, and the original embedded system behavior is captured in a hybrid automaton-based model. We introduce the recon- figuration specification language REDL to specify reconfig- uration requirements, and define a formal semantics of re- configuration in context of hybrid automaton. Using formal methods also helps automate design and implementation: we use model-based runtime verification techniques intro- duced in [19] to extend a system model to a self-monitoring model based on its temporal logic requirements; we then ex- tend the self-monitoring model with a reconfiguration mech- anism based on its REDL specification. Our approach works with models, and hence it may be incorporated into exist- ing model-based design workflow: the resulting self-adaptive model can be analyzed using an existing model simulator and may be used to generate a self-adaptive embedded pro- gram for targeted platform.
Colonialism in Africa, culturally induced moral ignorance, and the scope of responsibility

This paper analyzes colonialism in Africa to show a plausible connection between culture and human agency and to highlight the conceptual problem of ascribing responsibility in the context of the notion of culturally induced moral ignorance. It argues for the plausibility of the inability thesis, which states that people can be rendered morally ignorant by their culture, using as a backdrop, Moody-Adams' account of the connection between culture and agency. It shows that Moody-Adams' account, and her criteria for ascribing responsibility, cannot handle the problem identified with the colonial situation or culture in Africa, with respect to responsibility of corrupt African leaders. Her arguments do not fully appreciate the real force of the inability thesis and the substantial problem of delimiting the scope of responsibility, which is involved in ascribing responsibility in the context of cultural impediments. This paper does not draw any specific practical conclusion with respect to the responsibility of African leaders. It leaves such a practical conclusion open. However, given the analysis of the colonial situation, the nature and complexity of the problem, it suggests that it is conceptually problematic to blame entirely, without qualification, the specter of corruption in Africa on African leaders.
Adaptive and Maladaptive Functioning of Institutionalized and Noninstitutionalized Fragile X Males

Abstract The profile of adaptive strengths and weaknesses of 12 institutionalized and 15 noninstitutionalized fragile X males was examined using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Fragile X males in both living settings demonstrated relative strengths in Daily Living Skills compared to functioning in the domains of Communication and Socialization. Within daily living skills, personal (e.g., grooming, toileting) and domestic (e.g., cooking, cleaning) skills were better developed than community skills (e.g., managing money, attending work). Both institutionalized and noninstitutionalized fragile X males showed high levels of maladaptive behavior characterized by attentional impairments; impulsivity; and defiant, oppositional “externalizing” behaviors. High levels of anxiety were also apparent. The institutional sample showed particular deficits in expressive and written communication but was more likely than the noninstitutional group to have individuals with levels of daily living skills above their mental ages. These findings have direct implications for intervention with fragile X males.
DNA repair: How to accurately bypass damage

Ultraviolet radiation can cause cancer through DNA damage — specifically, by linking adjacent thymine bases. Crystal structures show how the enzyme DNA polymerase η accurately bypasses such lesions, offering protection.
The laser-Raman spectrum of a Davydov soliton

Abstract It is suggested that the laser-Raman spectra between 30 and 300 cm−1, which have recently been observed on metabolically active cells, may reflect the internal vibrations of Davydov solitons.
A posteriori error estimation of h-p finite element approximations of frictional contact problems

Abstract Dynamic and static frictional contact problems are described using the normal compliance law on the contact boundary. Dynamic problems are recast into quasistatic problems by time discretization. An a posteriori error estimator is developed for a nonlinear elliptic equation of corresponding static or quasistatic problems. The a posteriori error estimator is applied to a frictionless case and extended to frictional contact problems. Also an adaptive strategy is introduced and h - p finite element meshes are obtained through a procedure based on a priori and a posteriori error estimations. Numerical examples are given to support the theoretical results.
Cannabinoid agonists and antagonists discriminated by receptor binding in rat cerebellum

