cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes after laparoscopic antireflux surgery in patients with and without preoperative endoscopic esophagitis.

A wide spectrum of endoscopic findings exists in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study compared clinical outcomes after laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) in patients who had GERD with and without preoperative endoscopic esophagitis. From 1992 to 2001, a total of 414 patients who underwent LARS with 6 months or more of follow-up were prospectively entered into a database. Among these patients, 84 (20%) had no endoscopic evidence of esophagitis on preoperative endoscopy (group 1), whereas 330 (80%) did have esophagitis (group 2). Perioperative outcomes, GERD symptom relief, and the use of acid-reducing medication were assessed. Preoperative DeMeester scores in groups 1 and 2 were 44 +/- 29 and 61 +/- 62 (P < 0.05) and mean esophageal peristaltic amplitude was 86 +/- 32 mm Hg vs. 60 +/- 42 mm Hg, respectively (P < 0.05). Although procedure time was significantly shorter in group 1, other perioperative outcomes were similar. At postoperative follow-up, the use of proton pump inhibitors was reduced in both groups (86% to < or =14%). With the exception of postoperative dysphagia, there was no difference in GERD symptom relief between groups 1 and 2. The presence or absence of preoperative esophagitis has minimal effect on favorable symptomatic outcomes after LARS. Thus LARS is an effective treatment option for patients, irrespective of endoscopic evidence of esophagitis, leading to excellent symptom relief and a marked reduction in the use of proton pump inhibitors.
Farm field trips provide sensory-based experiences with fresh, local produce.

Despite the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables (FVs), less than 20% of children 9-13 years old are consuming the recommended 5 or more daily servings of FVs. Research has shown that vegetable intake is more difficult to change than fruit intake. Unlike many school-based FV programs, programs incorporating school gardens have shown significant increases in children’s vegetable consumption. School gardens present an opportunity for experiential learning through planting, weeding, harvesting, and food preparation, which consequently builds a personal connection with food. Children involved in these activities are more likely to enjoy the taste of vegetables and be accepting of them. However, not all schools have the resources to initiate a school garden. A farm field trip provides an opportunity for food-related experiential learning and an alternative to school gardens. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the usefulness of a vegetable-farm field trip to enhance elementary school students’ knowledge about growing vegetables and acceptance of eating vegetables.
Catalytic wet oxidation of phenol over a Pt/TiO catalyst

Wet oxidation of phenol by air or oxygen over a Pt/TiO2 catalyst is studied in a batch reactor in the temperature range 150–200°C, pressure range 34–82 atm, and a catalyst loading range of 0–4 g catalyst L−1. The catalyst was powdered 4.45% Pt/TiO2 with a maximum particle size of 105 μm. Results show complete oxidation of phenol and almost complete total organic carbon (TOC) removal. Small amounts of stable organic acids are formed in side reactions of the phenol degradation pathway and are not readily degraded. Experimental results show that the reaction rate decreases by increased oxygen concentration. Theoretical rate expressions are derived, based on postulated oxidation and TOC reduction mechanisms.
Communications planning: defining levels and phases of information distribution

Two fundamental components comprise successful communications planning: message creation and message distribution. This paper will focus on the marketing aspect of communication planning, using the general definition of "marketing" as "communicating something of value to the customer". Planned events - major system enhancements, new system implementations, training sessions, conferences, etc. - relative to informational technology will be the primary focus.
Patient tolerance to carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors have been used in the treatment of glaucoma for over 20 years. 1,2 Beginning with acetazolamide, there are now four generically different agents, each with its own following of clinicians. Furthermore, one of these agents (acetazolamide) is available in sustained release form as well as conventional tablet form. Recommended dosages vary among the compounds and there is little agreement as to which drug might be best in terms of lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) and patient tolerance. The present study was undertaken to compare patient tolerance to the various commercially available carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Reduced matrix equations for many-particle scattering. II. Proton-hydrogen charge-exchange collision at high energies

The charge-exchange amplitude for the proton-hydrogen collision in the energy range 25--800 keV is calculated in the distorted-coupling Born approximation. The analysis is based on a reduced form of coupled equations of the Faddeev-Watson type, which was derived previously for the general many- particle scattering. The effective distortion potentials which appear in these equations are determined by minimization of the coupling between the elastic and inelastic excitation channels. The result provides a mathematical basis with which various previous calculations can be compared. The present study strongly supports the applicability and effectiveness of the reduced-matrix equations in treating the rearrangement processes.
Research in Business Education

(1988). Research in Business Education. Journal of Education for Business: Vol. 63, No. 8, pp. 366-368.
[19-14C]androstenedione: A new substrate for assaying aromatase and studying its reaction mechanism

