cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risk-dominance and perfect foresight dynamics in N-player games

Abstract In perfect foresight dynamics, an action is linearly stable if expectation that people will always choose the action is self-fulfilling. A symmetric game is a PIM game if an opponent's particular action maximizes the incentive of an action, independently of the rest of the players. This class includes supermodular games, games with linear incentives and so forth. We show that, in PIM games, linear stability is equivalent to u-dominance, a generalization of risk-dominance, and that there is no path escaping a u-dominant equilibrium. Existing results on N-player coordination games, games with linear incentives and two-player games are obtained as corollaries.
The Pyramids—Cement or Stone?

Abstract Several samples of pyramids from Giza were obtained. The samples were analysed by scanning electron microscopy, electron diffraction by X-rays, powder X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasmography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and other techniques. Some scientists who have recently studied the pyramids have suggested that the pyramids were poured into place, stone by stone. The prevailing theory among Egyptologists is, of course, that the pyramids were built from blocks of natural stone. All of the results obtained during this study directly support the concept that the pyramids are made of limestone and are not cementitious in nature.
Dairy milking wastewater treatment using a lab-scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR)

Use of a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) to treat dairy milking wastewater was investigated in this project. Characterization work showed that the milking wastewater properties varied a great deal with the milk content in the wastewater, possibly due to bulk milk wastage. Average biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels of the milking wastewater were 1608 and 1010 mg L-1, respectively. Most of the phosphorus was soluble, and almost all the suspended solids were volatile. Good linear relationships among BOD, soluble COD, and total COD were observed for the milking wastewater used. The SBR was operated in fixed 8 h cycles, each consisting of 1 h anaerobic, 3 h aerobic, 2 h anoxic, 1 h aerobic, 50 min settle, 10 min decant, and idle with an HRT of 5.3 days and an SRT of 40 days. In organic loading tests, it was found that the optimal loading rate for the SBR studied was around 0.125 kg COD kg-1 MLSS d-1 (MLSS = mixed liquor suspended solids), at which a COD removal efficiency greater than 99% and an effluent with COD and BOD concentrations less than 55 and 25 mg L-1, respectively, was obtained. The average removal efficiencies for total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), total phosphorus (TP), dissolved phosphorus (DP), total solids (TS), and total suspended solids (TSS) were 96.7%, 92.4%, 95.9%, 94.0%, 78.5%, and 96.6%, respectively. The reactor sludge settleability was good, with a sludge volume index (SVI) always under 100 mL g-1 during all the test periods.
Ibrutinib-associated tumor lysis syndrome in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

To the editor: Ibrutinib is a potent inhibitor of Bruton tyrosine kinase with promising efficacy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It is well tolerated, and grade 3/4 adverse events are infrequent (12%).[1][1] Lymphocytosis has been reported in ∼70% of patients receiving ibrutinib.[1][1
Creating Project Create: Lessons Learned and Best Practices for Developing Web-Based Resources for Public Health Practitioners

Abstract Background: This paper discusses the Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention's effort to develop a web-based service called Project CREATE that responds to a need for targeted health promotion materials expressed by directors of HIV/STD prevention services in predominately rural states. Purpose: Project CREATE allows users to select customized photos, taglines and applicable statistics in order to design targeted prevention posters to reach persons at risk for HIV/STDs in their areas of rural America. Methods: Project CREATE resulted from a bottom-up development process that involved pilot testing the website prototype with members of the target audience (i.e., rural HIV/AIDS health educators, prevention specialists and program coordinators), a model that could be applied to any health promotion effort. Results and Discussion: The assessment data from the pilot test attests to the need for services like Project CREATE that are developed in close coordination with the practitioners who will ultimatel...
Exploring substrate binding in homoprotocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase using isothermal titration calorimetry

Homoprotocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase (HPCD) is a member of the extradiol dioxygenase family of non-heme iron enzymes. These enzymes catalyze the ring-cleavage step in the aromatic degradation pathway commonly found in soil bacteria. In this study, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is used to measure the equilibrium constant (K = 1.1 ± 0.6 × 106) and enthalpy change (ΔH = −17.0 ± 1.7 kcal/mol) associated with homoprotocatechuate binding to HPCD. The ITC data are consistent with the release of approximately 2.6 protons upon binding of the substrate to HPCD. These results raise new questions regarding the relationships between substrate, protein, and the oxygen activation mechanism for this class of non-heme metalloenzymes.
Extracting trends from two decades of microgravity macromolecular crystallization history

Since the 1980s hundreds of macromolecular crystal growth experiments have been performed in the reduced acceleration environment of an orbiting spacecraft. Significant enhancements in structural knowledge have resulted from X-ray diffraction of the crystals grown. Similarly, many samples have shown no improvement or degradation in comparison to those grown on the ground. A complex series of interrelated factors affect these experiments and by building a comprehensive archive of the results it was aimed to identify factors that result in success and those that result in failure. Specifically, it was found that dedicated microgravity missions increase the chance of success when compared with those where crystallization took place as a parasitic aspect of the mission. It was also found that the chance of success could not be predicted based on any discernible property of the macromolecule available to us.
Treating low-income and African-American women with posttraumatic stress disorder: A case series