1. The effect of allosteric regulators on the binding affinity of a number of cannabinoid receptor ligands of varying efficacy in the rat cerebellum was investigated. 2. Radioligand ([3H]-SR141716A) competition curves were constructed in the presence or absence of sodium ions, magnesium ions and guanine nucleotides. 3. It was found that the presence of these allosteric regulators did not affect the affinity of the two antagonists used but did cause a significant decrease in the affinity of full and partial agonists. 4. This reduction in affinity ranged from a 3.67 fold rightward shift of the displacement curve of a mixed agonist/antagonist (3-(6-cyano-2-hexynyl)-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-O-823) to a 38 fold rightward shift for 3-(1, 1-dimethyl-6-dimethylcarboxamide)-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (O-1125), a full agonist. 5. In summary, the results of this study suggest a simple method for the inference of functional data using the classical radioligand binding assay.
A case-control study on adverse effects: H2 blocker or proton pump inhibitor use and risk of vitamin B12 deficiency in older adults.

Abstract Objective Acid-suppressant drugs are commonly prescribed for elderly patients, a population in which vitamin B 12 deficiency is a common disorder. The purpose of this study was to examine the possible association between use of prescription histamine H-2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) or proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and vitamin B 12 deficiency in older adults. Study design and setting This was a case–control study in a University-based geriatric primary care setting. Among patients aged 65 years or older with documented serum vitamin B 12 studies between 1990 and 1997, 53 vitamin B 12 -deficient cases were compared with 212 controls for past or current use of prescription H2RA/PPI according to information in subjects' medical records. Results Controlling for age, gender, multivitamin use, and Helicobacter pylori infection, chronic (⩾12 months) current use of H2RA/PPI was associated with a significantly increased risk of vitamin B 12 deficiency (OR 4.45; 95% CI 1.47–13.34). No association was found between past or short-term current use of H2RA/PPI and vitamin B 12 deficiency. Conclusion These findings support an association between chronic use of H2RA/PPI by older adults and development of vitamin B 12 deficiency. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Internal control reporting and market liquidity

Abstract We investigate the impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) on information asymmetry by analyzing the relation between SOX Sections 302 and 404 control reports and market liquidity using bid-ask spreads. Lower market liquidity indicates higher levels of information asymmetry implying that market participants perceive financial statement misstatement risk is higher. If SOX disclosures contain relevant information, then one would expect firms reporting internal control material weaknesses to have lower market liquidity. Accordingly, we find that market liquidity is lower (i.e., bid-ask spreads are higher) for firms reporting ineffective control compared to firms reporting effective control using either annual SOX 404 internal control reports or quarterly SOX 302 disclosure control reports, which suggests that SOX 302 and 404 reports provide useful information for identifying firms with a higher risk of financial statement misstatement. However, we do not find consistent results using two alternative liquidity measures: trading volume and market quality indices. We then examine whether changes in control reports are associated with changes in market liquidity. We generally do not find that firms with improved (deteriorated) control reports experience a larger decrease (increase) in bid-ask spreads or larger increases (decreases) in trading volume and market quality indices compared to other firms, suggesting that market participants do not discern a change in information asymmetry when the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting changes.
An interpretation of the tame local Langlands correspondence for p-adic PGSp(4) from the perspective of real groups

Let F be a p-adic field. In this paper, we continue the work of the first author and give a new realization of the tame local Langlands correspondence for PGSp(4, F) that is analogous to the construction of the local Langlands correspondence for real groups.
Single channel properties of d-Leu2-gramicidin A side chain modulation of channel lifetime

The channel forming properties of synthetic gramicidin A and DLeu2-gramicidin A were compared in black lipid membranes. The most probable single channel conductance was identical for both derivatives but in each case a distribution of smaller channel sizes was observed. However, the lifetime of the channel formed by DLeu2-gramicidin A was considerably shorter than for gramicidin A. The DLeu2 substitution is considered to interfere with the head to head hydrogen bonding which forms the conducting dimer, thus destabilizing the dimeric structure of the channel and reducing the lifetime. This represents the first demonstration of side-chain modulation of channel lifetime.
Crystallizing ideas about Parkinson's disease