[19-14C]Androstenedione has been prepared and utilized as a substrate for assaying microsomal human placental aromatase. Enzyme activity is determined by measuring the rate at which [14C]formate is produced by aromatization of this 14C-labeled steroid. Isotope ratio experiments using [19-14C]androstenedione and [1β-3H]androstenedione demonstrate that an apparent kinetic hydrogen isotope effect exists for the aromatization of the tritiated steroid with kH/kT ≈ 1.09. Metabolic switching occurs to a minor extent (≈3%) during aromatization of [1β-3H]androstenedione, but not during the aromatization of [19-14C]androstenedione.
Diffusion coefficients of neon, krypton, xenon, carbon monoxide and nitric oxide in water at 10–60°C

Abstract Diffusion coefficients for dissolved neon, krypton, xenon, carbon monoxide and nitric oxide have been measured in water at 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50° and 60°C by following the rate of collapse of small bubbles in gas-free water. The temperature dependence of the binary diffusion coefficients is expressed in terms of an Arrhenius-type exponential relationship. The sensitivity of aqueous diffusivities to solute molecular weight, solute molecule size and solute—solvent interactions is discussed.
Syllabus of Analytical Toxicology for Laboratory Technologists

(1968). Syllabus of Analytical Toxicology for Laboratory Technologists. Clinical Toxicology: Vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 341-378.
Characterization of feed intake and estradiol-17 β during gestation and lactation in twin-bearing ewes

The role of estradiol-17 β (E2) in the regulation of feed intake was investigated in two trials. Trial 1, ten twin-bearing Rambouillet ewes (64 kg, breeding weight) were individually fed corn silage ad libitum daily during the last 60 d of gestation and the first 30 d of lactation. Jugular blood samples were collected weekly for E2 analysis. In trial 2, ovariectomized Rambouillet ewes (64 kg) were administered implants containing E2 (n = 9) or sham implanted (n = 9). Implants were made from three 15-cm lengths of silastic tubing (3.35 mm i.d., 4.65 mm o.d.). Individual daily ad libitum corn silage intake was determined. Feed intake decreased (linear, P < 0.02; quadratic, P < 0.02) during gestation and increase (quadratic, P < 0.01) during lactation. Feed intake decreased as concentrations of E2 in plasma increased (r = −0.46; P < 0.01) during gestation. In trial 2, implantation of E2 decreased feed intake (time × treatment, P < 0.01). Concentrations of E2 in plasma were higher (P < 0.01) in E2 than in sham-implanted ewes (16.6 vs < 2 pg/ml, respectively). Increased concentrations of E2 in plasma during late gestation appeared to be an important factor involved in decreased feed intake.
Benefits & best practices of numerical busbar protection scheme designs

The application of numerical busbar protection technology is lagged behind that of other protection functions, although static technologies is still usual for busbar protection but the latest numerical technology provides security, dependability and much greater range of facilities. In comparing with conventional high impedance schemes numerical schemes are more complex, more facilities and much high component to count, so the engineering of busbar protection is vital. This paper presents engineering aspects & benefits of numerical busbar protection with all the functions required to be catered for different type of bus bars, also it presents an example of standard solution supplied for National grid UK with the consideration of various factors such as different protection functions, systems redundancy, online testing and monitoring facilities. (4 pages)
Preparation of activated mesoporous carbons for electrosorption of ions from aqueous solutions

Mesoporous carbon with a narrow pore size distribution centered at about 9 nm, which was prepared by self assembly of block copolymer and phloroglucinol-formaldehyde resin via the soft-template method, was activated by CO2 and potassium hydroxide (KOH). The effects of activation conditions, such as the temperature, activation time, and mass ratio of KOH/C, on the textural properties of the resulting activated mesoporous carbons were investigated. Activated mesoporous carbons exhibit high BET specific surface areas (up to ∼ 2000 m2 g−1) and large pore volumes (up to ∼ 1.6 cm3 g−1), but still maintain a highly mesoporous structure. Heat treatment of mesoporous carbons by CO2 generally requires a moderate to high extent of activation in order to increase its BET surface area by 2–3 times, while KOH activation needs a much smaller degree of activation than the former to reach an identical surface area, ensuring high yields of activated mesoporous carbons. In addition, KOH activation allows a controllable degree of activation by adjusting the mass ratio of KOH/C (2–8), as evidenced by the fact that surface area and pore volume increase with the mass ratio of KOH/C. The electrosorption properties of activated mesoporous carbons were investigated by cyclic voltammetry in 0.1 M NaCl aqueous solutions. Upon activation, the electrosorption capacitance of activated mesoporous carbons was greatly enhanced.
Multidisciplinary in-hospital teams improve patient outcomes: A review.