The present uncontrolled case series was designed to examine the feasibility of prolonged exposure (PE) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with low-income and African-American women. Five of 10 eligible women completed PE and showed significant improvements in symptoms of PTSD, general anxiety, and depression. Clinical observations suggest that the addition of interventions aimed at improving interpersonal problems might lead to a more complete recovery in this population of women with complex trauma and psychiatric histories and that a priming intervention focused on teaching affect-regulation skills might enhance the effectiveness of PE. The removal of structural barriers (e.g., lack of transportation and child care) appears to be necessary in order to boost the benefits of traditional treatment interventions in disadvantaged women.
The Role of Reactive Aggression in the Link Between Hyperactive–Impulsive Behaviors and Peer Rejection in Adolescents

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and aggressive behaviors are both associated with peer rejection, but little is known the nature of this association with respect to the two symptom dimensions of hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattention and different types of aggression. The present study examines the relations between dimensions of ADHD symptomatology, proactive and reactive aggression, and peer rejection in adolescence. Teacher-reported data were obtained for 200 high school students (grades 9–12; 48 % female; predominately Latino). In structural equation modeling path analyses, the indirect effects of reactive aggression accounted for the link between hyperactivity–impulsivity and peer rejection. Within the same model, neither inattention nor proactive aggression were associated with peer rejection. These findings suggest that reactive aggression may be a key mechanism through which hyperactive–impulsive behavior is associated with peer rejection. Future research and intervention efforts should address the role of reactive aggression among youth with ADHD symptomatology.
Targeting lipid biosynthesis and salvage in apicomplexan parasites for improved chemotherapies

Apicomplexa are some of the most widespread and poorly controlled pathogens in the world. The metabolism of lipids in these parasites, which include Plasmodium spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium spp., is essential for the production of infectious progeny and pathogen persistence in their mammalian hosts. Metabolic maps of apicomplexan lipid syntheses reveal auxotrophies for many lipid species, which force these parasites to meet their high demand for lipids through networks of both synthesis and scavenging. Here, I review the unique lipid biosynthetic enzymes and lipid transporter systems of Apicomplexa, focusing on isoprenoids, sphingolipids and cholesterol, and highlight promising chemotherapeutic targets in the lipid synthetic and salvage pathways.
Hyperglycemia Inhibits Complement-Mediated Immunological Control of S. aureus in a Rat Model of Peritonitis

Hyperglycemia from diabetes is associated with increased risk of infection from S. aureus and increased severity of illness. Previous work in our laboratory demonstrated that elevated glucose (>6 mM) dramatically inhibited S. aureus-initiated complement-mediated immune effectors. Here we report in vivo studies evaluating the extent to which a hyperglycemic environment alters complement-mediated control of S. aureus infection in a rat peritonitis model. Rats were treated with streptozocin to induce diabetes or sham-treated and then inoculated i.p. with S. aureus. Rats were euthanized and had peritoneal lavage at 2 or 24 hours after infection to evaluate early and late complement-mediated effects. Hyperglycemia decreased the influx of IgG and complement components into the peritoneum in response to S. aureus infection and decreased anaphylatoxin generation. Hyperglycemia decreased C4-fragment and C3-fragment opsonization of S. aureus recovered in peritoneal fluids, compared with euglycemic or insulin-rescued rats. Hyperglycemic rats showed decreased phagocytosis efficiency compared with euglycemic rats, which correlated inversely with bacterial survival. These results suggest that hyperglycemia inhibited humoral effector recruitment, anaphylatoxin generation, and complement-mediated opsonization of S. aureus, suggesting that hyperglycemic inhibition of complement effectors may contribute to the increased risk and severity of S. aureus infections in diabetic patients.
Coordinated multilateral trades for electric power networks: theory and implementation