Genetic forms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are useful in helping us to understand the underlying pathophysiology of this disorder in both its rare familial forms and the more common “sporadic” type. Three genes are unambiguously causal in different PD families: α -synuclein, parkin , and DJ-1 (reviewed in ref. 1). Two recessive mutations have been found in DJ-1 , a large deletion and an L166P point mutation (2). DJ-1 mutations are likely to result in loss of protein function, and, hence, deciphering the normal cellular role of DJ-1 will be key to understanding how mutations cause disease. DJ-1 has a number of functions, several of which may be relevant to the pathways that underlie PD (3). It was cloned independently in different laboratories examining processes as varied as cellular transformation, RNA binding, and male fertility (4–6). For this reason, and because DJ1 is a member of a large superfamily of proteins, we have to be cautious in assigning a PD-specific function. In this issue of PNAS, the report by Wilson et al. (7) of the detailed crystal structure of DJ-1 adds considerably to our understanding of what DJ-1 is and what it is not. Two additional studies showing DJ-1 at different resolutions are now in press (8, 9). All three structures show a similar overall folding pattern and demonstrate that DJ-1 is a dimer, which is confirmed in two of these papers by additional techniques. There are similarities to previously solved structures within the DJ-1 superfamily, namely the bacterial proteins PH1704 (10), a protease, and heat shock protein 31 (Hsp31) (7), a chaperone from Escherichia coli . Although the different proteins in the superfamily have a general pattern of folding that is similar (Fig. 1), there are also substantial differences. For example, PH1704 is a hexamer compared …
Preparedness for Clinical: Evaluation of the Core Elements of the Clinical Immersion Curriculum Model

The Clinical Immersion Model is an innovative baccalaureate nursing curriculum that has demonstrated successful outcomes over the past 10 years. For those intending to adopt the model, individual components in isolation may prove ineffective. This article describes three core components of the curriculum that form the foundation of preparation for the senior-year clinical immersion. Detailed student-centered outcomes evaluation of these critical components is shared. Results of a mixed-methods evaluation, including surveys and focus groups, are presented. Implications of this curricular evaluation and future directions are explored.
Adaptation to prismatically displaced vision as a function of degree of displacement and amount of feedback.

Summary.-Degree of prismatic displacement and amount of feedback significantly affected adaptation. Asymptotic performance levels indicated that complete adaptation had occurred only in those Ss who received extra feedback during adapting trials. The asymptotic performance of Ss who had received limited feedback reflected differences in degree of optical displacement; the amount of adaptation or learning they showed was approximately proportional to the degree of optical displacement. The magnitude of the aftereffect was significantly influenced by amount of feedback received during adaptation but not by degree of prismatic displacement. Experiments on adaptation to angular transformation of the optic array have shown that a wide variecy of factors affect the rate of adaptation as well as final performance levels.' K. U. Smith and his colleagues have completed numerous experiments using a technique of angular displacement of the visual feedback of motor activities. Results showed factors such as amount of practice, type of task and movements performed, and degree of angular displacement to be among the important variables. A finding relevant to the present experiment is that adaptation to marked angular displacement is incomplete and that the greater the angular displacement the poorer the final performance (Gould & Smith, 1963; Smith, et al., 1963). A question that has received insufficient attention is whether the amount of adaptation or learning is less ,for larger as compared to smaller angular displacements. The experimental results are contradictory. Gould and Smith (1963) state that the degree of learning a maze-tracing task did not differ significantly for four displacement conditions. However, results presented by Smith, et al. (1963) in Fig. 6 of their paper show that within the early days of practice the change in performance of the 60" displaced-feedback group was approximately twice the change of the 30' displaced-feedback group. The final performance level of the 60° group was poorer than that of the 30° group, but the rate of performance change was greater for the 60' group. Conclusions
Precambrian non‐marine stromatolites in alluvial fan deposits, the Copper Harbor Conglomerate, upper Michigan

