cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Motivation Enhancement Therapy with pregnant substance-abusing women: Does baseline motivation moderate efficacy?

Some evidence suggests that motivational approaches are less efficacious--or even counter-productive--with persons who are relatively motivated at baseline. The present study was conducted to examine whether disordinal moderation by baseline motivation could partially explain negative findings in a previous study [Winhusen, T., Kropp, F., Babcock, D., Hague, D., Erickson, S.J., Renz, C., Rau, L., Lewis, D., Leimberger, J., Somoza, E., 2008. Motivational enhancement therapy to improve treatment utilization and outcome in pregnant substance users. J. Subst. Abuse Treat. 35, 161-173]. Analyses also focused on the relative utility of the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) scale, vs. a single goal question as potential moderators of Motivation Enhancement Therapy (MET). Participants were 200 pregnant women presenting for substance abuse treatment at one of four sites. Women were randomly assigned to either a three-session MET condition or treatment as usual (TAU). Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) revealed no significant moderation effects on drug use at post-treatment. At follow-up, contrary to expectations, participants who had not set a clear quit goal at baseline were less likely to be drug-free if randomized to MET (OR=0.48); participants who did set a clear quit goal were more likely to be drug-free if randomized to MET (OR=2.53). No moderating effects were identified via the URICA. Disordinal moderation of MET efficacy by baseline motivation may have contributed somewhat to the negative results of the [Winhusen, T., Kropp, F., Babcock, D., Hague, D., Erickson, S.J., Renz, C., Rau, L., Lewis, D., Leimberger, J., Somoza, E., 2008. Motivational enhancement therapy to improve treatment utilization and outcome in pregnant substance users. J. Subst. Abuse Treat. 35, 161-173] study, but in the opposite direction expected. A simple question regarding intent to quit may be useful in identifying persons who may differentially respond to motivational interventions. However, moderation effects are unstable, may be best identified with alternate methodologies, and may operate differently among pregnant women.
Cardiovascular reactivity, hostility, and family history of hypertension

This study was conducted to evaluate the relations between cardiovascular reactivity and two types of hostility, namely, overt expression of hostility in contrast to the covert experience of hostility. Diastolic blood pressure reactivity was associated with not overtly expressing hostility. For persons with a parental history of hypertension, systolic blood pressure (SBP) reactivity was associated with low scores on the covert hostility measure of irritability, while for persons without a parental history of hypertension, SBP reactivity was associated with high scores for irritability. The results are discussed in light of research in the area of cardiovascular reactivity and stress-related cardiovascular disease.
Regulation of sulfate transport in neurospora by transinhibition and by inositol depletion

Abstract Neurospora possesses two distinct sulfate transport systems, a low-affinity form (Permease I) which is the only type found in conidia, and a second species (Permease II) which predominates during the mycelial stage. Although methionine represses the synthesis of both of these permeases, inorganic sulfate only partially represses the mycelial form and does not affect the synthesis of Permease I. Both transport systems are also regulated by transinhibition. The transinhibition which occurs in mycelia is not due to an intracellular pool of inorganic sulfate, but is instead exerted by an early intermediate of the sulfate assimilatory pathway. The development of functional sulfate transport activity depends upon genetic and metabolic events which affect the cell membrane. The synthesis of sulfate permease activity in the inos mutant requires an exogenous supply of inositol. The effect of the cot mutant, which is thought to interfere with membrane synthesis, also prevents the development of sulfate permease at the restrictive temperature. The maintenance of pre-existing functional sulfate permease activity apparently also requires a continuous renewal of membrane components since withdrawal of inositol from inos mutants results in a rapid inactivation of transport activity.
Microactuators for Projectile Flight Control Systems: a Feasibility Study

New concepts for microactivated flight control of projectiles have been investigated for operation in both subsonic and supersonic flight regimes. A successful concept can provide an inexpensive flight control device with many control redundancies, and it can reduce size weight and energy consumption of the control system. Two promising concepts have been explored in detail. The first one consists of a microflap in the form of a delta wing of 3 mm base by 4 mm height, which can be deployed and activated at a location on the ogive of the projectile or at the beginning of its cylindrical afterbody. The second concept is based on microballoons, which can be inflated and change the local pressure distribution on the projectile. A computational-fluid-dynamics (CFD) computer code has been used to model these two flight control concepts
Assignment of protein backbone resonances using connectivity, torsion angles and 13Calpha chemical shifts.

A program is presented which will return the most probable sequence location for a short connected set of residues in a protein given just 13Cα chemical shifts (δ(13Cα)) and data restricting the φ and ψ backbone angles. Data taken from both the BioMagResBank and the Protein Data Bank were used to create a probability density function (PDF) using a multivariate normal distribution in δ(13Cα), φ, and ψ space for each amino acid residue. Extracting and combining probabilities for particular amino acid residues in a short proposed sequence yields a score indicative of the correctness of the proposed assignment. The program is illustrated using several proteins for which structure and 13Cα chemical shift data are available.
Group parity prediction scheme for concurrent testing of linear feedback shift registers

A group parity prediction scheme which can be used for concurrent testing of linear feedback shift register circuits is described.
Cohesive Harmony in the Written Stories of Elementary Children.