Abstract Recent moves to open up electric power transmission networks to foster generation competition and customer choice have touched off a debate over how the transmission system should be restructured in order to meet the goal. The opposing sides of this debate are now commonly represented by the bilateral model and the poolco model. Both models resort to conventional centralized operation in dealing with the shared resources of an integrated transmission network. The conventional operating paradigm was developed in a different era for electric utilities operated as regulated monopolies. A new operating paradigm is needed for a restructured industry that encourages efficient competition and at the same time maintains necessary coordination to guarantee a high standard of reliability. We propose a new operating paradigm in which the decision mechanisms regarding economics and reliability (security) of system operation are separated. Economic decisions are carried out by private multilateral trades among generators and consumers. The function of reliability is coordinated through the power system operator who provides publicly accessible data, based upon which generators and consumers can determine profitable trades that meet the secure transmission loading limits. We prove that any sequence of such coordinated private multilateral trades, each of which benefits all parties to the trade, leads to efficient operations, i.e. maximizes social welfare. The coordinated multilateral trading model achieves all the benefits of a centralized pool operation without the visible, hand of a pool operator in economic decisions. It is shown that the existing communications, computing and control of infrastructure is adequate to support the proposed model. It is also shown that the coordinated multilateral trading model can coexist with the traditional model and provides non-discriminatory service to both utility customers and direct-access customers.
Orphan nuclear receptor βFTZ-F1 is required for muscle-driven morphogenetic events at the prepupal–pupal transition in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract In Drosophila melanogaster, fluctuations in 20-hydroxyecdysone (ecdysone) titer coordinate gene expression, cell death, and morphogenesis during metamorphosis. Our previous studies have supported the hypothesis that βFTZ-F1 (an orphan nuclear receptor) provides specific genes with the competence to be induced by ecdysone at the appropriate time, thus directing key developmental events at the prepupal–pupal transition. We are examining the role of βFTZ-F1 in morphogenesis. We have made a detailed study of morphogenetic events during metamorphosis in control and βFTZ-F1 mutant animals. We show that leg development in βFTZ-F1 mutants proceeds normally until the prepupal–pupal transition, when final leg elongation is delayed by several hours and significantly reduced in the mutants. We also show that βFTZ-F1 mutants fail to fully extend their wings and to shorten their bodies at the prepupal–pupal transition. We find that βFTZ-F1 mutants are unable to properly perform the muscle contractions that drive these processes. Several defects can be rescued by subjecting the mutants to a drop in pressure during the normal time of the prepupal–pupal transition. Our findings indicate that βFTZ-F1 directs the muscle contraction events that drive the major morphogenetic processes during the prepupal–pupal transition in Drosophila.
Histopathology of astrocytomas: Grading, patterns of spread, and correlation with modern imaging modalities

G lial cells of the central nervous system (CNS) include cells of astrocytic, oligodendroglial, ependymal, and choroid plexus origin. Astrocytes perform a variety of structural, barrier, and repair functions in the CNS. While they may be subclassified based on appearance and function, most share common features of a lightly staining oval nucleus and prominent fibrillary processes. Oligodendrogliocytes are small cells with uniform, darkly staining round nuclei and inapparent cell processes. They are diffusely distributed in the brain, but as the myelinating cell of the CNS, they are the principal cells in the white matter. Ependymal cells line ventricular surfaces, where they form a partial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-brain barrier. The cells are cuboidal, with uniform oval nuclei. They are ciliated, and also function to promote CSF circulation. The choroid plexus is a specialized derivative of ependyma that is responsible for CSF production. The choroid plexus epithelium lines papillary fronds that are attached to ventricular surfaces by fibrovascular stalks. Unlike other glial cells, the principal intermediate filament is keratin, rather than glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Glial neoplasms arise from each of these cell types. An understanding of the unique biology and anatomy of these tumors is essential for effective management. It is the capacity to proliferate and create a space-occupying mass, to infiltrate or seed eloquent and vital structures, and, of particular interest to the therapist, to resist radiation and chemotherapy, which determines the behavior of the glioma. The intent of histopathological analysis is to assess these biologic determinants of tumor behavior
Acceptance and commitment therapy in the treatment of an adolescent female with anorexia nervosa: A case example

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a cognitive-behavioral treatment that targets ineffective control strategies and experiential avoidance—the unwillingness to accept negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Although ACT has been suggested as an effective treatment for panic, substance use, pain, and mood disorders, there are no published reports on the use of ACT for treating adolescent disorders such as anorexia nervosa. This case summarizes the successful adoption of ACT techniques in the treatment of a 15-year-old female with anorexia nervosa. It also shows how ACT techniques can be successfully combined with, and set the stage for, more standard cognitive-behavioral interventions.
The magnetosheaths of the outer planets

Abstract This paper provides a review of past work on the magnetosheaths of the outer planets and also provides the most complete look to date at the plasma parameters in these magnetosheaths. We find that proton distributions in the magnetosheaths of Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune (but not Uranus) are well represented by two Maxwellians with the same velocity but different temperatures. The hot proton component comprises about 40% of the total density and has a temperature about six times that of the cold protons. The Jovian magnetosheath shows significant motion, with sunward flow not uncommon when the magnetosheath region moves outwards, probably due to changes in solar wind pressure. Gas dynamic models of the boundaries show that the magnetospheres of Jupiter and Saturn are flattened at the poles. Deviations from the predictions of gas dynamics are observed, both because of time-dependent effects and systematic effects such as encounters with the plasma depletion layer and plasma mantle, both of which are MHD effects. Mirror mode waves are ubiquitous in the magnetosheaths, but other waves and oscillations are also observed, including one so far unique to Uranus which may occur downstream of parallel shocks.
Infalling Gas toward the Galactic Center