Background: The use of multidisciplinary in-hospital teams limits adverse events (AE), improves outcomes, and adds to patient and employee satisfaction. Methods: Acting like "well-oiled machines," multidisciplinary in-hospital teams include "staff" from different levels of the treatment pyramid (e.g. staff including nurses' aids, surgical technicians, nurses, anesthesiologists, attending physicians, and others). Their enhanced teamwork counters the "silo effect" by enhancing communication between the different levels of healthcare workers and thus reduces AE (e.g. morbidity/mortality) while improving patient and healthcare worker satisfaction. Results: Multiple articles across diverse disciplines incorporate a variety of concepts of "teamwork" for staff covering emergency rooms (ERs), hospital wards, intensive care units (ICUs), and most critically, operating rooms (ORs). Cohesive teamwork improved communication between different levels of healthcare workers, and limited adverse events, improved outcomes, decreased the length of stay (LOS), and yielded greater patient "staff" satisfaction. Conclusion: Within hospitals, delivering the best medical/surgical care is a "team sport." The goals include: Maximizing patient safety (e.g. limiting AE) and satisfaction, decreasing the LOS, and increasing the quality of outcomes. Added benefits include optimizing healthcare workers' performance, reducing hospital costs/complications, and increasing job satisfaction. This review should remind hospital administrators of the critical need to keep multidisciplinary teams together, so that they can continue to operate their "well-oiled machines" enhancing the quality/safety of patient care, while enabling "staff" to optimize their performance and enhance their job satisfaction.
Modes of decomposition of rare earth metal formates and benzoates, enthalpies of transition, and activation energies of decomposition

The modes of decomposition of a few rare earth metal formates and benzoates were studied by the use of DTA, DSC, TG and DTG techniques in air, nitrogen and vacuum. The volatile products and residues were identified. The activation energies of decompositions and the heat of reaction for transitions were calculated.
Diagnosis of recurrent brain tumor: value of 201Tl SPECT vs 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET.

This prospective study was designed to compare the sensitivity and specificity of a relatively simple examination, 201Tl chloride single-photon emission CT (SPECT), with a more complex examination, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), in patients thought to have recurrent brain tumor. Because both agents have been shown to be markers of viable tumor, we hypothesized that their sensitivity and specificity should be the same.Nineteen patients with evidence of recurrent tumor on CT or MR images were studied with both 201Tl SPECT and FDG PET imaging. Two patients were examined twice, so a total of 21 studies were evaluated. The 201Tl SPECT and FDG PET examinations were performed on the same day in 17 patients, and the remaining four examinations were done within 1 week of one another. Three reviewers independently interpreted each Tl SPECT and PET scan. Inappropriate regional increases in 201Tl or FDG activity were considered indicative of tumor recurrence. Sensitivity and specific...
Renal dysfunction following adult intestinal transplant under tacrolimus-based immunosuppression.

We analyzed data from the records of 24 adult patients who survived more than 2 years after intestinal transplantation performed between 1995 and 2002 under tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. Ages ranged from 19.3 to 59.2 years old (median 32.1 years). Tacrolimus cumulative level was defined as a sum of weekly average tacrolimus level over time. Kidney function was evaluated by the 6-month average serum creatinine level. Estimated creatinine clearance was calculated with the Cockcroft-Gault formula. Student's t test was used for analysis. Primary diseases were mesenteric thrombosis (n = 7), trauma (n = 4), Crohn's (n = 3), Gardner's (n = 5), and others (n = 7). Procedures were isolated intestinal transplant (n = 10), liver and intestine (n = 1), multivisceral transplant (n = 9), or modified multivisceral transplant (n = 4). Cumulative tacrolimus levels ranged between 1161 and 8623 ng*day/mL (median 4132 ng*day/mL) at 0 to 12 months. Pretransplant kidney function as mean creatinine clearance was 114 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) (n = 24). Creatinine clearance decreased to a mean of 49.6 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) (43.5% of pretransplant) at 2 years (P 4500 ng*day/mL, it was 34% +/- 17%. Cumulative tacrolimus level >4500 ng ng*day/mL was significantly associated with a decreased creatinine clearance at 2 years (P = .006). Renal function decreased significantly after intestinal transplantation in adults. Cumulative tacrolimus level in the first year affected renal function at 2 years.
Strategies for supporting application portability

A range of system-design strategies that can be used to support portability and the ways in which these strategies have been employed by past and present systems are examined. The strategies are grouped into three categories: (1) strategies that maintain identical execution-time interfaces by porting system components that form the interface, (2) strategies that maintain identical or nearly identical interfaces for different system components by adhering to appropriate standards, and (3) strategies that assist in the adaptation of programs to a target environment. The principal emphasis is on operating-system issues. User interface portability, dynamic portability in a network, and international exchange of programs are briefly considered. >
The Mycobacterium tuberculosis Phagosome Is a HLA-I Processing Competent Organelle