The use of cohesion in the written stories of normally developing and language-learning disabled elementary children was studied using Cohesive Harmony Analysis. The proportion of words in chains (cohesive density) and chain interaction (cohesive harmony) was consistent across the elementary years. However, children with language-learning disabilities evidenced significantly less cohesive density and cohesive harmony, and they included significantly fewer characters and fewer types of verbal processes in their stories. Educational implications are discussed.
Gulf Stream Boundary Eddies off the East Coast of Florida

Abstract Satellite infrared data and in situ data were used to study eddies off the east coast of Florida. The surface thermal manifestation of the eddies identified in the infrared data were alternating cold and warm tongues, conforming to the cyclonic spin-off eddies observed by Lee (1975); however, the eddies identified in the satellite data were larger than those observed by Lee. Statistics derived from the satellite data indicated that the eddies had average major and minor axes of 136 and 36 km, respectively. assuming an elliptic shape. They moved northward at an average speed of 30 km day−1, and the average period was 9 days.
Ethnic Bargaining and the Management of Intense Conflict

Recent negotiating successes should cause us to pause and reconsider the widespread mood of scholarly pessimism regarding the possibilities for ethnic bargaining. Such pessimism springs in part from an emphasis on the long-standing nature of group differences and the hatreds that is said to accompany these differences, and in part from the threat to moderate politics that can take place under democratic as well as authoritarian regimes. To be sure, when adversaries confront each other directly and no mediator stands between them, a shift in strategic interactions can prove difficult but not impossible. However, the structure for interethnic bargaining changes significantly when a third-party mediator intercedes and attempts to influence the adversaries to alter their perceptions on the benefits of reaching an agreement. Third-party mediation, then, is the missing variable in the traditional literature on ethnic bargaining; this missing element helps to explain an important part of the gap between the scholarly pessimism of the past and the current reality.
Genetics of Primary Hypertension

Geneticists seek to understand the interaction between genetic and environmental causes of phenotypic variation among individuals in a population. Clinical studies have established that an individu...
Psoriasis and Vascular Disease—Risk Factors and Outcomes: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Background Psoriasis afflicts 2-3% of the world’s population. Affected patients commonly have risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In addition, psoriasis is independently associated with CVD and mortality.
Distance-to-Agreement Investigation of Tomotherapy's Bony Anatomy-Based Autoregistration and Planning Target Volume Contour-Based Optimization

Purpose To compare Tomotherapy's megavoltage computed tomography bony anatomy autoregistration with the best achievable registration, assuming no deformation and perfect knowledge of planning target volume (PTV) location. Methods and Materials Distance-to-agreement (DTA) of the PTV was determined by applying a rigid-body shift to the PTV region of interest of the prostate from its reference position, assuming no deformations. Planning target volume region of interest of the prostate was extracted from the patient archives. The reference position was set by the 6 degrees of freedom (dof)—x, y, z, roll, pitch, and yaw—optimization results from the previous study at this institution. The DTA and the compensating parameters were calculated by the shift of the PTV from the reference 6-dof to the 4-dof—x, y, z, and roll—optimization. In this study, the effectiveness of Tomotherapy's 4-dof bony anatomy–based autoregistration was compared with the idealized 4-dof PTV contour-based optimization. Results The maximum DTA (maxDTA) of the bony anatomy-based autoregistration was 3.2 ± 1.9 mm, with the maximum value of 8.0 mm. The maxDTA of the contour-based optimization was 1.8 ± 1.3 mm, with the maximum value of 5.7 mm. Comparison of Pearson correlation of the compensating parameters between the 2 4-dof optimization algorithms shows that there is a small but statistically significant correlation in y and z (0.236 and 0.300, respectively), whereas there is very weak correlation in x and roll (0.062 and 0.025, respectively). Conclusions We find that there is an average improvement of approximately 1 mm in terms of maxDTA on the PTV going from 4-dof bony anatomy-based autoregistration to the 4-dof contour-based optimization. Pearson correlation analysis of the 2 4-dof optimizations suggests that uncertainties due to deformation and inadequate resolution account for much of the compensating parameters, but pitch variation also makes a statistically significant contribution.
Political parties, campaign contributions and discrimination

Political parties can enhance their clout in Congress by adding to the seats under their control, or by increasing party loyalty. Interestingly, the latter option seems to play a very small role in the two elections studied. The Democratic Party altered their funding decisions based on loyalty during the 1980 election cycle, but not in 1982. Republicans did not base party contributions on party loyalty in either election, although there is less reason to expect them to do so because of their minority status. On the other hand, both parties reacted to the possibility of additional seats by funneling funds into close races. Aggregate party contributions (Table 1) and the party specific models (Table 2) consistently suggest that money flows into these volatile races.
An approximate density-effect correction for the ionization loss of charged particles☆