VLA maps of ammonia emission were made for the Galactic center region. The NH3(1, 1) and NH3(2,?2) transitions were observed in three 2'?2' fields covering Sgr A* and the region 3' immediately south of it. In the central 3 pc surrounding Sgr A* we find emission that appears to be associated with the circumnuclear disk (CND), both morphologically and kinematically. This central emission is connected to a long, narrow 2 pc?10 pc streamer of clumpy molecular gas located toward the south, which appears to be carrying gas from the nearby 20 km s-1 giant molecular cloud (GMC) to the circumnuclear region. We find a velocity gradient along the streamer, with progressively higher velocities as the gas approaches Sgr A*. The streamer stops at the location of the CND, where the line width of the NH3 emission increases dramatically. This may be the kinematic signature of accretion onto the CND. The ratio of the NH3(2, 2)/NH3(1, 1) emission indicates that the gas is heated at the northern tip of the streamer, located inside the eastern edge of the CND. The morphology, kinematics, and temperature gradients of the gas all indicate that the southern streamer is located at the Galactic center and is interacting with the circumnuclear region.
The structures of the E22Δ mutant-type amyloid-β alloforms and the impact of E22Δ mutation on the structures of the wild-type amyloid-β alloforms.

Structural differences between the intrinsically disordered fibrillogenic wild-type Aβ40 and Aβ42 peptides are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Recently, the E22Δ genetic missense mutation was detected in patients exhibiting Alzheimer’s-disease type dementia. However, detailed knowledge about the E22Δ mutant-type Aβ40 and Aβ42 alloform structures as well as the differences from the wild-type Aβ40 and Aβ42 alloform structures is currently lacking. In this study, we present the structures of the E22Δ mutant-type Aβ40 and Aβ42 alloforms as well as the impact of E22Δ mutation on the wild-type Aβ40 and Aβ42 alloform structures. For this purpose, we performed extensive microsecond-time scale parallel tempering molecular dynamics simulations coupled with thermodynamic calculations. For studying the residual secondary structure component transition stabilities, we developed and applied a new theoretical strategy in our studies. We find that the E22Δ mutant-type Aβ40 might have a higher tendency toward aggregation d...
Symmetric wavelets dyadic sibling and dual frames

We introduce a family of symmetric dyadic wavelets arising from dual and sibling frames. Each of the frames consists of three generators obtained using spectral factorization. We describe two cases of dual frames: symmetric frames with redundant highpass filters and symmetric frames with redundant bandpass filters. We present design methods and examples for both types of dual frames. We additionally consider the design of symmetric frames where the analysis and synthesis filterbanks have the same lowpass filter, leading to sibling frames. In the proposed sibling frames the non-redundant filters are identical in the synthesis and analysis filterbanks. Only the redundant filters are different, thus obtaining a dual frame approximating tight frames. The filters are simple to construct, and offer smooth scaling functions and wavelets, as well as dense time-scale grid. Examples of sibling frames are discussed. The filters are all FIR of even and odd lengths, linear phase, and possess at least one vanishing moment each. A denoising application compares the proposed wavelets with published frames.
Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia responsive to pulsed dye laser

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia is an uncommon, benign, but potentially disfiguring vascular proliferation. Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia commonly affects women in the third decade. Although a benign process, significant morbidity can occur including bleeding, pain, and disfigurement. Several therapies have been attempted including curettage, cryotherapy, retinoids, excision, and various lasers. We report on a case of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia responding to pulsed dye laser therapy (585 nm) (SPTL-1a, Candela Corp, Wayland, Mass).
Equal Opportunity for Women in Intercollegiate Sports: Financial Aid and Family Background as Major Influences on Female Participation in Competitive Programs

. Financial aid is an important factor in determining women's rate of participation in intercollegiate sports and is likely to become an even more important influence. Regression analysis of data from a representative sample of female athletes attending institutions in the two major divisions of the National Intercollegiate Athletic Association and of financial information from the institutions shows that socioeconomic background also is a major factor. Other variables that explain such participation are total non-scholarship direct expenditures (a proxy for quality), birth order and per capita direct expenditures. Although a university's or college's dollar commitment is having a major impact, economic considerations indicate there are some potential dangers in allocating grants according to the ratio of female to male athletes.
In vitro cytotoxicity of lipopolysaccharides for chinese hamster ovary cells

From our survey of various lipopolysaccharide (LPS) preparations, we demonstrated that three out of five commercial LPS preparations of Salmonella typhimurium were not cytotoxic for Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell monolayers at a concentration of 1000 μg/ml. One commercial LPS preparation produced cellular damage at a concentration of 1000 μg/ml and another at 400 μg/ml. Two S. typhimurium LPS preparations made in our laboratory were also cytotoxic at a concentration of 1000 μg/ml but not at lower concentrations. Cell-free sonic lysates of S. typhimurium TML R66 were cytotoxic when tested undiluted and up to a dilution of 1:20. Based on the 2-Keto-3-deoxyoctonate (KDO) content of all preparations, sonic lysateas were cytotoxic at KDO concentrations of 0.42 μg/ml while the KDO content of the most cytotoxic LPS preparation was 15.2 μg/ml. There was no apparent correlations between KDO content of the LPS preparations and cell detachment, leading to the conclusion that cell detachment activity of Salmonella cell lysates cannot be attributed to their LPS content.
SALIVARY Na, K AND Cl SECRETION RATES: RELATIONSHIP TO A FLUID GENERATION MECHANISM