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) resides in a long-lived phagosomal compartment that resists maturation. The manner by which Mtb antigens are processed and presented on MHC Class I molecules is poorly understood. Using human dendritic cells and IFN-γ release by CD8+ T cell clones, we examined the processing and presentation pathway for two Mtb–derived antigens, each presented by a distinct HLA-I allele (HLA-Ia versus HLA-Ib). Presentation of both antigens is blocked by the retrotranslocation inhibitor exotoxin A. Inhibitor studies demonstrate that, after reaching the cytosol, both antigens require proteasomal degradation and TAP transport, but differ in the requirement for ER–golgi egress and new protein synthesis. Specifically, presentation by HLA-B8 but not HLA-E requires newly synthesized HLA-I and transport through the ER–golgi. Phenotypic analysis of the Mtb phagosome by flow organellometry revealed the presence of Class I and loading accessory molecules, including TAP and PDI. Furthermore, loaded HLA-I:peptide complexes are present within the Mtb phagosome, with a pronounced bias towards HLA-E:peptide complexes. In addition, protein analysis also reveals that HLA-E is enriched within the Mtb phagosome compared to HLA-A2. Together, these data suggest that the phagosome, through acquisition of ER–localized machinery and as a site of HLA-I loading, plays a vital role in the presentation of Mtb–derived antigens, similar to that described for presentation of latex bead-associated antigens. This is, to our knowledge, the first description of this presentation pathway for an intracellular pathogen. Moreover, these data suggest that HLA-E may play a unique role in the presentation of phagosomal antigens.
Areeda-Turner and the Treatment of Exclusionary Pricing under U.S. Antitrust and EU Competition Policy

The paper begins with a “readers’ guide” to Areeda and Turner (Harv Law Rev 88:697–733, 1975). It continues to explain the differing receptions of the price-unit cost approach to evaluating predatory pricing in U.S. antitrust policy and EU competition policy in terms of differing views on the likelihood that predation will occur and differing weights given to the probability of incorrectly condemning competition on the merits as predatory and incorrectly exonerating predatory behavior as competition on the merits.
Airborne laser swath mapping : Results from project laser

During October 1996, the University of Florida, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Transportation and the United States Geological Survey-Center for Coastal Geology and Regional Marine Studies jointly conducted a demonstration/test project of airborne laser swath mapping. Project Laser Swath-mapping Evaluation and Resurvey, included mapping of more than three hundred kilometers of beaches, stretching from Mexico Beach, just east of Panama City, Florida, to the western tip of Perdido Key, Alabama. The observations collected along the beaches included returns from the water surface at a number of inlets and from near short portions of the Gulf. The typical flying altitude during the tests was 350 meters above the surface, with an airspeed of 75 meters per second. The laser swatch mapping system operated at 5000 pulses per second, and scanned in a saw tooth pattern with a scan angle of plus and minus 15 degrees and a scan rate of 25 Hz. More than 50 million data points were collected in about three hours of operations, spread over three days. Proprietary computer software was used by the vendor to combine aircraft orientation (roll, pitch and yaw) values from an inertial navigation unit in the laser scanning unit, the angular orientation of the scanner mirror, and the range data to compute vectors from the aircraft to the reflecting surface. These vectors were added to the location of the aircraft, determined by phase difference kinematic Global Positioning System observations to compute the coordinates of the reflecting surface at each measurement epoch, expressed in UTM Northings and Eastings and ellipsoid heights. Commercial software was then used to create a variety of products, including 3D shaded relief `snapshots,' contour maps, false colored maps, cross sections and profiles. Repeat coverage was used to estimate the short term repeatability of the measurements and comparisons with cross sections from classical surveying methods were used to estimate the accuracy of the airborne laser swath mapping results.
Dibenzyl ether as a probe into the supercritical fluid solvent extraction of volatiles from coal with water

Abstract Thermolysis of dibenzyl ether in water at 374, 401 and 412 °C resulted in rapid ether hydrolysis to benzyl alcohol, which in turn underwent significant secondary reactions to polymeric material. The primary hydrolysis pathway competed with a slower primary pathway to toluene and either benzaldehyde or benzyl alcohol, as observed in previous DBE pyrolyses either alone or with hydrogen. The temporal variations of observed products' yields suggest that the hydrolysis could permit manipulation of the yields of volatiles recovered from the reaction of coal in supercritical water.
Inhibitory Role of α6β4-Associated Erbb-2 and Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase in Keratinocyte Haptotactic Migration Dependent on α3β1 Integrin

Keratinocytes and other epithelial cells express two receptors for the basement membrane (BM) extracellular matrix component laminin-5 (Ln-5), integrins α3β1 and α6β4. While α3β1 mediates adhesion, spreading, and migration (Kreidberg, J.A. 2000. Curr. Opin. Cell Biol. 12:548–553), α6β4 is involved in BM anchorage via hemidesmosomes (Borradori, L., and A. Sonnenberg. 1999. J. Invest. Dermatol. 112:411–418). We investigated a possible regulatory interplay between α3β1 and α6β4 in cell motility using HaCaT keratinocytes as a model. We found that α6β4 antibodies inhibit α3β1-mediated migration on Ln-5, but only when migration is haptotactic (i.e., spontaneous or stimulated by α3β1 activation), and not when chemotactic (i.e., triggered by epidermal growth factor receptor). Inhibition of migration by α6β4 depends upon phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K) since it is abolished by PI3-K blockers and by dominant-negative PI3-K, and constitutively active PI3-K prevents haptotaxis. In HaCaT cells incubated with anti–α6β4 antibodies, activation of PI3-K is mediated by α6β4-associated erbB-2, as indicated by erbB-2 autophosphorylation and erbB-2/p85 PI3-K coprecipitation. Furthermore, dominant-negative erbB-2 abolishes inhibition of haptotaxis by anti–α6β4 antibodies. These results support a model whereby (a) haptotactic cell migration on Ln-5 is regulated by concerted action of α3β1 and α6β4 integrins, (b) α6β4-associated erbB-2 and PI3-K negatively affect haptotaxis, and (c) chemotaxis on Ln-5 is not affected by α6β4 antibodies and may require PI3-K activity. This model could be of general relevance to motility of epithelial cells in contact with BM.
Decentralized supervisory control of discrete event systems with nonhomogeneous control structure

