cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Options to Further Lower C-Reactive Protein for Patients on Statin Treatment

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developed nations. Inflammation plays an increasingly important role in the cardiovascular disease process. Recent statin trials have demonstrated a correlation between the inflammatory biomarker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and cardiovascular risk. This review describes the results of changes in hsCRP in the major statin outcome trials and the concept of a “dual target” for both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and hsCRP. The effect on hsCRP of combination statin therapy with ezetimibe, fenofibric acid, niacin, and colesevelam is reviewed. Although some statin combination therapies have additional effects on CRP and other atherogenic lipids, evidence for their effect on cardiovascular risk beyond statin monotherapy is lacking. Ongoing placebo-controlled trials investigating statin combination therapy versus statin monotherapy may provide additional clues to the role of additional changes in lipids versus markers of inflammation on cardiovascular risk reduction. Until these trials are completed, current evidence suggests focusing on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets.
A reappraisal of the Space Shuttle programme

Abstract The conventional wisdom holds that the Space Shuttle programme has been a ‘policy failure’ because NASA compromised its original concept in the face of weak political commitment and inadequate funding. However, a detailed reappraisal of the history shows that this reasoning is ambiguous, counterfactual and contrary to experience. Congressional and presidential support for the Shuttle has consistently been generous despite flawed and shifting justifications for the programme advanced by NASA. Among the lessons to be learned are the need for more rigorous congressional oversight and the development of smaller, quicker and independent civil space programmes.
The magnetic matrix recorder (MMR) principle

The working principle of the Magnetic Matrix Recorder is one of hard-axis fall-back. While the relaxation time may be several nanoseconds, the commitment time is a fraction of a nanosecond. The recorder sampling time is thus tens of picoseconds, allowing a gigahertz response at a low resolution, or 100 MHz response at 6-bit (1.6 percent) resolution. A 1 ns rise-and-fall-time pulse was demonstrated in a 10 level matrix recording. The Mated-Film cores in the matrix presently allow expansion to 100 levels (6 1/2 bits) or 1000 levels (10 bits) if calibrated. Presently, a severe limitation exists in time coverage due to the degradation of the analog signal along the bit line. The required low-dispersive Permalloy has only been obtained on a rather thin bit line, making the line resistive and dispersive to the signal. To minimize signal path length, the bit lines are fed in parallel. The number of quantizing levels, resolution, may thus be limited by available signal current. The performance limiting factor is not the Mated-Film core, but the conductor.
Achromatic optical vortex lens

A vortex lens is a useful optical device having applications ranging from astronomy to microscopy. Current vortex masks operate across a narrow bandwidth. Two design schemes are proposed for creating a vortex across a bandwidth exceeding 100 nm in the visible region of the spectrum.
Color tuning in polyfluorenes by copolymerization with low band gap comonomers

Abstract Poly((9.9-dialkylfluorene-2,7-diyl) derivatives containing low band gap comonomers, have been synthesized through Ni(0) mediated Yamamoto polymerization. High molecular weight and thermally stable polymers were obtained which could be processed in common organic solvents. The absorption and fluorescence spectra of the new polymers were recorded. The fluorescence maxima of the copolymers red-shift as the band gap of the comonomer decreases. Although substituted fluorene homopolymers showed excimer emission after annealing at elevated temperature, excimer formation upon annealing was suppressed by incorporating low band gap comonomers into the fluorene main chain. In this paper, color tuning, exciton migration and trapping and the formation of excimers in poly(fluorene) derivatives is discussed.
SOLIDIFICATION IN NEUTRON STAR CORES

A mathematical computation based on the t-matrix approach shows that a system of strongly interacting baryons under sufficiently high pressure (approximately 10 to the 30th power atm) and densities greater than 10 to the 15th power g/cu cm minimizes the energy by arranging the constituents in a lattice structure rather than in a fluid phase. The solution is given assuming an optimum spin arrangement, although all other possible arrangements would also satisfy the conditions for crystallization to occur.
A multi-institutional experience of autologous stem cell transplantation in North American patients with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma suggests ineffective salvage of relapsed patients.

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a rare T-cell neoplasm caused by the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1), a retrovirus endemic in Japan, sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean ba...
Wave-current interactions on a shallow reef (Nicaragua, Central America)

Measurements of wave height and currents associated with normal trade-wind conditions have been made on a linear reef that parallels the northern and northeastern coast of Great Corn Island, eastern shelf of Nicaragua, Central America. Analyses indicate that waves breaking over the reef crest generate lagoonward flow normal to the reef. Average reef-normal flow was in the range of 10 to 20 cm/s; however, individual wave surges reached values of up to 180 cm/s. The strength of the over-the-reef flow is modulated by the tide. Lagoon currents are weak (2–5 cm/s) and change direction with the tide as the lagoon fills and drains. Long-period oscillations in water level (30 s to 20 min) and in the current were observed, and may be important in transporting fine-grained sediments out of the reef-lagoon system. Strong, short-duration surge currents ( <5 s) transport coarse sediment from the breaker zone to the seaward margin of the backreef lagoon.
Sulfate-controlled synchrony of Astasia longa.