Laminated cryptalgal carbonates occur in the Precambrian Copper Harbor Conglomerate of northern Michigan, which was deposited in the Keweenawan Trough, an aborted proto-oceanic rift. This unit is composed of three major facies deposited by braided streams on a large alluvial-fan complex. Coarse clastics were deposited in braided channels, predominantly as longitudinal bars, whereas cross-bedded sandstones were deposited by migrating dunes or linguoid bars. Fine-grained overbank deposits accumulated in abandoned channels. Gypsum moulds and carbonate-filled cracks suggest an arid climate during deposition. Stromatolites interstratified with these clastic facies occur as laterally linked drapes over cobbles, as laterally linked contorted beds in mudstone, as oncolites, and as poorly developed mats in coarse sandstones. Stromatolites also are interbedded with oolitic beds and intraclastic conglomerates. Stromatolitic microstructure consists of alternating detrital and carbonate laminae, and open-space structures. Radialfibrous calcite fans are superimposed on the laminae. The laminae are interpreted as algal in origin, whereas the origin of the radial fibrous calcite is problematic. The stromatolites are inferred to have grown in lakes which occupied abandoned channels on the fan surface. Standing water on a permeable alluvial fan in an arid climate requires a high water table maintained by high precipitation, or local elevation of the water table, possibly due to the close proximity of a lake. Occurrence of stromatolites in the upper part of the Copper Harbor Conglomerate near the base of the lacustrine Nonesuch Shale suggests that these depositional sites may have been near the Nonesuch Lake.
Experimental investigation of the effects of naturalistic dieting on bulimic symptoms: Moderating effects of depressive symptoms

Prospective studies suggest that dieting increases risk for bulimic symptoms, but experimental trials indicate dieting reduces bulimic symptoms. However, these experiments may be unrepresentative of real-world weight loss dieting. In addition, the fact that most dieters do not develop eating disorders suggests moderating factors may be important. Accordingly, we randomly assigned 157 female intermittent dieters to either diet as they usually do for weight loss or eat as they normally do when not dieting for 4 weeks. Naturalistic dieting halted the weight gain shown by controls, but did not result in significant weight loss. Although there was no main effect of the dieting manipulation on bulimic symptoms, moderation analyses indicated that naturalistic dieting decreased bulimic symptoms among participants with initially low depressive symptoms. Results suggest that self-initiated weight loss dieting is not particularly effective, which appears to explain several discrepancies in the literature. Additionally, depressive symptoms may be an important determinant of bulimic symptoms that eclipses the effects of naturalistic dieting on this outcome.
Influence of infection on exacerbations of multiple sclerosis

Exacerbations of multiple sclerosis (MS) are triggered by exogenous events, the best documented being viral upper respiratory infections (URIs), which can stimulate secretion of cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) by immune cells. In conjunction with a recent clinical trial of systemic interferon-beta (IFN-beta) in relapsing-remitting MS, we studied the occurrence of viral infections and their correlation with MS attacks. Thirty patients kept daily logs, noting URI symptoms in themselves, family members, and co-workers. Patients were examined every 3 months, or whenever an attack of MS occurred, and were tested for antibodies to common upper respiratory pathogens. A strong correlation was found between MS attacks and URIs. There were 168 URIs in 2,792 patient-weeks, including 996 weeks at risk (the interval beginning 1 week before and ending 5 weeks after onset of URI symptoms) and 1,796 weeks not at risk. Nearly two-thirds of attacks occurred in periods at risk. Attack rates were 2.92 per year in weeks at risk compared to 1.16 per year in weeks not at risk, a significant difference (p < 0.001). High-dose interferon reduced the frequency of MS attacks, but had no effect on the number of URIs. Although a specific virus could not be incriminated, we concluded that URIs of presumed viral origin are an important trigger of MS attacks, and that treatment with IFN-beta reduces the attack rate, but not by preventing URIs. Rather, it may modulate responses to viral infection that would otherwise lead to immune activation and clinical symptoms.
TH-D-AUD C-02: Reliability Study of Ultrasound Tissue Characterization in Quantitative Measurement of Radiation-Induced Breast Tissue Toxicity