Abstract In this paper, the problem of task allocation among local supervisors is considered when the specified global task does not naturally split into subtasks. It is assumed that each controller has its own controllable events, and thus the distribution of controllable events in the system is nonhomogeneous. Necessary and sufficient conditions for existence of supervisors are derived, considering two modes of cooperation among them: rule by consensus and rule by offering alternatives or choice. The results hold when the target language corresponding to the global task specification is closed and when it is not.
Fine structure of midline epithelium in the developing palate of the mouse.

The midline seam of epithelium in the developing secondary palate of C57BL mice was examined with the electron microscope. Fetal heads in which the palatal shelves had fused throughout their length were fixed in paraformaldehyde prior to microdissection of the midline palatal tissue which was post-fixed in osmium tetroxide. The midline epithelial seam was two to four cells thick in the center, while at the nasal and oral ends of the seam the cells increased in number to form a triangular area. The epithelial cells most closely resembled those of the stratum germinativum of the oral mucosa, except for the absence of hemidesmosomes. The epithelial sheet was delineated on both sides by what appeared to be a typical basal lamina which was interrupted in some locations, with and without epithelial degeneration. Epithelial break-down and fibroblastic migration across the midline was observed during a later stage in palatal development. A striking feature of the midline epithelium was the presence of different morphological types of relatively large electron dense granules. The role of the basal lamina, epithelial microvilli and electron dense granules is discussed.
A formulation of the theory of isotropic hydromagnetic turbulence in an incompressible fluid

Abstract The theory of hydromagnetic isotropic turbulence in incompressible fluids is formulated using methods similar to those of quantum field theory. The present formulation is a generalization of Wyld's formulation of ordinary istropic turbulence in incompressible fluids. Solutions for the velocity and magnetic field in the form of perturbation series are set up. Terms in the series are then represented by a one-to-one correspondence by diagrams similar to Feynman diagrams. A study of these diagrams reveals that they may be rearranged to give integral equations governing the second order correlation functions for the velocity and the magnetic field. These integral equations contain an infinite number of terms. To obtain manageable results, the equations are truncated at finite orders, yielding approximate equations. An approximation at the lowest order gives Chandrasekhar's equations; while a “second approximation” gives a more complicated set of equations.
Change Detection Analysis of Humans Moving Behind Walls

In this paper, we consider the problem of detection of humans behind walls and inside enclosed structures using radars. We use change detection techniques to mitigate the heavy clutter caused by strong reflections from exterior and interior walls. To improve spatial resolution, we apply multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configurations to moving target indication (MTI). We examine change detection formulation and performance when clutter removal is performed pre- and postbeamforming. Using signal multiplexing from two transmitters and several receiver positions, we show that the virtual array (coarray) implementing the prebeamforming change detection MIMO scheme permits enhanced clutter rejection and improvement in imaging resolution of moving targets without increasing the physical aperture. Laboratory experiments are conducted to validate the proposed approaches with targets walking behind walls.
Aquaporins and ion conductance

A. J. Yool et al . studied membrane conductance in Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with aquaporin1 complementary RNA ( AQP1 cRNA) and concluded that the conductance observed represented an intrinsic property of the protein ([1][1]). We have reevaluated our own studies of the AQP1 protein and have
Structural modifications of the vinca alkaloids