Abstract Sulfur-limited cultures of Astasia longa were grown in a chemostat at a series of generation times. The mean cell volumes decrease as generation time increases. The range of cell volume as measured by determinations of the log-normal volume distributions also shows a decrease with increasing generation time. Pulse additions of sulfate to cultures maintained at a 56-hour generation time led to a synchronous burst of cell division three hours after its addition. Ninety per cent of the cells divide in the next three hours. Protein, DNA, and RNA ger 10 6 cells were each analyzed during this period and showed changes consistent with previous work on temperature-synchronised Astasia.
Schools, Neighborhoods and Selection: Outcomes Across Metropolitan Los Angeles

What is the relationship between school segregation and neighborhood segregation across school districts in Los Angeles County, and are school district outcomes on reading and mathematics scores related to levels of school segregation across these districts? We compute segregation scores using US tract level data for 2000 and use reading and mathematics scores from California State tests. Data from the Los Angeles family and neighborhood survey are used to track individual residential changes and differences in the associated Woodcock Johnson scores. We show that there is a close link between levels of school segregation and neighborhood segregation and that many suburban school districts are relatively integrated across both neighborhoods and schools. When we examine average school district outcomes on reading and mathematics scores we do not find any relationship with levels of segregation. At the same time there is clear evidence of spatial sorting with poorer and lower scoring children moving into school districts (or zones with poorer achieving schools). The multi-level models of segregation and achievement show that the variance in achievement levels across districts is significantly greater than across schools within districts.
A method for relaxing parameter constraints in rigid body dynamics

Abstract As attractive alternatives to a set of three Euler angles, the rotation of a rigidly deforming body is often represented using four or more parameters. The accompanying parameter constraints introduce generalized constraint forces in the equations of motion which can often negate the benefits of a particular parameterization. In this paper, we discuss situations where the parameter constraints are not imposed. Thus, although the body no longer deforms rigidly, it does deform homogeneously. This allows the theory of a Cosserat point (or, equivalently, the theory of a pseudo-rigid body) to be used to establish equations governing its motion. Earlier work on this topic by O’Reilly and Varadi considered the four Euler parameters and the single Euler parameter constraint. Here, we consider Poincare's six parameter representation of a rotation tensor, and, complementing earlier work, discuss numerical implementation and representative simulations. One of the contributions of this paper is the development of a viscoelastic Cosserat point, whose equations of motion are free from parameter constraints and singularities, that can be used to approximate the motion of a rigid body.
Verification of an Assay for Quantification of Hepatitis C Virus RNA by Use of an Analyte-Specific Reagent and Two Different Extraction Methods

Protocols were designed for quantification and detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA by the use of an analyte-specific reagent (ASR) (Roche COBAS TaqMan48 [CTM48] HCV) after manual and automated RNA extraction. The purposes were to determine (i) assay performance characteristics using manual and automated RNA extraction methods, (ii) whether measurable range and limit of detection (LOD) of the ASR assay were influenced by genotype, and (iii) correlation of quantification by CTM48 HCV ASR and COBAS Monitor HCV v. 2.0. For HCV genotype 1 (Gt1), the lower limits of quantification after manual extraction were slightly lower than those for automated extraction (1.0 versus 1.5 log(10) IU/ml). Results were linear up to the highest concentration tested after extraction by both methods (manual, 6.1 log(10); automated, 6.4 log(10)). Similar results were obtained for Gt2 (1.8 to 6.8 log(10) IU/ml) and Gt3 (1.6 to 6.8 log(10) IU/ml) after automated extraction. The LOD of Gt1 virus was 10 IU/ml after manual extraction and between 25 and 37.5 IU/ml after automated extraction. Results with Gt2 and Gt3 viruses were similar after automated extraction (Gt2, between 25 and 50 IU/ml; Gt3, 25 IU/ml). Variability (intrarun and interrun, at concentrations throughout the range of quantification) was </=13% for both extraction methods. Clinical specimens tested by Monitor were quantified using the CTM48 HCV ASR assay. Characteristics of the regression line included a slope of 0.98 and y intercept of -0.23. Quantification by the two methods was correlated (r = 0.97). CTM48 HCV ASR assay values were on average twofold lower than those for Monitor HCV v. 2.0. These data suggest that our assay combines the characteristics of qualitative and quantitative PCR platforms into a single test.
CdTe solar cells with a PCBM back contact

PCBM is evaluated as a primary contact to CdTe due to its high valence band energy. PCBM films were characterized in terms of morphology, area coverage, thickness, electrical and optical properties, and used as a back contact for CdTe solar cells. PCBM solutions were developed by mixing PCBM with chloroform (CFM) and ethylenediamine (EDA) and deposited via spin coating. The performance of devices with PCBM:CFM and PCBM:EDA back contacts are compared to those with baseline CdTe devices with a Cu2Te/Ni contact. For PCBM cells, the back contact properties were varied with subsequent anneals of 60 °C, 180 °C, and 240 °C. The device performance however was low as J-V results reveal a blocking contact.
We and they in Romans