Parotid fluid was collected without exogenous stimulation from 513 healthy young male adults, and under rubber band and sour lemon drop stimulation from 271 subjects from the same population. The mean unstimulated parotid flow rate was 0.027 ml/min, the Na concentration mean was 2.61 mEq/1, and that for K was 36.7 mEq/1.In six subgroups of the unstimulated subjects, flow rate did not exert a significant effect on Na concentration, but there was a highly significant negative correlation between K concentration and rate of flow; the mean for [K+] ranged from 25.5 mEq/1 at the highest rate of flow, to 46.3 mEq/1 at the lowest rate.In the stimulated saliva samplings, the most dramatic effect was the marked increase in [Na+] and rate of secretion, the mean [Na+] at the highest rate of secretion (lemon drop stimulated) being 66.26 mEq/1. Potassium con-centration fell from the unstimulated level, and then remained constant at two different levels of stimulated flow (ca. 18 mEq/1).The low Na and high K levels found in unstimulated saliva are felt to result from reabsorption of Na in excess of water and the secretion of K into the luminal fluid by ductal cells. The lack of effect of flow rate on Na con-centration within the flow rate range of the present study may result from a balanced outward diffusion of water from the luminal fluid caused by Na reabsorption.
Reflections on Taxpayers' Revolt

Two overriding facts concerning the taxpayers' revolt deserve serious attention: (1) the fact that its thrust and momentum continue in California, where it originated, but are no longer confined to it; and (2) the fact that the revolt is being carried forward not against government in a generic sense as much as it is against a set of particular institutions collectively called "public administration." Charges of waste, mismanagement, and inefficiency in government-which constitute a large part of the litany of the supporters of the tax revolt-acquire meaning and relevance almost exclusively to public administration. The purposes of this article are to make explicit the underlying ideological premises on which the taxpayers' revolt-and, by inference, the attack on public administration-is based and to evaluate the validity of those premises.
On the Hamiltonian Representation of a Multi-velocity Stream†

ABSTRACT A non-relativistic, collision-free hamiltonian development of the dynamics of a multi-velocity stream of charged particles moving in arbitrary electric and magnetic fields is given. The theory is presented using hydrodynamical variables, and is thon applied to the case of a 1-dimensional, 1 degree-of-freedom electron beam, and the results are discussed in connexion with noise suppression in ‘O’-type beams.
Task complexity, electrodermal activity and reaction time.

The influence of task complexity upon the relationship between electrodermal activity and reaction time was studied. Subjects performed either a simple or complex fixed foreperiod reaction time task. Various measures of skin resistance were taken before and during performance of the task. Only on the more complex task were electrodermal measures related to reaction time. However, the sign of the relationship was opposite to that found in other investigations; subjects with many spontaneous fluctuations and orienting responses reacted slowly. The results were interpreted in terms of the influence of both task complexity and foreperiod characteristics.
STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENTS IN THE SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING SECTOR

The diversity of manufacturing in the United States South has shown a substantial increase during the post-World War II period. The basis for this changing industrial structure is found in the expansion of food processing and apparel industries but particularly since 1967 in a variety of higher-pay and higher-technology industries. The traditional textile states remain the least diversified and the slowest to change.
Time-odd mean fields in covariant density functional theory: Nonrotating systems

Time-odd mean fields (nuclear magnetism) are analyzed in the framework of covariant density functional theory (CDFT) by blocking the single-particle states with a fixed signature. It is shown that they always provide additional binding to the binding energies of odd-mass nuclei. This additional binding only weakly depends on the relativistic mean-field parametrization, reflecting good localization of the properties of time-odd mean fields in CDFT. The underlying microscopic mechanism is discussed in detail. Time-odd mean fields affect odd-even mass differences. However, our analysis suggests that the modifications of the strength of pairing correlations required to compensate for their effects are modest. In contrast, time-odd mean fields have a profound effect on the properties of odd-proton nuclei in the vicinity of the proton drip line. Their presence can modify the half-lives of proton emitters (by many orders of magnitude in light nuclei) and considerably affect the possibilities of their experimental observation.
Automatic heart rate complexity monitoring in a swine model of cardiac arrest due to massive exsanguination