The vinca alkaloids were discovered independently in two separate laboratories by a combinat ion of serendipity and what we have called rational broad spectrum tumor screening. In the first case, R. L. Noble and his colleagues in the Collip Labora tory at the University of Western Ontar io were examining extracts ofCatharanthus roseus G. Don ( Vinca rosea Linn.) for their effects on blood glucose because of unconfirmed reports in various parts of the world that the plant was being used for the treatment of diabetes. These investigators (4) found by chance observation that the extracts produced profound leukopenia in the rat, and they isolated an alkaloid which demonstrated such activity as a crystalline sulfate, which they named vincaleukoblastine (VLB). They speculated that it might have potential chemotherapeutic properties. This is the drug which is currently marketed as Velban ~'~ (vinblastine sulfate, Lilly). Unknown to the Canadian group, a group of investigators in the Lilly Research Laboratories had observed profound activity in extracts from the same plant against the P-1534 lymphocytic leukemia in DBA/2 mice and had isolated a second alkaloid with antileukemic activity which they named leurosine (3). We were also able to show that after VLB and leurosine were removed from the extracts that there were components remaining with profound ant i tumor activity. These were eventually identified as leurocristine (Oncovin, vincristine sulphate, Lilly) and leurosidine (12). The discovery in the Lilly Research Laboratories resulted from a privately funded ant i tumor screening program mounted in response to a national effort to increase the detection and development of new anticancer drugs through what was then the Cancer Chemotherapy National Service Center (CCNSC). We had long felt that harnessing the major pharmaceutical laboratories to a single set of tests or test systems would have been an error. It had been the experience of most such laboratories that, as new systems, tests, techniques, etc., are devised, a new class of agent was frequently found. The more varied the system in use, the greater the probability of different kinds of materials being detected. In the nationally organized program, the screening philosophy appeared to be based upon the concept of using as few detection systems as possible that would detect the largest number of drugs currently considered as having clinical activity. This was clearly an at tempt at a cost-effective approach. Our concern was that cancer was a heterogenous family of proliferative diseases, and that just as cancer drugs had tumor spectra, experimental neoplasms also had drug spectra. I f this were true, continuous use of a few or even single murine neoplasms for cancer screening might not be expected to detect new or novel drugs, much less predict for activity against a broad spectrum of neoplasms and histological types. While performing well in terms of detecting novel structures, our system did not predict
Regional metabolic changes in the pedunculopontine nucleus of unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine Parkinson's model rats.

Abstract The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) located in the mesopontine tegmentum is innervated by descending projections from nuclei in the basal ganglia. The present study was performed to determine whether nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuron degeneration is associated with changes in PPN metabolic activity. Unilateral nigrostriatal lesioning was performed by injecting 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the substantia nigra pars compacta in 10 rats. Six of these animals exhibited apomorphine-induced rotations contralateral to the lesion and were included in the experimental group for determination of regional cerebral metabolic rate for glucose (rCMRglucose) along with five sham-lesioned and five normal controls. All studies were performed 13–15 days after lesioning using [14] C -2-deoxyglucose autoradiography. Significant hemispheric differences in metabolic activity were observed only in the 6-OHDA lesioned animals. Increased rCMRglucose was found in the globus pallidus (+63%) ipsilateral to the lesion as compared to the contralateral hemisphere, and reduced rCMRglucose in the primary motor, sensory, and auditory cortex (−7%, −12% and −7%, respectively), and in the subthalamic nucleus (−6%). Metabolic activity within the PPN ipsilateral to the lesion was significantly greater than the contralateral hemisphere (P
Pion-nucleon total cross-sections from 0.4 to 0.90 gev/c

The total cross sections of ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ on protons in the momentum interval from 0.40 to 0.90 GeV/c have been measured with high relative precision. In this interval the statistical error varies between 10 and 20 \ensuremath{\mu}b. No new structure is observed.
Sex differences in discrimination of vocal communication signals in a songbird

Vocal communication between zebra finches, Taeniopygia guttata, involves a variety of calls, as well as song. One of these, the long call, is exchanged between individuals in specific social contexts. Male long calls differ from the simpler unlearned long calls of females in one or more learned acoustic features: short, stable duration, elevated fundamental frequency and presence of fast frequency modulations. When species-specific long-call signals produced by male and female conspecifics were played back to adult male and female zebra finch subjects, the birds responded by calling. Males consistently responded much more to female long calls than to male long calls. Females also responded more to female long calls, but the effect was weaker. The responses of females had a correlation with stimulus duration that accounted for most of the higher response to female long calls. Males, like females, responded more to longer long calls, but also showed a step-like increment in responses to all female stimuli. Male birds effectively classified the stimuli by gender; females showed much weaker gender discrimination. The contributions of specific acoustic features to these discriminations were then explored by testing the birds with synthetic versions of natural calls and simplified sounds based on mathematical functions in which acoustic parameters could be independently specified. Male birds showed response functions with changes at particular values of fundamental frequency, stimulus duration and initial modulation frequency, suggestive of category boundaries within these parameters. Female response functions showed changes only for duration. When these response functions were used to predict responses to natural stimuli with given parameter values, the observed response patterns for natural stimuli in the two sexes were reproduced. The decisive gender categorization shown by males thus emerges from categorical evaluation of multiple stimulus parameters.
Computer‐Aided Interactive Video Instruction: Closing the Gap between Needs and Outcomes in Competency‐Based Leadership, Management and Organizational Development Training