Abstract An approximate density-effect correction for determining the stopping power and range of high-energy charged particles is discussed and evaluated.
Effect of Intensive Versus Standard Blood Pressure Control on Depression and Health-Related Quality of Life in Type 2 Diabetes: The ACCORD trial

OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that intensive (systolic blood pressure [SBP] RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Subjects were 1,028 ACCORD (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes) BP trial HRQL substudy participants who completed baseline and one or more 12-, 36-, or 48-month HRQL evaluations. Multivariable linear regression assessed impact of BP treatment assignment on change in HRQL. RESULTS Over 4.0 years of follow-up, no significant differences occurred in five of six HRQL measures. Those assigned to intensive (vs. standard) BP control had statistically significant worsening of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short-form health survey (SF36) physical component scores (−0.8 vs. −0.2; P = 0.02), but magnitude of change was not clinically significant. Findings persisted across all prespecified subgroups. CONCLUSIONS Intensive BP control in the ACCORD trial did not have a clinically significant impact, either positive or negative, on depression or patient-reported HRQL.
False positive findings on liver scans in carcinoma of kidney

Abstract In most urologic centers, liver scan is a routine investigation for evaluation of carcinoma of the kidney. Herein are described 3 patients with carcinoma of the right kidney, who had abnormal liver scans and did not .shore any metastases on exploration and open liter biopsy. These false positive findings were found to be due to the extrinsic compression of the liver by the tumor. When interpreting the liter scan in a patient with renal tumor on the right side, the possibility of this false positive finding due to extrinsic compression is to be considered and an abnormal hepatic scan alone should not be ct contraindication for possible radical surgery.
A new architecture for peace? Reconfiguring Japan among the great powers

Abstract In time Japan will shed domestic and historical constraints and engage in a more activist foreign policy commensurate with its great power status. Given the end of the Cold War, multipolarity, the uncertain security environment of East Asia, the growth of intra‐state conflicts, the relative shift in the balance of power, and American dissatisfaction with external engagements, Japanese elites will necessarily re‐examine the country's traditionally passive foreign policy. Because of current domestic constraints such activism will be oriented towards multilateral fora as the Security Council. Multilateral engagement will supplement rather than displace other modes of conflict management and should be welcomed by the other great powers. Multilateral security institutions, such as permanent membership on the Security Council, strengthen the hand of Japanese domestic elites who favor an active and multilateral role. Thus, permanent membership can counteract regionalist tendencies within the Japanese go...
Risky business? The survival implications of exploiting commercial opportunities by nonprofits

Prior research is equivocal as to the performance implications of exploiting market-based opportunities by nonprofit organizations. We investigate an under-addressed measure of performance in this literature: organizational survival. Drawing upon resource dependence theory, we argue that performance is largely dependent upon the extent to which nonprofits focus on market-based opportunities. Through analysis of the population of Canadian charities, we find support for a U-shaped relationship indicating that low to moderate levels of market-based income decrease the likelihood of firm exit, whereas high levels increase this likelihood.
Chiari I malformation and idiopathic growth hormone deficiency in siblings

Introduction The authors report a case of three brothers. Two of these siblings presented with congenital growth hormone deficiency and Chiari I malformation. The third and younger brother has been found not to have growth hormone deficiency or the Chiari I malformation.
High resolution transmission electron microscopy and atomistic calculations of grain boundaries in metals and intermetallics

A review of grain boundary studies in metals and alloys using high resolution transmission electron microscopy and atomistic calculations is presented, with an emphasis on the relevance of the results to grain boundary structure and properties. While a number of studies on boundaries in both pure metals and alloys will be discussed, the paper will focus on symmetric tilt boundaries in aluminum and the determination of compositional ordering at grain boundaries in Ni3Al. The conclusions to be drawn from these comparisons will be discussed, and future prospects for joint experimental and theoretical studies will be presented.
The effects of alcohol on the variability of the human evoked potential

Abstract An attempt was made to determine to what extent the depression seen in the amplitude of the average evoked potential (AEP) following alcohol administration might be due to an increase in peak latency variability. While most of the variance in the AEP was attributable to fluctuations in the amplitude of the single potentials that made up the average response, latency variability of certain components did significantly reduce the error variance associated with the AEP.
Automatic Controller and Data Printer for Use with a Philips Three Position Spectrograph

This report describes equipment that converts a Philips. Three Position X-Ray Spectrograph to semiautomatic operation for routine sample analysis. Up to ten independent sets of conditions for wave-length (2Θ), pulse height analysis baseline, and total count can be selected in advance. The equipment will then automatically determine the "counting time" for a sample for each set of conditions selected. At the end of each count the equipment prints out the sample number, code numbers for the goniometer position, baseline setting, the fixed count used, and the time, in tenths of a sec, required to reach the fixed count. Semiautomatic operation permits operation by personnel with minimum training, reduces invalid results due to operator mistakes, and increases sample output per day. The results are identical with those obtained by manual operation.
Myosin heavy chains from two different adult fast-twitch muscles have different peptide maps but identical mRNAs