According to cultural anthropologists ingroup/outgroup divisions are fundamental to Mediterranean views of the world. This essay considers Paul’s ingroup/outgroup, or “we/they” perceptions. The ethnocentrism revealed in this dichotomy indicates that Paul, like other Mediterraneans of his time, showed little interest in the outgroup. Not surprisingly, neither was the God of Israel. NonIsraelites simply did not fit into the divine plan of things until non-Israelites, some centuries later, began to identify with Paul’s “we” – something Paul did not foresee.
Assembly of a homochiral, body-centered cubic network composed of vertex-shared Mg12 cages: use of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to monitor metal carboxylate nucleation.

Reaction of Mg(NO3)2·6H2O with (+)-camphoric acid (H2cam) in acetonitrile results in the immediate formation of soluble, dimetallic [Mg2(Hcam)3]+ cations. The formation of these stable cations in solution was determined by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI−MS). These dimers are 3-fold paddle-wheels, which associate together through the neutral acid units to build the metal-organic framework [Mg2(Hcam)3·3H2O]·NO3·MeCN, 1. The network consists of a series of fused Mg12 cages that have 12 water molecules at their centers, creating isolated 0D cavities within the structure. Overall, the extended structure of 1 is a body-centered cubic (bcu) lattice, with the Mg12 cages being utilized as eight-connected nodes. The framework of 1 is chiral and adopts the very unusual space group I23. Use of 1,3-propanediol as an additive results in the formation of the simple 1D polymer [Mg(cam){HO(CH2)3OH}2], 2. In 2, each carboxylate-bridged metal center is chelated by two diols. ESI−MS studies confirm the format...
Combustion characteristics of alternative gaseous fuels

Abstract Fundamental flame properties of mixtures of air with hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and C1–C4 saturated hydrocarbons were studied both experimentally and numerically. The fuel mixtures were chosen in order to simulate alternative gaseous fuels and to gain insight into potential kinetic couplings during the oxidation of fuel mixtures. The studies included the use of the counterflow configuration for the determination of laminar flame speeds, as well as extinction and ignition limits of premixed flames. The experiments were modeled using the USC Mech II kinetic model. It was determined that when hydrocarbons are added to hydrogen flames as additives, flame ignition, propagation, and extinction are affected in a counterintuitive manner. More specifically, it was found that by substituting methane by propane or n-butane in hydrogen flames, the reactivity of the mixture is reduced both under pre-ignition and vigorous burning conditions. This behavior stems from the fact that propane and n-butane produce higher amounts of methyl radicals that can readily recombine with atomic hydrogen and reduce thus the rate of the H + O2 → O + OH branching reaction. The kinetic model predicts closely the experimental data for flame propagation and extinction for various fuel mixtures and pressures, and for various amounts of carbon dioxide in the fuel blend. On the other hand, it underpredicts, in general, the ignition temperatures.
Skeletal muscle glucocorticoid receptor and glutamine synthetase activity in the wasting syndrome in rats treated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

Abstract This study demonstrated specific changes in rat skeletal muscles after a single oral dose (100 μg/kg) of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD). The development of the wasting syndrome was characterized by marked body weight loss, as well as atrophy of plantaris and gastrocnemius muscles. Fourteen days after administration of TCDD, gastrocnemius muscle cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor binding, measured at a single saturating concentration of [ 3 H]triamcinolone acetonide, was significantly diminished, while plantaris muscle glutamine synthetase activity was strikingly elevated, indicating that specific biochemical alterations occur in skeletal muscle in the wasting syndrome.
Noise tolerance of adaptive resonance theory neural network for binary pattern recognition

Assuming a fast learning condition for an adaptive resonance theory (ART) type neural network, we have explored the effect of the vigilance parameter and the order function on the performance of the neural network for binary pattern recognition. A modified search order was developed for classification of binary alphabet characters and airplane classes and compared with the performance of the original ART-1 network for binary pattern recognition with and without the presence of noise. Our results suggest that the effect of noise on binary pattern recognition is solely dependent on the induced changes in the critical feature patterns when other control parameters remained the same.
Some topics in cochromatic theory

GivenG, a graph, the cochromatic number,Z(G), ofG is the fewest number of sets into which the vertex set can be partitioned so that each set induces a complete or an empty graph. A graph is critically cochromatic if the removal of any of its vertices decreases its cochromatic number. A graph is uniquely cochromatic if there is exactly one partition of minimum order in which each set induces a complete or an empty graph. A graph is comaximal if the removal of any edge increases its cochromatic number. These and related concepts are examined.
Ammonium selectively inhibits the regulated pathway of protein secretion in two endocrine cell lines.