Abstract The US Army Organizational Effectiveness Center and School (OECS) is combining two relatively recent training technologies to assist the military in meeting its goal of significantly enhancing the quality of leadership, management and organizational development. Interactive Video Training (IVT) (the coupling of microcomputers with video tape or video disc presentations to mentor individualized training) appears to be the most cost effective and practicable method of providing carefully monitored and exemplary human resource management experiences geared to each individual trainee's learning needs and characteristics. Competency‐based training is training specifically designed to enable the student to recognize, demonstrate understanding, self‐assess, skill develop and apply on‐the‐job validated critical competencies or behaviours which distinguish the superior from the average performer. A competency may be any personality characteristic, motivation, knowledge, skill or other specific or even Ges...
Mercury speciation analysis in soil samples by ion chromatography, post-column cold vapor generation and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

A method of employing an ion chromatography (IC) column, an online post-column cold vapor (CV) generation system, coupled to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), for the determination of inorganic mercury (Hg2+) and monomethylmercury (CH3Hg+) is described. The IC-CV-ICP-MS technique has generated a method with significant improvements in detection limits as well as shorter analysis time over previous methods. In addition, several major shortcomings associated with the conventional pneumatic nebulization system, e.g., high reflected power from organic solvent introduction into the plasma, deposition of carbon on the sampler and skimmer cones and significant memory effect, have been minimized. The analysis run was finished in as little as six minutes with a mobile phase of 65% methanol and 0.45 M hydrochloric acid. The detection limits (as Hg), based on three times the standard deviation of a standard solution, were found to be 35 pg mL−1 for Hg2+ and 73 pg mL−1 for CH3Hg+, with an injection volume of 400 µL. The proposed method was applied to mercury speciation analysis in two soil samples and compared with IC-ICP-MS using conventional pneumatic nebulization for sample introduction. Good agreement was obtained between the two methods. The analysis of extracts from soil samples spiked of Hg2+ and CH3Hg+ with this method showed recoveries of close to 100% for both species.
Governance of the PRC Qingtongxia Aluminum Corporation

In this paper we examine the governance of a Chinese state-owned enterprise (SOE) and try to highlight accounting environment in the People's Republic of China (PRC). We look at the operational aspect of the Qingtongxia Aluminum Smelter Corporation, and try to shed light on the role of accounting in decision-making process in this vibrant economy.
The Case for Comprehensive Counseling Centers at Community Colleges.

This article addresses the need for a comprehensive counseling center to be housed on each campus of community colleges. Counseling helps to improve student academic success and retention, transfer, and graduation rates. Current research also illustrates an increase in psychological and emotional disturbances among college students across the nation, which, at times, results in acts of campus violence such as those that have occurred at Virginia Tech, Northern Illinois University, Henry Ford Community College, and the University of Alabama at Huntsville. This paper discusses the needs of the 21st century student body that result in the case for comprehensive college counseling centers. Recent legislation related to counseling at institutions of higher education is examined, recommendations are given, and components of a comprehensive counseling center are described.
Binding of concanavalin A by normal and virus-transformed cells and by their trypsin-released surface components☆

Abstract Binding of concanavalin A (ConA) by glutaraldehyde-fixed normal hamster embryo fibroblasts (HEF) and HEF transformed by herpes virus, types 1 or 2, was analyzed. The results indicate that normal HEF bind radioiodinated ConA ([ 125 I]ConA) at a slower rate than virus-transformed cells. At or near saturation, transformed cells derived from tumors bound approx. four times (per mg cell protein) the amount of ConA bound by normal cells. Data obtained after treatment of cell bound [ 125 I]ConA with trypsin revealed that ConA on unfixed normal cells was more susceptible to digestion than ConA on unfixed transformed cells. These results indicate that a greater percentage of total ConA receptors on transformed cells had migrated to areas not susceptible to trypsin digestion. In addition, material released from transformed cell surfaces by the detergent Nonidet P-40 (NP-40) appeared to contain more ConA-binding sites since it bound to ConA-agarose columns to a greater degree than material released from normal cells. However, material released from transformed cells by trypsinization appeared to contain relatively smaller amounts of ConA receptors since it bound to ConA-agarose columns to a lesser degree than material from transformed cells. It appears that normal HEF cells possess ConA-binding characteristics that are enhanced upon transformation by herpes viruses or trypsin treatment.
Effect of magnesium supplementation on strength training in humans.

This study investigated the effects of dietary magnesium (Mg) on strength development during a double-blind, 7-week strength training program in 26 untrained subjects (14 = control, C and 12 = Mg supplemented, M), 18-30 years old. Subjects' 3-day diet records were analyzed and Mg content was calculated. C received a placebo and M received a supplement (Mg oxide) to bring Mg intake, including diet, to 8 mg/kg body weight/day. Body composition was assessed with bioelectrical impedance. Pre and post quadriceps torque (T) measurements were made with an Orthotron at 120 deg/sec. Each subject performed three sets of 10 reps, leg press and leg extension, three times/week. Both groups gained strength, however, results indicated a significant (p less than 0.05) increase for the M group compared to the C group in absolute T, relative T adjusted for body weight (T/BWT), and relative T adjusted for lean body mass (T/LBM) when pre values were used as the covariate. M was consistently greater than C (T: 211 vs 174 Nm; T/BWT: 3.07 vs 2.58 Nm/kg; T/LBM: 3.84 vs 3.36 Nm/kg). Conclusion Significant differences in T gains after strength training were demonstrated in M vs C. Mg's role may be at the ribosomal level in protein synthesis.
Anesthetic management for the morbidly obese pregnant woman.