Myosin heavy chains prepared from the pectoralis major and from the posterior latissimus dorsi of the same adult chicken exhibit different peptide maps when cleaved with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease. These differences were observed at five different enzyme concentrations and in chickens of various strains. The cleavage pattern of pectoralis major myosin heavy chain from different adult chickens was always identical, as was that of posterior latissimus dorsi myosin heavy chain, demonstrating the reproducibility of the technique. However, when RNAs extracted from the pectoralis major and from the posterior latissimus dorsi were translated in a cell-free reticulocyte lysate, the myosin heavy chain encoded by pectoralis major RNA and the myosin heavy chain encoded by posterior latissimus dorsi RNA exhibited identical peptide maps. These results suggest that the different peptide maps of myosin heavy chains from the pectoralis major and posterior latissimus dorsi may arise from posttranslational modifications.
ON A DARCY-FLOW FORMULA AND THE POTENTIAL OF SLENDER AXIAL SOURCES

Abstract A slender-body theory is developed for the axisymmetric Darcy flow from a large reservior to an isolated well bore. The resulting analysis serves to eliminate from the standard petroleum-engineering formula: the generally undefined parameter re , representing fictitious distance from an injection or production well to the undisturbed reservoir. In particular, we show that, upon equating re , to the well length l, one can interpret the above formula as an exact asymptotic result under fairly general circumstances including variations of the local well-bore pressure pw and radial injection velocity v 0 with axial position. We also present higher-order corrections to the asymptotic result, in terms of the well slenderness ratio re /l, by making use of a previous perturbation analysis of Handelsman and Keller (1967) for axisymmetric potential flow. Our results have application to other problems involving the potential field around slender sources.
Information Retrieval in Digital Libraries: Bringing Search to the Net

A digital library enables users to interact effectively with information distributed across a network. These network information systems support search and display of items from organized collections. In the historical evolution of digital libraries, the mechanisms for retrieval of scientific literature have been particularly important. Grand visions in 1960 led first to the development of text search, from bibliographic databases to full-text retrieval. Next, research prototypes catalyzed the rise of document search, from multimedia browsing across local-area networks to distributed search on the Internet. By 2010, the visions will be realized, with concept search enabling semantic retrieval across large collections.
High-data-rate laser transmitters for free-space laser communications

Master-oscillator power-amplifier (MOPA) laser systems, for future lasercom terminals to be flown in space are being developed and characterized. These lasers fall into groups for applications in deep space and near earth (including GEO) orbiting satellites. For deep space applications a diode pumped Q-switched Nd:YVO4 oscillator and a multi-pass Nd:YAG amplifier laser with an average output power of 1.5 W and capable of supporting repetition rates of 100 KHz was studied. This lasers emits at 1064 nm and was tested with pulse position modulation at data rates of 400 Kbps. The laser pulse width (approximately 2 ns FWHM) and timing jitter (plus or minus 8 ns) are reported with relevant discussions pertaining to deep space performance. For near earth applications, a two stage diode pumped fiber amplifier system providing 1072 nm emission with 4 W of average power and capable of supporting data rates of 2.5 Gbps is briefly described. A second semiconductor flared amplifier system emitting at 980 nm has also been developed and is awaiting characterization.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Evidence for calcium-sensitive component in brain actomyosin-like protein (neurostenin).

— The isolation of brain actomyosin-like protein (neurostenin) with a Ca2+ -sensitive component is described. The addition of 1 mm EGTA results in approximately 50 per cent reduction in MgATPase activity. The inhibition can be released by a free Ca2+ concentration of 10−6m. Dialysis of the protein complex against low ionic strength medium followed by centrifugation results in a loss of Ca2+ sensitivity in the pelleted protein. Ca2+ sensitivity can be restored by reprecipitating this desensitized complex in the presence of the 70.000 g supernatant. The protection of sulphhydryl groups during desensitization and reconstitution procedures is essential. This Ca2+ regulatory property is similar, in these respects, to other actomyosin-like proteins.
Rehabilitation and the Handicapped Programmer

The lives of many handicapped persons have been vastly improved by computer technology, both in adaptive devices and job opportunity—but millions wait to be served.
Restricting EphA2 Receptor Movement Affects Internalization and Signaling in Living Cells