Abstract The effect of ammonium on protein processing and secretion from mouse insulinoma βTC3 cells and recombinant mouse pituitary AtT-20 cells was investigated. Protein stored in granules of the regulated secretion pathway was discharged from cells with secretagogues, and the addition of new protein was encouraged by recharging cells in serum-containing medium with or without added ammonium. Ammonium at 6 m m inhibits the addition of insulin-related peptides to intracellular stores in both cell lines; it is not clear whether this effect is dose dependent for concentrations between 0 and 6 m m . There is a slight increase in insulin-related proteins secreted during recharging of cells in the presence of ammonium. Using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography to separate proinsulin from insulin, we found that extracts from βTC3 cells recharged in the presence of 6 m m ammonium contain significantly less insulin than control cells recharged in the absence of ammonium.
Nonlocal mean-field theory in N-body quantum mechanics for Bose-Einstein condensation

Nonlocal interactions in the mean-field theory for Bose-Einstein condensation can destabilize nonlinear wavetrain solutions for a condensate trapped in standing light waves. The dynamics and stability are considered for arbitrary interaction potential.
MOTIVATION IN CHILDHOOD AUTISM: CAN THEY OR WON'T THEY?

Research in the area of motivation in autistic and other children suggests that autistic children may be capable of performing at a higher level than they typically function. This article describes research in the area of 'learned helplessness' which suggests that autistic children's handicaps may expose them to frequent failure and to an unusual level of non-contingent reinforcement which may produce a 'learned helplessness' state of extremely low motivation, with a consequent abnormally low overall functioning level. The present article also discusses research on strategies which might be employed to improve autistic children's exposure to favourable response-reinforcer contingencies. This would be expected to improve the general level of motivation in such children, with related gains in the acquisition, generalization maintenance of a broad array of target behaviours.
Carbachol phase shifts the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity in the Djungarian hamster.

Abstract The effects of light on the circadian system may involve the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether carbacol, a cholinergic agonist, mimics the phase-shifting effects of light on the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity (CRLA) in the Djungarian hamster. Phase response curves (PRCs) were measured for blind animals injected intracerebroventricularly with either vehicle or carbochol at different circadian times. Carbachol produced significant phase delays in the CRLA when administered at circadian time (CT) 12–16 and small, but significant phase advances when given at CT 8. No consistent phase shifts were observed in response to carbachol injections at other circadian times. Phase shifts produced by carbachol injections at CT 8 and 12 were similar for both sighted and blind animals. Light pulses to sighted hamsters produced phase advances at CT 20 and phase delays at CT 12. Both the carbachol PRC and the PRC for light pulses in the Djungarian hamster have phase delay regions in the early subjective night. However, these two PRCc have different phase advance regions. These results indicate that carbachol mimics some of the effects of light on the circadian system in the Djungarian hamster and support the hypothesis that cholinergic mechanisms may play a role in mediating some of the phase-shifting effects of light on the circadian clock of mammals.
Episodic future thought: Contributions from working memory

The ability to imagine hypothetical events in one's personal future is thought to involve a number of constituent cognitive processes. We investigated the extent to which individual differences in working memory capacity contribute to facets of episodic future thought. College students completed simple and complex measures of working memory and were cued to recall autobiographical memories and imagine future autobiographical events consisting of varying levels of specificity (i.e., ranging from generic to increasingly specific and detailed events). Consistent with previous findings, future thought was related to analogous measures of autobiographical memory, likely reflecting overlapping cognitive factors supporting both past and future thought. Additionally, after controlling for autobiographical memory, residual working memory variance independently predicted future episodic specificity. We suggest that when imagining future events, working memory contributes to the construction of a single, coherent, future event depiction, but not to the retrieval or elaboration of event details.
Quasi-Static Slip-Rate Shielding by Locked and Creeping Zones as an Explanation for Small Repeating Earthquakes at Parkfield

In a recent study of microearthquakes along the Parkfield segment of the San Andreas fault, Nadeau et al. (1995) have found that much of the seismicity in the region is characterized by quasi-periodic repeating sequences of small earthquakes that are essentially identical in waveform, size and, location. Nadeau and Johnson (1998) interpreted these as repeated slip on a given asperity driven by a steady slip rate of 2.3 cm/yr and concluded that the stress drops needed to be extremely high, of the order of 20 kilobars. We propose another explanation for these small repeating events, namely that an inner asperity is surrounded by a larger creeping zone, which in turn is surrounded by a still larger locked zone. This geometry produces a local slip velocity much less than the overall creep velocity observed on a still larger scale (slip velocity shielding). We have constructed a foam rubber model to illustrate the phenomenon. The time sequences of small events at the asperity, punctuated by large events which rupture the whole block, look very similar to the cumulative moment plots of Nadeau and Johnson. The actual dynamic stress drops are of the same order as for the large events. Thus the results of the model correspond to the observations of Nadeau and Johnson and suggest that the model may be appropriate to explain their observations, without requiring super strong asperities.
Brownfields remediation: Available technologies