Obesity is increasing in prevalence among pregnant women across the United States. At the University of Alabama, between 1980 and 1999, the frequency of obesity at the first prenatal visit doubled from 16% to 36%, and the frequency of weight over 300 pounds increased 10-fold from 0.5% to 4.9%. In the state of Utah in 2001, 37.8% of white women, 44.2% of black women, 43.8% of Latinas, and 61.1% of Native American women were obese at the time of delivery. The definition of obesity in pregnancy is a matter of debate. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends using height and weight measured at the first prenatal visit to calculate the body mass index (BMI). Based on World Health Organization criteria, obesity is present when the BMI is 30 or above, and obesity may be further categorized by BMI into Class I (30 to 34.9), Class II (35 to 39.9), and Class III obesity (Z40). Morbid obesity corresponds to a BMI greater than 35 to 40 kg/m. Obesity complicates obstetric management, and has been associated with gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and cesarean section.7–13 During the active phase of labor, the cervix dilates more slowly in obese women, and failure to progress is more common, even in patients with spontaneous onset of labor. Obesity increases the risk of emergency cesarean delivery in most but not all cohort studies that have evaluated the topic.16–18 For women who deliver by cesarean section, operative and postoperative complications include operative time greater than 2 hours, excessive blood loss, wound infection and endomyometritis, and increased length of hospital stay. Obesity also impacts anesthetic management. Excessive body fat can obscure anatomic landmarks, complicating epidural and intravenous
Thermal and Electron-Induced Reactions of Hydrazoic Acid (HN3) Adsorbed on Gold and Ice

The chemistry of hydrazoic acid (HN3) on polycrystalline gold and amorphous ice was studied as a function of HN3 exposure, temperature, and X-ray irradiation using reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). On Au, HN3 was found to adsorb molecularly at 100 K. In contrast, at 100 K the reaction of HN3 with ice was dominated initially by deprotonation and the formation of azide ions (N3-). At higher HN3 exposures on ice, RAIRS data was consistent with molecular adsorption, although a distinct, more strongly bound molecular state was also observed that is attributed to hydrogen bonding between H2O and HN3. Annealing HN3 adsorbed on Au resulted in predominantly molecular HN3 desorption while in the HN3/ice system molecular desorption was accompanied by the production of ammonium azide (NH4+N3-). In contrast, NH4+N3- was not observed on the Au surface during annealing experiments. The formation of NH4+N3- is postulated to derive from the reactions of NH radi...
Proposing the Online Community Self-Disclosure Model: The Case of Working Professionals in France and the UK Who Use Online Communities

The global use of online communities has exploded to involve hundreds of millions of users. Despite the tremendous social impact and business opportunities afforded by these communities, little information systems (IS) research has addressed them - especially in a cross-cultural context. Our research proposes an online community self-disclosure model, tested in a cross-cultural setting using data provided by French and British working professionals. Our model is based on social exchange theory (SET) and social penetration theory (SPT), as well as on cross-cultural theory related to individualism-collectivism. SET explains that individuals engage in relationships when the perceived costs associated with the relationship are less than the expected benefits. SPT extends SET to explain that individuals participate in self-disclosure to foster relationships - reciprocation is the primary benefit of self-disclosure, whereas risk is the foundational cost of self-disclosure. Our study established several important findings: Positive social influence to use an online community increases online community self-disclosure; reciprocity increases self-disclosure; online community trust increases self-disclosure; and privacy risk beliefs decrease self-disclosure. Meanwhile, a tendency toward collectivism increases self-disclosure. We further found that French participants had higher scores on horizontal individualism than British participants. Several other findings and their implications for practice are also discussed.
Parallels between Enzyme Action and Tryptophan Fluorescence Brightness in Proteins

Thousands of scientists studying proteins rely on the intensity, wavelength, and lifetimes of emitted light (fluorescence) from the amino acid tryptophan (Trp) because it is extremely sensitive to its “environment” in a protein. But, what exactly does “environment” mean? In the last several years, we have combined classical molecular dynamics with simplified quantum mechanics and electrostatics to gain considerable insight into what environments promote and quench Trp fluorescence. Close parallels can be drawn between our simulations of Trp fluorescence brightness and simulations of enzyme effectiveness, especially for the “single electron transfer” mechanism. We have carried out MD simulations of Staphylococcal nuclease and ribonuclease T1 and determined the electric potential difference between the phosphorus subject to nucleophilic attack and the putative electrophile. These are characterized by potential differences of 2-3 volts, with fluctuations spanning 1.5 volts, quite similar to the energy gaps between the fluorescing state of Trp and charge transfer states that result in fluorescence quenching. We shall report results for a variety of enzymes representing six major classes of enzymes.