The importance of spatial reorganization of receptors and ligands that occurs at the cell-cell interface is becoming increasingly evident in a variety of cell systems. Our lab has developed a unique experimental platform in which cells are interfaced with supported lipid membranes displaying ligands creating a controllable and laterally mobile ligand presentation system that recapitulates essential aspects of the cell-cell contact. To probe how protein organization in the membrane influences cell signaling events, we use a spatial mutation strategy in which we pattern supported lipid bilayers into microscale corrals to restrict protein movement within the corrals and then measure alterations in cell signaling. When MDAMB231 breast cancer cells expressing the receptor tyrosine kinase EphA2 are interfaced with a supported lipid bilayer containing the ephrinA1 ligand, EphA2 binds to ephrinA1 and the complex reorganizes into large clusters. When receptor-ligand movement is disrupted with the spatial mutation, the reorganization of EphA2-ephrinA1 clusters results in alterations of downstream signaling. In particular, we found that recruitment of the metalloprotease ADAM10 to the clusters is inhibited, indicating that EphA2 signaling is sensitive to the spatial organization of ephrinA1. ADAM10 has been implicated in the cleavage and endocytosis of other ephrins, suggesting that ADAM10 may be necessary for efficient endocytosis of EphA2-ephrinA1. Therefore, our research is probing how endocytosis is affected by the spatial organization of EphA2. Here, we report the development of a novel and highly quantitative endocytosis assay. Using this assay, we found that the spatial organization of EphA2-ephrinA1 does alter ephrinA1 endocytosis. We also found that Pitstop2, a small molecular inhibitor of clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME), negatively effects ephrinA1 endocytosis, indicating that CME is important in ephrinA1 internalization. The implications of these observations for spatial regulation of EphA2 signaling will be further discussed.
[MnII(t-Bu)4salen]2 and Its Reaction with TCNE

Abstract MnII(t-Bu)4salen has been prepared and magnetically characterized as a dimer with weak intradimer coupling of J=−7.8 cm−1 (J/kB=11 K) for H=−2JSa·Sb. The electron transfer salt of TCNE and MnII(t-Bu)4salen exhibits weak antiferromagnetic coupling.
Onset of alopecia areata after Epstein-Barr virus infectious mononucleosis

Background The pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA) is incompletely known. A positive family history in some points to a genetic predisposition, and discordance of the disease in identical twins suggests environmental triggers exist. Objective We sought to determine whether the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a possible environmental trigger for AA. Methods We queried the National AA Registry for all patients who self-reported sudden onset of AA with concurrent EBV mononucleosis. Results Among the 6256 individuals registered between December 2001 and August 2007, 1586 patients reported an environmental trigger—including 12 individuals who had an EBV infection within 6 months before the onset of AA. Limitations This study relies on self-reported data, and not all medical records confirming EBV infections were available for review. Conclusion The association between EBV and AA is worthy of further investigation.
An inverse theorem for Jacobi matrices

Abstract It is shown that if two infinite Jacobi matrices of type D have the same spectrum { λ i } ∞ 1 and if ʃ λ+0 λ−0 dσ∗(t) , then they are identical. Here σ( t ) and σ ∗ ( t ) are the weight functions associated with the two matrices.
A common framework for estimating multivariate autoregressive index models

Abstract A class of nonlinearly constrained vector autoregressive models called index models have been considered in the econometrics and statistics literature to reduce parameterization in the modeling of multiple time series variables. This paper shows that all versions of these index models arise as special cases of the Joreskog—Keesling—Wiley latent variable structural equations model. Latent variable formulation of index models offers a flexible framework for estimating and comparing different index restrictions using computer programs such as lisrel and eqs . Further, index models proposed in the literature can be readily extended by incorporating several additional restrictions. Some examples of estimated index models are presented.
Central projections of Limulus photoreceptor cells revealed by a photoreceptor-specific monoclonal antibody.

Studies of lateral, median, and ventral eyes of the chelicerate arthropod Limulus polyphemus (the common American horseshoe crab) are providing important basic information about mechanisms for information processing in the peripheral visual system and for the modulation of visual responses by light and circadian rhythms. The processing of visual information in Limulus brain is less well understood in part because the specific central projections of the various classes of visual neurons are not known. This study describes a mouse monoclonal antibody, 3C6A3, which binds to Limulus photoreceptor cell bodies, their axons, and terminals, but not to any other cell type in the central nervous system. This antibody, and intracellular injection of biocytin, are used to demonstrate the central projections of each type of photoreceptor. Our main conclusions are that: (1) the photoreceptors (retinular cells) of the lateral eye project only to the lamina; (2) the photoreceptors of the lateral rudimentary eye project to both the lamina and medulla; (3) the photoreceptors of the median ocellus project only to the ocellar ganglion; and (4) the photoreceptors of the rudimentary median (endoparietal) eye project to the ocellar ganglion and also into the optic tract. These results, along with previous studies, allow us to infer the projections of the secondary cells. The eccentric cells of the lateral eye project to the lamina, medulla, optic tract, and ocellar ganglion. The arhabdomeral cells of the median ocellus project through the ocellar ganglion and the optic tract to the medulla.
Antifolates as effective antimicrobial agents: new generations of trimethoprim analogs