checking postimplant results is usually obtained by mean of clinic (New York Heart Association [NYHA] class improvement) and instrumental (ejection fraction [EF] and left ventricular volumes by means of echocardiogram) evaluation. Objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between the novel nonlinear index, calculated from electrocardiogram (ECG) preprocedure and postprocedure, compared with traditional linear indices to assess the reliability and effectiveness in evaluating results of resynchronization therapy. Methods: We have used OntoCare System (OntoMed LLC) tomeasure CRT impact among patients who received CRT via pacemaker or defibrillator in combination with optimal pharmacological therapy, according to guidelines. Particularly, we measured the impact of stimulation analyzing the ECG performed before and after implant. Electrocardiogram complexity values have been considered significant (the difference between basal and stimulated ECG) when â‰¥25%. The OntoCare system measures complexity analyzing the structure of information, in particular the multidimensional structure of the ECG, taking into account the interactions between ECG channels and establishing an innovative means of characterizing generic dynamical systems and biologic signals. Results: We retrospectively analyzed 87 patient ECGs implantedwith CRT in our center. New York Heart Association class, left ventricular echocardiography (ECHO) measurements, and EF preimplant and postimplant have been analyzed and compared with complexity values. The OntoCare system found that 69 (79%) of 87 patients had a significant impact of therapy (complexity value threshold, 25%), whereas in the remaining 18 (21%) of 87 patients, there is no variation in the complexity. We then compared the 2 groups, called responder (R) and nonresponder (NR), respectively, with clinical and instrumental data in our possession. If we compare the values before and after the implant, we find that left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) changes from 190 to 159 mL (−31 mL; P= .039) in R group and from 214 to 201 mL (−13 mL; P = .62) in NR group. The EF increases from 28.1% to 37.2% (+9.1%; P= .0001) in R group and from 27.3% to 33.6% (+6.3%; P = .0005) in NR group; NYHA class changes from 2.84 to 1.69 (−1.15, P = .01) in R group and from 2.55 to 2.65 (+0.1; P = .5) in NR group. Conclusions: Even if results are drawn from a small sample of patients with retrospective analysis, this study shows that the complexity index is reliable and effective in providing prognostic data in patients implanted with CRT. In addition, complexity index shows a strong association with other parameters (EF, ECHO measurements, and NYHA class) traditionally used to evaluate efficacy of CRT.
Minimization of Multidimensional Linear Iterative Circuits

A model for two-dimensional linear iterative circuits is defined in the form of matrix equations. From the matrix equations, a two-dimensional characteristic function is defined. It is then proved that a matrix satisfies its two-dimensional characteristic function. This property is used to form a diagnostic matrix. Finally, the diagnostic matrix is used in a minimization technique.
A mating type-linked gene cluster expressed in Chlamydomonas zygotes participates in the uniparental inheritance of the chloroplast genome

A characteristic feature of early zygote development in Chlamydomonas is the selective degradation of chloroplast DNA from the mating type minus parent. The zygote-specific gene cluster ezy-1 is linked to the mating type locus and is transcribed almost immediately upon zygote formation. We show here that the acidic Ezy-1 polypeptide is rapidly transported to both the plus and minus chloroplasts, where it interacts with each chloroplast nucleoid. Expression of ezy-1 is selectively inhibited when plus, but not minus, gametes are briefly ultraviolet irradiated just prior to mating, a treatment known to disrupt the uniparental inheritance of chloroplast traits. We propose that the Ezy-1 polypeptide participates in the destruction of the minus chloroplast DNA in zygotes and thus the uniparental inheritance of chloroplast traits. The ezy-1 gene represents a valuable molecular probe for dissecting mechanisms underlying organelle inheritance.
Effectiveness of integrated lead inspection and conditioning

A novel solution to the problem of correcting leaded semiconductor packages damaged during test and handling is presented. The elimination of the high costs of reworking and maintaining lot integrity is accomplished by integrating a highly programmable lead conditioning system with the traditional lead inspection system. The equipment accommodates gull and J lead forms via a quick change lead conditioning tool. Devices ranging from 10 mm to 40 mm, square, rectangular, two or four sided can be effectively conditioned with no increase in setup time or decrease in overall throughput. The effectiveness or device recovery rate of such a system is documented with data from semiconductor manufacturing and printed board assembly environments. While previous methods relied on huge amounts of hand labor and very expensive hard tooling, the programmable conditioner allows a high product mix within the setup and changeover time of the inspection equipment. Data demonstrating the effectiveness and versatility of a `one-lead-at-a-time' conditioner is presented. Although the throughput is less than for inspection alone, the total cycle time and throughput are actually higher than for process configurations which separate inspection and conditioning. Conventional processing flows impose severe cycle time delays, hand labor costs and re-inspections that are eliminated in the integrated system. The major factors of determining the payback and justification for an integrated system are also discussed. The economic factors discussed include direct labor, capital cost, tooling cost and cycle time. Systems justified to date have done so on the basis of a single factor, the value of the recovered units. Intangible factors are also identified and discussed.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Calculation of confined swirling jets

Computations of a confined coaxial swirling jet are carried out using a standard two-equation (k-epsilon) model and two modifications of this model based on Richardson-number corrections of the length-scale (epsilon) governing equation. To avoid any uncertainty involved in the setting up of inlet boundary conditions, actual measurements are used at the inlet plane of this calculation domain. The results of the numerical investigation indicate that the k-epsilon model is inadequate for the predictions of confined swirling flows. Although marginal improvement of the flow predictions can be achieved by these two corrections, neither can be judged satisfactory.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 and pregnancy complications: a population-based study