(1995). Brownfields remediation: Available technologies. Journal of Urban Technology: Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 21-29.
Totalizing and Metering for Optimum Control of Purchased and Generated Power at a Large Chemical Complex

A large chemical complex having the total electrical load served by in-plant generation and purchased power from four remotely located purchased-power substations required electrical load information in one location. The megawatt and megavar information is used to control the ``take'' from the utility company to optimize billing costs. Total purchased power and individual substation load information is required to permit control of purchased-power load by manipulation of generation and plant load.
Impaired Nitric Oxide Modulation of Myocardial Oxygen Consumption in Genetically Cardiomyopathic Hamsters

We investigated the role of kinin and nitric oxide (NO) in the modulation of cardiac O2consumption in Syrian hamsters with overt heart failure (HF) and age-matched normal hamsters. Using echocardiography, the hamsters with heart failure had reduced ejection fraction [31(±8) v 76(±5)%] and LV dilation [4.9(±0.2) v 5.7(±0.3) mm, both P<0.05 from normal]. O2consumption in the left ventricular free wall was measured using a Clark-type O2electrode in an air-tight chamber, containing Krebs solution buffered with Hepes (37°C, pH 7.4). Concentration response curves to bradykinin (BK), ramiprilat (RAM), amlodipine (AMLO) and the NO donor, S -nitroso- N -acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP) were performed. Basal myocardial O2consumption was lower in the HF group compared to normal [316(±21) v 404(±36) nmol O2/min/g, respectively, P<0.05]. In the hearts from normal hamsters BK (10−4mol/l), RAM (10−4mol/l), and AMLO (10−5mol/l) all significantly reduced myocardial O2consumption by 42(±6)%, 29(±7)% and 27(±5)% respectively. This reduction was attenuated in the presence of N -nitro- l -arginine methyl ester (l -NAME) [BK: 3.3(±1.5)%, RAM: 3.3(±1.2)%, AMLO: 2.3(±1.2)%, P<0.05]. Interestingly in the hearts from HF group, BK, RAM and AMLO caused a significantly smaller reduction in myocardial O2consumption [10(±2)%, 2.5(±1.3)%, 6.3(±2.3)%, P<0.05]. In contrast, the NO donor SNAP reduced myocardial O2consumption in both groups and all those responses were not affected by l -NAME. These data indicate that endogenous NO production thrugh the kinin-dependent mechanism is impaired at end-stage heart failure. The loss of kinin and NO control of mitochondrial respiration may contribute to the pathogenesis of heart failure.
Open-cavity resonator as high-Q microstrip circuit element

A simple method of coupling an open-cavity resonator mode to a microstrip line is described. An effective Q of several thousand is expected well into the millimetre-wave range. Experimental results from an X-band model are compared with theory.
Use and variation of French diacritics on an Internet dating site

This article explores sociolinguistic variation in the use of French accents and diacritics—where they would be expected in the formal written language—in electronic personals posted on an Internet dating site. Results of a series of VARBRUL analyses show both age (i.e., 18–25 years vs. 36–45 years) and gender to be significant social variables in accent/diacritic variation. Three potential explanations of the variation are addressed: (i) the eventual loss of accents and diacritics in computer-mediated French, (ii) stable variation with differences between ‘digital natives’ and ‘digital immigrants’, and (iii) a change in progress whereby accents and diacritics are becoming ‘prestige variants’ in computer-mediated contexts.
Localized Access Point Selection in Infrastructure Wireless LAN

The poor performance of the current access point (AP) selection schemes in infrastructure WLANs motivated intensive studies to balance loads among APs. In this paper, we model the AP selection problem as the matching problem in the bipartite graph. Our objective is to maximize the total load among all APs. We propose a class of localized heuristics based on different user knowledge models. For some of these localized heuristics, we prove that there exists a constant approximation ratio in terms of expected total load through both mathematical analysis and simulations.
Cyclic AMP enhances calcium-dependent potassium current in Aplysia neurons.

1. The effect on the Ca-dependent potassium current,IK(Ca), of procedures that increase intracellular cAMP levels was studied inAplysia neurons using three different pharmacological approaches. 2. Exposure to cAMP analogues which were either resistant to or protected from phosphodiesterase hydrolysis caused an increase inIK(Ca) from 30 to 50% in 10 min. The degree of reversibility of this effect varied from complete with db cAMP to very little with pcpt cAMP. 3. Exposure to cholera toxin, which stimulates the synthesis of endogenous cAMP, increasedIK(Ca) 25% in 10 min and the effect was not reversible. Both approaches were effective in all seven neuron types studied. 4. Application of serotonin plus phosphodiesterase inhibitor caused an increase inIK(Ca) in neuron R15 but not in the other neuron types. Application of pentylene tetrazole (PTZ) led to a decrease inIK(Ca). 5. It is proposed that elevation of cyclic AMP mediates an increased sensitivity of theIK(Ca) channel to Ca ions.
Inhibition of Monoamine Oxidase by Phenyl Azides