Over the past six decades, the folate biosynthetic pathway has provided a rich source of drug targets for the treatment of proliferative diseases. Drugs targeting dihydrofolate reductase have been especially successful as anticancer (methotrexate), antibacterial (trimethoprim, TMP) and antiprotozoal (cycloguanil, pyrimethamine) therapeutics. While trimethoprim remains a clinically important antimicrobial DHFR inhibitor, resistance by point mutations in otherwise sensitive strains as well as the natural insensitivity of several species limits its use. In this review, an historical overview of the attempts to develop drugs that target the folate pathway is presented along with a discussion of the basis of insensitivity to trimethoprim. From this vantage, we have developed the propargyl-linked antifolates as potent inhibitors of TMP-insensitive enzymes and strains. The structural basis of the increased affinity is detailed to promote the development of further generations of antifolates.
Electrolyte Excretion in Bile

The high concentration of certain test substances in both urine and bile suggests that similarities exist between the biliary and renal tubular functions. Evidence from dogs with permanent duodenal fistulas indicates that the rate of elaboration of bile depends primarily on the rate of secretion of bile salts. The variations in flow and composition of hepatic bile seem to result from the addition of a fluid which is similar in some respects to pancreatic juice.
Multivariate Analysis of the Dryopithecus africanus Forelimb

CORRECT interpretation of fossil postcranial remains is crucial to understanding primate phylogeny. This is very apparent in the study of the postcranial remains of the East African Early Miocene hominoid Dryopithecus africanus1. In 1951 Whitworth discovered a nearly complete forelimb from the Gumba Peninsula, Rusinga Island, Kenya, as part of an association with dental and cranial remains of D. africanus. The deposits date from 19 to 16 m.y.2,3. Napier and Davies3 concluded that the forelimb of D. africanus showed many features reminiscent of monkeys, for example, colobines and atelines, which supposedly use their forelimbs alone for locomotion a significant amount of the time. They further claimed that “in the absence of a priori evidence as to the probable nature of the fossil remains provided by the associated jaw fragments, it is to be doubted whether there would have been sufficient evidence from the forelimb bones alone to postulate the pongid affinities of D. africanus…”. This view has gained wide acceptance4–6.
Heterogeneous Uptake of Carbonyl Sulfide on Hematite and Hematite−NaCl Mixtures

Heterogeneous uptake of carbonyl sulfide (COS) on hematite, NaCl, and a series of hematite−NaCl mixtures was investigated in a static reaction chamber at 298 K using in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). The adsorbed COS was oxidized on the surface of hematite and hematite−NaCl mixtures, forming surface hydrogen thiocarbonate (HSCO2-), carbonate (CO32-), and sulfate (SO42-) species as well as gaseous CO2. The reactivity of hematite−NaCl mixtures was lower than that of hematite alone. No uptake of COS was observed on the pure NaCl sample. For mixtures, the 40% hematite + 60% NaCl sample exhibited the highest reactivity. Preadsorption experiments using CO2 as a probe molecule indicated that about 70% of adsorbed COS was oxidized by surface oxygen ions on hematite. In contrast, the Fe−ClO species formed during the sample preparation procedure is proposed to be the active site on the hematite−NaCl mixtures. A plausible reaction mechanism of the heterogeneous oxidation o...
Immunomodulation of transgene responses following naked DNA transfer of human factor VIII into hemophilia A mice

A robust humoral immune response against human factor VIII (hFVIII) following naked DNA transfer into immunocompetent hemophilia A mice completely inhibits circulating FVIII activity despite initial high-level hFVIII gene expression. To prevent this undesirable response, we compared transient immunomodulation strategies. Eight groups of mice (n = 4-9 per group) were treated with naked DNA transfer of pBS-HCRHPI-hFVIIIA simultaneously with immunosuppressive reagents that included cyclosporine A (CSA), rapamycin (RAP), mycophenylate mofetil (MMF), a combination of CSA and MMF, a combination of RAP and MMF, a monoclonal antibody against murine CD40 ligand (MR1), recombinant murine Ctla4Ig, and a combination of MR1 and Ctla4Ig. All animals except those receiving only CSA exhibited delayed or absent immune responses against hFVIII. The most effective immunosuppressive regimen, the combination of Ctla4Ig and MR1, prevented inhibitor formation in 8 of 9 animals; the ninth had transient low-titer antibodies. All 9 mice of this group produced persistent, therapeutic levels of hFVIII for more than 6 months. When challenged with the T-dependent antigen bacteriophage Φx174, tolerized mice exhibited normal primary and secondary antibody responses, suggesting that transient immunomodulation to disrupt B/T-cell interaction at the time of plasmid injection effectively promoted long-term immune tolerance specific for hFVIII. (Blood. 2006;108:19-27)
On relations between Jacobians and minimal polynomials

Abstract We give some relations between Jacobians and minimal polynomials of n polynomials in n variables, which yield some new effective criteria to decide whether a polynomial or a rational map is invertible, and to calculate the inverse if it exists. Our new criteria work for all rational maps from Kn to Kn, where K is an arbitrary field. We also formulate a conjecture, which is equivalent to the Jacobian conjecture.
Computation in neural nets