Purpose: To evaluate the reliability of the ultrasoundtissue characterization (UTC) as a measure for breast‐tissue radiation toxicity. Method and Materials: We have recently reported that UTC midband‐fit could be used to assess radiation‐induced tissue toxicity. The reliability of this method is presented in this report. Twenty‐three breast patients previously treated with radiation were recruited. Both treated and untreated breasts were scanned by one radiation oncologist. The untreated breasts were used for reliability study, in which two ultrasound radio‐frequency (RF) images were acquired at the same position. A region‐of‐interest (ROI) was selected either manually by a physician or a computer program, in which a fixed ROI was used. Between‐scan repeatability and the correlation between physician and computer program were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). To evaluate the ability of UTC to scale tissue toxicity, the patients were divided into four groups according to patient self‐assessment of breast hardening and the medians of the midband‐fit differences between treated and untreated breast in each group were investigated. Results: The repeatability using single measurement is 0.860 and 0.804 for physician and computer program, respectively. When the average of two measurements is used, the repeatability for computer program is 0.891, which suggests computer program can contest with the physician at the expense of double measurements. The correlation between physician and computer program is very good (ICC = 0.897), which indicates a substantial agreement between the physician and the computer program. For both method, the UTC midband‐fit increases with higher tissue toxicity of the patients. Conclusion: Both physician and computer program can assess toxicity reliably. The physician may prefer the computer program for automatic evaluation of tissue toxicity. There is a clear concordance between the UTC evaluations and the patients' self‐assessment, which proves the reliability of using UTC in quantitative measurement of radiation toxicity.
On the fermion mass and lattice size dependence of SU(2) gauge theory thermodynamics

SU(2) lattice gauge theory with four Dirac fermions is studied on lattices of 2 × 63 and 4 × 83 for bare fermion masses m ranging from 1.0 to 0.01 in lattice units. The results are compared with effective field theory descriptions of the finite temperature deconfining transition. As m decrease the effective theory fails to describe the abruptness of the crossover from the hadronic to plasma phase on the 4 × 83 lattice. The 2 × 63 data are compared to the 4 × 83 data and are found to be artificially smooth and misleading. Large lattices are essential in the studies of the thermodynamics of gauge theories with fermion feedback.
Bilingualism and Interlingual Interference

The hypothesis of interlingual interference was tested by employing the network model of the semantic memory. Ninety-three true-false propositions were presented to English monolinguals and Spanish-English bilingual subjects. Two variables were measured: the reaction time to the true-false items, and the semantic judgment. It was found that subjects operating in a monolingual context performed equally well. However, the performance of subjects operating in a dual language context was significantly impaired. Difference in hierarchical organization of the semantic memory for the two languages was an important factor in determining interlingual interference.
Does School Leadership Matter in the NCLB Era

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 has affected school functioning nationwide since it was enacted. This case study looks at the efforts of the district superintendent and principals of three ele...
Estimating the prevalence of long-term disability for an aging society.

Using information from two national data sets, this report provides projections of disability rates for the U.S. population age 65 and above. The research develops a series of projections based upon alternative sets of assumptions about mortality and disability. Using 1986 baseline disability data, estimates by single year of age are projected through the year 2040. The social policy implications of these projections are discussed in the final section.
The Effect of Various Levels of Dietary Protein on the Growth and Egg Production of Coturnix Coturnix Japonica