We had previously shown that 4-fluoro-3-nitrophenyl azide (FNPA) is a competitive inhibitor of both types of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the dark, but it is a preferential photoaffinity label for only the type B MAO (MAO-B). Recently we synthesized a number of arylazido compounds with structures related to FNPA and determined the effects of these compounds on the two types of MAO in rat brain cortex. We found that the fluoro group of FNPA was not required for the inhibition of MAO activities because neither the presence nor the position of the fluoro group affected its inhibition of MAO. On the other hand, both the nitro and the azido groups of FNPA were shown to be important for FNPA inactivation of two types of MAO. The inhibitory potency was significantly lower for compounds without either group. Furthermore, we found that all nitrophenyl azide isomers except 2-nitrophenyl azide were photodependent inhibitors of MAO-B. Under the same experimental conditions none of the compounds photoinactivated MAO-A. On the basis of these findings, mechanisms for FNPA inhibition of the two types of MAO are discussed.
On the properties of approximate mean value analysis algorithms for queueing networks

This paper presents new formulations of the approximate mean value analysis (MVA) algorithms for the performance evaluation of closed product-form queueing networks. The key to the development of the algorithms is the derivation of vector nonlinear equations for the approximate network throughput. We solve this set of throughput equations using a nonlinear Gauss-Seidel type distributed algorithms, coupled with a quadratically convergent Newton's method for scalar nonlinear equations. The throughput equations have enabled us to: (a) derive bounds on the approximate throughput; (b) prove the existence, uniqueness, and convergence of the Schweitzer-Bard (S-B) approximation algorithm for a wide class of monotone, single class networks, (c) establish the existence of the S-B solution for multi-class, monotone networks, and (d) prove the asymptotic (i.e., as the number of customers of each class tends to ∞) uniqueness of the S-B throughput solution, and the asymptotic convergence of the various versions of the distributed algorithms in multi-class networks with single server and infinite server nodes. The asymptotic convergence is established using results from convex programming and convex duality theory. Extension of our algorithms to mixed networks is straighfoward. Only multi-class results are presented in this paper.
Small Farms Definition and Policy Research Agenda: Discussion

The paper by Thomas Carlin and John Crecink has two sources of strength: (a) their commonsense notion that the definition of a small farm is multidimensional, and (b) their use of the 1975 Farm Production Expenditure Survey data. The authors show, for the first time, that low income, small farm families have an important dependence on farming and that they are more closely akin to all low income farm families than to all small farm families. I believe that the data presented by Carlin and Crecink may stimulate some interesting research projects. For example, why do low income, small farm families that report a negative net farm income appear to be superior off-farm income earners as compared to low income, small farm families reporting a positive net farm income? In short, why are failures on the farm successes off the farm? One
Thermodynamic properties of Na2SO4(aq) above 200°C

Abstract In 1988 Pabalan and Pitzer published in this journal two equations valid for various thermodynamic functions for Na 2 SO 4 (aq) at temperatures to 300°C. One was based on their measurements at 200 bars pressure, with other data at low temperatures converted to that pressure. The second equation was for 1 bar to 100°C and P sat at higher temperatures. At temperatures below 200°C, the effect of pressure was reasonably well known from volumetric measurements and other data, but above 200°C there were no volumetric data available. Thus, the activity and osmotic coefficients reported for P sat above 200°C were based on estimates of the effect of the (200 bar-P sat ) pressure difference. Recent volumetric measurements to 300°C of Obsil et al 1996 , Obsil et al 1997 ) yield accurate values for this pressure effect, which are presented here. Comparisons show that the estimates of 1988 were good and that the activity coefficients of 1988 are accurate within the uncertainties of various other input data.
Carcinoembryonic antigen in primary carcinoid tumors of the lung

Antibody staining for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was used in 31 cases of primary pulmonary carcinoids to assess the presence of this marker as a parameter of clinical behavior. Other parameters have also been studied (size, position, and histologic characteristics) in order to determine their value as determinants of eventual disease outcome. Tumor size and position did not influence the progression of disease. Atypical histology was a significant predictor (P = 0.05) of treatment failure. Positive CEA marking was the most strongly significant (P = less than 0.01) of all studied parameters for predicting treatment failure.
Increased spike-frequency adaptation and tea sensitivity in dorsal root fibers after sciatic nerve injury.