Abstract A mathematical apparatus is developed that deals with networks of elements which are connected to each other by well defined connection rules and which perform well defined operations on their inputs. The output of these elements either is transmitted to other elements in the network or — should they be terminal elements — represents the outcome of the computation of the network. The discussion is confined to such rules of connection between elements and their operational modalities as they appear to have anatomical and physiological counter parts in neural tissue. The great latitude given today in the interpretation of nervous activity with regard to what constitutes the “signal” is accounted for by giving the mathematical apparatus the necessary and sufficient latitude to cope with various interpretations. Special attention is given to a mathematical formulation of structural and functional properties of networks that compute invariants in the distribution of their stimuli.
Current issues in clinical research and the development of new pharmaceuticals.

As a normal part of the drug development process, U.S. pharmaceutical companies conduct many thousands of clinical trials each year. Only after a reasonable assurance of safety is made can the drug be given to patients who have the underlying medical condition that the drug is designed to treat. Patient welfare is assured by adhering to the Food and Drug Administration's interpretation of the "common rule" if the data will be used to support a licensing application. 21 CFR Part 50 sets forth the regulations along with the principles of informed consent and the use of institutional review boards (IRBs) that assure patients' rights are protected. Any potential conflict of interest on the part of a clinical investigator must be reported to the FDA. Pharmaceutical companies extensively monitor ongoing clinical trials for compliance with appropriate regulations. The recent revision of the Declaration of Helsinki governing placebo-controlled clinical trials may adversely impact drug development.
663 PERINATAL PSYCHOSOCIAL TRAINING PROGRAM

There is an increasing awareness of the need for formal training in behavioral and social aspects of pediatrics. Housestaff response to a new training program in perinatal behavior was studied. The program, run by a psychiatrist and psychologist, was directed at the 7 house officers each month on the neonatal service. Instructional methods included integration of discussions of psychosocial issues on medical rounds in both the well and intensive care nurseries, weekly psychosocial rounds, didactic seminars, interviews with parents and house officers, neurobehavioral assessment exams, and guest speakers. Attitude questionnaires concerning the importance of the behavioral sciences and mental health professionals in medical care were obtained from housestaff (n=29) at the beginning and end of each month's rotation. Items were scored on a 5-point agreement scale (strongly agree-strongly disagree). Mean values were compared between beginning and end of the month and revealed a significant (p<0.025) improvement in attitudes toward the importance of the behavioral sciences and mental health professionals in medical training. It is concluded that a comprehensive training program in behavioral and psychosocial issues can be integrated into neonatology and enhance housestaff attitudes toward education in these areas.
Trace-based mobile network emulation

Subjecting a mobile computing system to wireless network conditions that are realistic yet reproducible is a challenging problem. In this paper, we describe a technique called trace modulation that re-creates the observed end-to-end characteristics of a real wireless network in a controlled and repeatable manner. Trace modulation is transparent to applications and accounts for all network traffic sent or received by the system under test. We present results that show that it is indeed capable of reproducing wireless network performance faithfully.
Periampullary and Pancreatic Incidentaloma: A Single Institution's Experience With an Increasingly Common Diagnosis

Computerized tomography integrates x-ray and computer technology to visualize internal patient anatomy. The foundation for present-day CT scans was begun in the 1960s by Alan Cormack and Godfrey Hounsfield. Although they worked independently, in 1979 the 2 were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their pioneering work in diagnostic radiography.1 The first CT scans built in the early 1970s took 40 minutes to scan 10 cm and required overnight image reconstruction.2 Multislice CT (MSCT) technology came to market in 1998 and offered faster data acquisition and improved resolution. Since the advent of MSCT, the number of CT scans performed in the United States has increased by roughly 20% each year.3 Today, more than 7000 scanners in the United States perform over 50 million CT scans annually,4 comprising over 13% of all radiologic procedures. Because of the improvements in CT technology and its widespread use, abnormal findings that represent asymptomatic disease are commonly observed.5 The term “incidentaloma” is used clinically and in the medical literature to refer to an asymptomatic mass detected accidentally by imaging or another diagnostic test. This diagnosis is most often associated with the adrenal gland6,7 but may also be encountered with other organs, including the parathyroid,8,9 thyroid,10–12 pituitary,13 liver,14 heart,15 prostate,16 and kidney.17 The first report of a pancreatic incidentaloma was published in the Russian literature in 2001.18 Since that time, 2 series of incidental pancreatic cysts have been reported.19,20 Although CT is the most common mechanism by which an asymptomatic periampullary mass is detected, other diagnostic tests such as serum transaminase levels and endoscopy may also uncover asymptomatic pathology around the pancreas or periampullary region. We have observed that pancreatic and periampullary incidentalomas (PIs) are being increasingly recognized at our institution, and are perhaps underappreciated in the surgical literature. Therefore, we performed a focused review of our experience with periampullary and pancreatic incidentalomas to better characterize this diagnosis. We hoped to gain insight into the potential survival benefit of early diagnosis and to help shape treatment strategies for PIs.
Modeling and performance analysis of multihop packet radio networks