Abstract A NUMBER of reports are available on the protein requirement of Bobwhite quail. Initially, a level of 27% dietary protein was suggested by Norris (1935) but other workers preferred a level of 28% protein (Nestler et al., 1942; Stadelman et al., 1945; Baldini et al., 1950). When the diet was adequately supplemented with lysine, Baldini et al. (1953) found that diets containing 20% protein supported the growth of Bobwhite quail satisfactorily. Scott et al. (1963) recommended diets containing 26.5% protein. As the interest in the study of Japanese quail (coturnix) developed, the maintenance of populations on diets containing about 28% crude protein was adopted (Woodard et al., 1965). Recent studies indicate that coturnix can be started on diets containing 25–26% protein (Weber and Reid, 1967; Vogt, 1967, 1969; Lepore and Marks, 1968; Svacha et al., 1970) and this level can be reduced to 20% after 3 weeks (Vogt, 1967;…
Correlation of dissolution, disintegration, and bioavailability of aminosalicylic acid tablets.

Rank-order correlations are demonstrated among dissolution, disintegration, and several measures of bioavailability for tablets of aminosalicylic acid and its salts. The correlation between disintegration time and the percent of the dose excreted in the urine is examined quantitatively using both linear and quadratic models. The results support the use of either disintegration or dissolution tests to control the availability of this drug and suggest control limits for these tests. The suggested limits on the disintegration tests are shorter than those currently specified in USP XVIII monographs on these items.
Positive Effects of Within‐Group Cooperation on Between‐Group Negotiation1

The present study simulated an organizational dispute to test two sets of alternative hypotheses regarding the effects of within-group cooperation and conflict on a subsequent negotiation with an out-group. The first set of hypotheses concerned in-group cooperation. We expected that either (a) in-group cooperation would produce greater cooperation toward an out-group, the result of a carryover effect; or (b) in-group cooperation would increase group cohesiveness and strengthen group boundaries, and thus produce greater competitiveness toward an out-group. The second set of alternative hypotheses concerned in-group conflict. We expected that either (a) in-group conflict would produce greater competitiveness toward an out-group, the result of a carry-over effect; or (b) in-group conflict would decrease group cohesiveness and weaken group boundaries, and thus produce less competitiveness toward an out-group. Subjects in three-person groups negotiated first with one another on a cooperative or competitive task, and then as a group, with another group. The data supported the carryover hypothesis for the effects of both in-group cooperation and conflict. Groups that experienced internal cooperation were more cooperative in the subsequent between-group negotiation and, to a lesser extent, groups that experienced internal conflict were more competitive in the subsequent between-group negotiation, relative to a control condition that had no prior in-group negotiation. Taken together, the results were consistent with recent research on dispute intervention that suggested that mediators in between-group conflict should foster within-group cooperation prior to between-group negotiations.
Regional Distribution of Diffusible Tracers and Carbonized Microspheres in the Left Ventricle of Isolated Dog Hearts

Microspheres of different sizes, '-"'I-labeled antipyrine (I-Ap), and 4 -KCl or 86 RbCl were injected into the aortic inflow of isolated, Langendorff, perfused, nonworking dogs hearts at blood flows of 1.3-4.8 ml/min g~'. After 15 seconds to 5 minutes, the left ventricle was sectioned into about 300 ordered pieces, and the amount of each tracer was determined. For all tracers, the relative density of deposition was generally higher in the endocardial region, except in one heart in which the aortic pressure and the total coronary flow were low. The deposition of ^-K and that of I-Ap were essentially similar in three hearts over a large range of regional variation. This finding suggests either that both tracers were distributed in proportion to flow or that a small diminution in relative density of deposition of 42 K in high-flow regions due to lower transcapillary extraction was quantitatively similar to a decrease in the residual fraction of I-Ap in these same regions due to faster washout in the first 15—30 seconds after injection. Large microspheres were deposited preferentially in regions of high flow, exaggerating the apparent heterogeneity of regional flows. The distribution of the smaller microspheres was closer to that for I-Ap or 42 K.
Medium-chain triglycerides inhibit free radical formation and TNF-α production in rats given enteral ethanol.

This study determined whether free radical formation by the liver, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production by isolated Kupffer cells, and plasma endotoxin are affected by dietary saturated fat. Ra...