Objective The objective of the study was to determine whether vascular and other complications are more common in pregnant women with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Study Design We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study using the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 1988-2009, defining a cohort of pregnancy-related hospitalizations with an associated diagnosis of NF1 and comparing it with the control group not associated with NF1. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for suspected confounders. Results Among 19 million pregnancy-related admissions between 1988 and 2009, we identified 1553 associated with NF1 (prevalence 0.008%). A diagnosis of NF1 in delivering mothers was associated with gestational hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–2.0), preeclampsia (AOR, 2.8, 95% CI, 2.3–3.4), intrauterine growth restriction (AOR, 4.6, 95% CI, 3.7–5.6), cerebrovascular disease (OR, 8.1, 95% CI, 2.6–25.4), preterm labor (AOR, 1.6, 95% CI, 1.4–1.9), and cesarean delivery (AOR, 2.0, 95% CI, 1.8–2.3). Women with NF1 were not significantly more likely to have deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, acute cardiac events, or stillbirth or to die during their hospitalizations compared with the general obstetric population. Conclusion NF1 was associated with increased maternal morbidity in pregnancy (including hypertensive and cerebrovascular complications) but not increased maternal mortality. Obstetricians should be aware of the potential for increased antenatal and peripartum complications among women with NF1.
A radiometric assay for 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase

A new assay for 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase is described. This enzyme of the shikimate pathway of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis generates 5-enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate and orthophosphate from phosphoenolpyruvate and shikimate 3-phosphate. The shikimate pathway is present in bacteria and plants but not in mammals. The assay employs a paper-chromatographic separation of radiolabeled substrate from product. The method is specific, is sensitive to 50 pmol of product, and is suitable for use in crude extracts of bacteria. This enzyme appears to be the primary target site of the commercial herbicide glyphosate (N-phosphonomethyl glycine). A procedure for the enzymatic synthesis of [14C]shikimate 3-phosphate from the commercially available precursor [14C]shikimic acid is also described.
The first design and synthesis of [11C]MKC-1 ([11C]Ro 31-7453), a new potential PET cancer imaging agent.

Abstract Bisindolylmaleimide MKC-1 (formerly known as Ro 31-7453) is a novel, orally active, small-molecule, cell cycle inhibitor with broad-spectrum antitumor effects. [ 11 C]MKC-1 ([ 11 C]Ro 31-7453) was first designed and synthesized as a new potential positron emission tomography cancer imaging agent through two different strategies. The first strategy was to prepare a carbon-11-labeled bisindolyl maleic anhydride intermediate followed by the conversion to maleimide. The second strategy involved the condensation of either carbon-11-labeled indole-3-acetamides with indole-3-glyoxalates, or indole-3-acetamides with carbon-11-labeled indole-3-glyoxalates. The radiochemical yields were 15–30%, decay corrected to end of bombardment (EOB), based on [ 11 C]CO 2 . The specific activity was 222–296 GBq/μmol at EOB and 111–148 GBq/μmol at the end of synthesis, respectively.
Lymphomatoid papulosis in children

Abstract Background: Although lymphomatoid papulosis is well described in adults, the clinical course, prognosis, risk for lymphoma, and recommendations for follow-up have not been established in children. Objective: Our aim was to analyze our data on six children with lymphomatoid papulosis and to analyze available information on reported cases from the literature to characterize better lymphomatoid papulosis in childhood and to compare it with adult-onset lymphomatoid papulosis. Methods: Clinical records, laboratory studies, and histopathologic evaluation of skin biopsy specimens from six children with lymphomatoid papulosis were reviewed. A literature search was also performed and disclosed detailed information on 17 childhood cases. Results: In most cases childhood lymphomatoid papulosis is clinically and histologically similar to lymphomatoid papulosis in adults, but three unusual patterns were identified in our children: first, after initial outbreak, dwindling outbreaks (both in frequency and number of lesions) until the eruption ceased completely; second, lymphomatoid papulosis localized to one area for years before generalizing, and third, presentation of lymphomatoid papulosis with hundreds of lesions. In our children and in those previously reported, response to systemic antibiotics and potent topical steroids was variable, as in adults. All our children to date have remained healthy; the longest period of follow-up is 9 years. However, in previously reported cases two patients with childhood-onset lymphomatoid papulosis had lymphoma as adults. Conclusion: Childhood lymphomatoid papulosis may be more likely to resolve spontaneously than adult lymphomatoid papulosis; nevertheless these children may still be at risk for lymphoma and thus need lifelong follow-up.
102 DRUG INGESTION BY RURAL WOMEN DURING PREGNANCY