The design of packet radio networks involves a large number of issues which interact in a very complex fashion. Many of these pertain to the RF channel and its use, others pertain to the operational protocols. Clearly, no single model can be formulated which incorporates all the necessary parameters and leads to the optimum solution. The one essential element which complicates matters is that, contrary to point-to-point networks in which each channel is utilized by a single pair of nodes, the radio channel in packet radio networks is a multiaccess broadcast resource: i) in a given locality determined by radio connectivity, the channel is shared by many contending users, hence the need for channel access protocols; ii) radio is a broadcast medium and thus the action taken by a node has an effect on the actions taken by neighboring nodes and their outcome. Despite the complexity of the problem, there has been significant progress worth reporting on. The work accomplished so far has been either the analysis of specific examples of networks or an attempt to create models that would be useful in the design of general networks. The purpose of this paper is to survey the various modeling techniques that have been used for the performance analysis of packet radio networks, and to discuss the assumptions underlying these models, their scope of applicability, and some of the results obtained.
Tandem Configurations for Automated Guided Vehicle Systems and the Analysis of Single Vehicle Loops

Abstract Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) systems continue to play a significant role in many low to medium flow manufacturing operations, including Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) and other applications. The relatively inexpensive guidepath, coupled with the high degree of flexibility and control offered in vehicle routing, has made AGV systems a proven and viable handling technology for the 90's. Traditionally, AGV systems have been implemented and analyzed assuming that every vehicle is allowed to visit any pick up/deposit point in the system. We introduce a conceptually simple and intuitive approach where the system is decomposed into non-overlapping, single-vehicle loops operating in tandem. In this paper, we also develop an analytical model to study the throughput performance of a single vehicle loop. The resulting expressions are the first closed form analytical expressions that have been obtained to determine the throughput capacity of a single vehicle operating under a specific dispatching rul...
Can plasma-exchange improve survival of the patients with acute myeloma renal failure (AMRF)

20 myeloma patients with large tumour cell mass and acute renal failure (stage III B, serum creatinine 1020 μmol/L) were divided in two groups: cytostatic group and plasma exchange (PE) group in order to evaluate the effectiveness of two different treatment modalities on the survival of these patients. Both groups had the same supportive treatment and chemotherapy. Patients with PE were treated with 1–12 PE for 1–4 weeks. The most important clinical prognostic factors as serum creatinine values, proteinuria and myeloma type did not differ significantly between the two treatment groups. The survival time for patients treated with PE was longer — the difference in favour of plasmapheresis is significant (p < 0.025).
Pulsed Doppler echocardiographic evidence of impaired left ventricular filling in cyanotic adults with nonrestrictive ventricular septal defects with and without pulmonary vascular obstructive disease

Abstract In conclusion, cyanotic adults with nonrestrictive ventricular septal defects have impaired left ventricular filling despite normal biventricular systolic function. We believe the cause is related in large part to myocardial fibrosis.
Rabbit Snout Growth After Resection of Central Linear Segments of Nasal Septal Cartilage

Central sections, ranging in width from 3 to 6 mm and in length from 9 to 15 mm were removed from the cartilaginous nasal septum in 21-day-old rabbits. Within six weeks postoperatively a lack of forward growth of the upper face and malocclusion of the incisors were noted. The postoperative survival was 16 weeks. Postmortem gross findings revealed that in the experimental animals the snout was shorter and smaller with a relative mandibular prognathism. The nasal and premaxillary bones were shorter and the nasal cavity and piriform aperture were smaller than in the control animals. After the central continuity of the septal cartilage had been interrupted, there was a dissipation of the interstitial growth force expressed in part in the overlapping of the margins and in the lessened dorsal and forward growth of the snout. A relationship exists between the site and amount of cartilaginous nasal septum resected and the location and extent of the ensuing growth arrest of the snout.
Phytotoxic lignans of Leucophyllum frutescens.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the hexane:ethyl acetate (1:1) extract of the leaves of Leucophyllum frutescens (Berl.) I.M.Johnst (Scrophulariaceae) led to the isolation of its phytotoxic constituents diayangambin (1), epiyangambin (2), diasesartemin (3) and epiashantin (4). Phytotoxicity was demonstrated as inhibition of seed germination of Agrostis stolonifera cv. penncross (Poaceae) and inhibition of development of Lactuca sativa L. (Asteraceae) seedlings in a microassay using 24-well plates. Compound 1 was the most phytotoxic to L. sativa, showing strong inhibitory activity at 110 µM. Compound 1 was more active than 2 and 3 in inhibiting the growth of A. stolonifera with I50 values of 160, 670 and 930 µM, respectively. At a concentration of 500 µM, these compounds inhibited all phases of onion root cell division. This is the first demonstration of antimitotic activity of these furofuran lignans, and the first report of their isolation from this species. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.