Excitability of rat dorsal root axons were studied 3 weeks after injuryto the sciatic nerve. Whole nerve recordings were obtained from injured andcontrol nerves in a sucrose gap chamber. Constant current depolarization pulses (30–200 ms) applied approximately 50% above the stimulus strength required for maximal amplitude compound action potentials (CAPs) evoked burst of action potentials in the dorsal root which displayed spike adaptation. The depolarization-induced burst response of the dorsal roots was greatly reduced after crush or transection of the sciatic nerve. However, application of the potassium channel blocker, tetraethylammonium (TEA), restored the burst discharge in injured dorsal root axons. Brief tetanic stimulation of the dorsal root also induced an afterhyperpolarization (AHP) that was twice as large in the transection group as compared to the control group, and which was blocked by TEA. There were no changes seen in the amplitude of the compound action potential, frequency-following characteristics, refractory properties, or 4-AP sensitivity in the dorsal roots after peripheral nerve injury. These results suggest that there is enhanced spike adaptation that occurs at the same time as an increase in the sensitivity to the potassium channel blocker, TEA, in axon regions proximal to the site of nerve injury and have implications for the pathophysiology of nerve injury. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Symptom Ambiguity among Late-Middle-Aged and Older Adults with HIV

The perception and evaluation of physical symptoms are central components of the illness and health appraisal process and affect subsequent health behaviors. This topic is explored within a study of the psychosocial adaptation of late-middle-aged and older HIV-infected men and women, age 50 to 68. Transcripts of in-depth interviews were read by an interdisciplinary team of investigators to detect prevalent themes. Thematic analysis revealed that older people with HIV often expressed confusion in trying to understand the cause of their symptoms. This symptom ambiguity was because they could attribute symptoms to a variety of other plausible causes such as normal aging, preexisting conditions, or drug side effects in addition to HIV disease. Symptom ambiguity appears to lead to both confusion and psychological distress and may influence subsequent treatment behavior.
Simultaneous field measurements of ostracod swimming behavior and background flow

Zooplankton swimming near the substratum experience boundary layer flow that is characterized by steep velocity gradients and turbulence. How do small swimming organisms navigate flows at this interface to forage and interact with mates? To address this question, we collected field measurements of the swimming behavior of the marine ostracod Paravargula trifax near complex living substrata, which were exposed to two conditions: slow “ambient flow” and faster “experimental flow.” Ostracod trajectories and background flow were recorded simultaneously using a self-contained underwater velocimetry apparatus (SCUVA). Particle image velocimetry (DPIV) produced instantaneous velocity vector fields in which the ostracods were swimming. Mean velocities, local shear stresses, turbulence intensity, and boundary shear velocity (u*) were greater in the experimental flow treatment. In slow ambient flow (urms = 0.39 ± 0.13 [mean ± SD] cm s − 1), ostracod swimming tracks were more tortuous and swimming angles corrected for background flow were randomly distributed compared with tracks in faster flow (urms = 3.49 ± 0.50 cm s − 1), indicating decreased maneuverability in rapidly flowing, turbulent water. Modeled, passive neutrally buoyant particles moved at substantially slower speeds, and their tracks were less tortuous than those of the ostracods, thus illustrating the importance of behavior as well as environmental flow in determining ostracod trajectories. Frequencies of encounters by ostracods with the benthos and with other ostracods were not different between treatments. However, in the experimental flow treatment, interactions with other ostracods occurred more frequently in the boundary layer than in the free stream, suggesting that microhabitats in the boundary layer may allow for enhanced mating encounters.
Vitellin and vitellogenin in the soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris: identification with monoclonal antibodies and reproductive response to diet.

A 171,000 Mr polypeptide of Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) that constituted 16% of the protein in eggs also constituted up to 25% of the protein in hemolymph of fed females. It was identified as the major or sole apoprotein of vitellogenin. Eggs contained major polypeptides of 171, 106, and 51 kDa. The hemolymph polypeptide was identified with a polypeptide (vitellin) in egg extracts by comparing molecular weights, specificity of occurrence in fed females, and immunological reactivities. Females, starved for 5 days after eclosion to assure complete previtellogenic development, produced vitellogenin within a day after feeding on larval Galleria mellonella, and within 4 days after feeding on an artificial diet. Appearance of vitellogenin preceded ovarian growth by 2–3 days. Two monoclonal antibodies raised against egg proteins of P. maculiventris were selected for their strong reaction against egg extract and female hemolymph and null reaction against male hemolymph. Only one 170-kDa band in egg and hemolymph reacted with the antibodies on denaturing Western blots. These monoclonal antibodies are being used to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to quantitate reproductive response of females to diets of differing quality. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 44:130–135, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Occupational therapy in the community: what, why, and how.