During pregnancy, most studies of medications given have centered around urban centers. Most of these studies emphasize teratogenetic effects or CNS depression. Few studies have looked at over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and none at medications taken by women in rural settings. OTC drugs used by 60 women during pregnancy in Guilford County, N.C. were assessed. Although the area is not strictly rural, it is far less urban than other areas where pregnant women's drug histories were studied. Histories were obtained through a patient interview. An average of five (5) were ingested by each patient. The most common drugs consumed were vitamins 92%, caffeine 80%, iron 73%, acetaminophen 62.5%. Few teratogenic agents were found. Acetaminophen 62.5% replaced aspirin as the leading analgesic. Drugs of abuse were not emphasized so few were reported. Significance of the study appears threefold. One, most of the OTC drugs taken by rural women appear similar to that taken by urban women in other studies. Two, acetaminophen, a drug about which little is known of its effects on the fetus, has replaced aspirin as the leading analgesic and may post a significant threat to the fetus and newborn infant. Finally, caffeine continues to be consumed by many pregnant women. If animal studies where large amounts are consumed are valid, the drug can cause teratogenic effects and may prove a significant risk to the human fetus.
The Brecht Society: A Prospectus

IN 1968, the seventieth anniversary of Brecht's birth, a small international group of Brecht scholars began to exchange notes on the state of Brecht research and to explore what might be done to further the international exchange of information on this controversial world figure. The first move towards this end was the organization of a Brecht Seminar at the 1968 meeting of the MODERN LANGUAGE AsSOCIATION OF AMERICA. The meeting, attended by some thirty-five Brecht authorities, was chaired by Professor Reinhold Grimm (University of Wisconsin, Madison) and Professor John Fuegi (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee). Beginning with a central concern of all Brecht scholars, the organizers of the meeting focussed the discussion on the present state of Brecht's published work, and illustrated the present state of textual confusion by means of a small selection of plays and a few essays from the Schriften zum Theater. From the lively and informed discussion of the text of Trommeln in der Nacht and Die Mutter which followed, and which then lead to a general discussion of the 1968 Werkausgabe in twenty volumes, it became clear that the problems being touched upon would need the concentrated and informed efforts of a large team of Brecht scholars in order to work out even provisional solutions. Consequently, it was decided that though national and international seminars devoted to specific problems of Brecht research and held under the auspices of various theatrical and philological organizations could serve a very useful purpose and should continue to be held, some central clearing house should be established for the encouragement of research into all aspects of Brecht's many and varied interests and for the publication of its results. To this end, the members of the Seminar forthwith voted a) to constitute themselves an interna-
Incorporation of glucose into lipid-linked saccharides in aorta and its inhibition by amphomycin

Abstract The particulate enzyme from pig aorta catalyzed the transfer of glucose from UDP-glucose into glucosyl-phosphoryl-dolichol, into lipid-linked oligosaccharides, and into glycoprotein. Radioactive lipid-linked oligosaccharides were prepared by incubating the extracts with GDP-[ 14 C]mannose and UDP-[ 3 H]glucose. When the labeled oligosaccharides were run on Bio-Gel P-4, the two different labels did not exactly coincide; the 3 H peak eluted slightly earlier indicating that it was of higher molecular weight than the 14 C material, but there was considerable overlap. The purified oligosaccharide(s) contained glucose, mannose, and N -acetylglucosamine but the ratios of these sugars varied from one enzyme preparation to another, probably depending on the endogenous oligosaccaride-lipids present in the microsomal preparation. Treatment of the [ 3 H]glucose-labeled oligosaccharide with α-mannosidase gave rise to a 3 H-labeled oligosaccharide which moved somewhat faster on Bio-Gel P-4 than the original oligosaccharide, suggesting it had lost one or two sugar residues. These data indicate that mannose and glucose are in the same oligosaccharide. The antibiotic, amphomycin, inhibited the transfer of glucose from UDP-glucose into the lipid-linked saccharides. However the synthesis of glucosyl-phosphoryl-dolichol was much more sensitive then was the synthesis of lipid-linked oligosaccharides. The glucose-labeled oligosaccharide produced in the absence of amphomycin was of high molecular weight based on paper chromatography. But in the presence of partially inhibitory concentrations of antibiotic, the oligosaccharide migrated more rapidly on paper chromatograms. However, amphomycin had no effect on the synthesis of glucosyl-ceramide by the aorta extracts. In fact, the antibiotic may stimulate glucosyl-ceramide by making more of the substrate, UDP-glucose, available for synthesis of this lipid.
Perioperative assessment of the cancer patient

The perioperative evaluation of patients with cancer differs from that of other patients in that the former may have received prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These cancer treatments have a wide range of side effects and complications that may affect patients' perioperative risks. The perioperative specialist who evaluates the cancer patient prior to surgery must be familiar with the effects of these treatments and their consequences for the major organ systems. The perioperative specialist must also be familiar with the natural history of cancer and have a basic understanding of how cancer affects the body. In this article, we review the perioperative concerns that are specific to the patient with cancer.