SUMMARYThis paper discusses ways of defining community practice. It differentiates between the terms “community-based” and “community-built” and makes the argument that community-built occupational therapy practice is the best alternative.
Rydberg, ionic, and valence interactions in the excited states of F2

Abstract The excited states of F 2 have been investigated as a function of the internuclear distance by a series of configuration interaction calculations. Numerous avoided curve-crossings between valence, Rydberg (3s and 3p), and ionic (F 2 F − ) electronic states have been found. Transition moments from the ground state to the lowest dipole allowed Rydberg states are presented.
Toward an Improved Definition of Poverty

This essay attempts to show that there is a satisfactory resolution to the long-standing controversy as to the whether poverty is measured strictly in terms of a minimal-living (or absolute) standard or an income-distribution (or relative) standard, a resolution which is based on the duality of human nature. Indeed such a two-dimensional definition of poverty already is in place in Ireland—the first place (it seems) to actually sort out this controversial matter. In that sense, this author's principal concern is with the fourthquestion raised by this symposium: “What assumptions and definitions underlie your estimates which you believe to be especially important?” This essay is relatively short in length in order to present its central message more forcefully: substantial improvement in the way poverty is officially defined and measured is possible if more careful consideration is given to the reason why poverty is two-dimensional. An Appendix on how poverty is defined and measured in Ireland is attached ...
Invasionsoft: a web-enabled tool for invasive species colonization predictions.

Predicting and averting the spread of invasive species is a core focus of resource managers in all ecosystems. Patterns of invasion are difficult to forecast, compounded by a lack of user-friendly species distribution model (SDM) tools to help managers focus control efforts. This paper presents a web-based cellular automata hybrid modeling tool developed to study the invasion pattern of lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) in the western Atlantic and is a natural extension our previous lionfish study. Our goal is to make publically available this hybrid SDM tool and demonstrate both a test case (P. volitans/miles) and a use case (Caulerpa taxifolia). The software derived from the model, titled Invasionsoft, is unique in its ability to examine multiple default or user-defined parameters, their relation to invasion patterns, and is presented in a rich web browser-based GUI with integrated results viewer. The beta version is not species-specific and includes a default parameter set that is tailored to the marine habitat. Invasionsoft is provided as copyright protected freeware at http://www.invasionsoft.com.
The Association between Racial Socialization and Depression Testing Direct and Buffering Associations in a Longitudinal Cohort of African American Young Adults

The authors use a profile analysis strategy to identify five composite types of racial socialization practices or “racial socialization meta-messages.” The authors assess the association between ra...
Proactive Vector Control Strategies and Improved Monitoring and Evaluation Practices for Dengue Prevention

Despite tremendous efforts by public health organizations in dengue-endemic countries, it has proven difficult to achieve effective and sustainable control of the primary dengue virus vector Aedes aegypti (L.) and to effectively disrupt dengue outbreaks. This problem has multiple root causes, including uncontrolled urbanization, increased global spread of dengue viruses, and vector and dengue control programs not being provided adequate resources. In this forum article, we give an overview of the basic elements of a vector and dengue control program and describe a continuous improvement cyclical model to systematically and incrementally improve control program performance by regular efforts to identify ineffective methods and inferior technology, and then replacing them with better performing alternatives. The first step includes assessments of the overall resource allocation among vector/dengue control program activities, the efficacy of currently used vector control methods, and the appropriateness of technology used to support the program. We expect this will reveal that 1) some currently used vector control methods are not effective, 2) resource allocations often are skewed toward reactive vector control measures, and 3) proactive approaches commonly are underfunded and therefore poorly executed. Next steps are to conceptualize desired changes to vector control methods or technologies used and then to operationally determine in pilot studies whether these changes are likely to improve control program performance. This should be followed by a shift in resource allocation to replace ineffective methods and inferior technology with more effective and operationally tested alternatives. The cyclical and self-improving nature of the continuous improvement model will produce locally appropriate management strategies that continually are adapted to counter changes in vector population or dengue virus transmission dynamics. We discuss promising proactive vector control approaches and the continued need for the vector and dengue control community to incorporate emerging technologies and to partner with academia, business and the community-at-large to identify new solutions that reduce dengue.
Dichotomous scoring of Trails B in patients referred for a dementia evaluation.

Summary The Trail Making Test is a popular neuropsychological test and its interpretation has traditionally used time-based scores. This study examined an alternative approach to scoring that is simply based on the examinees’ ability to complete the test. If an examinee is able to complete Trails B successfully, they are coded as “completers”; if not, they are coded as “noncompleters.” To assess this approach to scoring Trails B, the performance of 97 diagnostically heterogeneous individuals referred for a dementia evaluation was examined. In this sample, 55 individuals successfully completed Trails B and 42 individuals were unable to complete it. Point-biserial correlations indicated a moderate-to-strong association (rpb = .73) between the Trails B completion variable and the Total Scale score of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neurological Status (RBANS), which was larger than the correlation between the Trails B time-based score and the RBANS Total Scale score (rpb = .60). As a screen for ...
Con: the treatment of the granulomatous response is beneficial in acute sarcoidosis.

Absent compelling indications such ashypercalcemia or cardiac involvement, the decision to inter-vene withcorticosteroidtherapy (CST)typically ariseswithintheﬁrsttwoyearsoutofconcernthatthisoutcomemayensuein persons with unresolving pulmonary shadowing.Izumi, in a seminal case-control study of largelyasymptomatic, predominantly stage I sarcoidosis, observeda marked adverse effect of elective CST.